A. This class relates to processes and means for initially forming
or radially enlarging an elongated hole in the earth in situ by
dislocating the solid material of the earth.
1. The means forming the hole is of the type which advances
inwardly into the earth from the point at which the earth is pierced
and acts on the entire peripheral extent of the hole as it advances.
2. Dislocating of the earth formation may be achieved by
any action, such as disintegrating, compacting, chipping, cutting,
severing, splitting, spalling, piercing, burning, decomposing or
eroding, for example, so long as the purpose is to form a hole.
B. This class also takes tools not elsewhere classified specifically
described as for forming bores in masonry, concrete, cement, glass
or similar materials having a brittle frangible character similar
to rock.
C. This class is also the locus for below ground impact connections.
Such devices, commonly called "Jars" are defined
as a means forming a lost motion connection in a shaft or cable,
and are provided with impacting faces which are described as generating
a blow to be delivered to some device connected to the rod or cable
and located in a hole in the earth. Combinations involving below ground
impact connection and a specifically claimed art device which forms
subject matter for another class will be found in such other class.
However, the combination of the below ground impact connection
and a specific joint for joining the shaft or cable to an art device
which forms subject matter for another class is classifiable in
Class 175.
D. This class includes subject matter relating to devices for
firing a bullet or exploding a shaped charge from an inaccessible
hole to penetrate the formation (See Subclass References to the
Current Class, below.). Also included are such devices which are
limited by disclosure to perforating or cutting a casing or other
hole lining in an inaccessible hole but which would inherently function
to direct a bullet or charge in the same manner as a formation cutter
or perforator.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
RELATIONSHIP TO CLASS 166, WELLS
Classes 166 and 175 are very closely related since the majority
of the wells classifiable in Class 166 are made by the processes
or apparatus of Class 175 and much of the apparatus of Class 166
used in operating wells is also useful in operating Class 175 apparatus.
In view of this fact, the general lines between these two classes
are different with respect to processes and apparatus.
A. Process
Processes of making, using or treating a well which as a whole
are more comprehensive than an earth boring or penetrating process
and which include a step of earth boring or penetrating, which step
alone would be classifiable in the processes of Class 175, are classified
in the appropriate process subclasses of Class 166, except as noted
below.
A well fluid sampling process including a step of earth boring
or penetrating is classifiable in Class 166, unless a step of sampling
the earth formation solids is included in such a fluid sampling
process, then classification is in Class 175. (See Subclass References
to the Current Class, below.)
Generally, processes of cementing a well are classified in
Class 166 while processes of boring the earth with fluid containing
a plugging or cementing type constituent are classified in Class
175. Also see References to Other Classes, below, for the reference
to Class 166.
Processes for cleaning the wall of a well or earth bore in which
the material being removed has been deposited in the well are classified
in Class 166. Processes in which the well bore is enlarged or acted
upon to remove the natural solid earth formation (e.g., reaming),
are classified in Class 175. In a process of cleaning a well bore which
includes a step of drilling or boring, the step of the removal of
the deposited material from the wall of a well or earth bore must
be specifically recited in the claim to be classifiable in Class
166 since practically all drilling processes would inherently result
in cleaning of the well bore.
Processes of casing or lining well bores are generally classifiable
in Class 166 even though an earth boring step is claimed. However,
drilling a well generally involves the use of a tubing, particularly
in rotary drilling operations, which may in some instances be left
in the bore to form a casing or lining. Therefore, a patent which
claims in a boring process the formation of a cased or lined well
by merely leaving the tubing or the like used in the boring operation
in the well, will be classified in Class 175.
If, however, a drill tubing or shaft and a separate well lining
or casing are specifically described, and steps are claimed of boring
and lining or casing, classification will be in the processes of
Class 166 even if the separate casing or lining is specifically
described as including an earth cutting shoe and the step of cutting
with the casing or lining is claimed.
B. Apparatus
In general, Class 175 is more comprehensive than Class 166
with respect to apparatus when an earth boring tool is claimed in
combination with a well feature except as noted below.
Cutters specifically described as perforating or cutting well
pipe in situ as defined in Class 166 are classified in such subclass
even though such cutter may be incidentally described as also cutting
the earth. For such cutters to be classified in Class 175, there
must be a cutter element which is specifically described as a rock
or earth cutting element in addition to the pipe cutter and such earth
cutting element must be claimed. However, devices for firing a
bullet or exploding a shaped charge to perforate or cut well pipe
in situ are classified in Class 175 even though the disclosure is
limited to perforating or cutting casing or a wall member in a bore
if the device inherently functions to form a bore in the earth formation.
A lateral probe extending from a tubular well member to engage
and penetrate the earth formation to form a fluid passage is classified
in Class 166. If the probe removes any of the earth formation,
for a sample or otherwise, classification will be in Class 175.
See Subclass References to the Current Class, below.
Class 166 is more comprehensive than Class 175 when an earth
boring tool is not claimed; Class 166 taking subcombinations of
Class 175 subject matter, such as a below ground impact connection
claimed in combination with a well feature.
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER CLASSES WHICH INCLUDE SUBJECT MATTER
CLOSELY RELATED TO CLASS 175.
A. Processes
Processes for forming a hole in stone or a stone like substance
which has been previously removed from its relative position, and
processes for precious stone working are classified elsewhere.
(See References to Other Classes, below.)
Processes of forming holes in the earth for agricultural purposes
such as, for example, aerating the soil are classified elsewhere.
(See References to Other Classes, below.)
Processes for forming openings in the earth while recovering
in desirable sizes or shapes a valuable material which naturally
occurs in the solid state are classified elsewhere. However, merely
forming a hole in valuable material for a purpose other than recovery
of the material removed, such as to form a hole to receive a blasting charge
or for ventilation is classified in Class 175. Disintegrating hard
material in situ where the area worked is of larger surface extent
than the working extent of the tool, and forming a large horizontal
opening in the earth by following a cutting means into an opening
with a horizontally operating vehicle support therefor is elsewhere.
(See References to Other Classes, below.)
methods and apparatus for installing water or earth control
structures or piles or the like in the earth which may include a
hole forming step or means are classified elsewhere as are methods
or apparatus for forming an underground fluid storage cavity, or
a shaft or tunnel, which go beyond merely removing the material
to form the hole. However, boring generally involves the use of tubing,
and such tubing may, in some instances, be left in the bore to form
a cased hole which may be described as a shaft, tunnel, or conduit
for fluid, etc. Therefore, a patent which claims in a boring process,
the formation of a cased or lined hole by merely leaving the tubing
or the like used in the boring operation in the hole, will be classified
in Class 175. (See References to Other Classes, below.)
Processes where boring or penetrating the earth is employed
as part of a process within the Class 588 definition. (See References
to Other Classes, below.)
B. Tool driving or impacting;
Means to drive or impact a tool, when such means includes
combined features, such as driving and advancing, driving and cleansing
or specific impact relationship to a tool, but which means is not
limited to specific art use are elsewhere. Class 175 includes combinations of
such means with means such as the specific structure of the work
contacting portion of a tool, a fluid head adapted to engage a bore
entrance, or a bore wall engaging guide or packer on a shaft being
used in a boring operation. Class 175 also provides for below ground impacting
devices comprising lost motion connectings as described in C, Tools,
below, even when such impacting devices are not combined with any
other specific feature for Class 175. (See References to Other Classes,
below.)
C. Tools
Class 175 takes the terminal or work performing element for
forming a bore in the earth which is generically called a tool,
and includes bits, nozzles, drive points, heaters, etc., and analogous
and similar tools elsewhere provided for are noted as follows:
Tools for boring gem stones, and also the combination of a
tool for boring stone or stone-like material when the tool is claimed
in combination with a work support or work holder are elsewhere
as are sawing or splitting tools for working blocks of stone and
stone-like materials, and for stone surface working tools and miscellaneous
stone working tools (e.g., miners picks). (See References to Other
Classes, below.)
Tools for boring or penetrating into the earth, when the boring
is done to recover valuable cuttings from a borehole in desirable
size or shape, and also includes earth boring or penetrating tools
which are specifically described as being adapted to follow a boring
movement with a lateral movement relative to the surface of a hard material
which is being worked to form a channel or kerf are elsewhere. However,
Class 175 takes such channeling cutters which are described as functioning completely
below the surface of the earth in an inaccessible hole. Apparatus
for forming a large horizontal passageway into the earth by continuously
advancing a cutting device by means of a horizontally operating vehicle
which forms a passageway as the vehicle follows the cutting means
into and along the passageway are elsewhere. (See References to
Other Classes, below.)
Rotary boring bits not otherwise classifiable are elsewhere.
(See References to Other Classes, below.)
Soft earth removing tools such as ditchers, dredgers and clam
shells, which are adapted to form a hole of greater peripheral extent
than the tool by lateral movement which may or may not follow a
boring advance, or by repeated laterally displaced excavatory grabs
are elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)
A tool which is provided with a cutting edge adapted for boring
or penetrating into the earth, but which is solely disclosed as
for boring into the earth around a living plant for the purpose
of removing the plant from the earth as the tool is extracted, is
classified in the appropriate agricultural or material handling
class.
A tool such as a drive point or nozzle which assists in the
placement or construction of an earth embedded structure and forms
part of the completed structure is classified in the appropriate
building art.
A device which is disclosed as a tool to bore or penetrate
the earth by directly applying heat to fluidize or comminute, but
which is merely a heater of general utility (e.g., does not claim
bit elements, drilling fluid discharge port, etc.), is classified
in the appropriate heating class.
In the References to Other Classses, below, search notes to
classes which provide for processes for boring or penetrating the
earth, or apparatus or processes relating to subject matter which
is described for use in connection with a process or apparatus for
boring or penetrating the earth, including a statement of the line
with the most closely related classes.
SECTION III - SUBCLASS REFERENCES TO THE CURRENT CLASS
78 and 79+. A lateral probe extending
from a tubular well member to engage and penetrate the earth formation
to form a fluid passage is classified elsewhere. If the probe removes
any of the earth formation, for a sample or otherwise, classification
will be in this class (175).
Metal Working, appropriate subclasses for metal working apparatus and
processes of mechanical manufacture,Class 29 takes a cutter for use in a bore hole where
the sole disclosed use of the cutter is to mill away metallic objects
in a bore hole.
Geometrical Instruments,
subclasses 302 and 304+ for methods of and apparatus
for indicating borehole direction by utilizing forces such as terrestrial
gravitation or magnetism.
Excavating, appropriate subclasses for processes and apparatus
for making an opening in the earth by the removal or displacement
of material. The line between Class 37 and Class 175 being generally
related to the peripheral extent of the opening at the surface of
the earth. Class 37 taking subject matter relating to forming an
opening wherein the periphery of said opening greatly exceeds the
cross-sectional area of the tool or cutting organization. (Lines With
Other Classes and Within This Class, "Relationship to Other
Classes" ).
Excavating, for soft earth removing tools such as ditchers,
dredgers and clam shells, which are adapted to form a hole of greater
peripheral extent than the tool by lateral movement which may or
may not follow a boring advance, or by repeated laterally displaced
excavatory grabs. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Relationship
to Other Classes" ).
Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),
subclass 40 for a shaft or tower merely holding a named article
or support means, subclasses 111-121 for mechanism operated or relatively
movable shaft (e.g., a tower), subclasses 155-165 for land anchors,
subclasses 651.05 and 651.06 for three-dimensional openwork (e.g.,
a mast), and subclasses 831-857 for a residual elongated structural
unit.
Power Plants, appropriate subclasses for power plants and motors
of the type provided for in Class 60 for operating earth boring
or penetrating means. The nominal recitation of an earth boring
or penetrating load (e.g., boring tool) will not preclude classification
in Class 60.
Measuring and Testing, appropriate subclasses and particularly
subclasses 152.01+ for a nominal drilling step or apparatus combined
with a step or apparatus for measuring or testing.
Machine Element or Mechanism, appropriate subclasses for mechanical movements,
gearing, and elements provided for therein which are described for
use in earth boring or penetrating apparatus.
Metal Tools and Implements, Making, appropriate subclasses, and particularly
subclass 102 and 108.1 for blanks and processes for making drilling
tools. Patents including claims to blanks or processes for making
drills and claims to the drill as an article of manufacture are
classified with the article in Class 175.
Motors: Expansible Chamber Type, appropriate subclass for an expansible chamber fluid motor,
including such a motor for operating an earth boring means.
Expansible Chamber Devices, appropriate subclass for an expansible chamber device,
including such device which may be described as used in operating
an earth boring means.
Ammunition and Explosives, appropriate subclass for a process of apparatus relating
to an explosive charge of general utility and particularly
subclasses 301+ for blasting and well torpedoes. Class 175 provides
for subject matter for extending or enlarging a bore or perforating a
formation from an inaccessible hole or penetrating a casing or other
wall member in an inaccessible hole by means of a gun or shaped charge
device which would inherently penetrate the formation. However,
Class 102 provides for subject matter relating to merely causing
an explosion in a hole where such explosion is not directed in a
particular manner relating to a shaped charge or cartridge, per
se. Also, Class 102 includes blasting of general utility to break
up earth formation, even though mechanical earth boring steps or
means to position the charge are included. However, a mechanical
earth boring means or step combined with an explosive means or step
ancillary to the boring is classifiable in Class 175. See Subclass
References to the Current Class, above.
Planting, appropriate subclasses for agricultural type planting
including a step or means for boring or penetrating the earth combined with
depositing an object in the bore (usually a seed or living plant).
Stone Working, appropriate subclasses for processes and apparatus
for working stone and stone-like material, which is not in situ
in the earth. Boring or penetrating tools which are described for
working materials (e.g., glass, ceramics, concrete) which are not
normally in situ will, nevertheless, be classified in Class 175
if the claims are limited to the boring tool. (Lines With Other
Classes and Within This Class, "Relationship to Other Classes").
Stone Working, for processes for forming a hole in stone or a stone
like substance which has been previously removed from its relative position,
and for processes for precious stone working. (Lines With Other
Classes and Within This Class, "Relationship to Other Classes").
Stone Working, provides for tools for boring gem stones, and also
the combination of a tool for boring stone or stone-like material
when the tool is claimed in combination with a work support or work
holder. Class 125 also provides for sawing or splitting tools for
working blocks of stone and stone-like materials, and for stone
surface working tools and miscellaneous stone working tools (e.g.,
miners picks). (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Relationship
to Other Classes").
Wells, appropriate subclasses for processes and apparatus
including steps or means for making or operating wells. The line
between Class 166 and Class 175 is set forth in Lines With Other
Classes and Within This Class, in this class definition.
Wells,
subclasses 285+ for processes of cementing a well. The line between
Class 166 and Class 175, when cementing or boring with fluid is
concerned, is set forth in Lines With Other Classes and Within This
Class in the class definition of Class 166 and the definition of
subclass 285+ of the same class. (Lines With Other Classes
and Within This Class, "Relationship to Class 166, Wells")
.
Wells,
subclass 55 for cutters specifically described as perforating
or cutting well pipe in situ and subclass 100 for a lateral probe
extending from a tubular well member to engage and penetrate the
earth formation to form a fluid passage. (Lines With Other Classes
and Within This Class, "Relationship to Class 166, Wells").
Unearthing Plants or Buried Objects, appropriate subclasses for processes or apparatus
for unearthing buried objects which may include boring steps or
means.
Earth Working, for processes or means for working the earth, and particularly
subclass 21 for earth perforators. (Lines With Other Classes
and Within This Class, "Relationship to Other Classes").
Earth Working, for processes of forming holes in the earth for
agricultural purposes such as, for example, aerating the soil.
(Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Relationship
to Other Classes").
Tool Driving or Impacting, appropriate subclass for subject matter directed
to driving or impacting a tool, when such subject matter includes
combined features peculiar to tool driving, but which does not include
features limiting the subject matter to a specific tool art, such
as specific shape of the work contacting portion of a tool, related
tools, or an opposed work support. (Lines With Other Classes and Within
This Class, "Relationship to Other Classes").
Tool Driving or Impacting, for means to drive or impact a tool, when such means
includes combined features, such as driving and advancing, driving
and cleansing or specific impact relationship to a tool, but which
means is not limited to specific art use. Class 175 includes combinations
of such means with means such as the specific structure of the work
contacting portion of a tool, a fluid head adapted to engage a bore
entrance, or a bore wall engaging guide or packer on a shaft being
used in a boring operation. Class 175 also provides for below ground
impacting devices comprising lost motion connectings as described
in Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, C, Tools, above,
even when such impacting devices are not combined with any other
specific feature for Class 175. (Lines With Other Classes and Within
This Class, "Relationship to Other Classes").
Electricity: Conductors and Insulators, appropriate subclasses for a combined tool shaft and electrical
conductor, and particularly
subclass 47 for a combined fluid conduit and electrical conductor.
Brakes, particularly
subclass 67 for a brake (e.g., a clasp) mechanically connected
to a relatively stationary structure and which holds a pipe or rod
at various locations along the pipe"s or rod"s
length for short, quick linear assembly or disassembly during a
work or manufacturing operation, or preparation to a working operation
done by the pipe, rod, or a pipe supported tool.
Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids, appropriate subclasses for processes and apparatus
for selectively separating solids from solids including solids in
drilling fluids.
Liquid Purification or Separation, appropriate subclasses for processes or apparatus
for separating a material from a fluid including a drilling fluid.
Supports, appropriate subclasses, and particularly
subclasses 637+ for machinery supports. The inclusion of a nominal
boring means in a claim does not preclude classification in Class 248.
Radiant Energy,
subclass 254 for methods and apparatus where a nominal drill
apparatus or drilling step combined with a geological invisible
radiation test, or earth formation or well material irradiation
method or apparatus, and subclasses 256+ for methods and
apparatus to detect or utilize invisible radiation to test material
in or about a well.
Seal for a Joint or Juncture, for a generic sealing means or process,
subclasses 322+ for a seal for a well apparatus, subclasses 358+ for
a relatively rotatable radially extending sealing face member (e.g.,
face, mechanical, etc.) or subclasses 500+ or a dynamic
circumferential contact seal for other than a piston.
Chucks or Sockets, appropriate subclasses, including chucks and sockets for
drilling tools, and particularly
subclass 20 for a socket type, fluid conducting, drill holding
chuck. The inclusion of details of the portion of the boring tool
that cooperates with the chuck or socket does not preclude classification
in Class 279. However, claims reciting plural boring tool elements
which are simultaneously received in a chuck or socket are classified
in Class 175.
Pipe Joints or Couplings, appropriate subclasses including pipe joints or
couplings for earth boring or penetrating means, and particularly
for joints or couplings for tool shafts. The nominal recitation
of one joint or coupling member as being a boring tool does not
preclude classification in Class 285.
Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements,
subclasses 49+ for hand type, nonrotary tools for boring post
holes, and subclasses 86.1+ for grapples for removing or
placing earth boring tools and other objects from or into a borehole and
particularly subclass 86.34 for a means for retrieving a stuck object
from a borehole combined with a means to remove material from around
the stuck object, which means may include a nominally claimed earth
boring bit, though if specific structure of a cutting edge for earth
boring is claimed, classification is in Class 175. The term "stuck
object" does not include a core of earth material. A core
removing means is classifiable in Class 175 even if an earth boring
feature is only nominally claimed. In the absence of an earth boring
feature, a grapple for retrieving a core is classifiable in Class
294, subclasses 86.1+. As between Class 294 and Class
175, generally any claiming of an earth boring feature causes classification
in Class 175, except for the subject matter of Class 294, subclass
86.34. Hand type, post hole boring tools which are described as
being rotated in forming a hole are classified in Class 175.
Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material, for processes for forming openings in the earth
while recovering in desirable sizes or shapes a valuable material
which naturally occurs in the solid state. However, merely forming
a hole in valuable material for a purpose other than recovery of
the material removed, such as to form a hole to receive a blasting
charge or for ventilation is classified in Class 175. Class 299
further provides for disintegrating hard material in situ where
the area worked is of larger surface extent than the working extent
of the tool, and forming a large horizontal opening in the earth
by following a cutting means into an opening with a horizontally
operating vehicle support therefore. (Lines With Other Classes
and Within This Class, "Relationship to Other Classes").
Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material, provides for tools for boring or penetrating into
the earth, when the boring is done to recover valuable cuttings
from a borehole in desirable size or shape, and also includes earth boring
or penetrating tools which are specifically described as being adapted
to follow a boring movement with a lateral movement relative to
the surface of a hard material which is being worked to form a channel
or kerf. However, Class 175 takes such channeling cutters which
are described as functioning completely below the surface of the
earth in an inaccessible hole. Class 299 also takes apparatus for forming
a large horizontal passageway into the earth by continuously advancing
a cutting device by means of a horizontally operating vehicle which
forms a passageway as the vehicle follows the cutting means into
and along the passageway. (Lines With Other Classes and Within
This Class, "Relationship to Other Classes").
Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, appropriate subclasses including an electric motor
for operating an earth boring means, and which may be described
as entering a bore hole.
Electricity: Motive Power Systems, appropriate subclasses for electric motor power plants, and
particularly
subclass 39 for plural motors which may broadly be combined
with feed and drive loads.
Electricity: Measuring and Testing,
subclasses 323+ for a step or means for measuring an electrical
property of the formation. The combination of nominal earth boring
steps or means and a step or means for measuring an electrical property
of the formation is classified in Class 324.
Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave Systems
and Devices,
subclasses 14+ for acoustic wave seismic prospecting systems; and
subclasses 81+ for acoustic wave wellbore telemetering.
Joints and Connections, appropriate subclasses for rod couplings or joints
for earth boring means. The nominal inclusion of one joint or coupling
member as being a boring tool does not preclude classification in
this class (403).
Road Structure, Process, or Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for (1) highway, pathway
or walkway structure, per se; and (2) process and apparatus for
making, installing, repairing or maintaining such structure where
such structure, process or apparatus is not otherwise classifiable
as either (a) specifically provided for in other loci or (b) of
such general utility as to be provided for on that basis (See Lines
With Other Classes and Within This Class in Class 404, class definition,
for known collections of such nature and the particular lines of
demarcation).
Hydraulic and Earth Engineering, appropriate subclasses for the combination of an
earth boring process or apparatus and a process step or apparatus
classifiable in Class 405. In the process of installing hydraulic
and earth engineering structure, Class 405 is clearly superior,
a mere recitation in a process claim preamble (e.g., in a process
of driving a pile) being sufficient to control classification.
(Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Relationship
to Other Classes").
Hydraulic and Earth Engineering, for methods and apparatus for installing water or
earth control structures or piles or the like in the earth which
may include a hole forming step or means. Further, Class 405 provides
for methods or apparatus for forming an underground fluid storage
cavity, or a shaft or tunnel, which go beyond merely removing the
material to form the hole. However, boring generally involves the
use of tubing, and such tubing may, in some instances, be left in
the bore to form a cased hole which may be described as a shaft,
tunnel, or conduit for fluid, etc. Therefore, a patent which claims
in a boring process, the formation of a cased or lined hole by merely
leaving the tubing or the like used in the boring operation in the
hole, will be classified in Class 175. (Lines With Other Classes and
Within This Class"Relationship to Other Classes").
Cutting by Use of Rotating Axially Moving Tool, appropriate subclasses for processes and apparatus
for boring or reaming bores by a rotating tool, not elsewhere provided
for. Class 408, for example, takes steps and means for boring or
reaming bores solely in metallic objects even though the metallic
object may be embedded in the earth, and boring bits which are described
as equally well suited for boring rock, etc., and either wood or
metal. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Relationship
to Other Classes").
Cutting by Use of Rotating Axially Moving Tool, is the generic home for rotary boring bits not otherwise
classifiable. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Relationship to
Other Classes").
Material or Article Handling, for material handling of general utility, and particularly
subclasses 22.51+ for a well pipe or rod including tool shaft racking
mechanism.
Rotary Expansible Chamber Devices, appropriate subclasses for a rotary expansible
chamber device, per se, or in combination with a nominally claimed
Class 175 structure.
Rotary Shafts, Gudgeons, Housings, and Flexible
Couplings for Rotary Shafts, appropriate subclasses for rotary shafts and flexible shaft couplings
for transmitting rotary drive to a boring tool; and particularly
subclasses 18+ for a flexible coupling between fluid conducting rotary
shaft; subclasses 163+ for a coupling between a rotary
drive table and axially movable drill string; and subclass 183 for
a hollow torque transmitting shaft.
Earth Boring, Well Treating, and Oil Field Chemistry,
subclasses 100+ for earth boring (e.g., drilling fluid) compositions.
The inclusion of an inherent fluid handling step of; e.g., circulating
fluid or injecting while boring, preparative step, or mixing, of
a specific drilling fluid composition does not preclude classification
in Class 507.
Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, appropriate subclasses, particularly Class 523,
subclasses 130+ for a composition containing a synthetic resin
or natural rubber having utility in sealing fissures or crevices
in stone, rock, or other subterranean formations or in consolidating
a formation in a well or in cementing a well or to processes of
preparing said composition.
Hazardous or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment,
subclasses 249 and 250 for processes where boring or penetrating
the earth is employed as part of a process within the Class 588
definition. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Relationship
to Other Classes").
SECTION V - GLOSSARY
ABOVE GROUND
The term "Above Ground" denotes any
point which lies outside of a hole being formed in the earth, this
may be either in the open (e.g., on the surface of the earth) or
a cellar, tunnel or other hole in the earth from which a hole is
being formed.
ADVANCE
Motion in a direction towards the desired depth or direction
of a hole being formed.
BELOW GROUND
"Below Ground" denotes any point within
a hole being formed in the earth from the point at which the earth
is pierced by the means forming the hole.
BORE
The hole formed by the boring means. It is not limited
to a vertically extending hole, but can extend at any angle into
the earth.
BOREWALL
The wall which forms the periphery of a hole in the earth.
In the case of a lined hole the inside wall of the lining constitutes
a borewall for purposes of classification.
BORING MEANS
A combination of parts comprising an earth boring or drilling
device. It may comprise merely a tool provided with a handle for
manipulating the same to form a hole in the earth, or a complex
combination of parts including above ground structure for supporting,
feeding and driving a tool for boring a hole in the earth.
CASING
A tube which is introduced in a preformed bore and forms
a lining for the bore.
CONVEYOR
A mechanical device for receiving and carrying cuttings,
for example, it may consist of a simple chute for directing cuttings
away from the bore entrance, a helical screw fixed to the tool shaft,
or a power-driven endless carrier type device extending between
any two points within the bore or from any point within the bore
to any location above ground.
DRILLING FLUID
Any fluid, gaseous or liquid, which is introduced into the
bore for the purpose of lubricating or cleaning any part of the
boring means, or to displace or assist the tool in displacing the
formation, or to flush or clean the bore of cuttings.
DRIVE
A part of the boring means which comprises a motion generating,
applying, or transmitting means which is specifically adapted to
repeatedly or continuously act upon a boring tool to cause the tool
to bore by cutting or penetrating into the earth. Drive is divided
into the following major categories: (1) Feed. The sustained forced advance
of a boring tool by means other than mere gravity, adapted to cause
the tool to cut or penetrate either with or without another type
of drive means; (2) Impact Drive. The actuation of a boring tool
by a means adapted to deliver a series of blows upon a tool or tool shaft,
said impact delivering means being adapted to move relative to said
tool or tool shaft; (3) Reciprocating Drive. The actuation of a
boring tool by means adapted to cause the tool to partake of to
and fro axial movement, at least one direction of axial movement being
caused by the drive; (4) Rotary Drive. The actuation of a boring
tool by means causing the tool to continuously rotate about its
own axis, and includes uniform or step by step unidirectional or
oscillatory motion.
INACCESSIBLE HOLE
A hole or cavity in the earth which is not large enough to
permit both a human operator and a boring means to be located therein.
A specific disclosure that the hole or cavity is a well or borehole
and that the supporting or carrying means for the boring means substantially
fills said hole or cavity will be considered an inaccessible hole.
MOTIVE FLUID
Any fluid which is derived from a pressurized stream which
operates a drive motor for the boring means. Motive fluid when
exhausted into the bore is also considered to be drilling fluid.
RETRACTION
Motion in a direction away from the bottom of a hole being
formed.
SHAFT
A part of the boring means which comprises an elongate,
relatively slender structure (e.g., rod, tube, casing, strand, cable,
etc., or any combination thereof), which is connected to another
part of the boring means for manipulating, supporting or driving
said other part. (1) Actuating Shaft. A shaft connected to another
part of the boring means for modifying or controlling said other part
(e.g., cutter expansion shaft). (2) Shaft Section. One of the
individual elements of a multipart shaft. (3) Tool Shaft. A shaft
which is connected to the boring tool and extends above ground,
or to another part of the boring means (e.g., to the drive or advance
means. (4) Tool Drive Shaft. A tool shaft connecting the tool
to the drive means, to transmit mechanical movement from the drive
to the tool.
TOOL
Comprises the terminal or work applying element of the boring
means including bits, nozzles, drive points, projectiles, explosives,
etc., which disintegrates, dislocates, erodes or compresses the
earth to form a bore. See the appropriate subclasses for the definition
of particular tools, and particularly Subclass References to the
Current Class, above, for the definition of "bit".
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process or apparatus which includes a step or means for
boring a hole in the earth, combined with a step or means located
within the hole relating to subjecting the earth to a force to initiate
a seismic wave in the earth.
(1)
Note. For classification in this subclass, the process or
means causing the force must be specifically described as for generating
a seismic shock and not left to inference.
Wells, appropriate subclasses for processes and apparatus which
may cause seismic wave generation, and particularly
subclasses 177.1+ and 308.1-308.6 and the search notes there noted for
processes and apparatus respectively, for fracturing the formation.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process or apparatus comprising subject matter directed
to exploding a charge in an inaccessible hole to directly attack
the formation or to propel an object such as a bullet into the formation.
(1)
Note. Internal combustion motors and similar devices operating
below the surface of the ground are excluded and found in subclasses
92+.
(2)
Note. Subject matter directed to a device described as for
causing a below ground explosive charge or projectile to extend or
enlarge a bore or perforate the formation or a wall member in the
hole is classified under this definition if (1) the sole disclosure
is for use in an in-accessible hole or (2) there is a specific disclosure for
use in an inaccessible hole. However, an explosive device which
is described as adapted to cause a blast of general utility or a
gun or general utility even though incidentally described as usable
to extend, enlarge or perforate the formation or a wall member in
the hole is classified in the appropriate subclasses.
(3)
Note. Devices which fire bullets or charges in a manner that
would inherently penetrate an earth formation in an inaccessible
hole are included under this definition even though the specific
disclosure for use in an inaccessible hole is limited to perforating
or severing a casing or a wall member in the hole.
Ammunition and Explosives, appropriate subclasses and particularly
subclasses 310 and 331 and 301+ for an explosive charge
below ground for fracturing or breaking up the formation.
Wells,
subclass 299 for a well process including an explosive step,
subclasses 55+ for means for perforating or cutting pipe
at an unprepared point including explosive means which does not
inherently cause penetration of an earth formation to form a bore, and
subclass 63 for a well apparatus with explosive means.
Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,
subclass 13 for a process including a blasting step for recovering
valuable material from the earth or breaking up hard material in situ.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Process or apparatus involving a step or means utilizing
an explosive charge to separate a previously formed undisturbed
core from the formation.
(1)
Note. For classification in this subclass the charge must
be set off before the core is fully formed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter in which a projectile containing an explosive
charge is described as forming a bore as it is projected into the
formation by an explosive charge and the explosive charge carried
by the projectile is then fired.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter directed to an explosive apparatus which
includes or is combined with (1) a core receiving barrel or tube
which is propelled into the formation by an explosive charge or (2)
a receptacle or the like which is described as adapted to collect
and remove a sample of the formation from the hole.
(1)
Note. An apparatus having a receptacle or the like described
as adapted to collect only fluid is included under this definition,
as well as a receptacle adapted to collect solid formation material
or both fluid and solid formation material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter directed to plural charges or bullets which
are fired through the same gun barrel and/or in succession
in the same direction and along the same line into the formation without
removing the firing apparatus from the hole.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter directed to (1) means to position or aim
an explosive charge or projectile relative to a predetermined point
or direction in the hole, (2) means to enable an operator at the
surface to determine where something (e.g., the explosive charge
or projectile) is located in the hole or (3) means to place an indicator
(e.g., reference bullet) in the formation or hole wall.
(1)
Note. A means which merely centralizes the device in the
hole or holds the device against an undetermined point at the side of
the hole, or is merely described as engaging the hole bottom is
not included as a positioning or aiming means under this definition
and is classified on other features.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter directed to means engaging the hole wall
or a tubular member in the hole to (1) block fluid flow between
the explosive apparatus and the hole wall or member or (2) attach the
explosive apparatus to the hole wall or other wall in the hole so
as to resist the action of gravity or a lifting force.
(1)
Note. The means to block fluid flow or attach the explosive
apparatus must be insertable from above ground to coact with the
hole wall or a prepositioned tubular member in the hole.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter directed to (1) a chamber for an explosive
charge which is movable while it is in the hole relative to a body
or frame which supports the chamber in the hole or (2) plural chambers
which are connected together so as to permit relative movement between
the chambers while they are in the hole.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter directed to means provided in the apparatus
to (1) start, stop or modify operation of an explosive firing means
in response to a sensed condition within the hole or (2) compensate
for change in a hole condition due to exploding of a charge.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter directed to means including plural charges
and a control to separately fire the charges.
(1)
Note. Charges which are consecutively or train fired due
to the single actuation of a control means are not included under
this definition unless the firing can be interrupted so as to control
the firing of one charge separately from another, such train firing
being classified on other features.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter directed to a mechanical control means which
is actuated in the hole to explode the charge.
(1)
Note. For purposes of this definition, mechanical control
comprises any relative movement of mechanical parts which takes
place below ground or in an inaccessible hole. For example, merely an
electrical switch blade which is moved by some means in the hole
relative to a contact is considered mechanical control for this
definition.
for subject matter directed to independent firing
of plural charges or projectiles and which may include a firing control
mechanically actuated in the hole.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter comprising an apparatus or process for firing
a missile.
(1)
Note. A mere missile or projectile, per se, is not classified
under this definition. It is classified in the appropriate ordnance
class if the disclosure is not limited to earth boring and no specific earth
boring feature is claimed. However, if the disclosure is limited
to earth boring or a specific earth boring feature is claimed, classification
is in the appropriate subclass herebelow in Class 175.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4.57. Subject matter directed to means which are provided to temporarily
hold back the missile at the time of firing the explosive charge
so as to build up pressure behind the missile and propel the missile
with high initial acceleration when the holding means is overcome.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4.57. Subject matter directed to means which are provided to prevent
ambient fluid in the hole from coming in contact with the missile
until propulsion of the missile commences.
for subject matter directed to a device in which
a means is adapted to initially restrain a projectile for pressure buildup
and also prevent preliminary bore fluid contact.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter directed to means in which the explosive
charge is hollowed or dished inwardly toward a central point to
give a focused pressure to directly attack the formation or a wall
member in the hole.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process or apparatus comprising a step or means for sinking
a well, shaft or deep boring in the surface of the earth lying below
a body of water, (e.g., ocean, lake, or river, etc.).
(1)
Note. Included under this definition are patents in which
the sole specific disclosure or a claim is directed to subject matter
for boring in strata located below a body of water. Excluded from
this subclass are subcombinations of a boring apparatus such as
a tool, disclosed as being part of an underwater drilling apparatus,
but which has no structure specially adapting the tool to under water
boring. Such structure is classified in the appropriate subclasses
below.
Ships, appropriate subclasses for floating supports, per
se. Class 175 takes patents relating to a floating support for
an earth boring apparatus where some element of the earth boring
apparatus is claimed. Nominal recitation of a drill rig, or details
of a derrick or draw works have not been considered to involve specialized drilling
features and are classified in Class 114.
Wells,
subclasses 300+ for a process or apparatus relating to forming
or producing a well which is located in the earth"s surface
below a body of water.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter including a drive means for a boring tool,
and in which said drive means is located below the surface of the
water during the boring operation.
(1)
Note. For the definition of "drive", see the
class definition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter, utilizing a base structure positioned on
the underwater floor and completely covered by water when so positioned
and a floating structure independent of the base structure, said
floating structure and base structure cooperating to support and
guide the drilling apparatus during the drilling operation.
(1)
Note. A mere casing extending upwardly from the marine floor
is not included under this definition.
(2)
Note. The base structure may be connected to the floating
structure by flexible means which will permit the floating structure
to move relative to the base structure.
for submersible guide means which may engage the
marine floor but which guide means is mounted on a guide frame which
frame will move with movement of the floating structure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter, utilizing a normally floating or buoyant
support for a boring means which is submerged to a position below
the surface of the water during the boring operation.
(1)
Note. Merely sinking anchors which may normally be buoyant
is excluded.
(2)
Note. The boring means or support therefore need not be completely
submerged to be placed in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter utilizing a boring means mounted on a structure
at or above the surface of the body of water and which structure
is so constructed or anchored by means of fixed rigid supports (e.g.,
piles) as to be nonbuoyant or unaffected by the normal wave or tide
action of the body of water.
(1)
Note. A guide frame or casing for the tool or tool shaft
which engages the formation is excluded unless the frame or casing
prevents movement of the supporting structure for the boring means.
Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,
subclasses 195.1+ for marine floor supported structures. Class 175
takes a structure adapted to support an earth boring device in a
body of water where some details of the boring device is claimed.
Nominal recitation of a drilling rig, provision for drilling a
mere foundation for a support, details of a derrick or draw works,
or mere access spaces communicating with the surface of the water
which could be used equally well in a pile driving organization
have not been considered to involve specialized drilling features
and are classified in Class 405.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter, utilizing a support for a boring means provided
with a vertically disposed guide frame, a second guide frame or
member mounted on said first guide frame, said second guide frame
or member being movable relative to said first guide frame in a
vertical direction to a position below the surface of the body of the
water.
BORING BY DIRECTLY APPLYING HEAT TO FLUIDIZE OR COMMINUTE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process or apparatus comprising a step or means for directing
a form of heat energy into a mineral body to (1) alter the physical
state of the body or (2) separate the mineral body into particles
(e.g., spalling).
(1)
Note. Class 175 is considered generic to heat working of
naturally occurring mineral bodies in situ, and as such, takes all processes
and apparatus particularly adapted to heat working of said bodies, not
limited to (1) surface treatment or channeling of blocks of stone,
classified in Class 125, Stone Working, or (2) mining or channeling
of in situ mineral bodies for the recovery of valuable material therefrom,
classified in Class 299, Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material.
(2)
Note. Apparatus classifiable herein, must include a structural
modification peculiar to mineral working. For heating devices of
general application search the appropriate heating class.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, appropriate subclasses for smelting of mineral ores.
Severing by Tearing or Breaking,
subclasses 93+ for apparatus for severing by breaking, especially
subclass 93.5 for such apparatus utilizing thermal shock.
Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,
subclasses 3+ for in situ conversion of solid material to fluid
by the use the heat, and subclass 14 for a process including a step
of heating.
This subclass is indented under subclass 11. Subject matter in which material comprising the in situ
formation is disclosed as entering into an exothermic chemical reaction.
(1)
Note. The chemical reaction is generally started or sustained
by introducing a reactant (e.g., oxygen) from an external source.
Wells,
subclasses 251.1 and 256+ for processes of in situ combustion
for the recovery of fluid from the earth which processes might incidentally
show boring by in situ combustion.
Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,
subclass 5 for recovering valuable solid material by conversion
to the fluid state which includes a chemical reaction, such as combustion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 11. Subject matter in which a chemical compound is directed
into the heated or molten mass of disintegrated material to bring
about the formation of a resultant product having a desirable property
(e.g., to increase fluidity).
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures,
subclasses 303+ for fluxes for smelting and treating ores.
This subclass is indented under subclass 11. Subject matter in which an exothermic chemical reaction
is caused to occur in a confined area, and the products of the reaction
are discharged through a restriction from said area against the
mineral body with jet and/or intensely heated characteristics.
(1)
Note. The "confined area" consists of an area
enclosed by structure other than the mere walls of the borehole
being formed in the mineral body.
Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, appropriate subclasses for a jet discharge nozzle,
per se, or combined with the system for providing fluid to the nozzle.
This subclass is indented under subclass 11. Subject matter in which the heat is generated by an electric
current either (1) within, or (2) in close proximity to the mineral
body being worked.
WITH HEATING OR COOLING (1) WITHIN THE BORE, OR (2) DRILLING FLUID:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process or apparatus comprising a step or means (1) for
changing the temperature of a drilling fluid or (2) positively changing
the temperature of all or a portion of a bore or boring equipment
within the bore.
(1)
Note. The mere step or means of circulating drilling fluid
through the bore as a heat absorbing or transmitting medium is excluded
even though the fluid may be compressed and expanded (e.g., exhaust from
a down the hole motor).
(2)
Note. Heat produced incidental to the normal boring operation
of a boring means (e.g., bit friction or motor heat) is excluded.
Wells,
subclass 302 and the subclasses there noted for well processes including
heating and/or cooling, and subclasses 57+ for
well heating or refrigerating apparatus.
Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,
subclasses 3+ for recovering valuable material by converting
solid material to fluid in situ, and including melting material
by heat or heated fluid.
Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,
subclass 56 for a method or apparatus for heating or cooling
the walls of an earthen cavity in which is sorted a fluid material;
and subclasses 130+ for heating or cooling of an earth
formation in general.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process or apparatus comprising steps or means which are
peculiar to forming boreholes in naturally situated bodies of frozen
water.
(1)
Note. A specific disclosure of use in boring ice is sufficient
to cause classification in this subclass.
(2)
Note. The term "naturally situated bodies",
is limited to bodies of the type which are normally occurring earth structures
such as glaciers or ponds. If the subject matter is limited by disclosure
to bodies which do not meet this limitation, or the bodies are portions
of naturally situated bodies which have been removed, classification
will be in another class.
Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,
subclasses 3+ for melting ice in situ, subclasses 10+ for a
process of mining ice, and subclasses 24+ for a device
for working ice in situ.
BORING WITHOUT EARTH REMOVAL (I.E., COMPACTING EARTH FORMATION):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process or apparatus including a step or means peculiar
to forming a borehole in the earth without the extraction of material
from the borehole, and relating primarily to the wedging or packing
aside of the earth by a driven element (e.g., drive point).
(1)
Note. Subject matter going beyond merely forming an opening
in the earth (e.g., installing piling), is classified in another
art on the basis of the additional function or structure. However,
apparatus for forming or placing a lining or casing in the bore
as part of the boring without earth removal operation, does not
exceed the scope of this class unless significant lining or casing
structure, which is classifiable elsewhere, is claimed.
(2)
Note. A disclosure that the principal boring operation is
carried out without earth removal is necessary to cause classification
in this subclass. For example, tools which have a drive point feature (i.e.,
pilot or anchor), but which have additional structure that in normal
operation causes, or permits material to be removed from the borehole,
will not be classified herein.
(3)
Note. Points that have screw or helical portions thereon
which portions have a greater diameter than the largest diameter
of the point will be classified under subclasses 327+ even
though by disclosure no formation is removed, since any screw or
helical portion would tend to convey material unless the tool was advanced
the proper amount with respect to the speed of rotation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Subject matter including in addition to boring without earth
removal, the step or means for removing earth, (e.g., boring without
earth removal followed by taking a sample, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Subject matter relating to conducting fluid through the
drive point to the exterior thereof, generally to lubricate or treat
the earth formation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Subject matter including a step or means for (1) separating
a drive point from its shaft to permit the shaft to remain as a
casing in the bore or (2) installing a separate casing as a part
of the boring operation.
(1)
Note. Processes of installing a casing including forming
a well or hydraulic or earth engineering structure which include
boring are excluded and well be found in Classes 166 and 405, respectively.
(2)
Note. The term "detached" as used in this
title includes merely removing the drive point from its position
adjacent the end of the shaft, as well as mechanically disconnecting
the shaft and drive point.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process or apparatus comprising the steps or means for (1)
sensing a condition of operation which may or may not occur and
(2) controlling a power operated means in response to said sensed
condition (without assistance from an intelligent operator) to initiate,
modify, or terminate the operation.
Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or
Pulling Force,
subclasses 267 , 268 and 272+ for a load hauling or hoisting
drum with control means responsive to a condition.
Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material, appropriate subclassesfor subject matter relating to automatic control
involved in recovering valuable earth material and disintegrating
hard material in situ.
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Subject matter in which a sensed condition of operation
controls a power operated means to adjust or regulate the pressure
of fluid which is (1) within a borehole or (2) confined in apparatus
in which the fluid pressure may be automatically adjusted or modified
while the confining apparatus is within a borehole.
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Subject matter in which a sensed condition of operation
controls a power operated means to initiate, modify, or terminate
the advance or axial pressure of a tool upon the formation.
(1)
Note. For the meaning of "advance" see the
class definition.
for means to simultaneously feed and rotate a tool
from a single mechanical movement, including a means to permit a
constant rotation rate regardless of release of feed force or change
in feed rate.
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Subject matter in which a sensed characteristic of drilling
fluid circulation controls a power operated means to modify the
boring operation.
Tool Driving or Impacting,
subclass 3 for automatic control of a power operated tool
driving or impacting means in response to a condition of a cleansing
means.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process or apparatus comprising a step or means for initiating
a signal when a specified condition relating to wear of the bit
occurs.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process or apparatus combined with a step or means for measuring,
testing, signaling, indicating, detecting, registering or recording
a condition for the benefit of an observer.
(1)
Note. A boring process or apparatus which inherently gives
a signal while performing some boring function is not included unless
it includes an added step or apparatus for indicating. For example a
mere stop means or abutment which is intended to limit the extent
to which a tool may be fed is excluded. Also, a below ground means
which is responsive to a condition of the boring means to control
the flow of fluid through a passage is excluded unless the means
to indicate the change in fluid flow or pressure, or a step of indicating
is claimed. Such structure is classified on other features.
(2)
Note. Bore bottom sensing by touching the bottom of the borehole
with the boring apparatus is excluded.
(3)
Note. Patents relating to measuring or indicating a condition
in a borehole are classified in the appropriate measuring or indicating
class. Class 175 takes patents relating to process or apparatus
for boring into the earth combined with a measuring or indicating
feature, where more than a mere step of boring is claimed or where
details of the boring apparatus are claimed.
Geometrical Instruments,
subclasses 302 and 304+ for methods of and apparatus
for indicating borehole direction by utilizing forces such as terrestrial
gravitation or magnetism.
Measuring and Testing,
subclasses 81+ for means to test the hardness of a material, including
a penetrator or indenter, subclasses 152.01+ for measuring
a condition of the boring means or earth formation in a borehole wherein
the test is not purely electrical or purely magnetic and wherein the
boring process or the boring apparatus is only nominally claimed.
Wells,
subclasses 250.01+ for processes involving a well, combined with a
step of measuring, testing, signaling, indicating, directing, registering
or recording a condition, subclass 66 for a well device combined
with electrical indicating means, and subclass 113 for a well device
combined with nonelectrical measuring, testing or indicating means.
Radiant Energy,
subclass 254 for methods and apparatus where a nominal step
of boring or boring apparatus is claimed in combination with a geological
invisible radiation test, or earth formation or well material irradiation
method or apparatus, and subclasses 256+ for methods and apparatus
to detect or utilize invisible radiation to test material in or
about a well.
Electricity: Measuring and Testing,
subclasses 323+ for subject matter relating to the determination
of an electrical characteristic of the subsurface of the earth.
A nominal recitation of an earth boring step or means does not
preclude classification in Class 324.
Communications: Electrical,
subclasses 853.1+ for a borehole signaling system, and subclasses
500+ for electrical automatic condition responsive indicating
systems.
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Subject matter comprising a step or means for detecting
the presence of, or measuring the quantity or quality of invisible
radiant energy rays, such as for example radioactive emanations
or phosphorescence or fluorescence.
Radiant Energy,
subclass 254 for methods and apparatus with a nominal drill
apparatus or drilling step combined with a geological invisible
radiation test, or earth formation or well material irradiation
method or apparatus, and subclasses 256+ for methods and
apparatus to detect or utilize invisible radiation to test material
in or about a well.
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Subject matter comprising a drilling fluid system and a
step or means for releasing an identifiable substance into the drilling
fluid stream which substance when carried above ground by the circulating
fluid will indicate to an observer the presence of a condition.
(1)
Note. The substance is something which is specifically disclosed
for indicating.
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Subject matter comprising a step or means to take a core
sample from the formation and a step or means operative during the
extraction of the core for indicating the position of the core sample
in the formation, so that said core sample may be placed in the
same position which it assumed while in the formation for observation
after it is brought above ground.
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Subject matter comprising a step or means for indicating
the position, direction or inclination of a boring tool in a borehole
with relation to geographical direction, a characteristic of the borehole
or some other preselected point of reference.
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Process or apparatus comprising a cuttings retainer and
a step or means for indicating a condition of cuttings within or
entering said cuttings retainer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Subject matter relating to a drilling fluid system forming
a part of the boring means and a step or means to (1) measure or
indicate the pressure of the drilling fluid or (2) measure or indicate
the rate of flow of said drilling fluid at a specified location
in said system.
Measuring and Testing,
subclasses 290+ , 700+ and 861+ for volume or rate
of flow meters, liquid level or depth gauges, and fluid pressure gauges,
respectively.
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Subject matter comprising a step or means for encasing a
part of the boring means or cuttings in a transparent enclosure
such that said enclosed boring means or cuttings may be visually
observed or inspected.
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Subject matter comprising a step or means for determining
the characteristics of the earth formation traversed by a boring
tool.
Measuring and Testing,
subclasses 81+ for measuring the hardness of a material by employing
a device which measures the force required to penetrate the material,
and subclasses 152.01+ for measuring and testing, relating
to the earth formation in a borehole.
Electricity: Measuring and Testing,
subclasses 323+ for a process or means for measuring an electrical characteristic
of the earth formation in or around a borehole.
WITH SELF-ACTING CYCLIC ADVANCE AND RETRACTION OF TOOL
OR TOOL SHAFT:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process or apparatus combined with a step or means requiring
no other control by an operator other than the initial starting
or presetting of the condition of operation, for the tool or tool
shaft to follow a complete cycle of operation of advance and retraction
or retraction and advance returning to its original or starting position
and then stopping.
WITH MAGAZINE FOR SUCCESSIVELY MOVING UNCONNECTED, ORIENTED TOOL
OR SHAFT SECTIONS TO USE POSITION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process or apparatus combined with a holding of storage
means or steps for carrying a plurality of separate disconnected
tools or tool shaft sections, said holding or storage means or steps
including separately removing and positioning a tool or a tool shaft
section from said holding or storage position into a use position with
the previously removed and positioned tool or tool shaft section.
Article Dispensing, appropriate subclasses and the search there noted
in Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class and References
to Other Classes, for dispensing of articles of general utility.
ENLARGEMENT OF EXISTING PILOT THROUGHBORE REQUIRING ACCESSIBILITY
TO EXISTING OPPOSITE BORE ENDS TO INSERT AND REMOVE TOOL:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process or apparatus including a step of, or apparatus peculiar
to increasing the diameter of an existing through borehole (spaced entrance
and exit points) wherein certain parts of either the boring apparatus
used must be located outside of end of the existing borehole at
some time during the boring operation.
BORING BY BELOW GROUND RECIRCULATION OF UNSUPPORTED ELEMENTS
(E.G., SHOT):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process or apparatus comprising a step or means for continuously
recirculating within the bore a plurality of unsupported elements
such as shot or pellets to cause such elements to directly impinge
upon and disintegrate the formation.
(1)
Note. The elements must be recirculated entirely within the
bore for classification in this subclass. Drilling fluid provided with
unsupported particles which circulate from above ground into the
bore is excluded.
(2)
Note. The elements (e.g., shot or pellets, etc.) need not
be claimed for classification in this subclass.
TOOL ACTUATION BY REACTION OF ROTATING ECCENTRIC MASS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process or apparatus comprising a step or means for driving
the boring tool which includes a mass or weight mounted to travel
in an orbital path with the center of gravity of the mass or weight
being spaced from the center of the path in which it travels, the
reaction of said mass or weight on its mounting being transmitted
to the boring tool through the means mounting the mass or weight
for rotation.
Machine Element or Mechanism,
subclass 61 for mechanical movements for converting rotary
motion to or from reciprocating or oscillating motion by means of
unbalanced weights.
NATURAL VIBRATION CHARACTERISTIC OF AN ELEMENT OF BORING MEANS
RELATED (1) TO NATURAL VIBRATION CHARACTERISTIC OF ANOTHER ELEMENT,
OR (2) TO FREQUENCY OF AN IMPOSED MOTION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Process or apparatus comprising a step or means relating
to an element or part of the boring means which has a property affecting
its natural period of vibration when it is impacted or elastically
deformed which bears a relationship to (1) a similar property of
another element or part of the boring means or (2) the frequency
or period of vibration of the force causing the impacts or deformations
of the first element.
(1)
Note. The relationship of vibration characteristics must
be specifically described but the claims need recite only some feature
which has been described as relating to the vibration characteristics
for classification in this subclass.
(2)
Note. A mere shock absorber, such as a spring or rubber element,
is excluded from this subclass unless it is described as having
a particular relationship to the vibration characteristics of another
part or the imposed motion.
Wells,
subclass 249 for processes for vibrating the earth to fracture
the formation and subclasses 177.1+ for apparatus for causing
vibrations to fracture the formation.
Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,
subclass 14 for a process of recovering valuable material from
the earth or breaking up hard material in situ, including a step
of disintegrating by directly applying vibration.
(1)
Note. Processes classified in this subclass comprise, for
example, processes of manipulating drills, drill rods or expanding
reamers to drill or ream a borehole or processes of operating various
types of drill rig power supplies and the like.
(2)
Note. Subclasses 1 through 56 includes both processes and
apparatus, and processes relating to the subject matter provided
for in those subclasses will be found therein.
Tool Driving or Impacting,
subclass 1 for a process limited to the operation of a tool
driving or impacting device. If steps peculiar to performing an earth
boring operation are included, classification will be in Class 175.
Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,
subclasses 10+ for a process of recovering valuable material from
the earth or disintegrating hard material in situ.
This subclass is indented under subclass 57. Processes comprising drilling a definite sample of earth
from the borehole or from the surrounding earth formation for testing
or measuring purposes.
(1)
Note. The manner of taking the sample may be the taking of
a core during drilling, collecting chips or cuttings dislodged by
drilling or removing a plug from the sidewall of previously formed borehole,
but these steps must be set forth as earth sampling steps to be
classified in this subclass.
(2)
Note. Sampling apparatus as such is difficult, in some instances,
to distinguish from similar nonsampling apparatus and thus apparatus
has been classified not on the function of sampling but on its drilling
or boring function in general. Only in those instances where the
sampling feature is a distinguishing characteristic have the patents
been so classified.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Processes comprising the step of (1) maintaining the natural
fluid content of the earth sample or (2) taking a discrete sample
of the fluid occurring in the borehole or its surrounding earth
formations.
(1)
Note. Processes including the step of taking a single sample
comprising a solid and liquid, as for example a sample of drill
cuttings and drilling fluid, are not included in this subclass unless
there is some additional step of maintaining the natural fluid content
of the solid earth portion of the sample.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Processes comprising the step of moving the sample from
the bottom of the borehole to the surface of the earth by entrainment
in a fluid.
(1)
Note. The mere step of transporting or carrying to the surface
of cuttings by drilling fluid without a specific sampling step is
not included. Such processes are classified in subclasses 65+.
This subclass is indented under subclass 57. Processes comprising drilling or forming a borehole in which
the axis of the borehole is (1) curved or arcuate, (2) two straight
line portions intersecting at an angle or (3) a straight line portion
and a curved portion.
(1)
Note. Processes of reaming or enlarging the diameter of a
borehole or cutting slots longitudinally of the borehole are not
included.
Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,
subclasses 10+ for a process of recovering valuable material from
the earth or disintegrating hard material in situ and including forming
horizontal tunnels.
Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,
subclasses 138+ for a method or apparatus for forming a lined tunnel;
and subclass 154.1 for a method or apparatus of laying, retrieving,
manipulating, or treating a pipe or cable in a subterranean or submarine
location.
This subclass is indented under subclass 57. Processes comprising (1) introducing a material into a borehole
to react chemically with the in situ earth formation to form the
borehole or (2) introducing a material into the borehole during
drilling to react chemically with a material present in the drilling
fluid.
(1)
Note. The term "during drilling" is defined
as that period in which the actual drilling or hole making step
is in progress and does not include the whole period of time required
to form a completed bore in which actual hole making operations
may have been temporarily stopped numerous times.
(2)
Note. Drilling fluids generally deposit a cake or mud sheath
upon the wall of a bore. Such deposits are not considered cementing,
plugging or consolidating in the sense used in the definition of
Class 166, subclass 285. However, when one step of a cementing process
is done during drilling, as by adding one constituent of a resin
type cement in the drilling fluid while drilling, and another step
is performed after drilling has stopped, as by adding the remaining
constituent of the resin cement, such a process is considered to
be performed while drilling has been interrupted and is classified
in Class 166 subclasses 285+.
This subclass is indented under subclass 57. Processes comprising providing a liquid or gaseous material
in a borehole to facilitate the making of such borehole.
(1)
Note. Since the use of some fluid in drilling is almost universal
in this art, patents to be classified in this subclass must specifically
describe some step involving more than the conventional use of fluid,
for example, merely pumping or circulating fluid or screening cuttings
from the fluid would be excluded but steps involving specifically described
constituents of the fluid would be included.
(2)
Note. The fluid may be for the purpose of lubricating the
drill, removing the cuttings, preventing collapse of the bore wall,
etc.
Wells,
subclasses 285+ for cementing, plugging or consolidating in a well
and particularly Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class in
the class definition of Class 166 for the line with Class 175 concerning drilling
with fluid and cementing drilling with fluid and cementing and subclass
300 for placing two or more materials into a well which chemically
react with each other.
Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,
subclasses 16+ for a process of breaking down valuable or hard
material by direct contact with fluid.
Earth Boring, Well Treating, and Oil Field Chemistry,
subclasses 100+ for well drilling compositions and earth boring
processes which involve no more than the mere use of such compositions
or a compound.
Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, appropriate subclasses, particularly Class 523,
subclasses 130+ for a composition containing a synthetic resin or
natural rubber having utility in sealing fissures or crevices in
stone, rock or other subterranean formations or in consolidating
a formation in a well or in cementing a well or to processes or
preparing said composition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Processes comprising the step of subjecting drilling fluid
which has been returned to the surface of the earth from the borehole
to a physical or chemical treatment at the surface.
(1)
Note. The treatment at the surface must include more than
the mere addition of a material which is to be effective down the
borehole, such as adding material to a gaseous drilling fluid to
prevent wetting of cuttings or to a liquid drilling fluid to prevent
lost circulation, see subclasses 68 and 72, respectively.
This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Processes comprising the making of a borehole or the performance
of a reaming operation by the use of a stream of pressurized fluid
to dislodge the earth formation.
(1)
Note. Practically all drilling operations which use a circulating
drilling fluid have jets in the drill head to wash loose cuttings
away from the drill during operation and the claiming of such jetting
or washing steps, even without the claiming of a step of using a
drill, are excluded from this subclass.
Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,
subclasses 55+ for the formation of an underground fluid storage
cavity including a step of means for delivering a stream of pressurized
fluid to form or enlarge the cavity; subclass 226 for a method of
embedding a marine structure in the bed of a body of water using
fluid jets; and subclass 248 for a pile with fluid jet means to assist
in sinking or positioning the pile.
This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Processes comprising the step of treating a gaseous drilling
fluid with a material to prevent the agglomerating or wetting by
liquid occurring naturally in the borehole of the cuttings loosened
during drilling.
This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Processes comprising the use of liquid and gaseous materials
as the fluid circulated in the borehole.
(1)
Note. Processes in which a gas under pressure is provided
over a liquid drilling fluid wherein the gas is not circulated through
the drill or through fluid in the bottom of the borehole are not included.
See this class subclass 71.
This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Processes comprising drilling with two or more liquids which
remain separated in the borehole due to their mutual immiscibility,
difference in specific gravities, manner of placement in the borehole,
or other characteristics.
This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Processes comprising (1) drilling with a gaseous fluid as
the circulating drilling fluid or (2) the placing of a gas under
pressure in the borehole during drilling either along or over a
liquid drilling fluid.
This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Processes comprising the step of treating a subsurface earth
formation during drilling (1) to prevent the loss of drilling fluid
into such formation or (2) to prevent the earth formation of the
bore wall from collapsing into the earth bore.
Wells,
subclasses 285+ and the search there noted for processes of cementing,
plugging or consolidating a subsurface earth formation while drilling is
interrupted.
MEANS TRAVELING WITH TOOL TO CONSTRAIN TOOL TO BORE ALONG CURVED
PATH:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus comprising means carried by or movable with a
tool while drilling to cause the tool to drill a bore or segment
of a bore having a nonlinear axis.
(1)
Note. Tools which are asymmetrical in shape or which have
a means biasing them laterally of a bore and which would enlarge
the bore in a lateral direction if rotated are not included even
though they are disclosed as bore deflection tools when used as
impact devices, see this class subclasses 398+ for such devices.
This subclass is indented under subclass 73. Apparatus wherein the means for causing the tool to drill
a curved bore comprises a tool shaft or a means adapted to direct
the course of the tool which is made up of units or segments, generally
pivotally connected to one another, movable to be positioned at
an angle to one another in the direction of the bore axis and means
engageable with the segments to hold them in their angularly related
position.
This subclass is indented under subclass 73. Apparatus wherein the means to cause the tool to bore a
curved hole comprises a member to direct the tool or a shaft for
driving the tool which has or is formed to assume a nonlinear shape
in the direction of boring.
This subclass is indented under subclass 73. Apparatus wherein the means for causing the tool to drill
a curved bore comprises means carried by the tool or tool shaft
at points axially spaced along the bore axis and extending in opposite
directions laterally from the tool or tool shaft to engage the bore
wall.
(1)
Note. One of the bore wall engaging means may comprise an
annular means surrounding the tool or tool shaft.
SIDE WALL TOOL FED LATERALLY WITHOUT ROTATION FROM INACCESSIBLE
HOLE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus comprising means for cutting the earth which cuts
without requiring rotation of the cutting means about an axis coincident with
its direction of advance, said cutting means being fed from an inaccessible
hole.
(1)
Note. For the meaning of "inaccessible hole",
see the class definition.
MEANS CARRIED BY HOUSING INSERTABLE IN INACCESSIBLE HOLE TO
ADVANCE SIDE WALL TOOL LATERALLY:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus comprising a supporting or carrying means insertable
in an inaccessible hole, said supporting or carrying means providing
a housing with an opening for the boring tool, and means is provided
in the housing to advance the tool from the housing through the opening
in a direction at an angle to the path of travel of the housing
on being inserted in the inaccessible hole.
(1)
Note. For the meaning of "inaccessible hole",
see the class definition.
TOOL SHAFT ADVANCED RELATIVE TO GUIDE INSERTABLE IN INACCESSIBLE
HOLE TO CHANGE DIRECTION OF ADVANCE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus comprising a tool shaft and a means engageably
by the shaft as the shaft is advanced to change the direction of
advance of the shaft, said means being insertable in an inaccessible
hole.
(1)
Note. For the meaning of "inaccessible hole",
see the class definition.
Wells,
subclass 55.3 for apparatus for perforating or cutting a slot
in a well casing having a cam or wedge actuated cutter, subclass
100 for lateral probes or seals engaging a well wall which have
similar structure and subclasses 117.5+ for lateral diverting means
(e.g., whipstocks, etc.) for tools, per se, which are used in wells or
boreholes.
This subclass is indented under subclass 79. Apparatus in which the means changing the direction of advance
comprises a rod or mandrel having a shaft engaging surface which
is set in the hole at an angle to the original direction of advance,
the shaft receiving the rod or mandrel in a telescoping relationship
to be guided in a different direction thereby.
This subclass is indented under subclass 79. Apparatus in which the means changing the direction of advance
has combined therewith means to engage or penetrate a side wall
of the hole to resist movement of the direction changing means either
longitudinally or radially of the hole.
This subclass is indented under subclass 79. Apparatus in which the means changing the direction of advance
is supported by the tool shaft and moved into an operative position
in the hole thereby.
This subclass is indented under subclass 82. Apparatus in which the means changing the direction of advance
and the tool shaft are provided with means for preventing their
relative rotation which is manipulable, usually by relative longitudinal
movement, to permit relative rotation therebetween.
(1)
Note. A mere shearable pin or bolt or other frangible connector
between the redirecting means and the tool is excluded and will
be found in subclass 82.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus wherein the apparatus is provided with means normally
positioned above the ground (e.g., outside the borehole, etc.) to clean
the apparatus or some portion thereof. Said cleaning means may
include wiping, scraping, brushing or flushing with a fluid.
(1)
Note. A mere conduit for cleaning or drilling fluid is not
considered to be a means to clean the tool shaft.
for a fluid or cuttings directing or receiving means
engaging the bore entrance, through which extends a tool shaft,
and a seal means between said means and the tool shaft which allows
axial movement of said tool shaft relative to said means.
WITH ORIENTING OR RACKING MEANS FOR UNCONNECTED TOOLS OR
SECTIONS OF SHAFT OR CASING:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus including (1) a means to cause the movement of
unconnected tools, rods, tubings, or casing in a direction lateral
to the bore axis and to and/or from a position in vertical alignment
with the bore axis or (2) a structure particularly adapted to store
unconnected tools, rods, tubings, or casings and which is laterally spaced
from vertical alignment with the bore axis, (i.e., fourble board).
(1)
Note. The term "unconnected" is defined
as meaning that the tool, rods, tubing, or casing are not assembled
in drilling relationship with the drive or advancing means, for
example. However, the tool may be connected to a section of rod,
or several sections of rod, tubing, or casing may be connected together
as a unit and considered "unconnected" for classification
in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus combined with means positioned within a hole being
bored for supporting, enclosing, protecting or otherwise accommodating
a person in the hole while it is being bored.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus adapted to perform functions other than earth
boring or to perform an earth boring function in a different manner
in response to (1) removal of a significant portion of the apparatus
and/or (2) installation of additional parts or (3) by substantial
rearrangement of the existing parts.
(1)
Note. Many patents in this art disclose substituting one
form of tool reciprocating device for another type. Such structure
has been excluded as not performing an earth boring function in
a different manner for the purpose of this definition and will be
found below.
(2)
Note. Merely rendering parts (which are present in the apparatus)
operative or inoperative by a manual adjustment or by actuation
of a control mechanism (e.g., clutch, etc.) have been excluded as not
constituting a substantial rearrangement of existing parts for the
purpose of this subclass.
(3)
Note. Merely replacing one type of earth boring tool or cutter
element with a different type of earth boring tool or cutter element
has been excluded since it is common in this art to interchange
tools depending on the type of formation encountered. However, substituting
a tool or element which has no earth boring function for an earth
boring tool has been included.
(4)
Note. The change in the apparatus must include more than
merely adjusting or reversing a part which has no material effect
on the overall functioning of the apparatus. Such structure is
classified below as indicated by the search notes.
for a device in which a common prime movement feeds
and rotates a tool, and in which an adjustment, may be effected
to provide an independent feed or rotation of the tool.
for a bit having a pilot portion which is used only
at the initial stages of the boring operation and which is removed
after the bore has been started.
WITH MEANS CARRYING CUTTINGS LATERALLY OF BORE AXIS COMPRISING
(1) CHUTE, (2) CONVEYER, OR (3) VEHICLE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus in which an above ground means is provided to
transport cuttings in a direction perpendicular to the borehole
axis which does not require conveying by a fluid current, such means
comprising an endless or screw conveyor, open chute or vehicle,
but not including a tubular conduit which is utilized in a fluid
system.
TOOL ELEMENT OR CONTINUOUSLY DRIVEN FLEXIBLE OR ARTICULATED ENDLESS
MEMBER:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus in which a cutting means is carried through recurring
cycles on a driven member forming a closed circuit, said member composed
of a rope, cable, chain, hinged elements, or like structure.
(1)
Note. This subclass does not include apparatus in which the
support for the flexible or articulated endless member is adapted
to be moved laterally relative to the bore axis as the cutter cuts
unless the lateral movement of said support takes place entirely
below ground. Compare Classes 37, 172 and 299 for apparatus for
forming a ditch, furrow, or kerf.
(2)
Note. The cutting means may consist of teeth or digging buckets.
Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,
subclasses 29+ for a mining machine having a chain type cutter
head, and subclasses 82.1+ for a chain type cutter head.
This subclass is indented under subclass 89. Apparatus in which a flexible or articulated member is carried
on a support which is adapted to move all or a portion of said member
radially relative to the axis of the bore to undercut or slot the
wall of the borehole.
BORING MEANS INCLUDING A CONTINUOUSLY ROTATING BIT DESCRIBING
A NONCIRCULAR CROSS-SECTIONAL BORE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus in which (1) a single cutting means rotating through
recurring cycles, or (2) a combination of cutting means carried
on a common support and including at least one cutting means rotating
through recurring cycles, is particularly adapted to form in a single
advance a bore which is noncircular in a plane perpendicular to
the bore axis.
(1)
Note. Included in this subclass, for example, are a pair
of rotating cutters forming a pair of overlapping, circular bores.
Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,
subclasses 29+ for a mining machine which may include a rotary
cutter and form a noncircular opening and subclasses 79.1+ for
a cutter which may be rotary and adapted to form a noncircular opening.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus including a means adapted to drive a boring tool
through recurring cycles comprising a means commonly called a motor which
is adapted to convert a source of energy into simple mechanical
motion, said motor being so related to the boring tool that it enters the
borehole and advances with the boring tool as the boring tool performs
its earth boring function.
(1)
Note. The boring means including the motor need not be claimed
as being located in the borehole. The mere disclosure that the
boring means is of the type in which the drive motor for the tool advances
into the bore with the tool is sufficient for classification in
this subclass.
(2)
Note. Mere subsurface mechanical motion converting boring
tool drive means, such as for example, vanes on a tool shaft which
contact the fluid in the borehole and causes the tool to rotate
as the shaft is reciprocated are not considered motors for this
subclass.
(3)
Note. A compilation of all types of motors will be found
in the notes to the class definition of Class 60.
and search there noted for a tool shaft provided
with an exteriorly disposed helical structure for imparting rotary motion
to the shaft in response to a reciprocation of said shaft.
Tool Driving or Impacting, appropriate subclass for a means for driving or impacting
a tool, not limited to a specific art. If means, such as specific shape
of the work contacting portion of an earth boring tool, bore engaging guide
or anchor, etc., are included, classification will be in Class 175.
This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Apparatus in which (1) the motor is fluid operated, and
means are provided within the borehole for generating or imparting
energy to the motive fluid, (2) means are provided within the borehole
for storing a source of motivating energy for operating the motor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Apparatus including means positioned within the borehole
which functions to feed the tool in the boring operation with, or
relative to, the tool drive means.
(1)
Note. For the meaning of "feed", see the class
definition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Apparatus wherein the tool is composed of a plurality of
relatively movable cutting elements, each of said cutting elements
being driven by a separate motor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Apparatus including means to secure the motor support to
the bore wall against either axial or rotary movement or both.
(1)
Note. For the meaning of "bore wall", see
the class definition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 97. Apparatus in which said means may be selectively expanded
or retracted to or from engagement with the bore wall.
This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Apparatus in which the motor is fluid operated and means
are provided for exhausting a portion of the fluid which operates
the motor from the motor or motor housing into the bore in a direction
extending toward the bore entrance.
for a tool shaft which may be provided with means
to induce fluent flow comprising fluid outlet ports in said shaft
extending in a direction toward the bore entrance.
This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Apparatus in which the motor is a rotary type motor supported
by a rotatable shaft extending into the bore, and in addition to
the motor is a means provided for connecting said rotatable support
shaft to the tool in a driving relationship.
This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Apparatus including means located within the bore for removing
cuttings from the bore comprising either (1) an endless flexible
carrier or (2) a means to induce fluent flow (e.g., pump or helical
screw, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Apparatus including means (e.g., gearing, linkage or cam,
etc.) for modifying the direction, location or advantage relationship
of simple mechanical motion, said means being drivingly interposed
between the motor and the tool.
This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Apparatus in which said motor includes an element provided
with means upon which a fluid may act to cause a nonreversing motion
of said element about an axis.
COMMON DRIVE OR ADVANCING MEANS FOR CONCURRENTLY BORING
ALONG LATERALLY SPACED AXES:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus including a single means which directly contacts,
or is connected through a gearing or otherwise, to at least two boring
tools, and the means functions to drive or advance the boring tools
along different axes.
for boring means including at least one rotating
cutter which may overlap in boring operation with another cutter
to form a bore, which is noncircular in cross-sectional area.
WITH MEANS TO SIMULTANEOUSLY FEED AND ROTATE TOOL FROM
A SINGLE MECHANICAL ELEMENT:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus including means by which a boring tool is simultaneously
rotated and fed along the boring axis by a drive originating from
one mechanical movement.
(1)
Note. Separate drive and feed motors which are actuated by
a common source (e.g., fluid pressure motors having common supply
pump, etc.) are excluded from this subclass, and are classified
in the appropriate feed or drive subclass.
Tool Driving or Impacting,
subclasses 145+ for a tool advance causing or controlling means
in which drive and advance originate from the same mechanical element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Apparatus in which the mechanical movement, or means coupling
the mechanical movement to the rotary drive and/or feed
is adapted to rotate the tool at a uniform speed while permitting
(1) complete disconnection of the feed drive or (2) a change in
the speed at which the tool is being fed into the work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Apparatus in which a means is provided to anchor some part
of the feed means into the wall which is being bored, whereby the
anchor is adapted to directly resist the reactionary pull of the
feeding force.
(1)
Note. The "earth wall being bored", is defined
as a generally flat surface, (i.e., the face of the earth or a substantially planar
or curved section not exceeding 90° of the side or bottom
of a crevice or shaft) into which the bore is being formed, the
anchor being usually located in the bore, or at some point closely
adjacent the mouth of the bore.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus including a means to feed the tool drive means.
(1)
Note. For the meaning of "feed" and "drive" see
the class definition.
(2)
Note. If the means is disclosed as performing the function
of feeding the tool drive, the means is classified herein whether
or not the tool drive is claimed.
WITH ABOVE-GROUND MEANS TO IMPACT AN EARTH-PENETRATING MEANS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus combined with an above ground hammer to deliver,
or cause to be delivered an impact or blow to an earth boring means.
(1)
Note. For classification in this subclass the impact or blow
must be delivered to a portion of the earth penetrating means and
not directly to the earth formation. For example, an above ground
hammer for delivering an impact or blow to an earth penetrating
means is classified herein, but an earth penetrating means which
is reciprocated to deliver a blow to the formation is excluded.
WITH ABOVE-GROUND MEANS TO MOVE TOOL TO A DUMPING LOCATION
OFFSET FROM BORE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus including a means located above ground which is
adapted to shift a means lifting earth material from a borehole
to a position remote from the bore axis for the purpose of discharging
said material at said remote location.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus including a means necessarily located above ground
which functions to feed the tool in the boring operation.
(1)
Note. For the meaning of "feed" see the class
definition.
(2)
Note. A handle for directly applying force to a tool shaft
without a mechanical motion conversion is excluded. However, a
simple relatively movable lever or gear for example would be included
even though operated by hand.
Cutting by Use of Rotating Axially Moving Tool, appropriate subclasses, particularly
subclasses 129+ for means for feeding a boring or drilling tool,
not peculiar to earth boring usage.
WITH TOOL DRIVE PRIME MOVER OR ABOVE-GROUND MECHANICAL MOTION
CONVERTING DRIVE MEANS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus including a means adapted to drive a boring tool
through recurring cycles comprising (1) a means commonly called
a motor which is adapted to convert a source of energy into simple
mechanical motion or (2) a means adapted to modify the direction,
location, or advantage relationship of simple mechanical motion
(e.g., gear or lever, etc.).
(1)
Note. A compilation of all types of motors will be found
in the notes to the class definition of Class 60.
Tool Driving or Impacting, appropriate subclass for a device to drive a tool,
where no feature is included to make the device peculiar to a specific art,
such as specific shape of the work contacting portion of the tool,
etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 170. Apparatus including a drive means for a tool which is particularly
adapted to installing a separate casing, or a means is specified
in addition to the tool drive means for the purpose of installing
a casing.
Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,
subclass 133 for a method or apparatus for forming a shaft with
a lining; subclasses 138+ for a means or method of forming
a lined tunnel; subclass 154.1 for a method or apparatus for laying,
retrieving, manipulating, or treating a pipe or cable in a subterranean
or submarine location; and subclasses 232+ for a method
or apparatus for installing a hollow pile shell in the earth.
This subclass is indented under subclass 170. Apparatus including material transport elements mounted
to travel in a circuitous path on a flexible or articulated endless
means, and generally for the purpose of conveying cuttings above
ground.
This subclass is indented under subclass 170. Apparatus in which means are provided to simultaneously
or consecutively move in a different manner, plural shafts which
extend into a bore; the shafts generally consist of two tool drive
shafts, or a tool drive shaft and a tool actuating shaft.
This subclass is indented under subclass 170. Apparatus in which the tool drive comprises a means to cause
substantially rectilinear to and from movement of the tool.
This subclass is indented under subclass 170. Apparatus in which the drive is of the type commonly called
a rotary table, such drive being adapted to remain relatively axially
fixed while the tool shaft being rotated thereby advances relative
to the rotary table.
for a rotary drive for a relatively advancing feed
screw in a single mechanical movement feeding and rotating a tool,
said feed screw generally also comprising the tool drive shaft.
Rotary Shafts, Gudgeons, Housings, and Flexible
Couplings for Rotary Shafts,
subclasses 163+ for a coupling between a rotary drive table and
an axially movable drill string.
ABOVE-GROUND MEANS FOR RELATIVELY MOVING BELOW-GROUND TOOL
ELEMENTS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus comprising the combination of a tool having relatively
movable tool elements and a means necessarily remaining outside
the mouth of the bore, which is adapted to be actuated to cause
relative movement between the tool elements, while the tool is located
within the bore.
(1)
Note. The tool elements must be positively relatively moved
by the moving means to be classified herein. Those tool elements
which are relatively moved by the manipulation of a tool drive shaft only,
relative to which they are movably attached (e.g., centrifugal,
or bottom engagement expansion, etc.) are excluded from this subclass.
(2)
Note. Structure in addition to a mere connecting rod or cable
must be claimed as the above ground means.
WITH ABOVE-GROUND MEANS TO ADVANCE OR RETRACT BORING MEANS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus including means located above ground to move a
tool, shaft, or any other portion of the boring means in one direction
along the axis of the bore or (2) to counterbalance or offset a
portion of the weight resting on the tool.
(1)
Note. For classification in this subclass the above ground
means to advance or retract the boring means must include more than
a mere handle which is held by an operator to support or move the tool
toward or away from the bore.
WITH MEANS PROVIDING PRESSURIZED GAS CONTACT WITH DRILLING LIQUID:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus including means which are provided for bringing
a stream of gaseous fluid above atmospheric pressure into intimate
contact with a body of drilling liquid which liquid is intended
to be introduced or directed into a borehole.
(1)
Note. Gaseous fluid at normal atmospheric pressure is not
considered as "pressurized", for the purposes
of this subclass. However, a statement that a stream consists of
compresses gas is sufficient to cause classification herein.
Tool Driving or Impacting,
subclass 74 and see the search noted therein for plural cleansing
fluid sources utilized with a tool driving or impacting means.
WITH ABOVE-GROUND MEANS FOR PREPARING OR SEPARATING DRILLING
FLUID CONSTITUENTS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus including above ground means by which the drilling
fluid is (1) formed or acted upon prior to or during insertion into
the borehole to bring about a change in a physical or chemical property
or (2) acted upon after the fluid leaves the borehole to remove,
separate or subtract substances, including cuttings, from said fluid.
(1)
Note. Means for causing entrainment of cuttings in the drilling
fluid are not considered to be drilling fluid treating for the purpose
of this subclass. However, separating the cuttings from said fluid
is classifiable herein.
WITH ABOVE-GROUND MEANS FOR HANDLING DRILLING FLUID OR
CUTTING:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus including means located outside the mouth of the
borehole to conduct or circulate drilling fluid or cuttings to or
from the borehole.
(1)
Note. A tool shaft is not considered to be above ground apparatus
for the purposes of this subclass even though a section of the shaft
may be recited as above ground in a claim. However, if structure is
claimed which is disclosed as always functioning above ground (e.g.,
supporting swivel, or pipe section larger than the completed bore),
the patent will be classified herein even though the structural element
is nominally claimed.
Pipe Joints or Couplings, appropriate subclasses for fluid pipe couplings of general
utility and particularly
subclasses 272+ for fluid conducting swivels.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207. Apparatus in which the means consists of a fluid spraying
means (e.g., nozzle, etc.) which emits fluid adjacent the mouth
of the borehole.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207. Apparatus provided with means sealingly engageable with
the mouth of the bore and having means to receive a tool shaft therethrough and
adapted to (1) catch or contain material which is emerging from
the bore or (2) change the direction of movement or flow of material which
is emerging from the bore.
Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning,
subclasses 300.1+ for air blast and/or suction cleaners
combined with a fluid cuttings directing or receiving means adapted
to engage a bore entrance. Class 175 takes the combination of such
means with earth boring means. The inclusion in a claim of structure
adapted to support or receive a tool shaft is sufficient for classification
in Class 175.
This subclass is indented under subclass 209. Apparatus in which the collecting or diverting means is
mounted on a tool shaft and means are provided to restrain the same
against axial movement in one direction along said tool shaft.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207. Apparatus including a pumping means, the low pressure side
or intake of which is in direct communication with the bottom of
the borehole.
(1)
Note. This material generally relates to which is commonly
called "reverse circulation", that is, the direction
of flow is opposite to normal drilling circulation in which the
pressure side of a pump forces fluid from the bottom of a borehole.
(2)
Note. The pumping means may be located below ground.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207. Apparatus comprising a tool shaft having a fluid head secured
to the end thereof located above ground said head being provided
with an axially extending passage which is intersected by a generally
perpendicular passage extending from the axially extending passage
to the exterior of the head, and having a seal located in the head
which is adapted to cooperate with a means movable through the axial
passage, or the perpendicular passage and one end of the axial passage.
(1)
Note. Generally the means reciprocable in the head may consist
of a core barrel, or a wire line for retrieving a core barrel.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207. Apparatus including a tool shaft which is provided with
more than one fluid conduit through a substantial portion of its
length.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207. Apparatus including a substantially vertical conduit means
which is usually either part of, attached to, or adjacent a derrick,
and which is used to conduit fluid from a point located near ground
level to a fluid handling element fixed at one end of an axially
movable tool shaft.
WITH PARTICULAR ACCOMMODATION FOR PERSONNEL (E.G., SEAT
OR PROTECTOR):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus in which the device is provided with a means to
support or shelter an attendant (e.g., a seat, platform or cover
means, etc.) or the device is provided with a safety means to protect
the attendant from injury (e.g., a hand guard, etc.).
WITH ABOVE-GROUND GUIDE FOR RELATIVELY ADVANCING TOOL:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus including a means located outside the bore entrance
which is adapted to remain relatively axially stationary and pilot
or direct a tool or means actuating or supporting a tool, as the
tool advances during the boring operation.
Tool Driving or Impacting, appropriate subclasses for a means to drive or impact a
tool which may include a means to guide the tool or drive, and particularly
subclasses 39+ for such means combined with means to adjust the
position of the axis of tool advance.
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