This class relates to devices which include a working chamber
the volume of which is progressively variable into which fluid alternately
enters and exhausts and which is formed by a surface (or surfaces)
of a moving solid member having relative movement with another solid
surface (or surfaces), a portion of the working chamber boundary
being substantially fixed, and in which:
(1) The working member has rotary motion in a single direction
about a fixed or movable axis thereby to expand and contract the
volume of the working chamber, there being relative rotation between
the said working member and surface at some time during the expansion
and contraction of the working chamber.
(2) The working member is circular and causes a change in
the volume of the working chamber as it is progressively tilted
in a single direction about a point on its axis to progressively
contact said other surface, the central axis of the working member
describing a cone whose apex is the point about which the working
member oscillates or wobbles.
(3) The working member causes a change in the volume of the
working chamber but does not have absolute rotation, the working
member being provided with means having an axis offset from and
parallel to the central axis of the working member about which the
central axis moves in an orbit whereby the working member has planetary
movement within the working chamber.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
COMBINATIONS WITH LOAD DEVICES
Inasmuch as a mechanical force output of a rotary expansible
chamber device within the definition of this class is to operate
or move a load the inclusion of the load in the claim by name only
or in general terms will not exclude a patent from this class.
An exception to this general rule exists where the load on the expansible chamber
device is a valve. The combination of a rotary expansible chamber
device and a valve as the load moved thereby even if claimed by
name only, is excluded from this class. (See References to Other Classes,
below.)
This line also applies where the load is a tool: that is,
a named tool moved by a rotary expansible chamber device will not
exclude a patent from this class if no tool details are recited.
However, if a support for the work being acted upon by the tool
is claimed, classification in the appropriate tool class results
even though both the tool and the support are claimed by name only.
Also see the Search Class notes, below for the line with regard
to a nominally claimed tool driven by a rotary expansible chamber
device combined with other features such as work cleansing or tool
feeding.
No attempt has been made to review the classification of all
patents found in classes relating to loads adapted to be moved by
a rotary expansible chamber device. Thus, it is to be noted that
the original classification of all patents is not consistent with
the above statement as to nominally claimed loads and this particularly
applies as to classes not recently reclassified. In those instances
in which a body of art is known to exist in a given class in which
the load adapted to be moved by the rotary expansible chamber device
is claimed only nominally, and especially where the classification
of that class provides for a fluid pressure actuator for the device,
currently issuing patents will not be classified as original in this
class (418) even though the load is only nominally claimed.
The means which transmits power from the working member of
the rotary expansible chamber device to the load to be moved (e.g.,
linkage, gearing, etc.), is not considered to be the load to be
moved by the expansible chamber device. Also see the Search Class
notes below for a further discussion of this subject.
Measuring and Testing,
subclasses 253+ for rotary cylinder or piston type expansible chamber
devices used in volume or rate of flow meters. Class 73 includes
rotary expansible chamber meters combined with registering mechanism
and meters incapable of general use as an expansible chamber device.
A meter is considered to be incapable of such general use if there
is no disclosed means to take power therefrom for external use such
as to a registering mechanism. Therefore Class 418 takes a rotary
expansible chamber device having means to take power therefrom such
as for an unclaimed registering mechanism.
Machine Element or Mechanism, appropriate subclasses for machine elements and
mechanisms, per se, and in combination with a nominally claimed
rotary expansible chamber device. In general, gearing or linkage
included as part of the power means either to drive or be driven
by a rotary expansible chamber device is considered to be basic
subject matter of the rotary expansible chamber device and would not
preclude classification in Class 418.
Gas Separation: Apparatus, for the combination of a rotary expansible chamber
device and a specifically claimed separator or filter not specifically
disclosed for protecting the rotary expansible chamber device.
For a further statement of the line between Classes 96 and 418, see
Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, in the class definition
to Class 96 for the line between Classes 96 and 417, the line between
Classes 96 and 418 being the same.
Internal-Combustion Engines, appropriate subclasses for a rotary piston and cylinder
combination claimed with significant internal-combustion structure
such as fuel injection means, ignition means, fuel charge treatment means,
or compression means with transfer means to an expansion means.
Fluid Handling, for the combination of a rotary expansible chamber
device and a valve as the load moved thereby even if claimed by name
only. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Combinations
With Load Devices.)
Tool Driving or Impacting, appropriate subclasses for a rotary expansible chamber
device for operating an impact delivering means or for operating
a tool combined with work cleaning or feed means.
Liquid Purification or Separation, appropriate subclasses and especially
subclasses 416.1+ , for the combination of a rotary expansible chamber
device and a specifically claimed filter not specifically disclosed
for protecting the rotary expansible chamber device whether or not
the filter is upstream or downstream of the device. For a further
statement of the line, see the search class note in the definition
to subclass 416.1 of Class 210 for the line between Classes 210
and 417, the line between Classes 210 and 418 being the same.
Dispensing, appropriate subclasses, for the combination of a
pump and a significantly claimed supply container and see section
9 of the class definition to Class 222 for an elaboration of the
line between Classes 222 and 418.
Valves and Valve Actuation, for the combination of a rotary expansible chamber
device and a valve as the load moved thereby even if claimed by
name only. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Combinations With
Load Devices.)
Seal for a Joint or Juncture, for a generic sealing means or process that may
include a nominally claimed rotary expansible chamber device. Class
277 takes a nominally claimed rotary piston and cylinder combination,
or a nominally claimed rotary piston or cylinder, per se, where
the claim is otherwise directed to a packing or sealing means between
relatively movable surfaces of said cylinder and rotary piston or
on said cylinder or rotary piston. Class 418 takes such devices,
where some details of the cylinder or rotary piston is set forth
in the claim. However, structure of such device which is solely
intended to cooperate with the packing or sealing means is not considered
a detail of the device for Class 418, and is classified in Class
277. A device including either a flexible cup or flange type sealing member
combined with a supporting body structure is classified in Class
418 where such device is disclosed as a rotary piston for either a
pump or a motor.
Pumps, appropriate subclasses for a rotary expansible chamber
pump that is; (1) driven by a significantly claimed motor, (2) operated
by an art device, (3) claimed in combination with another type of
pump and (4) provided with valving other than in-line valving or
valving operating merely to perfect the operation of some part of
the pump and see the Search Class note to Class 418 in the class
definition of Class 417 for an elaboration of the line between these
classes.
Planetary Gear Transmission Systems or Components, for planetary gearing per se, and in combination
with a nominally claimed rotary expansible chamber device. The
line between Class 418 and Class 475 is the same as the line between
Class 418 and Class 74.
SECTION IV - GLOSSARY
ABUTMENT
A partition member having relative movement with a cylinder
or reaction member of which it is a part and moving incident to
the expansion and contraction of the working chamber, the cylinder
or reaction member not constituting the working member in this case.
CYLINDER
An external member having wall or surface portions forming
part of the working chamber of the rotary expansible chamber device,
the member being either fixed or movable and may surround a fixed
reaction member to move or be moved by the working fluid and may
also include an abutment or reaction surface against which working
fluid acts. However, the abutment or reaction surface for the rotary
expansible chamber device need not necessarily be formed by the cylinder
but may be formed by relatively movable opposed rotating members
within the cylinder at least one of which is a working member.
PARTITION MEMBER
A member either fixed or movable on either the cylinder working
member or other reaction member having a surface portion forming
part of the working chamber to either (1) separate the working chamber
into a plurality of working fluid compartments or (2) separate the
inlet from the outlet of the rotary expansible chamber device.
VANE
A partition member which generally moves with the working
member but also has movement relative to the working member incident
to the expansion and contraction of the chamber. The vane may be
on the cylinder if the cylinder is the working member.
WORKING CHAMBER
The space in an expansible chamber device which includes
the working member and which is adapted to receive working fluid
for acting upon the working member or for being acted upon by the
working member, the chamber expanding and contracting incident to
movement of the working member.
WORKING FLUID
The fluid (expansible or inexpansible) which is introduced
into and withdrawn from the working chamber of the rotary expansible
chamber device either to act upon or be acted upon by the working
member. Fluid which is withdrawn from the working fluid supply
for perfecting the operation of the device is considered to be working
fluid even though it never enters the working chamber of the device.
A fluid combined with working fluid introduced into and exhausted
with the working fluid from the working chamber of the device used merely
to perfect the operation of the device (i.e., cooling, sealing,
lubricating, etc.), is considered to be a nonworking fluid.
WORKING MEMBER
A movable member in a rotary expansible chamber device
having a surface portion disposed to either receive the energy of
a working fluid directed thereagainst for moving the member to thereby
produce a mechanical force output, or which, may move a working fluid
by the application of a mechanical force to the movable member whereby
fluid is admitted into and exhausted from the expansible chamber.
The working member may include a movable vane thereon having a surface
portion for either receiving energy from or energizing a working
fluid passing through the expansible chamber.
WITH SIGNAL, INDICATOR OR TRANSPARENT INSPECTION MEANS
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus having (1) signals, indicators, registers, recorders
or gauges for indicating either a condition of operation of the
device or the condition or position of a part thereof or (2) window
means whereby the operation of the device or the condition or position
of a part thereof may be readily observed.
(1)
Note. For classification under part (1) of this definition
there must be either an indicia or an audible or visible signal.
Relative to indicia, there must be graduation or markings in the
disclosure as claimed. Where it is indicated that the mere position
of a part is indicative of a condition of the device (e.g., valve
handle position corresponds to direction of working member rotation
or position of a part of the device) classification under this definition
does not result unless some cooperating indicia are included.
Measuring and Testing,
subclasses 232+ for expansible chamber type volume or rate of flow
meters and see References to Other Classes in the class definition
of this class for a general statement of the line between this class
and Class 73.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus provided with two or more dissimilar rotary expansible
chamber devices.
(1)
Note. Plural rotary expansible chamber devices of like types
differing only in size and shape are excluded from classification
here.
(2)
Note. A rotary expansible chamber device differing from another
but which merely supplies a coolant, lubricant, etc., to the other
is excluded from classification here, and is classified in subclasses 83+.
(3)
Note. Ordinarily, a rotary expansible chamber device of the
stationary cylinder type and a rotary expansible chamber device
of the moving cylinder type are considered to be diverse and classifiable here.
However, a rotary expansible chamber device in which there is provided
a rotating member common to both types having surface portions forming
part of the working chamber surface of each type is not considered
proper for classification here. See subclass 160 for such devices.
(4)
Note. The following are considered to be dissimilar rotary
expansible chamber devices: (1) Sliding vane or abutment type;
(2) Swinging vane or abutment type; (3) Interengaging rotary members; (4)
Nested or internal-external gear type; (5) Planetary; (6) Moving
cylinder; (7) Mutating; and (8) Other miscellaneous rotary expansible
chamber devices.
WORKING MEMBER OR CYLINDER SURFACE HAS ALTERNATE LINEAR AND CURVILINEAR MOVEMENT (E.G., ENDLESS)
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus in which the working chamber comprises spaced
partition members moving sequentially in curved and substantially straight
line paths of travel, the distance between the partition members
varying when moving in the curved path of travel to thereby expand
and contract the working chamber.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus in which there is provided a plurality of working
chambers, at least one of the working chambers serially receiving
its working fluid at least in part form one other working chamber,
the working fluid either acting on or being acted upon by the working member
in each working chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Apparatus wherein a working chamber surrounds another working
chamber with which it is in working fluid series flow relationship.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Apparatus in which a rotating working member in each working
chamber includes means for permitting working fluid to flow substantially unimpeded
therepast during a portion of a revolution thereof and for producing
work during another portion of the revolution, a working member
in one working chamber permitting unimpeded working fluid flow therepast
while a working member in a prior or subsequent working chamber
is in work producing relationship with the working fluid.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Apparatus in which there is provided a plurality of working
chambers spaced about the periphery of the working member, at least
two of the working chambers being serially connected so that a working
member may sequentially act upon or be acted upon by the same working
fluid.
(1)
Note. The space between adjacent vanes is not considered
to be a working chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Apparatus in which at least one of the working chambers
is provided with a plurality of members rotating about fixed or
substantially fixed axes having peripheral surface portions disposed
to maintain or substantially maintain line contact therebetween;
at least one of the rotating members being a working member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Apparatus having three or more rotating members at least
one of which has a peripheral surface engaging the peripheral surfaces
of two or more other rotating members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Apparatus in which at least one of the working chambers
includes an abutment member having an end surface normally maintained
in sealing engagement with the working member peripheral surface
and having side portions slidably received in the cylinder to have
sliding movement therein incident to the expansion and contraction
of the working member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Apparatus in which at least one of the working chambers
includes an abutment member having an end surface normally maintained
in sealing engagement with the working member peripheral surface
and is swingably mounted to the cylinder to have swinging movement
therewith incident to the expansion and contraction of the working
member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Apparatus in which at least one of the working chambers
is provided with a rotating working member having a vane member
slidably mounted thereon and having an end surface normally maintained
in sealing engagement with a peripheral cylinder surface forming
a part of the working chamber; the vane member having sliding movement
relative to the working member incident to the expansion and contraction
of the working chamber.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus in which upon start of the device an interval
of time elapses after which the working member of the device produces work,
the interval of time being the time required for working chamber
parts responding to a condition of operation of the device to assume
or acquire a normal working or sealing relationship to overcome
a working fluid bypass condition present upon starting the device.
WITH PLURAL WORKING FLUID INLET OR OUTLET PASSAGES
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus in which working fluid en route to or from the
working chamber of the device is either supplied thereto or discharged therefrom
by a plurality of passages separately communicating therewith, each
passage being at least adapted to communicate with a separate fluid
source or point of use.
(1)
Note. Included herein are such devices in which working fluid
is either introduced into or exhausted from the working chamber
by a plurality of separate and distinct passages, each passage ordinarily
being connectible to a separate working fluid source or place of
use (or disposition) spaced from the rotary expansible chamber device.
Motors: Expansible Chamber Type,
subclass 21 for rotary expansible chamber type motors having
plural working fluid passages for conducting working fluid to the
working chamber thereof, at least one of the passages having either
a separate, selectively adjustable fluid flow control member or
a separate fluid flow control portion of a unitary flow control
means for sequentially and selectively controlling fluid flow through
at least one other passage. However, a plurality of such passages
sequentially controlled by the same portion of an adjustable fluid
flow control member to merely control thereby the rate of fluid
flow to the working chamber is not considered fluid flow through
diverse paths for classification in Class 91.
Fluid Handling,
subclasses 565.01+ for a fluid system including a pump having plural
exhausts, each of which is separately controlled and directed to
a separate point of use.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus in which in addition to the relative movement
normally occurring between the working member and the other working chamber
surfaces in the operation of a rotary expansible chamber device,
the expansible chamber device has a portion thereof mounted for
relative movement, and movement of which effects a change in a dimension
of and therefore the voluminal space comprising the working chamber
to thereby vary the amount of working fluid passing therethrough,
no change occurring in the working member rotational speed.
(1)
Note. Those devices in which an adjustment is made to provide
a better sealing arrangement or compensate for wear between cooperating
parts and which may incidentally vary the volumetric capacity are
not classifiable here under this definition and are classified either
in subclasses 104+ or on other features.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Apparatus in which a dimension of the working chamber is
variably controlled in response to the speed of rotation of the
working member.
Machine Element or Mechanism,
subclass 731.1 for gearing with fluid drive having speed and/or
torque responsive change and see the search notes thereunder.
Clutches and Power-Stop Control,
subclass .032 and .033 for interrelated power delivery controls
automatically controlled by speed and see the search notes thereunder.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Apparatus including a plurality of members each of which
is rotatable about a common axis substantially in a common plane
and having working chamber surfaces rotating in the same path, movement
in one direction of at least one of the members being alternately
and relatively increased and retarded whereby to expand and contact
the working chamber and at least one of the members producing work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Apparatus comprising a plurality of rotating members having
undulating or tooth-like surface projections disposed to maintain
a substantially fixed straight line of contact therebetween against
which working fluid reacts; at least one of the rotatable members being
a working member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Apparatus having three or more rotating members at least
one of which has a peripheral surface engaging the peripheral surfaces
of two or more rotating members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Apparatus in which a dimension of the working chamber is
changed by moving the cylinder or a part thereof or the working
member in a direction along the axis of rotation of the working
member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Apparatus comprising two or more working chambers, a surface
portion of at least one of the chambers being movable to vary the
voluminal space thereof.
(1)
Note. Circumferentially spaced working chambers about a common
working member are not considered plural working chambers under
this definition and such devices are classified on other features.
(2)
Note. The plural chambers may be separated by a common intervening
element having opposing surfaces each forming part of a respective
chamber.
(3)
Note. A separate working fluid may be used for each working
chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Apparatus in which the effective volume of the working chamber
is varied by adjustably restricting the limit of outward movement
of a vane or abutment, from the working or cylinder member, respectively,
in which it is mounted whereby to control the extent of sweeping
contact of its outer edge with the peripheral working chamber surface
of the other member.
(1)
Note. A vane or abutment adjustable merely for making a better
seal is not considered proper subject matter for classification
here and such devices have been classified in subclasses 105 and 106.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Apparatus provided with either a mechanical resilient means
(e.g., spring) or a fluid pressure means other than that normally
occurring within the working chamber in the operation of the device
tending to move either the movable cylinder or portion thereof or
the working member relative to one another to thereby vary the volumetric
capacity of the working chamber.
(1)
Note. The cylinder or outer member may be the working member
or it may be in the form of a ring or a segment thereof.
Pumps,
subclasses 212+ and especially subclass 220 for rotary expansible
chamber pumps in which the capacity is varied by a movable member
(e.g., stator) the member being moved by the pump fluid and there being
a condition responsive valve control of the pump fluid in its application
or release to move the member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Apparatus in which either the cylinder or portion thereof
or the working member is urged to move in both a direction to enlarge
the working chamber and a direction opposite thereto.
(1)
Note. Not included herein are variable capacity devices pressure
balanced by fluid or other means, the pressure balancing thereof
merely facilitating ease of adjustment of the device by other means to
thereby vary the working chamber dimension.
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Apparatus in which the cylinder or the working member is
urged to move in at least one of the directions by the working fluid.
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Apparatus wherein either the cylinder or the working member
is positively urged in one direction by a resilient mechanical means
to vary the volumetric capacity of the device.
(1)
Note. Included herein are devices where the force exerted
by pressures within the working chamber act against the force exerted
by the resilient mechanical means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Apparatus in which a dimension of the working chamber is
changed by moving a part thereof in a direction along the axis of
rotation of the working member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Apparatus in which either the working member or other inner
rotatable member forming a part of the working chamber is translatably
adjusted with respect to an adjacent surface of the cylinder to
thereby vary the volumetric dimension of the working chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Apparatus in which the cylinder or segment thereof is hingedly
connected for swinging movement to thereby vary the volumetric capacity
of the working chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Apparatus in which the cylinder or a segment thereof is
movable in a direction normal to the working member rotational axis,
that portion of the cylinder or segment thereof nearest the working
member, when moved, having to or fro straight line movement with
respect to the working member rotational axis.
SELF-ACTING UNIDIRECTIONAL FLOW WITH REVERSE ROTATION OR REVERSE FLOW WITH UNIDIRECTIONAL ROTATION
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus in which there is provided a means movable to
one of a plurality of positions in response to a condition of operation
or a change in the condition of operation of the device to either
(1) allow reverse rotation of the working member without reversing
the direction of working fluid flow or (2) allow reverse working
fluid flow without reversing the direction of working member rotation.
INTERMITTENTLY ACCELERATED AND RECEDING MEMBERS ROTATE IN SAME PATH (ALTERNATING PISTON TYPE)
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus including a plurality of members each of which
is rotatable about a common axis substantially in a common plane
and having working chamber surfaces rotating in the same path, movement
in one direction of at least one of the members being alternately
and relatively increased and retarded whereby to expand and contract
the working chamber and at least one of the members producing work.
(1)
Note. A rotary expansible chamber device having working member
portions (e.g., vanes, etc.), undergoing relative acceleration and
declaration only because of either the eccentricity of the device
or the working chamber design is not deemed proper for classification here.
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Apparatus in which one of the members comprises an outer
movable cylinder having a surface against which motive fluid acts surrounding
a member having a surface of substantially like dimension against
which the motive fluid reacts.
This subclass is indented under subclass 35. Apparatus in which the alternate relatively increased and
retarded movement of each working member is controlled by connecting each
working member to a separate member of an interengaging rotating
member group.
This subclass is indented under subclass 35. Apparatus in which a rotating member rotating about an axis
other than the rotatable (working) member axis is either, per se,
connected to the working member or is connected thereto by an intermediate
member to rotate simultaneously therewith for alternately increasing
and decreasing the speed of movement of the working member, a separate
rotating member being associated with each working member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 35. Apparatus in which working member movement is controlled
by coacting elements one of which has a surface or groove of irregular
contour for controlling the movements of the other elements and
the working member associated therewith.
CONVERTIBLE OR CHANGEABLE BY ASSEMBLY OR DISASSEMBLY
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus , (A) adapted to be rearranged to perform different
functions or (B) adapted to be altered so as to operate in a different
way or change its function or enhance its operation in some way
by (1) disassembling the apparatus in some portion and then reassembling
the apparatus with the same or different portion, (2) disassembling
some portion from the apparatus, or (3) assembling some portion
of the apparatus.
(1)
Note. A mere adjustment of some part of the rotary expansible
chamber device merely to perfect its cooperation with another part
of the device is not considered proper for classification here.
Such devices will be found in subclasses 104+.
(2)
Note. A portion of a rotary expansible chamber device, such
as for example a working chamber liner which is adapted to be reversed,
replaced, removed or added to present a new working member engaging
surface but which does not change the mode of operation of the device
is excluded from this subclass, however, where such a change effects
a change in the size or shape of the device, classification is in
this subclass.
(3)
Note. A reversible device in which is provided either a plurality
of vanes or a plurality of abutments, some of which are placed in
a nonworking position while the remaining ones are in a working
position and vice versa depending on the desired direction of rotation
of the working member is not considered to be convertible for classification
here. Such devices are found in subclass 239.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus in which means responsive to the speed of rotation
of the working member is provided to govern the speed of rotation
of the working member whereby an optimum speed of rotation thereof
may not be exceeded.
(1)
Note. The means may be adjustable to adapt the working member
of the device to operate at but not exceed any desired working member
speed of rotation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Apparatus in which the means comprises a mass of solid material
subject to a centrifugal force commensurate with the speed of rotation of
the working member and movable in a direction to, per se, impede
working fluid flow through the expansible chamber device when an
optimum speed of working member rotation tends to be exceeded.
(1)
Note. Included in this definition is an enlarged mass of
solid material and any other element rigidly connected therewith.
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Apparatus in which the means comprises a rotating mass of
solid material which is mounted either (1) to an outer surface of
the working member or (2) to the working member within the confines
of its periphery.
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Apparatus in which the means comprises a mass of solid material
which rotates about an axis either (1) coincident with or (2) parallel
to the working member axis of rotation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Apparatus in which the mass of solid material rotates about
an axis other than the axis of rotation of the working member.
COLLAPSIBLE PROGRESSIVELY DEFORMED WORKING CHAMBER WALL
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus in which the working chamber is formed at least
in part by a flexible wall, said wall being progressively distorted
by contact with a member external thereto having a surface substantially
circumferentially coextensive therewith to expand or contract the working
chamber.
(1)
Note. For a definition of collapsible wall, see Class 92,
Expansible Chamber Devices, subclass 89.
(2)
Note. A flexible coating material forming a surface of the
working chamber disclosed merely for wear prevention, sealing, protection
against corrosiveness, etc., of the coated part is not considered to
be a flexible wall for classification here. See this class, subclass
152 and the notes therein for rotary expansible chamber devices
having parts either coated with or made of non-metallic material.
WITH REMOVAL OR ACCOMMODATION OF SOLID FOREIGN MATERIAL IN WORKING FLUID
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus in which the rotary expansible chamber device
is provided with either (1) a trap or screen means to respectively
collect or separate solid foreign material from the working fluid
either in the working chamber or at the inlet or outlet thereto
or (2) an enlargement of a working chamber part especially designed for
allowing passage of solid foreign material laden working fluid through
the working chamber of the device, the trap or screen means or the
enlargement of the working chamber part enhancing the operation
of the expansible chamber device.
(1)
Note. Not included under part 2 of this definition are devices
wherein there is included a seal, wear or other coating means forming
part of the working chamber surface which may either be moved by
or absorb the abrasive effect of the working fluid and any solid
impurities therein. Nor are devices wherein the working member
or the cylinder is made of nonmetallic material included here.
However, such devices provided with an additional enlarged means
especially designed for coping with solid foreign material in the
working fluid are deemed proper for classification here.
(2)
Note. The removal of foreign particles from between substantially
contacting relatively moving surfaces of the device by flushing
with either pressurized fluid or mere leakage fluid is not considered proper
for classification here. Such devices have been classified on other features.
(3)
Note. A working fluid may include solid particles not considered
to be foreign material (e.g., cement, wood pulp, etc.).
UNLIKE HELICAL SURFACES ON RELATIVELY WOBBLING ROTATING MEMBER AND ENCOMPASSING CYLINDER (E.G., MOINEAU TYPE)
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus in which a cylinder and a rotating working member
of substantially like axial extent have interfitting internal and
external helical surfaces of unlike pitch, rotation of the working
member causing relative gyratory movement between the cylinder and
the working member to thereby expand and contact the working chamber.
(1)
Note. Such devices wherein the cylinder is the working member
are considered proper for classification here.
(2)
Note. Included herein are devices in which the cylinder is
made of a tubular material, helical surfaces thereon being formed
by the helical surfaces of the working member pressing thereagainst.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus in which the working member includes a working
chamber forming surface having cyclic wobbling or undulating motion and
having progressively moving line contact with a complementary working
chamber forming surface of another member to thereby produce a rotating
working chamber, the central axis of the working member describing
a cone whose apex is the point about which the working member wobbles.
This subclass is indented under subclass 49. Apparatus in which the working member or other working chamber
part is either made of or coated with a nonmetallic material.
(1)
Note. A mere seal means made of nonmetallic material is not
considered proper for classification here. See subclasses 104 for
mechanical sealing and 152 for a nonmetallic working member, cylinder
or partition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 49. Apparatus in which either the working member or the other
member is provided with a movable, expandable, adjustable or deformable means
for engaging the other of said members to oppose the passage of
working fluid therepast to constrain the working fluid to move in
a prescribed path of flow.
This subclass is indented under subclass 49. Apparatus in which a single working member has opposed working
surfaces, each of which forms a movable surface of a separate working chamber
for expanding and contracting the working chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Apparatus in which the working chambers are spaced in a
direction generally along or parallel to the working member axis
about which it wobbles.
WORKING MEMBER HAS PLANETARY OR PLANETATING MOVEMENT
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus in which the working member either (1) rotates
about its axis while the axis moves in an orbit or (2) has circular
translatory or oscillatory movement without rotation or substantial
rotation about its axis while the axis moves in an orbit.
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Apparatus in which the working member includes continuous
working portions in the form of a spiral either (1) lying in the
same plane and having increasing radius or (2) extending axially.
This subclass is indented under subclass 55.1. Apparatus in which the end plate or wrap has a specific
shape, or coating or is made out of a specific material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 55.1. Apparatus in which (1) a locking means prevents the moveable
scroll from rotating and forces the moveable scroll to move in an
orbital motion or (2) a connecting means joins both scrolls for
relative movement about an eccentric axis.
Seal for a Joint or Juncture, for a generic sealing means or process,
subclass 398 for a relatively rotatable radially extending sealing
face member (e.g., face, mechanical, etc.) that accommodates or
exhibits eccentric, gyratory, or oscillatory motion or subclasses
399+ for a relatively rotatable radially extending sealing
face member (e.g., face, mechanical, etc.) having a particular configuration.
This subclass is indented under subclass 55.1. Apparatus in which a means is provided to remove a lubricant,
liquid seal or nonworking fluid from the working fluid.
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