This is the primary class for patents directed to treating water
or waste liquid, and when not more specifically provided
for, the class for patents directed to treating liquids
in general or of any kind and provides (1) process
and apparatus for (a) separating a component from (b) purifying
or (c) effecting a change in water or waste liquid, such
process or apparatus not being more specifically provided for in
another class; (2) process of treating
liquids in general and treating liquid compositions of either general
or diverse utilities; (3) apparatus not provided
for in other classes, for performing the foregoing processes
and treating liquids of any kind; (4) filter materials
or compositions peculiar to the above-mentioned processes; and (5) Processes
for purification of liquids containing hazardous or toxic waste
to produce a nonhazardous or nontoxic product.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
A. GENERAL GUIDELINESS
1. Placement of Patents
a. A claim directed to the production, regeneration, or purification
of a particular compound or composition (including) solutions
in water is classified with the particular compound or composition. The
classes providing for these compounds or compositions are set out
in section III, B, 2.
A claim directed to purification or separation of water or of
liquids in general with disclosure of several species each differently
classifiable is classified in this class (210).
b. In classifying a claim to a combined process in
which a liquid (e.g., sewage, etc.) is
treated, and a useful by-product, energy
or treatment is also recovered or achieved, placement is
in Class 210 where the primary purpose is liquid treatment and the
by-product, energy or other treatment is incidental. Placement
is in the other pertinent class if the liquid treatment is incidental
to the other process. If it cannot be determined which
is the primary purpose of the combined process, placement
is in the appropriate chemical class(es) when
a chemical by-product is recovered and in this class (210) in
all other instances.
Since the identical combined process may be placed as an original
in either of two classes, based on intent of the inventor, a
cross-reference copy should be placed in the other class
involved.
See section II, A, 2 infra, for
exceptions to the general rule here stated.
2.. Specific Exceptions.
a. Class 95, Gas Separation: Processes, will
take a process including a liquid separation step in a Class 95 operation (e.g., regenerating
a scrubbing liquid in a gas scrubbing operation, etc.).
b. A purely physical separation, e.g., filtering, specifically
directed to mineral oil, is classified in this class (210), subclasses
767+.
c. A claim to a process of drying a flowable slurry
or mass by physical separation, e.g., centrifuging
without a step or means of contacting with a gas, is in
this class (210) rather than Class 34. See
line note to Class 210 in (3) Note to Class 34
definition.
d. Some classes which provide for compositions which may
be used in a Class 210 process may also take a claim to a mere use
of such composition. These classes include 424 and 521
and the line notes in section II, C set out the conditions
which govern placement of patents in these circumstances.
e. The rehabilitation or regeneration of a filter
medium, in situ is classified in this class (210), subclasses
791+, rather than in Class 134, Cleaning
and Liquid Contact With Solids.
f. Separating liquids by direct application of electrolysis or
electric force to the liquid, alone or combined with a step
provided for in subclasses 767-808 of this class, is classified
in Class 205, Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions
Used Therein, and Methods of Preparing the Compositions, when
electrolysis is involved, or in Class 204, Chemistry: Electrical
and Wave Energy, when other electrical force as provided
for in the Class 204 definition is involved.
B. CLASSES PROVIDING FOR RELATED SUBJECT MATTER.
1. Classes Providing A Specific Unit Operation Treatment
Of Liquids.
References to Other Classes, below, contains
classes pertaining to the following specific unit operation treatment
of liquids.
Analyzing:
Burning;
Chlorinating;
Condensing;
Crystal Forming, Single;
Crystallization;
Degassing;
Disinfecting;
Dispensing;
Distilling;
Drinking Storage;
Electrolysis;
Emulsifying;
Evaporating;
Fluoridating;
Freezing;
Handling;
Heating;
Magnetizing;
Mixing;
Preserving;
Refrigerating;
Separating, Centrifugally;
Softening;
Sprinkling, Spraying, Diffusing;
Sterilizing;
Storage;
Testing;
Transporting;
2. Classes Providing Treatment Of A Specific Liquid.
References to Other Classes, below, contains
classes pertaining to the following treatment of a specific liquid.
Beverage;
Black Liquor;
Cleaning Fluid;
Colloids;
Coolant;
Culture Broth;
Detergent;
Drug;
Dye;
Electrolyte;
Emulsion;
Fats;
Fertilizer;
Food;
Fuel;
Ink;
Inorganic;
Lubricants;
Medicine;
Oil;
Paints;
Photographic;
3. Classes Having Liquid Treating Apparatus.
References to Other Classes, below, contains
classes having liquid treating apparatus in the following art areas.
Bleaching and Dyeing; Fluid Treatment
Chemical Modification of Textiles and Fibers, appropriate subclasses for a purification process
claimed or solely disclosed for a dye composition.
Brushing, Scrubbing, and General
Cleaning, appropriate subclasses for apparatus which may remove a
liquid from a solid by means provided for in that class (15), particularly
subclass 1.7 for submerged cleaners; and subclass 246.5
for tank cleaners.
Textiles: Fiber Preparation, appropriate subclasses which may involve the manufacture
of a filter element, particularly
subclasses 144+ for the bringing together of fibers with relation to
each other to form a coherent mass.
Chemistry: Physical Processes,
subclasses 293+ for a physical purification process claimed or
solely disclosed for an inorganic compound or nonmetallic element (or
solution with no art use).
Chemistry: Fertilizers, appropriate subclasses for fertilizer producing
processes including more than mere treatment of sewage or waste liquids
for this class (210); and for a purification
process claimed or solely disclosed for a fertilizer composition.
Measuring and Testing, especially
subclasses 32+ , 53+, 149, 170.29+, 861+, 290+, Dig. 5+, and
Dig. 8. (Class Providing A Specific
Unit Operation Treatment Of Liquids--Testing)
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and
Loose Metal Particulate Mixtures, appropriate subclasses for a separating or purification
process that produces a metal; and especially
subclass 2 for beneficiating ores by chemical treatment and
flotation; and subclasses 97+ for hydrometallurgical
processes, particularly subclasses 101+ for chemical
leaching.
Gas Separation: Processes, for processes involving steps resulting in separation of
a gas from a fluid mixture comprising (a) a gas
and solid or liquid particles entrained therein, (b) a liquid
and gas entrained therein, or (c) a plurality
of gases. Class 210 is superior to Class 95 and takes separating
processes, per se, generically disclosed or claimed
as fluid separation or if the disclosure or a claim is restricted
to liquid separation. Class 210 also takes processes which
remove or vent gas formed incidentally to the handling of the fluid
mixture or as a result of a Class 210 treatment (see particularly
subclasses 603 , 640, 664, 718, and
750). However, Class 95 takes processes
operating to remove gas initially present in an inflowing liquid
mixture, with or without liquid separation. The
removal of a volatile organic compound (e.g., ethanol (C2H5OH), gasoline, etc.) from
a liquid is not taken to be degasification of a liquid for Class
95 when the volatile organic compound is initially present as a
liquid mixed with another liquid. The removal of a volatile organic
compound from a liquid may be found in Class 210 for liquid purification
or separation or Class 203 for separatory distillation processes. Class
95 will also take a process including a liquid separation step in
a Class 95 operation (e.g., regenerating
a scrubbing liquid in a gas scrubbing operation).
Gas Separation: Apparatus, for apparatus used in separation of a gas from a fluid
mixture comprising (a) a gas and solid or liquid
particles entrained therein, (b) a liquid
and gas entrained therein, or (c) a plurality
of gases. Class 210 is superior to Class 96 and takes separating
apparatus, per se, generically disclosed or claimed
for use in fluid separation or if the disclosure or a claim is restricted
to liquid separation apparatus. Class 210 also takes apparatus
which removes or vents gas formed incidentally to the handling of
the fluid mixture or as a result of a Class 210 treatment (see
particularly
subclasses 120 , 180, 188, 218, 406, and
436). However, Class 96 takes apparatus operating
to remove gas initially present in an inflowing liquid mixture, with
or without liquid separation. Apparatus for the removal
of a volatile organic compound (e.g., ethanol (C2H5OH), gasoline, etc.) from
a liquid is not taken to be apparatus for the degasification of
a liquid for Class 96 when the volatile organic compound is initially
present as a liquid mixed with another liquid. Apparatus
for the removal of a volatile organic compound from a liquid may
be found in Class 210 for liquid purification or separation or Class
202 for separatory distillation. Class 96 will also take
apparatus including a liquid separation means in a Class 96, Gas
Separation: Apparatus (e.g., means
to regenerate a scrubbing liquid in a gas scrubbing apparatus, etc.).
Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for apparatus of the type classified in
this class (210) when combined with other food
or beverage preparation means; and
subclasses 457+ and 495+ for separation apparatus wherein
a liquid is separated.
Presses,
subclass 37 for process of separation of liquid from expressed
material; and subclasses 104+ for presses having
drain means for expressed liquids, and see the reference
to Class 210 in the class definition for the general line.
Compositions: Coating or Plastic, appropriate subclasses for a purification or regeneration
by separation process which is claimed or solely disclosed for a
composition or ingredient of that class.
Single-Crystal, Oriented-Crystal, and
Epitaxy Growth Processes; Non-Coating Apparatus Therefor, (Class Providing A Specific Unit Operation
Treatment Of Liquids--Single Crystal Forming).
Stoves and Furnaces,
subclasses 344 through 363.1for a liquid heater that may include a kettle, a
steam generator, stove pipe for use with a stove, a
domestic water heater or boiler (e.g., kitchen
boiler, range boiler, etc.) for
use with a stove or furnace.
Surgery, appropriate subclasses for a process of or apparatus
for purifying or separating the fluid (e.g., blood) of
a living animal body, combined with a claimed specifically
detailed step or means of removing or returning the fluid from or
to the body. A method of treating the fluid including a
nominally recital step of or means for removing or returning the
fluid from or to a patient will be placed in this class (210). Similarly, a
process of or apparatus for purifying or separating such a fluid
combined with a step of or means for monitoring a condition of the
body to control the purifying or separating will be placed in Class
128, Surgery. Terms as "withdrawing", "injecting", and "needle", are considered
nominal while withdrawing from a named artery or vein or structurally
defining a needle are considered specific detail.
Fluid Handling, appropriate subclasses for fluid handling generally, particularly
subclasses 1+ for processes; and subclasses 98+ for
proportional flow systems, as chemical feeders.
Paper Making and Fiber Liberation, appropriate subclasses for processes and apparatus
for making paper by depositing fibers from a slurry on a foraminous
screen. Where the screening step is for the purpose of
dewatering the slurry and a formless mass of fibers is produced
rather than a felted product, the patent is classified
in Class 210. Where there is a disclosure of a felted self-sustaining
product being produced by the dewatering step or means are provided
to remove the product intact from the mold, the patent
is classified in Class 162.
Wells,
subclasses 265+ for well processes involving separation of fluids
leaving the well, appropriate subclasses for corresponding
well apparatus; subclasses 311+ and subclasses there
noted for processes of cleaning wells, and appropriate
subclasses for corresponding apparatus; subclasses 227+ and
subclasses there noted for well screens; and see subclass
227 for the line between Classes 210 and 166 as to screens.
Mineral Oils: Apparatus, for apparatus peculiar to mineral oil treatment other than
by mere manipulative treatment for this class (210), particularly
subclass 14.5 for dewaxing apparatus; and subclass 46.1
for refining apparatus including a filter in combination.
Distillation: Processes, Separatory,
subclasses 28+ and 39+ for a liquid distillation process including
a chemical treating step or a disparate physical separating step
not otherwise provided for.
Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, for the separation or purification of a liquid solely by
the application of an electrical force directly to the liquid or
when combined with a separation step classifiable in Class 210,
subclasses 767 through 808.Exemplary is electro-osmosis with or without
filtration or electrophoresis with or without gravitational setting.
A Class 204 step combined with a Class 210 process provided for
higher in the Class 210 schedule than subclasses 767-808
is classifiable in Class 210. Such combinations are exemplified
by sorption plus electro-osmosis, precipitation plus
electrophoresis, etc. Class 204 also takes a combined
process which may include a preparatory liquid purification step
for the process. See the reference to Class 210 in the
Class 204 definition, References to Other Classes section for
an elaboration of the class line between Class 204 and Class 210.
Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions
Used Therein, and Methods of Preparing the Compositions, appropriate subclasses for an electrolytic process which
may include a preparatory liquid purification step for the process, for
a composition intended for use in such a process (e.g., electrolyte, etc.), for
a process of regenerating or rehabilitating an electrolyte composition
used or intended to be used for electrolysis as designated for Class
205, and
subclasses 775 through 794.5for electrolytic analysis or testing.
A Class 205 step combined with a Class 210 process provided for
higher in the schedule than subclasses 767-808 is classifiable
in Class 210. Such combinations are exemplified by aerobic
digestion plus electrolysis, etc. Class 205 also
takes an electrolytic process which may include a preparatory liquid purification
step for the process.
Mineral Oils: Processes and Products, for a purification or separation claimed as solely disclosed
for mineral oil and which is not purely a physical operation as
provided for in
subclasses 767+ of this class (210).
Class 210, in subclasses 767+ provides for merely
physically separating a mineral oil as by filtering, settling decanting, etc. Class
208 provides for chemical, including sorption and solvent, processes for
purifying or separating a mineral oil.
Classifying, Separating, and
Assorting Solids, appropriate subclasses, and see the reference
to Class 210 under (3) Note of the class definition of
Class 209 for the general line.
Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and
Diffusing, appropriate subclasses for separating means incidental
or ancillary to handling a fluid to be sprinkled or sprayed, especially
subclasses 86 , 462, 553+, 575, and
590+ for nozzle structures in which filtering means are
present or are inherent in the nozzle.
Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and
Diffusing,
subclasses 1+ . (Class Providing A Specific Unit
Operation Treatment Of Liquids--Sprinkling, Spraying, Diffusing).
Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration,
subclasses 24 and 68+ for the comminution of solids
combined with the separation of liquid therefrom. See section
8 of the class definition of Class 241 for the line with Class 210.
Compositions, appropriate subclasses for a purification or separation
claimed or solely disclosed for a composition classifiable in that class, and
search
subclasses 61 and 175+ for a composition which may be
used in a liquid purification or separation process of this class. Class
252 provides for a purification or separation process specific to
a single type of composition by claim or by sole disclosure. Class
210 provides for a purification or separation process generic to
several types of compositions, all of which may be classified
in Class 252 (e.g., perfumes
and denaturants; detergents; fire extinguishing
and heat exchange materials). Class 252 provides
for certain compositions for use in Class 210 processes and for
a process, per se, of regenerating or rehabilitating
them. The use of these compositions in a liquid purification
or separation, per se, or combined with regenerating
them is provided for in Class 210.
Chemistry of Carbon Compounds, appropriate subclasses for such compounds and related compound
producing or treating processes, particularly
subclasses 704+ for general physical treatment processes peculiar
to carbon compounds, and see the references to Class 210
in the class definition.
Gas and Liquid Contact Apparatus,
subclasses 2+ for separating means combined with apparatus to
produce an intimate contact between gases and liquids to exchange
properties or mutually modify conditions.
Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes, appropriate subclasses for processes for shaping
or molding plastic materials within the class definition, which
may involve the manufacture or use of fiber elements or separators, or
porous articles, per se.
Electricity: Measuring and Testing, especially
subclasses 29+ , 71+, 204, 425+, and
459+. (Class Providing A Specific Unit
Operation Treatment Of Liquids--Testing).
Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets, and
Electromagnets, (Class Providing A Specific Unit Operation
Treatment Of Liquids--Magnetizing).
Conveyors: Fluid Current, especially
subclasses 168+ and 197 for transporting a solid by suspending
it in a fluid and separating the solid from the liquid after transporting.
Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or
Sterilizing, for a process of treating water to prevent corrosion of
a conduit or a container and for chemical apparatus of general utility.
Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or
Sterilizing,
subclasses 243+ . (Class Having Liquid Treating Apparatus--Reaction, Physical).
Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or
Sterilizing,
subclasses 129+ . (Class Having Liquid Treating Apparatus--Reaction (Chemical)).
Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or
Sterilizing,
subclasses 245.1+ for non-coating means not including means
for chemical reaction and not provided for elsewhere. (Class
Having Liquid Treating Apparatus--Crystallizer.
Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or
Sterilizing,
subclasses 13 and 14+. (Class Providing
A Specific Unit Operation Treatment Of Liquids--Softening).
Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or
Sterilizing,
subclasses 1+ . (Class Providing A Specific
Unit Operation Treatment Of Liquids--Preserving).
Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or
Sterilizing, (Class Providing A Specific Unit Operation
Treatment Of Liquids--Storage).
Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or
Sterilizing,
subclasses 50+ . (Class Having Liquid Treating Apparatus--Analysis).
Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, appropriate subclasses for chemical manufacturing involving
a chemical reaction and for extracting, leaching, or
dissolving not elsewhere provided for.
Drug, Bio-Affecting and Body
Treating Compositions, especially
subclasses 661+ . (Class Providing A Specific
Unit Operation Treatment Of Liquids--Chlorinating).
and 514, Drug, Bio-Affecting
and Body Treating Compositions, especially Class 424,
subclasses 127+ and Class 514, subclasses 1+. (Class
Providing A Specific Unit Operation Treatment Of Liquids--Sterilizing).
Food or Edible Material: Processes, Compositions, and
Products, appropriate subclasses for (a) process
of the type classified in this class (210) when
combined with other food working operations, or (b) a
process of the type classified in this class (210), which
process is limited to treatment of a food or edible material except water.
Food or Edible Material: Processes, Compositions, and
Products,
subclasses 66+ . (Class Providing A Specific
Unit Operation Treatment Of Liquids--Drinkign
Storage).
Chemistry: Electrical Current Producing
Apparatus, Product, and Process, especially
subclasses 101 through 109,188-207, and 408-412. (Class
Providing Treatment of a Specific Liquid).
Chemistry: Analytical and Immunological Testing,
subclasses 1+ and 129.2+. (Classes Providing
A Specific Unit Operation Treatment Of Liquids--Analyzing).
Imperforate Bowl: Centrifugal Separators, appropriate subclasses, for apparatus and
process for breaking up a mixture of fluids or fluent substances
into two or more components by centrifuging within a generally solid-walled, receptacle-like
member.
Plant Protecting and Regulating Compositions,
subclasses 150+ for compositions designed or intended for retarding, inhibiting, or
killing algae and the processes of using such compositions or compounds
which are no more than the mere application of the compounds or
the compositions.
Solid Anti-friction Devices, Materials
Therefor, Lubricant or Separant Compositions for Moving
Solid Surfaces, and Miscellaneous Mineral Oil Compositions, particularly
subclasses 110+ . (Class Providing Treatment Of
A Specific Liquid--Lubricants).
Solid Anti-friction Devices, Materials
Therefor, Lubricant or Separant Compositions for Moving
Solid Surfaces, and Miscellaneous Mineral Oil Compositions, particularly
subclasses 110+ . (Class Providing Treatment Of
A Specific Liquid--Oil).
Cleaning Compositions for Solid Surfaces, Auxiliary
Compositions Therefor, or Processes of Preparing the Compositions, (Class Providing Treatment Of A Specific
Liquid Detergent).
Cleaning Compositions for Solid Surfaces, Auxiliary
Compositions Therefor, or Processes of Preparing the Compositions, appropriate subclasses, especially
subclasses 285+ , 405+, etc. (Class
Providing Treatment Of A Specific Liquid--Cleaning
Fluid).
Colloid Systems and Wetting Agents; Subcombinations
Thereof; Processes of Making, Stabilizing, Breaking, or
Inhibiting, appropriate subclasses for subject matter relating
to: colloid systems (such as sols*, emulsions, dispersions, foams, aerosols, smokes, gels, or
pastes) or wetting agents (such as leveling, penetrating, or
spreading); subcombination compositions of colloid
systems containing at least an agent specialized and designed for
or peculiar to use in making or stabilizing colloid systems; compositions
and subcombination compositions specialized and designed for or
peculiar to use in breaking (resolving) or inhibiting
colloid systems; processes of making the compositions or
systems of the class; processes of breaking (resolving) or
inhibiting colloid systems; in each instance, when
generically claimed or when there is no hierarchically superior
provision in the USPC for the specifically claimed art.
Class 516 is the locus for the breaking of colloid systems generically claimed
and provides for (a) the separation or purification
of liquids, generally claimed, when performed
by a Class 516 process, such as by breaking an emulsion, dispersion, or
foam, and for such processes further including ancillary steps, such
as, decanting, or passing through a separatory
funnel, etc., or (b) processes
in which recovery is intended of both water and another product.
Class 210 provides for (a) processes which include
a step of colloid system resolution of liquids, generally
claimed, when combined with a step of separation of a diverse
component, unless that step is also a Class 516 step (i.e., multiple
Class 516 steps are proper for placement in Class 516), or (b) a step
of colloid system breaking, per se, for the purpose
of obtaining water, wherein the water may be intended for
use or intended to be made suitable for disposal, thus, decontaminating
of sewage waste water to be dumped into the ocean using an emulsion
breaking step is proper for Class 210. (Class
Providing A Specific Unit Operation Treatment Of Liquids--Emulsifying) (Class
Providing Treatment Of A Specific Liquid Colloids) (Class
Providing Treatment Of A Specific Liquid Emulsion).
Hazardous or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment,
subclasses 300 through 415and 249-260, for the chemical
destruction or containment of hazardous or toxic waste.
Class 210 provides for the purification of water (liquids) as
useful product even though hazardous or toxic waste may be removed
from or destroyed in the water (liquids).
SECTION IV - GLOSSARY
The meaning to be given various "Art" terms
appearing in this class, but which have not been included
in the GLOSSARY below, is the same as that generally accepted
or in common usage.
ABSORB
See SORB.
ACCELERATOR
Agent which promotes an action, but does not
necessarily cause the action. An example is a catalyst
as contrasted with a reactant. In subclasses 696+ and
702+ no distinction is made between an agent which promotes
or one which causes and a search for a compound used as a flocculant
is the same as if the compound reacted to cause precipitation.
ACTIVATED SLUDGE
Common term for an aerobic process of treating sewage with
micro-organisms in which part of the settled sludge from
the treatment is diverted and introduced into the feed of incoming
sewage.
ADDITIVE
An agent added to a liquid being treated to either cause
a desired result or to promote a result which would occur more slowly
or incompletely without the additive. Catalysts filter
aids, chemical agents, seeding agents, buffers are
all additives.
ADSORB
See SORB.
AEROBIC
Treating liquids, generally sewage, with
micro-organisms in the presence of oxygen generally supplied
as air or other source of oxygen but sometimes using residual dissolved
oxygen. Best known method is "activated sludge". The
micro-organisms convert noxious materials to less noxious
stuff, e.g., to water, methane, nitrogen
oxides, carbon dioxide.
ALGAECIDE
Any material capable of inhibiting or destroying algal growth.
ANAEROBIC
Treating liquids, generally sewage by micro-organisms which
change noxious stuff to innocuous materials, in the absence
of oxygen. Some solids are made into water and gases as
methane, carbon monoxide, etc. A septic tank
is an example of anaerobic digestion of sewage.
ANGSTROM
A unit of length used to measure wavelength of lights and
diameters of atoms or molecules.
Designated by A and equal to 10-8cm.
AQUEOUS
A liquid containing water. Generally water is
the major part as in blood, brine, milk, etc., but
may comprise a substantial but not major portion as in a water-alcohol mixture
of various proportions. Usually trace amounts of water
are not considered aqueous.
BACTERICIDE
Any material capable of inhibiting or destroying bacteria.
BRACKISH
Somewhat salty, but substantially less so than
sea water.
BRINE
A relatively concentrated salt water solution sometimes from
wells or industrial sources and including sea water.
CENTRIFUGE
A process or means in which a liquid is revolved about an
axis at such a number of revolutions per unit of time that the apparent
weight of constituents increases to a point where the constituents
tend to concentrate in strata similar to gravity-induced
separation based on relative densities.
CHROMATOGRAPHY
A process in which a liquid is flowed along a linear
path comprising a sorbent, with which the liquid competes
in affinity for a constituent of the liquid. The constituent
is sorbed from the moving liquid by the relatively immobile sorbent
and redissolved by a later passing portion of the liquid until an
equilibrium of the sorbing-dissolving step is set up causing
the constituent to concentrate in a specific volume of the sorbent
and to move along the path of the liquid at a slower rate than such
liquid.
A comprehensive treatise on chromatography is to be found
in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology 2nd
ed. Vol. 5, pp. 413-450.
COALESCE
The merging together of small droplets or particles of
a material or constituent dispersed in a liquid to form larger bodies
of the material or constituent which may be more easily handled.
COLLOIDAL
A state of very fine division of a material dispersed throughout
a liquid almost to the point of a true solution and either impossible
or extremely difficult to filter or cause to settle.
CONDUCTIVITY WATER
An extremely pure water characterized by high ohmic resistance
due to very low rate of ionization. See POLISHING.
CYCLONE
A device using centrifugal force to separate. The
process is called cyclonic; see centrifuge.
DESALINATION
The process of removing inorganic salts, most
usually sodium chloride, from water.
DIALYSATE
See DIALYSIS.
DIALYSIS
A process of separating a dissolved constituent from
a liquid by transport or migration from the liquid through a membrane
into a second liquid. The membrane may be semipermeable
or the second liquid may have greater affinity for the constituent
but the net effect of the combined membrane-extracting
liquid is to selectively remove a constituent from the first liquid. The
process is provided for in subclasses 644+. An
in-depth explanation is given in Kirk Othmer Encyclopedia
of Chemical Technology 2nd ed. Vol. 7, pp. 1-20. Dialysate
is the product of a dialysis method and the term is not always used
for the same product, including retentate and diffusate.
DIFFUSATE
The material passed through in a diffusing process.
DIFFUSE
The passing of a constituent through a membrane or septum.
DIGEST
Process in which material is acted upon by micro-organisms
to cause a chemical change. The composting of sludge is
a digestion process.
DISPERSION
A mixture of a liquid with an insoluble material in very fine
subdivision almost but not quite a true solution.
EFFLUENT
The liquids flowing out of a process, normally
the mainstream, can be either a desired product or discard.
FEED
The liquid to be treated, prior to processing.
FILTER
Method of and apparatus for removing solid particles from
a liquid by passing the same through a medium with openings smaller
than the particles. Microfiltration is filtration down
to coolidal and polymeric molecular size. Ultrafiltration
and hyperfiltration are more likely transport or diffusion across
a membrane process but are called filtration down to molecular and
ionic size. See subclasses 650 and 652.
FILTER ELEMENT
Filter medium combined with supporting structure or having
a specified shape.
FILTER MEDIUM
Solid separating material or member for separating a constituent
from the prefilt due to openings between material particles or in
the member.
FILTRATE
Liquid which has been clarified by passing it through
a filter medium.
FILTRATION
The separation of solids from a liquid or a liquid from liquids
by a solid separating medium due to openings in the medium or between
discrete particles.
FLOC
Flocculated clumps of suspended or dispersed small particles
resulting from accretion and used as sites for further accretion
of suspended matter. See subclass 715.
FLOCCULATION
A clumping together of finely divided particles of material
dispersed in a liquid to a state where filtration or settling of
the material is possible. See subclasses 702+.
FLUID
Material that flows, generally gas or liquid
but sometimes including mixtures of these with particulate solids such
as slurry, sludge, gels, etc. Some
materials are thixatropic, i.e., fluid
when agitated but jellylike when at rest. Pumpable sludge
is considered a liquid for treatment in this class.
FOULING
The act of depositing on the membrane surface something
which will impede its proper functioning. Sometimes also
termed "blinding".
GEL
A colloidal dispersion of a solid in a liquid with a
jellylike texture. Use of a gel in chromatography is in
subclass 635, and separating the constituents of a gel
are in subclass 702.
GRAVITY, BY
A separation process depending on differences in density
to separate freely movable constituents such as cream rising to
the top of the milk. Draining or allowing a liquid to drip
from solids held by a screen or grid is not gravity separation.
HYDROPHILIC
Water attractive or wettable.
HYDROPHOBIC
Water-repellent or nonwettable.
HYPERFILTRATION
Filtration to the ultimate degree to molecular or ionic size, but
most likely membrane transport or diffusion phenomenon. See
FILTER and subclass 652.
IMHOFF
A two-story septic tank of special design to
allow digestion of sludge in lower chamber with settling in upper chamber
and passage of settled sludge from upper to lower chamber. Process
is anaerobic and provided for in subclasses 602+.
INERT MATERIAL
Stuff that does not cause or promote any change in liquid
or component being treated. May act as filler, support, or
carrier for active material. See subclass 679.
LIQUID
A flowable material comprising at least one component that
is a true liquid under the conditions of treatment. A slurry, wet
sludge, pumpable sediment, emulsion, froth, all
are considered liquid for treatment in this class.
MAINSTREAM
The main body of liquid being treated as constrasted with
separated constituents. The mainstream may comprise several
divided streams, some of which undergo treatment and which
are a substantial part of the overall feed but a relatively small
stream diverted for a dosing technique in which agents are added
in a concentrated amount and the diverted stream is diluted with
the main body is not considered to be the mainstream, per
se. A recirculated portion of the stream is not considered
to be the mainstream.
MEMBRANE
A skinlike thin film which acts as a barrier or container wall; the
usual form of a permeable or semipermeable septum. A semipermeable
membrane is a skinlike, relatively thin film which serves
to define a barrier or container wall to at least one of the constituents
of a solution or colloidal suspension and allows at least one other
constituent to pass through by a mechanism which may include but
goes beyond mere straining and which mechanism is in part due to
differences in behavior of the constituents of the solution or suspension
with respect to the material of the membrane. The constituents
vary in their ability to diffuse through or to wet the membrane.
Membranelike includes mambrane, per se, and
material which, while not strictly in a self-supporting
skinlike structure, functions in an analogous manner and includes
a layer of fine particulate matter or an emulsion as set out in
subclass 643.
A process which depends only on the relative size of pores
and molecules or ions of a constituent is a filtering or straining
process and is classified under separation, subclass 767.
MICRON
A linear measurement equal to one millionth of a meter, one
thousandth of a mm, 39 millionths of an inch.
MICRO-ORGANISM
Living plants or animals of a size normally visible only through
a microscope and includes bacteria, yeast, fungi, and
virus. For purposes of this class, algae are not considered
micro-organisms. The scope of this term is coextensive
with the organisms of Class 435, Molecular Biology and
Microbiology.
MICROFILTER
See FILTER.
MOLECULAR SIEVE
A sorbent with an extremely large volume of pores, each of
about molecular size, capable of selectively sorbing gases
and other material in molecular form; generally of Zeolite.
OIL
Organic material of slick or slippery feel including
long chain hydrocarbons esters of higher fatty acid and derived
from petroleum, fats, greases, and oils
of animal or vegetable origin.
OLEOPHILIC
Oil attractive or wettable by oil.
OLEOPHOBIC
Oil repelling.
OSMOSIS
Phenomenon in which solvent migrates or is transported across
a barrier from a less concentrated solution to a more concentrated
solution separated by the barrier tending to equalize the concentrations. The
force driving the solvent is dependent on the materials of the liquids and
the barrier or septum, and a counter force of greater magnitude
will effect reverse migration or reverse osmosis causing solvent
to migrate from the more concentrated to the less concentrated solution. A
comprehensive treatise on osmosis and reverse osmosis is given in
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology 2nd ed. Vol. 14, pp. 345-355.
OXIDANT
An agent which extracts electrons from a chemical moiety
and increases its positive or decreases its negative valence. Often
an oxygen or halogen containing material.
PERMEABLE
Property of allowing passage or migration of other material
through a barrier or septum of the material so designated. The
migration phenomenon is due primarily to the chemical nature of
the materials involved and may include molecular weight or size
as a factor.
PERMEATE
Material which has passed through a permeable or semipermeable
membrane.
pH
The measure of the acidity or basicity (alkalinity) of
a liquid. Also determines the sweetness or sourness of
a liquid. The original value was the log of the reciprocal of
the hydrogen ion concentration.
POLISHING
An ion exchange process in which the ions released to the
liquid are only H+ and OH-. A
method of achieving very pure water. See CONDUCTIVITY WATER.
PREFILT
Material to be filtered, also known as feed, influent, intake.
RESIDUE
Material retained by membrane, septum, filter, settling tank, etc.
RETENTATE
Material held back by membrane or filter, not
allowed to migrate or pass through.
REVERSE OSMOSIS
See OSMOSIS.
SEMIPERMEABLE
Permeable to only some of materials which may be in intimate
association as in a solution. Usually applied to membrane, see
MEMBRANE.
SLUDGE
Concentrate of settled colloidal suspension with a mushy
or mud texture, a gel with up to more than 90 percent usually
water) but quite viscous. It may contain indiscriminate
solids as grits, fiber, wood chip, and emulsions. While
still wet, treatment is proper for this class, but
the same material when completely dry may be referred to as sludge. See
ACTIVATED SLUDGE.
SORB, SORBING
The attracting by a solid material of a liquid wherein
the liquid permeates the body of the solid, either in pores
or throughout the material itself or of a finely divided constituent, suspended
or dissolved in a liquid, on the surface of or in pores
of the material. Examples of the former are methods using
sponges, mops, and pads and of the latter are
methods using activated charcoal clays and zeolites. In
this class, no distinction is made between absorption and
adsorption. Processes using sorption for separation are
provided for in subclasses 660+. (See
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology 2nd ed. Vol. 1, pp. 44-75
and 421-469.)
SUSPENSION
Liquid carrying throughout its volume in extremely fine subdivision
an insoluble substance (solid or another liquid) which
will not settle under gravity nor can be filtered without special
treatment such as addition of chemical agents. A DISPERSION.
See FLOCCULATION, GEL, and MEMBRANE.
SYNTHETIC
A material not found in nature, but man-made
from chemical building blocks, with properties resembling naturally
occurring materials. It does not include man-made
duplicates of natural material or chemical modified natural materials. For
example, regenerated cellulose and cellulose acetate are
not included nor is zein, but polyester, vinyl, and
nylon are included.
TRICKLING FILTER
A particulate bed of designed coarseness through which liquid
is gravity fed at a rate to maintain relatively thin films on the
particles and enhance air liquid contact to promote aerobic treatment
of the liquid. An alternate method may be programmed flooding
and draining of the bed. The treatment using such a bed
is in subclasses 616+.
ULTRAFILTRATION
Filtration of a solution or colloid, retaining
a constituent of macromolecule dimension. See FILTRATION
and MEMBRANE.
VAPOR
A normally liquid material in a gaseous state, e.g., steam. Separating
or purifying a fluid in the gaseous state is proper for Class 55, Gas
Separation, but treating a liquid with gaseous constituents
is provided for in subclasses 603+, 640, 664, 707, 718, and
750.
WASTE
A liquid that is to be discarded. The term includes
effluent from domestic or industrial sources, e.g, sewage wash
water spent processing fluids, etc., and
refers to liquid to be treated and liquid which has been treated
to allow discharge to the environment.
WITH ALARM, INDICATOR, REGISTER, RECORDER, SIGNAL
OR INSPECTION MEANS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus with an alarm indicator, register, recorder
or signal, showing a condition of the subject matter of
the class; or with means which permit inspection of normally
hidden parts of the apparatus or of the fluid inside the apparatus.
Measuring and Testing, appropriate subclasses, for pressure, level, temperature, etc., measuring
and indicating means, per se, especially
subclass 61.41 for methods and means for testing which determines
a characteristic of a separated constituent.
This subclass is indented under subclass 85. Apparatus responsive to a change in the level or thickness
of a material being treated within the apparatus.
This subclass is indented under subclass 85. Apparatus comprising means which gives information as to
the position of a movable or adjustable part of the apparatus.
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Apparatus comprising transparent means associated with treatment
apparatus through which material being treated can be viewed.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus in which an operating condition of the apparatus
is controlled by variations of a constituent quality of a liquid
mixture as determined by physical or chemical tests of the liquid
mixture.
Fluid Handling,
subclasses 3+ for processes of mixing plural fluids of diverse
characteristics; and subclasses 88+ for a system
involving mixture condition maintaining or sensing.
FLOW, FLUID PRESSURE OR MATERIAL LEVEL, RESPONSIVE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus having means responsive to variations in flow, material
level or fluid pressure to control means to effect an operation
or change in an operating condition.
Paper Making and Fiber Liberation,
subclass 258 for paper making apparatus having automatic control
of stock consistency, and subclass 259 for automatic control
of stock feed to the foraminous forming screen.
Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy,
subclass 662 for an electrical or magnetic apparatus to separate
or purify a liquid with a control means responsive to a sensed liquid
level.
This subclass is indented under subclass 97. Apparatus in which there is means for diverting the initial
charge of prefilt to drain, said means being responsive
to accumulation of prefilt in a nonseparating receiver.
This subclass is indented under subclass 97. Apparatus which causes a flow controller to close, after
which a necessary resetting operation must be preformed by an external
operator.
This subclass is indented under subclass 97. Apparatus including means to maintain the ratio between
plural flows at a predetermined value in response to means sensing
a change in fluid condition in at least one of the flow lines.
Dispensing,
subclass 57 for dispensing devices which are automatically controlled
by the weight, volume or pressure of a second dispensed
material, and subclass 130 for plural sources at least
one of which is nondispensing.
Fluid Handling,
subclasses 395+ for liquid level responsive outlet controls for
tanks of general utility, and subclasses 577+ for
fluid handling tanks of general utility having adjustable outlets, especially
subclass 578 for float supported outlets.
This subclass is indented under subclass 109. Apparatus wherein the discharge outlet is normally closed
and permits discharge of filtrate responsive to filtrate accumulation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 117. Apparatus comprising a variable restrictor responsive to
flow direction whereby flow increases during backwash.
Fluid Handling,
subclasses 247.15+ for line condition change responsive flow controllers
combined with liquid seal traps, subclasses 409+ for
float operated valves, and subclasses 455+ for
line condition responsive valves, especially subclasses
511+ for check valves.
This subclass is indented under subclass 123. Apparatus in which the float is located in a separate tank
or compartment provided for the storage of rehabilitating fluid.
This subclass is indented under subclass 130. Apparatus in which the responsive means is a separating
element or filter medium which provides a bypass by flexing or compression thereof
or by movement in its entirety.
This subclass is indented under subclass 130. Apparatus in which a separator casing is closed by a unitary
attached header which header includes at least an inlet and an outlet
and the pressure response bypass means therebetween.
This subclass is indented under subclass 97. Apparatus including plural variable flow affecting elements, at
least one of which is controlled by the sensing means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 97. Apparatus having means responsive to a change in a flow
line condition acting of the face of a valve disc or plug itself
to permit flow in one direction only.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus in which the time at which an element of an treating
means is actuated, or the length of time taken to perform
an operation thereof is controlled.
Textiles: Fluid Treating Apparatus,
subclasses 12 and 23+ for treating machines having centrifugal
extractor features and time-controlled means associated
therewith.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus in which an actuating means provides either a
continuously repetitive operation of a treating device or a single
operation terminating in a position to restart an additional cycle, which
cycle is more complex than a mere starting or stopping of a single
treating device.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus having means to sense some condition of a treatment
operation and operate a control device.
Machine Element or Mechanism,
subclasses 572+ for flywheels and rotors with balancing or vibration
dampening means defining no specific feature of separator construction.
This subclass is indented under subclass 145. Apparatus in which there is a treatment casing provided
with a closure and a latch controlled by the rotation responsive
means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Apparatus operated accidentally or unintentionally by movement
of a container used in a treating operation.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus consisting of solid contact means to increase
the surface area of a liquid in a gas-liquid contact device
whereby the contact is enhanced.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus combined with (1) means performing
an operation external to the subject matter of this class, (2) combined
with a static construction installation, (3) specifically related
to a particular geographic feature wherein there is included only
enough structure foreign to this class (210) to
associate it with the apparatus.
Baths, Closets, Sinks, and
Spittoons, appropriate subclasses particularly
subclass 652 for strainers combined with sink structure and
subclasses 286+ for strainers and stoppers peculiar to
that art.
Textiles: Fluid Treating Apparatus,
subclasses 19+ for a laundry machine combined with a fluid extractor, and subclasses
235+ for a separator combined with a washing machine drain.
Fluid Handling,
subclass 140 for a siphon combined with a separatory means, and
subclasses 343+ for a structural installation of a fluid
handling apparatus.
Chemistry: Molecular Biology and Microbiology,
subclasses 289.1+ for fermentation apparatus including separating
means, particularly subclass 295.3 for a bioreactor
with the combination of a draft tube and a semipermeable membrane
or filter, subclasses 297.1+ for a bioreactor
including a semipermeable membrane or filter, and subclass
308.1 for an apparatus for separating a microorganism from culture
media.
This subclass is indented under subclass 153. Apparatus comprising separating means placed in or at the
entrance of an open channel confining a flowing stream to prevent
solids, such as debris or fish, from passing downstream.
Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,
subclasses 118+ for specific open channel construction or flow
control features other than that forming the inlet and outlet to
a separator.
This subclass is indented under subclass 154. Apparatus including plural, spaced, straining elements
or straining elements of different shapes or kinds.
This subclass is indented under subclass 154. Apparatus including a filter cleaner which is a movable
solid means, as a brush, with means to remove
residue therefrom.
Baths, Closets, Sinks, and
Spittoons, appropriate subclasses, particularly
subclasses 268+ , 275+, 286+, 596+, 640+, and
650+ for plumbing apparatus including drains with grated
inlets.
This subclass is indented under subclass 163. Apparatus comprising a concentric ring or rib between the
strainer and its associated surface wherein the ring or rib projects
above the plane of the surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 153. Apparatus comprising a group of devices, including
liquid purification or separation means, through which
the liquid being purified or separated is continuously returned
and reused.
Textiles: Fluid Treating Apparatus,
subclass 18 for textile fluid treating apparatus including
recirculation means and liquid purification or separation
means for the used solvent.
Coating Apparatus,
subclasses 600+ for coating apparatus with means for treatment
of the coating material involving recirculation and liquid purification
or separation.
Internal-Combustion Engines,
subclass 41.55 for internal- combustion engine cooling
system combined with liquid purification or separation means and
subclass 196 for internal- combustion engine lubricator
means combined with liquid purification or separation means.
Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids,
subclasses 10+ and 109+ for cleaning and liquid contact
with solids processes and apparatus including means for purifying
or separating the cleaning or contact liquid.
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.01. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means is adapted for use in a closed circulating system that provides
lubricant to moving parts of a machine.
Lubrication,
subclass 1.5 for automobile crank and gear case service apparatus
including liquid purification of separation means and subclasses 6.24+ for
lubrication systems combined with liquid purification or separation
means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.02. Apparatus having means that attract iron and certain other
materials because of a surrounding field of force produced by
motion of its atomic electrons and alignment of its atoms.
(1)
Note. The magnetic treating means generally is used
to cause separation of iron-containing material from the
lubricant. However, the magnetic treating means may
subject the lubricant to a process that otherwise improves or alters
the lubricant (e.g., mixing, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.06. Apparatus in which the means to raise the temperature
of the lubricant vaporizes a component to be separated.
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.02. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means is adapted for use in a closed circulating system that comprises
an assembly of parts by which power is transmitted from an engine
to a drive axle.
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.02. Apparatus in which means are provided to remove the separated
component from the liquid purification or separation means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.01. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means is adapted for use with a tank, made of concrete, plastic, or
other materials, for holding water that is open at the top
for a user to enter, for swimming, relaxation, or
recreation (e.g., swimming pool, spa, hot
tub, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.1. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means is combined with means to supply a substance to the water
being purified or separated that subjects the water to a chemical
or physical process that improves or alters the water.
for liquid purification or separation apparatus
comprising a closed circulating system with means to add a treating
material not for a swimming pool or spa.
Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing,
subclasses 255+ for physical type apparatus having means separating
or dissolving a material constituent, particularly
subclasses 261+ for liquid-solid contact means and
particularly subclass 265 for buoyant holders.
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.1. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means is located outside of the swimming pool or spa.
(1)
Note. The liquid purification or separation means
may be attached to the exterior of the swimming pool or spa or may be
connected to the swimming pool or spa by a system of pipes.
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.12. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means comprises a plurality of small, distinct, separate, nonfilamentous solids
in which a component of the water is entrapped and retained while
permitting the water to pass through (e.g., sand
filter, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.12. Apparatus in which means are provided to remove the separated
component from the liquid purification or separation means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.1. Apparatus that has two or more means for liquid purification
or separation in which one means is located on a surface that
is lowest in the swimming pool or spa during operation and another
means is located at a surface of the water that is highest in
the swimming pool or spa during operation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.1. Apparatus that has means for liquid purification or separation
located on a surface that is lowest in the swimming pool or spa
during operation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.16. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means comprises a usually flexible container that may be closed
that is used to gather the component that is separated from the
water.
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.1. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means comprises a deflecting device that is positioned at a surface
of the water that is highest at an opening of a weir in a wall of the
swimming pool or spa and that diverts a portion of the water and
debris into the opening.
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.1. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means comprises a material with an open network of interlacing
threads or wires in which a component of the water is entrapped and
retained while permitting the water to pass through and is located
at or near a surface of the water that is highest in the swimming
pool or spa.
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.19. Apparatus having means to support buoyantly the mesh or
screen filter at or near the water surface in the swimming pool
or spa.
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.01. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means is adapted for use with a water-filled container
in which aquatic animals are kept, with the container
having one or more transparent portions so that the aquatic animals
therein can be observed from the exterior.
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.21. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means includes an agent that has the ability to reproduce itself.
(1)
Note. For purposes of this subclass, living
organism includes animals, plants, and microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungus, algae, etc.),
but not enzymes. The organism may reproduce sexually, asexually, or
by mechanical division (caused by external agents) and
regeneration (e.g., layering
or cloning, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.21. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means or a portion thereof (e.g., an
inlet or an outlet, etc.) is located
at or near a surface that is lowest in the aquarium (e.g., means
positioned under gravel, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.23. Apparatus having a solid sorbent that is used to retain
on its internal or external surfaces a component of the water
passing in contact therewith.
(1)
Note. A solid sorbent is a solid material that separates
one or more components from a fluid mixture containing such
components in a "quasi-chemical" manner.
The action in most instances is that of selective retention (i.e., the
sorbent removes only that part of the fluid mixture for which
it has the greatest affinity). The retained component
cannot be removed by shaking, brushing, or similar mechanical
action, but can generally be removed by heating, pressure
reduction, or use of a stripping or denuding fluid.
A filter has no particular "chemical" affinity
for a component of a fluid mixture. The separation in the
case of a filter depends on a mechanical entrapment of solid particles
because of their relatively large size compared with the interstices or
spaces between individual elements of the filter. The retained
particles can be removed by brushing, wiping, shaking, or
similar mechanical action.
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.21. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means comprises a plurality of small, distinct, separate, nonfilamentous solids
in which a component of the water is entrapped and retained while
permitting the water to pass through or apparatus having a solid
sorbent that is used to retain on its internal or external surfaces
a component of the water passing in contact therewith.
(1)
Note. A solid sorbent is a solid material that separates
one or more components from a fluid mixture containing such
components in a "quasi-chemical" manner.
The action in most instances is that of selective retention (i.e., the
sorbent removes only that part of the fluid mixture for which
it has the greatest affinity). The retained component
cannot be removed by shaking, brushing, or similar mechanical
action, but can generally be removed by heating, pressure
reduction, or use of a stripping or denuding fluid.
A filter has no particular "chemical" affinity
for a component of a fluid mixture. The separation in
the case of a filter depends on a mechanical entrapment of solid
particles because of their relatively large size compared with the
interstice or spaces between individual elements of the filter. The
retained particles can be removed by brushing, wiping, shaking, or
similar mechanical action.
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.21. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means is combined with means to supply the water with a gas (e.g., oxygen, air, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.21. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means is located on an upper rim of the aquarium.
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.01. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means is adapted for use with a cooking apparatus in which food
articles or materials are supported or manipulated for heat treating
by contact with a body of heated oil (e.g., deep
fat fryer, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.01. Apparatus having means that attract iron and certain other
materials because of a surrounding field of force produced by the motion
of its atomic electrons and the alignment of its atoms.
(1)
Note. The magnetic treating means generally is used
to cause separation of iron-containing material from the
liquid. However, the magnetic treating means may
subject the liquid to a process that otherwise improves or alters
the liquid (e.g., mixing, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.01. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means is combined with means to supply a substance to the liquid
being purified or separated that subjects the liquid to a chemical
or physical process that improves or alters the liquid.
for liquid purification or separation apparatus
comprising a closed circulating system with means to add a treating
material for a swimming pool or spa.
This subclass is indented under subclass 153. Apparatus in which liquid purification or separation means
are part of a system installed in the ground or related to a particular
feature of the earth s surface (e.g., a
body of water, etc.).
(1)
Note. Included in this subclass is in situ purging
of flowing or still liquid (e.g., drainage
ditch, septic system, pond, etc.) in
a structural installation in which the liquid purification or separation
means is (a) part of a system installed on natural or
modified terrain to convey rain, snowmelt, a river, sewage, well
water or oil, etc. or (b) related
to a particular nonland geographic feature, such as
a lake, ocean, sea, etc.
Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,
subclasses 36+ for drainage devices for collecting and removing
surplus water from soil and subclasses 52+ for fluid
control, treatment, or containment.
This subclass is indented under subclass 170.01. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means is adapted for use with a small, still body of
clear water stocked with fish.
Animal Husbandry,
subclasses 226+ for a fish enclosure of the recirculating type
with treatment means and subclasses 228+ for a fish enclosure of
the nonrecirculating type with treatment means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 170.01. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means is adapted for use to subject fallen precipitation to a chemical
or physical process that improves or alters the fallen precipitation (e.g., rainwater
runoff, stormsewer treatment, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 170.01. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means is adapted for use with an apparatus that digs,
moves, and handles material either on the earth s surface
or beneath a body of water.
This subclass is indented under subclass 170.01. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means is combined with means to supply the liquid with a gas (e.g., oxygen, air, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 170.01. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means purifies or separates water within the earth s surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 170.01. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means comprises a tank in which a continuous flow of waste material
is decomposed by bacteria and from which liquids overflow through
an outlet of the tank into a disposal field where they can leach
into the soil or comprises a group of devices including liquid purification
or separation means that purify or separate the waste liquid.
(1)
Note. While septic tanks are normally found to be
underground, the term septic tank is not considered to
be a geographic feature.
This subclass is indented under subclass 170.01. Apparatus in which the particular feature of the earth
s surface that the liquid purification or separation means is
related to is a bounded aggregate of still water that is not salty (e.g.,
pond, lake, reservoir, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 170.01. Apparatus in which the particular feature of the earth
s surface that the liquid purification or separation means is
related to is a bounded aggregate of nonsalty, running
water flowing on the earth s surface (e.g., stream, river, ditch, canal, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 170.01. Apparatus in which the particular feature of the earth
s surface that the liquid purification or separation means is
related to is an aggregate of salt water covering most of the earth
s surface (e.g., sea, ocean, etc.).
Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids,
subclass 104 for cleaning apparatus having material collectors (e.g., strainers) for
escaping cleaning liquid.
This subclass is indented under subclass 172.3. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means comprises a medium, in which a component of the liquid
is entrapped and retained while permitting the liquid to pass through, that
is held up by a skeletal structure (e.g., bag
shaped filter in fuel tank for engine, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 172.2. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means is fastened to a part of the supply container by something (e.g., a
rope or chain, etc.) with a set radius
that allows the liquid purification or separation means to move about.
This subclass is indented under subclass 172.1. Apparatus in which the liquid purification or separation
means is located at the opening to the supply container.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus having heat exchanging means comprising an imperforate
heat transfer member, radiant heater or heat generator.
Refrigeration, for refrigeration means or steps combined with fluid
cooling or gas liquefaction or solidification. For particular
subclasses in Class 62 involving refrigeration and fluid separation, see
the reference to Class 62 in the class definition of this class (210).
Liquid Heaters and Vaporizers,
subclasses 379+ for processes and apparatus for cleaning liquid
heaters or vaporizers or for purifying the water while the boiler
is in operation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 175. Apparatus which separate a liquid mixture into two or more
dissimilar fractions by subjecting a thin film of liquid mixture
to a temperature gradient.
This subclass is indented under subclass 177. Apparatus in which the separator is provided with a mechanical
agitator or in which the separating medium is movable.
This subclass is indented under subclass 175. Apparatus in which a heater or heat exchanger is connected
in series by a flow line for the liquid under treatment.
This subclass is indented under subclass 184. Apparatus in which the heat exchanger is embedded in the
filter medium or is sandwiched between filter media.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus combined with a gas or vapor separator, which
is more than a mere vent and must (1) remove gases
evolved during a treating operation or (2) treat
gas removed from a Class 210 separator.
PLURAL CHAMBERS WITH MOVEMENT OF GRANULES THEREBETWEEN:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus comprising means providing distinct chambers or
areas for solid-liquid contact with means for circulating
granular separatory material between at least two of the chambers.
WITH EXTERNAL SUPPLY MEANS FOR REGENERATING MEDIUM, E.G., WATER
SOFTENING SYSTEM:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus in which means is provided for the purpose of
conveying, preparing or storing a liquid which is used
to restore a chemical affinity of the separatory medium.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Systems comprising means to make one or more of the chemical
reagents used in the treatment combined with apparatus of this class.
Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing,
subclasses 186.8+ for ozonizers with preparatory or product treating
means; and subclass 186.23 for arc or spark discharge
reactors having preparatory or product treating means.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus with means to apply an additional solid material
usually discrete particles, as a coating to a filtering
medium, the additional material then acting as a primary
filtering medium.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus in which at least a portion of the fluent material
is circulated in a closed circuit from and back to the separator.
Fluid Handling,
subclass 268 for infiltration means ancillary to a fluid handling
system, and subclass 563 for a closed circulating system
of general utility.
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Apparatus including two or more vessels connected in series
or two or more zones in a single vessel separated by a baffle connected
in series.
(1)
Note. The vessels or zones may be either functionally
or physically distinct from one another.
This subclass is indented under subclass 195.1. Apparatus including means to return sediment to a point
upstream with respect to the flow of material to be treated, which
means provides for recombination of the sediment with the material
to be treated.
This subclass is indented under subclass 195.3. Apparatus in which the means to return sediment is an aperture
in a wall dividing a vessel into separate treating zones.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus combined with means to add a treating material.
(1)
Note. By "treating material" is
meant (a) a material, usually a fluid, having
a function other than rehabilitating a separating medium or cleaning
a separator, (b) a fluid merely serving
as a source of pressure, or (c) a fluid
not in itself serving as a separating medium.
for liquid purification or separation apparatus
comprising a closed circulating system for a swimming pool or spa
with means to add a treating material.
Fluid Handling,
subclasses 87.01+ for self-proportioning and correlating systems; and
subclass 268 for holders for materials to be entrained into a fluid
handling system.
Gas and Liquid Contact Apparatus,
subclasses 2+ for such apparatus combined with means for separating
constituents from the contact liquid; and subclasses 75+ for
gas and liquid contact devices, per se.
Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, appropriate subclasses for extracting, leaching, or
dissolving processes therein provided for; and
subclass 658.5 for extracting, leaching, or
dissolving processes not otherwise provided for.
This subclass is indented under subclass 198.1. Apparatus wherein at least two distinct treating material
feeding means supply to inlets spaced with respect to the direction
of the flow of material being treated.
This subclass is indented under subclass 198.1. Systems comprising structure providing a distinct reactor
tank, trough or compartment wherein the plural in-flows
are intermingled to enhance reaction (e.g., precipitation), said
tank, trough or compartment being in series with the separator.
This subclass is indented under subclass 205. Apparatus comprising a single flow path having the separating
means in seral relation with means for holding a chemical.
This subclass is indented under subclass 205. Apparatus wherein the reactor tank, trough or compartment
is located within the separator which is of the gravitational type.
Textiles: Fluid Treating Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for textile treating apparatus combined
with a liquid remover, particularly
subclass 1 for waste reclaiming apparatus, subclasses
5+ for gas steam or mist treating, subclass 18
for solvent recovery, and subclasses 19+ for fluid
extractor combinations.
This subclass is indented under subclass 209. Apparatus wherein the material to be separated and the treating
material are directly introduced into the interior space of the
separator element which moves.
Textiles: Fluid Treating Apparatus,
subclasses 12 and 237 for textile treating apparatus having textile
washing features in addition to a liquid extractor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 210. Apparatus in which the separator is supported on a rotary
shaft having passage means therein through which the treating material
is introduced.
This subclass is indented under subclass 210. Apparatus in which the filtering rotor is enclosed in a
casing having a closure and means attached to or projecting through
the closure for feeding treating material to the rotor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 210. Apparatus in which the filter element is rotary and there
is a rotary impeller or distributor for the treating material which
is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the filter element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 210. Apparatus comprising a distributor for the treating material
mounted upon a stationary support and movable with respect to such
support.
This subclass is indented under subclass 209. Apparatus provided with means to remove gases or vapors
from a liquid treating tank which is closed except for fluid handling
inlets and/or outlets.
This subclass is indented under subclass 209. Apparatus in which the exit from the additional fluid introducing
means is submerged in the liquid being treated.
Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, particularly
subclasses 155+ for the production of a compound or element by
chemical reaction brought about by electrical or wave energy in a
magnetic field; subclasses 157.15+ for
processes of treating materials involving a chemical reaction brought about
by wave energy; and subclasses 660+ for a liquid
treatment apparatus which is specialized for: magnetic treatment, per
se, when some effect other than mere separation is desired or
produced or simultaneous electrical and magnetic separation of the
liquid which does not result in the production of a compound or
element by chemical reaction brought about by electrical or wave
energy in a magnetic field.
Classifying, Separating, and
Assorting Solids,
subclasses 38 , 39, 40, 212, 213+, and
478 for processes and apparatus involving applying a magnetic field
to material (which may be suspended in a liquid) for
the purpose of separating one solid component from another.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus comprising abutting filter plates or alternating
abutting filter plates and spacing frames which are pressed together
by at least one movable end member, the end members, plates
and/or frames when pressed together constituting a casing
which is closed except for fluid handling connections.
Presses, appropriate subclasses particularly
subclasses 113+ and 194+ for presses which force filter
plates or frames towards each other to express the liquid by mechanical
pressure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 224. Apparatus in which the filtering medium comprises a mass
of fibers or discrete particles within the filter plates or frames.
This subclass is indented under subclass 224. Apparatus in which the filtering medium is clamped at and
between the peripheral edges of plate or frame sections.
This subclass is indented under subclass 227. Apparatus in which the filtering medium is clamped at and
between the peripheral edges of the spacing frames and filter plate
sections.
This subclass is indented under subclass 227. Apparatus in which the filter sections are of I or channel
cross-section forming a recess, the web of which
is imperforate except for filtrate drain openings, and
the filter medium abuts the web within the recess.
This subclass is indented under subclass 224. Apparatus including means for assembly or disassembly or
to restore or aid in restoring the device to its former condition
after decay.
This subclass is indented under subclass 224. Apparatus comprising frame and/or plate structure, per
se, restricted to use with sectional chamber press type
filter elements.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus which is provided with auxiliary means, in
addition to the parts making up the separation or treatment apparatus
or the means to secure said parts in operative relation, to
aid in assembling or disassembling said apparatus or a subcombination
thereof; or to restore, or aid in restoring the
apparatus or a subcombination thereof to its former condition after
decay, injury, or partial destruction.
for adjustable means compressing a filter medium
within a container even though the operator for the compressing
means can be moved to inoperative position.
This subclass is indented under subclass 232. Apparatus comprising a treatment part arranged to be removable
and a valve in flow relationship thereto biased to close but being maintained
open in normal use of the part.
This subclass is indented under subclass 232. Apparatus comprising (1) a handle attached
to a separating element, or (2) means
attached to a separating element cooperating with a hoist.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus so constructed that its mode of operation can
be changed by reassembling all or some of its parts in a different
relationship to each other or by addition or omission of a part.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus comprising a filter incorporated in a portable
receptacle not having any flow connections attached thereto, which receptacle
is provided with (1) a hood, or (2) means
forming a complete closure of the top side thereof, which
closure may have a foraminous section provided with means for completely
covering such section.
Fluid Material Handling, With Receiver
or Receiver Coacting Means, appropriate subclasses, for fluent material
handling devices, with receiver or receiver coacting means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 244. Apparatus provided with means for holding the cover for
limited movement with respect to the upper edge of the receptacle
so that solids will be retained and liquid escape between the cover
and the receptacle upper edge.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus provided with a splash plate or deflector located
downstream of and spaced from a filter medium.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus with (1) means for receiving drip
or overflow, or (2) means to receive
the contents of a filter unit when it is disassembled.
This subclass is indented under subclass 249. Apparatus in which the filter assembly is supported by means
extending directly below and freely resting on a base or attached
to a base.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus comprising a device in addition to or combined
with separator structure or liquid purification apparatus (1) having
functions other than purification or separation, or (2) serving
to perfect the purification or separation apparatus for its intended
purpose.
SERIALLY CONNECTED DISTINCT TREATING WITH OR WITHOUT STORAGE
UNITS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus comprising plural distinct treating or storage
casings connected by means for transferring material from one unit
to another.
This subclass is indented under subclass 257.1. Apparatus constructed with a filtering means composed of
a thin, enveloping or lining substance, i.e., membrane.
This subclass is indented under subclass 252. Apparatus provided with (1) a pump, (2) means to
supply a gas under pressure to cause fluid flow, or (3) means
for applying a vacuum to at least one of the units.
PARTICULATE MATERIAL TYPE SEPARATOR, E.G., ION
EXCHANGE OR SAND BED:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus comprising a bed of discrete particles each capable
of movement within the bed and readily separable from each other.
for separating processes, particularly subclasses
777+ for processes employing precoats or filter-aids, and subclass
80 for separating and rehabilitation of a particulate bed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 263. Apparatus comprising a plurality of compartments, and
means for using and/or rehabilitating the particles in
each compartment selectively.
This subclass is indented under subclass 263. Apparatus combined with an additional separating means other
than a particulate material type and spaced therefrom.
279, 289, and 291+, for
a particulate material type separator having a fluid distributor
even though such distributor be foraminous and may incidentally
separate large particles.
This subclass is indented under subclass 263. Apparatus in which means is provided for removing particles
from the bottom of the bed so that the bed of separating material
as a whole moves downwardly by gravity.
This subclass is indented under subclass 263. Apparatus in which means is provided for restoring the separating
medium to the condition it was in before separation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 269. Apparatus having rehabilitation means which moves in a path
parallel to and above the upper bed surface with or without parts
projecting into the bed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 269. Apparatus including means for passing a fluid through the
medium in a direction of flow during separation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 269. Apparatus wherein a closed casing which holds particulate
material is provided with an opening through which the separatory
material may be reached, or through which solid regenerating
material may be inserted.
This subclass is indented under subclass 263. Apparatus provided with at least one baffle completely or
partially embedded in the particulate material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 263. Apparatus wherein the separatory material is confined within
a container which is imperforate except for fluid conduit openings
or access openings closed in normal operation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 287. Apparatus in which all the inlets and outlets to the casing
are located at the same end of the casing, one communicating
with the bed by means of a conduit surrounded by the bed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 287. Apparatus which comprises particular means for introducing
the untreated liquid to the bed of separatory material, particular
means for collecting treated liquid from the bed of separatory material, or
particular strainer means within the casing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 263. Apparatus having a bed comprising a plurality of layers
of particulate material which are in contact with each other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 263. Apparatus comprising particular means for introducing liquid
into a bed of separating material, particular means for
removing liquid from a bed of separating material, or particular strainer
means within the casing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 291. Apparatus in which the liquid distributing means is provided
with (1) an imperforate cap or hood extending
around or over it, or (2) caps or hoods
over openings in the distributor.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus having plural separation means identifiable as
separate units, (1) of different kinds, or (2) of
the same kind but differing in shape or other structure other than different
mesh size.
This subclass is indented under subclass 295. Apparatus including a feature depending upon the different
specific gravities of constituents of a liquid mixture for removing
a constituent or trapping it in a recess.
This subclass is indented under subclass 299. Apparatus in which the liquid is passed through (1) at
least two filter media, a constituent trap being positioned
therebetween, or (2) at least two constituent
traps with a filter medium therebetween.
This subclass is indented under subclass 299. Apparatus in which there is a spiral or convolute baffle
or tangential liquid inlet to give the liquid a whirling motion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 299. Apparatus provided with a baffle member to deflect liquid
entering a sediment chamber or a baffle within a sediment chamber
to catch sediment or quiet flow.
This subclass is indented under subclass 299. Apparatus in which the sediment removing, trapping
or removing feature is downstream of the filter, to remove
sediment from the filtrate.
This subclass is indented under subclass 308. Apparatus in which the filter element and the sediment chamber
means are directly attached to each other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 299. Apparatus in which the liquid flows generally axially through
a conduit containing the filter medium and there is means communicating with
the sediment trap, which extends laterally of the axis
of the conduit.
This subclass is indented under subclass 299. Apparatus in which entering liquid flows downwardly and
then passes through the filter medium in an upward direction.
for a closed casing filter and a variable flow controller
which casing has plural outlets for flushing the casing or diverting
prefilt around the filter medium.
This subclass is indented under subclass 295. Apparatus which comprises a plurality of isolated filters
or filter elements abutting along a surface to enclose an empty
space.
This subclass is indented under subclass 314. Apparatus wherein one filter is arranged in such a manner
that entering liquid contacts the filter before contacting any part
of the casing, or leaving liquid once having contacted
the filter, does not contact the casing.
CASING DIVIDED BY MEMBRANE INTO SECTIONS HAVING INLET(S) AND/OR
OUTLET(S):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus comprising a casing sealingly divided by a barrier
comprising a semipermeable membrane into at least two sections, each section
having means providing liquid inlet and/or outlet provided
by said semipermeable membrane.
This subclass is indented under subclass 321.6. Apparatus including at least one membrane having at least
a portion thereof modified (e.g., by
chemical treatment or ionizing radiation) to be antithrombogenic.
This subclass is indented under subclass 321.6. Apparatus including means to measure and/or control
a quantity of liquid which has permeated through a membrane (e.g., ultraflitrate, dialysate, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 321.6. Apparatus including means for energy recovery (e.g., turbine, flow
work exchanger, etc.), from
a treated liquid.
This subclass is indented under subclass 321.67. Apparatus wherein said means causes nontranslatory rotary
membrane movement during liquid purification.
This subclass is indented under subclass 321.6. Apparatus including means providing membrane cleaning (removing
accumulated undesired material) or sterilizing (destroying
a pathogenic micro-organism), other than
by a rotating mechanical agitator or membrane movement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 321.69. Apparatus wherein said means providing membrane cleaning
or sterilizing includes a plurality of solid discrete object other
than a rotating mechanical agitator, e.g., particles, granules, sponge
balls, beads, etc., and means for
moving said object, adjacent to and/or in contact
with, a membrane, for cleaning or sterilizing
said membrane.
This subclass is indented under subclass 321.6. Apparatus further comprising each said section having at
least one means providing liquid inlet and at least one means providing
liquid outlet.
This subclass is indented under subclass 321.72. Apparatus wherein at least on e membrane is, (a) generally
tubular, (b) noncylindrical in defining
a cross section (said cross section being taken perpendicularly
to the central axis of the tube) which is nonannular (e.g., inner
and/or outer surface(s) define noncircular cross
section), and (c) not coiled.
(1)
Note. A coiled flatted membrane tube is provided
for in subclasses 321.74 and 321.83.
This subclass is indented under subclass 321.72. Apparatus said semipermeable membrane is a strip or flattened
tube (i.e., is noncyclindrical) which
is spirally coiled (e.g., including
either a planar spiral or a helical spiral).
This subclass is indented under subclass 321.75. Apparatus including means providing spiral liquid flow (moving
essentially in a plane around a center with increasing or decreasing
distance from said center) adjacent a membrane(s).
This subclass is indented under subclass 321.72. Apparatus wherein said semipermeable membrane comprises
at least one hollow generally cylindrical tube.
This subclass is indented under subclass 321.78. Apparatus including plural cylindrical semipermeable membrane
tubes all or which, are connected for parallel flow therethrough (i.e., each
said tube has, a first end directly communicating with
a first end directly communicating with a first header, and
a second end directly communication with a second Header), and
are within a single casing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 321.79. Apparatus wherein all said plural cylindrical semipermeable
membrane tubes are parallel with respect to each other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 321.8. Apparatus wherein a baffle which is a solid material, which
serves as a flow restrictor, diverter or distributor, is
embedded between said plural parallel cylindrical semipermeable membrane
tubes such that, a straight line drown from an exterior
active surface (e.g., a membrane
tube sheet, etc.), or any one
of said tubes, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of that
tube, to an exterior active surface of any other of said
tubes, intersects said baffle.
This subclass is indented under subclass 321.6. Apparatus wherein at least one membrane is, (a) generally
tubular, (b) noncylindrical in defining
a cross section (said cross section being taken perpendicularly
to the central axis of the tube) which is nonannular (e.g., inner and/or
outer surface(s) define noncircular cross section, and (c) not
coiled.
(1)
Note. A coiled flattened membrane tube is provided
for in subclasses 321.74 and 321.83.
This subclass is indented under subclass 321.6. Apparatus wherein said semipermeable membrane is a strip
or flattened tube (i.e., is
noncylindrical), which is spirally coiled (e.g., including
either a planar spiral or a helical spiral).
This subclass is indented under subclass 321.84. Apparatus including means providing spiral liquid flow (moving
essentially in a plane around a center with increasing or decreasing
distance from said center adjacent a membrane(s).
This subclass is indented under subclass 321.6. Apparatus wherein said semipermeable membrane comprises
at least on hollow, generally cylindrical tube.
This subclass is indented under subclass 321.87. Apparatus including plural cylindrical semipermeable membrane
tubes all of which, are connected for parallel flow therethrough (i.e., each
said tube has a first end directly communication with a first header, and
a second end directly communication with a second header), and
are within a single ceasing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 321.88. Apparatus wherein all said plural cylindrical semipermeable
membrane tubes are parallel with respect to each other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 321.89. Apparatus wherein a baffle which is a solid material, which
serves as a flow restrictor, diverter or distributor, is
embedded between said plural parallel cylindrical semipermeable
membranse tubes such that, a straight line drawn fro an
exterior active surface (e.g., a
membrane tube surface not covered by casting resin, tube
sheet, etc.) of any one of said tubes
perpendicular to a lingitudinal axis of that tube, to an
exterior active surface of any other of said tubes, intersects
said baffle.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus comprising two or more distinct separators each
of which treats a portion of a liquid mixture.
This subclass is indented under subclass 324. Apparatus in which each rotates about an individual axis
and also moves about another axis, the construction being
such that rotation about both axes are or can be continuous during
operation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 324. Apparatus comprising plural rotary filter drums arranged
on parallel axes which drums are of the type in which prefilt contacts
the outer periphery of both drums simultaneously and the filtrate
flows to their interiors in parallel.
This subclass is indented under subclass 324. Apparatus connected by hinges or mounted on parallel pivots
so that they can be partially rotated to dump the cake (residue).
for a centrifugal extractor wherein the basket is
made up of plural sections which are pivotally mounted for discharging
the portion of the residue thereon.
This subclass is indented under subclass 324. Apparatus in which at least one filter and its support moves
with respect to another, usually for cleaning while at
least one remains in filtering service.
for moving filter medium types in which the medium
is continuous or comprises abutting filtering sections forming in
effect a continuous medium except for separating strips or partitions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 335. Apparatus comprising a frame or casing having inwardly extending
flanges or protuberances supporting the filter elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 323.1. Apparatus having means for interrupting flow to at least
one filter unit while another remains in service, said
filters being in parallel.
This subclass is indented under subclass 340. Apparatus in which there is provision for using different
filter elements with a common receiver and each filter element has
an individual flow control means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 323.1. Apparatus in which the units alternate with liquid receivers, alternate
receivers acting respectively as liquid inlet and discharge means, at least
one of a pair of liquid receivers separating one filter medium from
another and contacting the separated filter mediums on opposite
faces.
This subclass is indented under subclass 323.1. Apparatus in which each filter unit comprises a filter medium
and an imperforate pan-like liquid receiver substantially
coextensive with the filter medium.
This subclass is indented under subclass 323.1. Apparatus in which the units are radially arranged or which
are connected to means extending radially from a central header.
This subclass is indented under subclass 323.1. Apparatus in which the units each comprise a filter medium
enclosing a space, the filter medium having separate or
distinct walls.
This subclass is indented under subclass 346. Apparatus in which there is a header extending centrally
of the group of spaced wall type filter elements.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus in which constituents of a prefilt (usually
solids and liquid) are separated by passing the prefilt
through a medium having openings which retain at least one constituent.
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus in which a filter medium is enclosed by a receptacle
and provided with adjustable or movable means to compress the filtering
material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 350. Apparatus including means external of a closed receptacle
to actuate or adjust the means which compresses the filter medium.
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus in which there is a cleaning means, as
loose abrading particles or wiping elements, which are
free to move, (not attached to a retaining means).
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus in which either the filter medium, residue
remover or agitator is moved by the fluid being treated.
This subclass is indented under subclass 354. Apparatus in which the filter element is so mounted or specially
constructed as to be flexed or compressed by movement of liquid therethrough.
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus in which a cleaning member is extendable between
filter mediums or through openings in the filter medium.
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus in which there is an imperforate drum having a
filter element extending across a segment, covering an
arc, or covering either or both end walls of the drum.
This subclass is indented under subclass 359. Apparatus wherein structure including the filter medium
is particularly adapted for rapid movement about an axis of rotation.
Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids,
subclass 58 for a centrifugal filter combined with a distinct and
separate drying unit or for rotary work holders acting as driers, and
see search notes for other devices involving the use of centrifugal
force.
Imperforate Bowl: Centrifugal Separators, appropriate subclasses, for apparatus for breaking
up a mixture of fluids or fluent substances into two or more components
by centrifuging within a generally solid-walled, receptacle-like
member, and see especially
subclass 36 for a separator of that class provided with filtering means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 360.1. Apparatus in which means are provided for individually supporting
articles for the removal of liquid therefrom, e.g., honey
extractors.
Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids,
subclass 58 for centrifugal devices for removing liquid from articles, e.g., honey
from combs not having any means for separating by filtration or
straining.
This subclass is indented under subclass 361. Apparatus in which the position of the article supporting
means is reversible relative to the axis of rotation to alternaterly
present opposite sides of the article away from such axis.
This subclass is indented under subclass 360.1. Apparatus wherein adjustable means is provided to position
the center of gravity of the structure on the geometric axis of
rotation.
Machine Element or Mechanism,
subclasses 572+ for flywheels or rotors with balancing or vibration
dampening means defining no features of separator construction.
This subclass is indented under subclass 360.1. Apparatus wherein the filter medium is mounted on a shaft
and is enclosed by a nonrotating casing, both the rotating
structure and casing being mounted for gyratory movement as a unit.
This subclass is indented under subclass 360.1. Apparatus wherein the filter medium is mounted upon a rotating
shaft, both the filter medium and shaft being mounted for
gyratory movement as a unit.
This subclass is indented under subclass 369. Apparatus in which discharge of the residue is effected
or controlled by means engaging it, e.g., doctor
blades.
This subclass is indented under subclass 360.1. Apparatus in which the separating structure rotates about
an upright axis and in which the filtrate discharge therefrom is
restricted to a zone at or adjacent the top thereof, combined with
a filtrate receiving trough disposed above the bottom of the rotating
structure and surrounding the filtrate discharge.
This subclass is indented under subclass 380.1. Apparatus including inwardly extending partitions dividing
the interior of the separating structure into compartments.
This subclass is indented under subclass 380.1. Apparatus in which the separating structure rotates about
an upright axis, and its filtrate discharge is restricted
to a zone at or adjacent the top.
This subclass is indented under subclass 359. Apparatus comprising means for vibrating the filter medium
which is moving continuously in one direction, e.g., belt
or drum.
This subclass is indented under subclass 359. Apparatus in which the filter unit has more than one motion, e.g., rotation
and translation or rotation on plural axes.
This subclass is indented under subclass 359. Apparatus in which there are rolls or confining members
which contact the residue on the moving medium, e.g., for
compacting, shielding or takeoff.
This subclass is indented under subclass 359. Apparatus unrollable from a spool or equivalent source so
as to present successive areas for the filtering operation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 359. Apparatus in which the filter medium vibrates or has motion
back and forth in a plane parallel to the surface of the filtering
medium during filtration.
Classifying, Separating, and
Assorting Solids,
subclasses 325+ , 331, 333+, and
341 for shaking sifters for solids, and subclasses 437+ for
reciprocating liquid treatment stratifiers.
This subclass is indented under subclass 388. Apparatus in which the prefilt is fed in at one point of
a filter medium, usually one end, and moves along
it.
This subclass is indented under subclass 391. Apparatus having (1) a member fixed in
position which contacts the filter medium or its support, or (2) a
member actuating valves attached to a moving filter medium or its
support; either (1) or (2) acting
to block fluid flow through part of the moving filter medium.
This subclass is indented under subclass 391. Apparatus in which the moving filter medium encloses a space
and the cleaning means acts to return residue to said space.
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Apparatus comprising an inner wall surrounded by a filter
element forming an annular space divided into segments by partitions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus having moving means which receives and distributes
the prefilt against a filter medium, e.g., rotary
thrower.
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus in which there is means to apply a vacuum to a
closed filtrate receiver with no liquid being removed to the vacuum
source.
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus having means for removing residue from the filter
medium or for agitating either the prefilt or filtrate.
This subclass is indented under subclass 407. Apparatus provided with diverse residue removal or agitating
means, e.g., agitators, scrapers, brushes, means
to add a gas, means to blowback through the filter medium.
This subclass is indented under subclass 407. Apparatus having (1) means to add a fluid
to or trap a fluid within the filter unit for cleaning purposes
or (2) constructed to backwash the filter medium.
This subclass is indented under subclass 409. Apparatus in which a fluid is trapped within the filter, which
fluid, upon a release of pressure or cessation of normal
flow, acts to force itself or a portion of the filtrate
through the filter medium or acts to discharge trapped residue.
This subclass is indented under subclass 409. Apparatus having means to pass a fluid, usually
a liquid, through the filter medium in a direction reverse
to normal filtering flow.
This subclass is indented under subclass 411. Apparatus having means to cause a backwash liquid, usually
filtrate, to traverse the filter medium as a pressure wave, i.e., having
pressures varying between two or more peaks, e.g., pistons
reciprocating within a cylindrical filter medium or an intermittently
actuated pulsator.
This subclass is indented under subclass 407. Apparatus in which the filter medium is stationary and an
agitator and mechanical cleaning means moves relative to it.
This subclass is indented under subclass 413. Apparatus in which the filter medium has a curved surface
and in which the cleaning or agitating means moves about a fixed
axis and has nontranslatory rotary motion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus provided with a pump or other source of vacuum
or pressure which is particularly defined as other than a suction
of pressure conduit, acting to aid the flow of fluid through the
strainer or filter.
Expansible Chamber Devices,
subclasses 78+ for the combination of an expansible chamber device
and fluid purifying means which enhances the operation of the device; and
see (2) Note in subclass 78 of Class 92 for statement
of the line.
Wells,
subclasses 105.1+ for well pumps having sediment traps or deflectors; and
subclasses 105.5+ for well pumps having liquid-gas
separator; i.e., gas anchors.
Pumps, appropriate subclasses for the combination of a
pump and a filter wherein the specific disclosure of the filter
is to protect or enhance the operation of the pump.
Rotary Expansible Chamber Devices,
subclass 47 for the combination or a rotary expansible chamber
pump and a filter wherein the filter is specially disclosed as protecting
or enhancing the operation of the pump.
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus in which there are liquid distributors embedded
in a filter medium, alternate distributors acting respectively
as liquid inlet and discharge means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 418. Apparatus in which the flow controller is attached to or
within a portable prefilt receiver, e.g., funnel
or hand manipulated receptacle.
This subclass is indented under subclass 418. Apparatus in which the controller selects the direction
of fluid flow from a given source through or by the filter.
This subclass is indented under subclass 420. Apparatus in which a deflector is pivoted for limited motion
for diverting the prefilt to one or more alternate paths, e.g., dirty
rain to a receiver and clean rain water to a filter.
This subclass is indented under subclass 420. Apparatus in which the filter element is within a closed
casing, which casing has a residue or prefilt outlet in
addition to a prefilt inlet and filtrate outlet.
This subclass is indented under subclass 418. Apparatus in which there are at least two inflow passages
and one outflow passage with the filter in the outflow or (2) at
least two outflow passages and one inflow passage with the filter
in the inflow; and with a flow controller for any one or
more of said passages.
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus comprising two outlet passages for liquid under
treatment, one for untreated liquid and one for filtrate.
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus wherein the filter medium is totally positioned
in a casing which is imperforate except for flow line means for
introducing and discharging fluid.
This subclass is indented under subclass 435. Apparatus in which a liquid receiving means such as a tube
or equivalent means forming a flow passage is located centrally
of a filter medium or element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 437. Apparatus in which the tube is imperforate at least along
a substantial length thereof directing fluid axially of the filter
element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 438. Apparatus in which the liquid to be treated flows through
the imperforate tube in one direction and through the filter medium, for treating
purposes, in a direction opposite to the first mentioned
direction of flow.
This subclass is indented under subclass 441. Apparatus in which the central liquid receiving means is
attached, at each of its ends, to opposed parts
of the casing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 443. Apparatus in which the filter element is attached to and
extrudes downwardly from an upper part of the casing, usually
a removable head.
This subclass is indented under subclass 446. Apparatus in which the strainer or filter element is insertable
in and removable from the casing by movement generally lateral to
the direction of flow of the liquid to be treated, e.g., the
axis of the casing or pipe.
This subclass is indented under subclass 435. Apparatus having (1) opposed members at
each end of the element which are separable from the casing with
the filter element supported between them, or (2) a
gasket between the element and the walls of the casing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 435. Apparatus in which the casing is provided with an internal
shoulder from which the filter element is supported.