This class provides for apparatus for (a) enriching metal bearing
ores, (b) extracting metals from their source materials, (c) refining,
purifying, or otherwise treating molten or liquefied metals where
such treatment is not elsewhere provided for, (d) melting metals,
and (e) establishing desired physical or chemical properties in solid
metal objects, and for subcombinations peculiar to such apparatus.
This class also provides for methods of operating such apparatus
where not elsewhere provided for.
(1)
Note. Patents issued prior to 1945 have not in all instances
been classified by their claimed disclosure so the placement of these
older patents does not necessarily indicate lines of classification.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
While Class 266 provides for certain methods of operating
metallurgical apparatus, those patents which recite a step of treating
an ore or molten metal or of altering the parameters effecting such
a treatment, e.g., temperature, oxygen content, will not be found
in Class 266, unless such a method is less comprehensive than the
apparatus. The methods provided for in Class 266 are merely of
an operational nature and contain no treatment steps. The order
of superiority among various metal, alloy, and metal stock areas
and methods of manufacture involving them is as follows:
(1) Class 419, Powder Metallurgy Processes.
(2) Class 148, Metal Treatment, subclasses 22-30, compositions
for treatment of solid metal.
(3) Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, subclasses 300, 301, and 303-329, gaseous,
liquid or solid treating compositions for liquid metal or charges, and
subclass 302, welding rod defined by composition.
(4) Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, subclasses 228-250, consolidated metal
powder compositions and subclasses 255-254, loose metal particulate mixtures.
(5) Class 420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, claimed as
products.
(6) Class 148, Metal Treatment, subclasses 95-122, 194-287,
and 500-714, in class schedule order, providing for certain processes
of treating solid or semisolid metal by modifying or maintaining
the internal physical structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical
properties of metal, processes of reactive coating of metal or processes
of chemical-heat removing (e.g., flame-cutting etc.) or burning
of metal. However, if metal casting, fusion bonding, machining,
or working is involved, there is a requirement of significant heat
treatment as described in the Class 148 class definition.
(7) Class 148, Metal Treatment, subclasses 33-33.6, barrier
layer stock material and subclasses 400-442, stock.
(8) Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, subclasses 331-341, processes of making solid
particulate alloys directly from liquid metal and subclasses 343-374,
processes of producing or purifying alloys in powder form.
(9) Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, subclasses 10.1-10.66 and 10.67, processes
of making alloys by electrothermic, electromagnetic, or electrostatic
processes.
(10) Class 420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, processes
of manufacture.
(11) Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, subclasses 330-773, processes of making metal
and processes of treating liquid metals and liquid alloys and consolidating
metalliferous material.
(12) Class 204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, processes.
(13) Class 164, Metal Founding, subclasses 1-138, processes.
(14) Class 266, Metallurgical Apparatus, subclasses 44-47,
processes of operating metallurgical apparatus.
This list is not complete and may be added to as the proper
relationship of other areas as determined.
Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, appropriate subclasses for apparatus for contacting a solid
with a gas not elsewhere provided for. See especially
subclasses 576 -594 for fluidized beds of granular material where the
fluidizing agent is a treating gas.
Metal Deforming, appropriate subclasses for a method or an apparatus
including a step of or a means for maintaining or modifying the
temperature of the work subjected to the metal shaping operation
where (a) nominally recited means are provided to alter the temperature
of the work in some unspecified manner, (b) specific heating means
are provided which merely condition the work to perfect the shaping,
or (c) nominal annealing means are provided where the annealing
is for the purpose of relieving work stresses or to facilitate working.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, appropriate subclasses for consolidating metalliferous
material, or extracting, refining or melting metals. See Lines With Other
Classes, above, for a list of superiority of this and other metal,
allow, and metal stock areas.
Gas Separation: Apparatus, for apparatus for gas separation, per se (e.g.,
electrostatic precipitators, etc.). Because Class 96 is subcombinational
in character, the combination of a metallurgical treating apparatus
with a gas separation means will be found in Class 266.
Furnaces, appropriate subclasses for furnaces of general utility,
especially
subclasses 235 -259 for incinerators for the disposal of waste material,
which incinerators may have structure to render a molten material,
including metals, disposable. Class 266 provides for furnaces specialized
for extracting a desired metallic constituent from a source of such metal,
which source could be waste material.
Coating Apparatus,
subclasses 58 through 69,for coating apparatus combined with heating means
for drying the coating or for effecting a metallurgical treatment,
e.g., annealing, of a coated article or of an article which is about
to be coated.
Liquid Heaters and Vaporizers,
subclass 6.6 for tuyeres cooled by a liquid circulating in a closed
path, see subclass 270 of this class (266) for a further statement
of the line, and subclass 7 for waste heat boilers, per se, or combined with
a nominally recited converter and for hoods which are cooled by
a liquid circulating in a closed path.
Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, appropriate subclasses for metal quenching apparatus, per
se. See the search note to subclass 134 in
subclass 114 of this class (266) for a more complete statement
of the line between the classes.
Metal Treatment, appropriate subclasses for processes of treating
solid or semisolid metal to modify or maintain the internal physical
structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical property of metal and
appropriate subclasses for processes of chemical-heat removing (e.g.,
flame cutting, etc.) or burning (i.e., oxidizing) of a metal workpiece.
While Class 266 provides for certain methods of operating a metallurgical
apparatus, it does not provide for a combined operation that includes
subject matter proper for Class 148.
Heat Exchange, appropriate subclasses, especially
subclasses 9.1 through 9.4for air heaters and other heat exchange devices
which transfer heat in an indirect manner, that is through a body
or wall that physically separates the fluids, or which employs a
heat storing mass.
Conveyors: Power-Driven, appropriate subclasses for conveyors or for conveyors
combined with nominal treating apparatus, Class 198 provides for
cooling beds for metal bars, including those beds which have means
to turn the bars while they are being conveyed to keep the bars
straight, provided no additional treating structure is claimed in
more than a nominal fashion.
Distillation: Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for distilling apparatus
not elsewhere provided for. See the class definition of Class 202
for a statement of the line between Class 202 and Class 266.
Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids, appropriate subclasses for nonchemical types of separation
employing the use of amalgams or magnet lines of force and
subclass 11 and 182 for separating apparatus combined with heating
means.
Electric Heating, appropriate subclasses, especially
subclasses 50 through 162for electric heaters specialized to heat metal objects.
Patents which claim an electric heater combined with a quenching
device are placed as an original in Class 266 and are cross referenced
into the appropriate heater subclass in Class 219.
Dispensing,
subclasses 591 through 607,especially subclasses 592 and 593 for ladles or tundishes
used to dispense molten metals. Such dispensing vessels may include
means to treat the molten metal where such a treatment is solely
ancillary to and supportive of the dispensing operation, e.g., spout
heaters to prevent clogging of the vessel outlet. If other treating
structure is provided, e.g., additional heater remote from the outlet,
or if the vessel is a metallurgical furnace, the patent should be placed
in this class (266).
Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, appropriate subclasses, especially
subclasses 132 through 132.5for lances, per se, and for nozzles of general utility.
Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, appropriate subclasses, especially
subclasses 65 through 67for comminuting or disintegrating means, per se,
or combined with heating means which do not effect a change in the chemical
nature of the material being treated.
Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes,
subclass 30 for methods of forming or repairing furnace linings
by shaping, e.g., molding, fluent refractory material.
Industrial Electric Heating Furnaces, for furnaces having specific electric heating means, except
as noted below, or for such furnaces combined with such additional
treating structure, e.g., condensers, as is provided for in Class
373. Class 266 takes patents having claims to electric furnaces
where no electric heating structure is recited and where that structure
would be useful in other types of metallurgical furnaces. Class
266 also provides for metallurgical furnaces having specific electric heating
means where additional means are recited for introducing reactant
materials, e.g., tuyeres.
Material or Article Handling,
subclasses 147 through 216for the combination of a chamber of a type utilized
for a heating function and material charging or discharging means
therefor. Specific furnace structure is included there (subclasses
147-216) only when its sole purpose is to facilitate the movement
of material to or from the furnace.
Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing,
Preserving, or Sterilizing,
subclasses 255 through 290for apparatus not elsewhere provided for, for extracting
inorganic chemical elements or compounds from their source material.
Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds,
subclasses 210 through 215.5for processes modifying or chemically removing
a component of a normally gaseous mixture which may contain hazardous
or toxic waste.
Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating:
Apparatus, appropriate subclasses, especially
subclass 222 for means to shape or agglomerate particles of
ore into pellets or balls which may be combined with additional
treating means to improve or complete the shaping, e.g., heaters,
other than sintering or indurating means, which merely dry or harden
the shaped article, and subclass 78, for means to form and sinter
a mass of powdered metal.
Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
subclasses 544 through 687for stock material which is all metal or has adjacent
metal components, especially subclasses 546-569 for such material
containing metal particles.
Heating, appropriate subclasses for heating apparatus of
general utility. Class 432 also takes reheat furnaces which elevate
the temperature of a metal object to facilitate some subsequent
treatment of the object, e.g., bending, provided that no means for
providing or circulating a treating or protecting gas is claimed.
See the search note to Class 266 in the class definitions for Class
432 for a further statement of the line between the two classes.
Hazardous or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment,
subclasses 300 through 321for processes for the chemical destruction of nongaseous
hazardous or toxic waste and subclass 900 for a cross-reference
art collection of apparatus.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Methods of operating metallurgical apparatus which are solely
directed to those steps of operating such an apparatus which do
not effect a chemical or physical change in the work being treated.
(1)
Note. Examples of the types of methods to be found herein
are methods of cooling a furnace or some part thereof, a method
of operating tuyeres in a certain sequence where no metallurgical
action is attributable to such an operation, methods of plugging
furnaces and like treating vessels not elsewhere provided for, methods
of tapping a vessel, etc.
(2)
Note. Only those patents which contain claims to methods
not elsewhere provided for should be placed in this or the indented
subclasses as either an original or a cross-reference.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, appropriate subclasses for methods of treating ores
extracting, refining or melting metals.
Metal Treatment, appropriate subclasses for processes of treating
solid or semisolid metal to modify or maintain the internal physical
structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical property of metal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Method for maintaining the temperature of a metallurgical
apparatus or some portion thereof within a desired range.
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Method for operating short tubular means adapted to be mounted
in wall of a metallurgical apparatus for injecting fluents therein.
MEANS FOR CUTTING SOLID METAL WITH HEAT, E.G., BLOWPIPES:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device including means for severing a metal or removing
a portion thereof with a flame by supplying an excess of oxygen
to the heated metal.
Metal Treatment, appropriate subclasses for processes of chemical-heat removing
(e.g., flame cutting, etc.) or burning (i.e., oxidizing) of a metal workpiece.
Boring or Penetrating the Earth,
subclasses 11 through 16for a process or means for forming a hole in the
earth by directly applying heat to fluidize or comminute the material
forming the earth, and particularly subclass 14 for such process
or apparatus in which the heat is produced by combustion in a confined
chamber having a restricted orifice.
Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, appropriate subclasses, for tips or nozzles which
dispense combustibles where no feature or structure is recited which
specializes the tip for cutting or burning.
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Device including gas or liquid means for collecting or ensnaring
refuse material generated by the flame cutting of the workpiece.
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Device including means for severing or removing a portion
of a workpiece as it emerges from a continuous casting facility.
Metal Treatment,
subclasses 194 through 205for processes of chemical-heat removing (e.g.,
flame cutting, etc.) or burning (i.e., oxidizing) which includes
desurfacing or gouging operations utilizing said chemical-heat removing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Device including a multiplicity of cutting torches arranged
such that their flames concurrently impinge against plural faces
of an article to remove surface defects therefrom.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Device including a means adapted to engage the face of the
workpiece to position the torch means a predetermined distance therefrom.
Metal Treatment,
subclasses 194 through 205for processes of chemical-heat removing (e.g.,
flame cutting, etc.) or burning (i.e., oxidizing) which includes
traversely cutting metal tubes utilizing said chemical-heat removing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Device including means to propel the severing means over
and around the peripheral surface of the tubular article.
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Device having means for storing operating instructions which
means cause the cutting means to move in a predetermined path.
Gear Cutting, Milling, or Planing,
subclasses 79 through 124for a pattern-controlled milling machine. See the
notes thereunder for additional searches.
Gear Cutting, Milling, or Planing,
subclasses 79 through 124for a pattern-controlled milling machine. See the
notes thereunder for additional searches.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Device wherein the information storing means includes a
planer surface having a control pattern inscribed thereon and means
are provided to scan said surface to sense and follow the outline
of the pattern.
(1)
Note. Examples of devices to be found herein are devices
having photoelectric or magnetic reading heads which scan mechanical
drawings to follow lines drawn thereon.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Device including a means for holding the cutting means having
a plurality of segments pivotally joined to one another.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Device wherein the information storing means includes a
patterning cam which is located above and out of contact with the
piece to be cut.
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Device wherein a lattice-type surface is provided which
holds the article to be cut against the effects of gravity.
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Device wherein the torch includes means by which an operator
can engage the torch to manipulate and partially support the same
and wherein the supporting structure is adapted to travel upon the
surface of the work being cut.
This subclass is indented under subclass 67. Device including a means adapted to engage the face of the
workpiece to position the blow pipe a predetermined distance therefrom.
This subclass is indented under subclass 67. Device wherein the wheeled supporting means is adapted to
extend across the workpiece, having the supporting wheels engaging
surfaces adjacent to opposite sides of the workpiece.
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Device wherein the cutting means is provided with supporting
structure which is adapted to entirely rest upon and be exclusively
sustained by a surface of the work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Device wherein the cutting means is supported on a projecting
structure which is supported at only one end.
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Device including means for controlling the position of the
cutting means with respect to the workpiece surface in response
to variations in the distance between the cutting means and said
surface.
WITH CONTROL MEANS RESPONSIVE TO SENSED CONDITION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device wherein the treating apparatus is provided with means
to regulate the operation of the apparatus which means react to
means which perceive a characteristic or a change in a characteristic
of either the treated material or the treating apparatus.
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Device wherein the control means reacts to means measuring
a characteristic of a specimen taken from the work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Device wherein (a) the control means is responsive to means
which determine the chemical composition of the treated material
or a by-product of the treatment or (b) information from the sensors
is fed to an information storage device wherein additional information is
determined, which additional information is then utilized to control
the treatment.
(1)
Note. Servomechanisms, i.e., automatic control devices in
which the output is constantly or intermittently compared with the
input through feedback so that the error or difference between the
two quantities can be used to bring about the desired control, are
classified with their appropriate sensing devices.
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Device wherein means are provided for the controlled addition
of a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance to the treating apparatus,
which substance then reacts with the material contained therein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Device wherein means are provided for proportioning the
supply of a multiplicity of streams based upon a condition sensed
in any of the streams or in the treating apparatus.
This subclass is indented under subclass 82. Device wherein the control means is responsive to means
which perceive the amount or volume of the fluent flowing through
the apparatus in a given time.
Fluid Handling,
subclasses 100 through 101.19for fluid-handling systems having means to sense
differences between the rates of flow in a plurality of correlated
flow lines.
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Device wherein means are provided for the control of a plurality
of fluent-supply means, each of which has a condition-responsive
flow regulating means therein, whereby the volume or flow rate of
each stream can be independently regulated in response to a sensed
condition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Device wherein means are provided to control the attitude
or displacement of the means supplying the treating agent to the
treating apparatus, e.g., a lance height control apparatus.
Thermal Measuring and Testing,
subclass 125 for a radiation thermometer with fluid flow purging
and subclasses 139 and 140 for a molten metal thermometer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 87. Device wherein the control means is responsive to the sensed
temperature of a fluid, e.g., gas, liquid, bath of molten metal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Device wherein the control means is responsive to a variation
in the force per unit area existing within the treating apparatus
or in lines connected thereto.
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Device wherein the control means reacts to means sensing
a physical, chemical, or mechanical characteristic of the work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 90. Device wherein the control means is responsive to (a) the
mass of treated material at a specified location on the treating
apparatus or (b) the mass per unit volume of treated material at
a specified position in the treating apparatus.
This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Device wherein the control means is responsive to the entrance
or exit of the treated material from a particular position in the
apparatus.
(1)
Note. Devices which have means which sense the presence of
a workpiece which has been conveyed to the device and which means
actuate the device are classified herein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Device wherein the control means is responsive to means
perceiving the surface of a molten material in a container.
WITH PROGRAMMED, CYCLIC, OR TIME RESPONSIVE CONTROL MEANS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device wherein the control means is provided with (a) means
for storing coded instructions or other data necessary to regulate
the operation of the treating apparatus, (b) means repetitively
regulating the sequence of operational steps performed in or by
the treating apparatus or, (c) means for determining the time at
which an operation occurs or length of time taken to perform such
an operation.
(1)
Note. The type of cyclic control to be found herein includes
limit switch arrangements of the interlock type which control the
sequence of operation based on the movement of apparatus elements to
specific locations, e.g., the closing or opening of a door, the
movement of a mud gun to an advanced position, etc.
Heating,
subclass 51 for heating devices of general utility having timing,
programming, or cyclic control means; further, see the search notes attached
to subclass 51 for additional search areas.
This subclass is indented under subclass 96. Device wherein the control means is provided with means
for controlling the time at which an operation occurs or the length
of time in which said operation is performed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 97. Device wherein the timer includes a rotatable, cylindrical,
or circular member and an associated information pick-up means,
which member is provided with means storing the information necessary
to control the operation of the apparatus such that control signals
are generated through the interaction of the rotated member and
the associated pick-up means.
WITH RECORDING, INDICATING, INSPECTION OR MEASURING MEANS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device wherein means are provided which (a) automatically
make a permanent record of selected events occurring during the operation
of said device, (b) display information concerning the condition
of the device or a material therein, (c) provide for the examination
of selected portions of the device or material therein, or (d) gauge
or otherwise determine a physical, chemical, or electrical characteristic
or property of the device or material therein.
Heating,
subclass 32 for heating devices of general utility having indicating,
illuminating, or inspection means; for additional search areas,
see the search notes attached to the subclass definition of subclass
32.
HAVING MEANS FOR LEACHING AND SUBSEQUENTLY PRECIPITATING
A METAL:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device wherein a means for extracting a metal from an ore
or concentrate is provided having first means for contacting the
ore or concentrate with a suitable solvent, and second means for
rendering the dissolved metal insoluble in its carrier solvent.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures,
subclasses 711 through 744for producing metal using nonmetallic material
which is liquid under standard conditions.
Liquid Purification or Separation,
subclasses 177 and 178 for purification or separation of general
utility with the addition of heat and additional fluid for treatment
and subclasses 198.1-221.2 for liquid purification or separation
with means to add an additional treating material.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device wherein either (a) a plurality of discrete articles
are joined together so as to form an uninterrupted supply or (b)
an object of indeterminate length is fed into a zone wherein the
articles or object is operated on to enhance the physical, metallurgical,
or chemical properties thereof.
(1)
Note. Devices which are solely disclosed for annealing or
patenting of a continuous strip, rod, sheet, or web of metal are
classified in Class 266.
Coating Apparatus,
subclasses 65 , 67, and 68 for means to anneal or temper a running
length of metal combined with means to apply a metallic coating to
the running length, e.g., galvanizing.
Metal Treatment, appropriate subclasses for processes of treating
a running length of solid or semisolid metal to modify or maintain
the internal physical structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical
property of metal.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, appropriate subclasses for method of, and apparatus
for, feeding material without utilizing the leading or trailing
ends to effect movement of the material.
Heating,
subclass 8 for a process including passing a continuous strip longitudinally
through a heating zone and subclass 59 for heating apparatus having
advancing structure flexing, looping, or coiling a sheet, web, or strand.
See the search notes to the class definition of Class 432 for a more
complete statement of the line between these classes.
This subclass is indented under subclass 103. Device wherein a plurality of electrical contacts physically
bear against the object to be treated and the object is heated by
passing an electric current through that portion of the object located
between the contacts.
Electric Heating,
subclasses 50 through 162,especially subclass 71 for electric-heating means
which heat bypasses current directly through the body to be heated.
This subclass is indented under subclass 103. Device wherein the object being treated consists of a multiplicity
of individual units or blanks which are fastened together by removable
clips, or the like, to form a continuous composite article for treatment.
This subclass is indented under subclass 103. Device wherein the object being treated is formed into looped
coils which lie in a substantially horizontal plane.
This subclass is indented under subclass 103. Device wherein the object is heated by passing it through
a heated receptacle having means therein to maintain the object
out of direct contact with any source of heat or gases evolved thereby.
This subclass is indented under subclass 103. Device wherein the heated object is further treated by physically
contacting it with a solid object which is at a lower temperature
than the heated object.
This subclass is indented under subclass 103. Device wherein means are provided to introduce, maintain,
or generate a particular gaseous atmosphere within a chamber wherein
an object is treated.
This subclass is indented under subclass 103. Device wherein the heated object is further treated by the
application of a liquid or gaseous medium to the object.
HAVING MEANS FOR CONTACTING A SOLID METALLIFEROUS MATERIAL OR
METAL OBJECT WITH A LIQUID:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device wherein an apparatus is provided for treating either
a metallic article or a metal bearing ore which is in a hardened
form by applying a liquid thereto.
(1)
Note. The term "solid" as used herein includes
within its purview granular or pulverulent material which is composed of
discrete solid particles.
Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning, for cleaning and liquid contact apparatus of the
type stated below as going to Class 134, where a brush, wiper, scraper,
suction, or gas blast cleaning means or a squeegee is part of the
combination.
Coating Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for apparatus for coating
metal work including apparatus for performing a coating process
in which a chemical reaction occurs.
Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, for solid metal cleaning and pickling processes,
per se, i.e., not combined with any other solid-metal treating operations.
This class also has apparatus for cleaning and pickling solid metal
combined with such means for handling or operating upon the solid
metal as are necessary for the cleaning or pickling operations.
Class 266 has apparatus for heating solid metal by contact with
molten solids for heat treating the solid metal, Class 134 having
no apparatus disclosed for this purpose. Class 134 also has apparatus
for contacting solid metals with liquid for other purposes (as quenching)
where the means claimed pertain to the applying of the liquids and
only such means for manipulating or handling of the solid metal
as are required to present the metal to, move or support it during,
and/or remove it from the means that applies the liquids.
Apparatus involving, in addition to the cleaning or liquid-contact
means, means for the purpose of preventing warping, straightening,
forming by any manufacturing means (note stretching below) or separate
heating, is considered to be beyond the scope of Class 134 and is
in Class 266. Separating material from solid metal by heating only
(as distinguished from the application of liquids which liquids
may be heated) has not been placed in Class 134, but remains in Class
266 or other appropriate heating class. In the case of strip or
strand material, Class 134 has apparatus which involve means for
uncoiling, coiling, or temporarily distorting the material to feed
and/or discharge such material during the cleaning or liquid contact
operation, and also has means to stitch (as by welding, for example) or
otherwise fasten one piece to another to make the operation continuous
with or without means to subsequently cut the material into sections.
Further, apparatus for contacting only certain areas of a metal
body with a liquid to selectively harden the body will be found
in this class (266).
Metal Treatment, appropriate subclasses for processes of quenching
or utilizing liquid contact with metal to modify or maintain the
internal physical structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical property
of metal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 114. Device including means to alter the configuration of the
object to be treated prior to or during the liquid contact.
Metal Deforming,
subclasses 38 , 39, and 46 for gas or liquid contact with a metal
prior to plastically shaping it, for the purpose of protecting,
cleaning, or coating the metal; and subclass 201 for deforming rollers
with cooling means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 114. Device including means for constraining the object being
treated to prevent any unwanted deformation thereof which might
result from the liquid contact.
This subclass is indented under subclass 117. Device wherein means are provided to increase the temperature
of the treated article thereby enhancing the grain structure and
reducing stress within the treated article (e.g., tempering).
This subclass is indented under subclass 114. Device wherein the contacting apparatus includes a tank
containing a liquid made from melted, normally solid matter, e.g.,
salts.
(1)
Note. Molten material, as used herein, is limited to a material
which is in the solid state under standard atmospheric condition
of pressure and temperature, which material is liquefied by an altering
of one or both of these conditions, e.g., heating a mass of salt
to fuse the same. Thus, a bath composed of a material which is normally
a liquid under standard atmospheric conditions, e.g., mercury, oil, water,
is not found herein unless combined with a molten material bath.
Metal Treatment, appropriate subclasses for treatment of solid or semi-solid
metal to modify or maintain the internal physical structure (i.e.,
microstructure) or chemical property of metal or for processes of
reactive coating of metal, particularly
subclasses 631 , 632, or 711 for use of a fused molten material
to treat the metal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 114. Device further including means to raise the temperature
of the work prior to, during, or after the work has been contacted
with the liquid.
Metal Treatment, appropriate subclasses for processes of heating
or cooling of metal to modify or maintain the internal physical
structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical property of the metal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Device wherein the heating means and the liquid-contact
means are particularized to operate on metal bearing matter to remove
unwanted constituents from said matter.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, appropriate subclasses for methods of heating an
ore and subsequently contacting said ore with a liquid.
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Device wherein the heating means is configured to pass into
or through a cavity or passage formed in the article to be treated.
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Device wherein the heating means is specialized to effect
heating of only certain zones on the surface of the article to be
treated.
Metal Treatment, particularly
subclasses 210 through 214,627, and 639-644 for processes of localized or zone
heating of solid or semisolid metal to modify or maintain the internal
physical structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical property of metal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 124. Device wherein the heating means is particularized to effect
heating selected areas on the surface of objects having a nonuniform
or a discontinuous surface or profile.
(1)
Note. Examples of objects having nonuniform or discontinuous
surfaces are valve cams, spur or helical gears, racks, etc.
Metal Treatment, particularly
subclasses 559 through 714for treatment of solid or semisolid metal to modify or
maintain the internal physical structure (i.e., microstructure)
or chemical property of metal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Device wherein the heating means is specialized for heating
power transmission elements which have castellated power transmitting
surfaces, and wherein the heating means has a profile allowing it
to be inserted between adjoining castellations.
Metal Treatment, particularly
subclasses 573 and 586 for processes of treating solid or semisolid
metal gears to modify or maintain the internal physical structure
(i.e., microstructure) or chemical property of metal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Device wherein the heating and the fluid-contact means either
are formed as a single treating member or are so closely juxtaposed
that they constitute a unitary treating member.
(1)
Note. An example of unitized structures to be found herein
is heating torch having a supply outlet for a quenching fluid formed
therein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Device wherein the heat to treat the material is produced
by a current passing through a conductive medium.
This subclass is indented under subclass 128. Device wherein the heating means include means to impress
a fluctuating magnetic field across the workpiece to be treated,
which field causes current to pass through and heat said workpiece.
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Device wherein the means for contacting the work with a
liquid includes a receptacle which confines a body of liquid into
which the work is dipped or immersed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 130. Device wherein means are provided for (a) generating a current
within the liquid body or (b) adding, removing, or otherwise changing the
heat content of the liquid body.
Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids,
subclasses 105 through 111for a means of general utility for contacting a
solid with a liquid including heating, cooling, or heat-exchange means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 130. Device wherein a vertically moving support is provided,
which support partakes of a generally straight up and down motion
to lower the work into and subsequently raise it out of the bath.
This subclass is indented under subclass 114. Device wherein the apparatus is so arranged or additional
means are provided to insure that the liquid contact with the object
to be treated will be restricted to only a certain pre-established section
of said object.
(1)
Note. Means to mask the surface of the object to be contacted
so that only certain areas will have liquid applied thereto are
found herein.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device wherein means are provided for (a) removing accumulations
of unwanted material which are deposited on or in the device during
the operation of same or (b) the introduction of an anti-friction
agent, e.g., oil, into or on the device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Device wherein means are provided for removing unwanted
accumulations from a fluid nozzle, e.g., tuyere punches.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device having means to break up or reduce the size of an
individual unit of hard matter.
(1)
Note. Included within the definition of an individual unit
are a solid metal object, a sintered mass, and the individual particle
of a granular mass.
Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, appropriate subclasses for comminuting or disintegrating
apparatus, per se, and for comminuting combined with heating where
no chemical change to the material heated occurs.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device having means to elevate the temperature of a gas
or vapor supplied to a treating vessel prior to the entry of the
gas into the treating zone.
Heating,
subclass 40 for the automatic control of a hot blast stove;
subclasses 78-80, wherein combustion feed air cools existing work
by contact; subclass 84, wherein combustion feed air cools the furnace
wall; subclasses 179-182, wherein the furnace exhaust heats the
furnace feed air; subclasses 214-218 for a hot blast stove, per
se; and subclasses 219-223 for a residual gas heater, per se.
This subclass is indented under subclass 138. Device including means adapted to receive and retain heat
energy and thereafter give up said energy to a gas flowing therepast
to raise the temperature of the gas.
Heating, appropriate subclasses for general utility furnaces combined with
heat-storage means, especially
subclasses 214 through 218for heat storage means combined with a heat generator.
This subclass is indented under subclass 138. Device wherein the means to elevate the temperature of the
gas includes means in addition to the heating means for the treating
vessel for producing heat energy by a chemical reaction, e.g., combustion,
or by the transformation of some other form of energy into heat
energy, e.g., electric resistance-type heaters.
This subclass is indented under subclass 138. Device wherein the means to elevate the temperatures of
the incoming gas includes means physically separated from the treating
vessel, which means effects a transfer of heat from a material at
a relatively high temperature to the relatively cool incoming gas.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device wherein (a) a work-processing device is related either
to some feature of the earth or to a definable building feature,
e.g., a hall, or (b) a plurality of such devices are arranged so
as to form a specific machinery layout.
(1)
Note. Examples of limitations that are indicative of geographic
features or structural installations are pits, bays, corridors,
plural working levels, etc.
(2)
Note. Merely positioning one device above another so that
gravity flow between the devices is effected is not considered to
constitute a specific machinery layout.
This subclass is indented under subclass 142. Device wherein the structural or geographic installation
is provided with a means for treating a molten metal having a support
means which mounts the treating means for movement from one location
to another within the installation.
(1)
Note. Examples of a traveling support are cranes, wheel vehicles,
etc.
WITH MEANS TREATING OR HANDLING GASES EXHAUSTED BY TREATING
MEANS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device wherein the metallurgical apparatus is provided with
means for (a) removing fumes and the like from the apparatus, (b)
conditioning such fumes to either remove valuable components, e.g.,
gaseous mercury or render the fumes less objectionable to the environment,
e.g., pollution abatement devices, or (c) to extract heat energy
from the fumes.
(1)
Note. While apparatus to condense metallic vapors within
a vacuum will be found herein, apparatus to remove entrained gases
from a mass of molten metal by subjecting at least a portion of the
mass to a vacuum is not considered to be a fume handling or treating
means since such gases do not normally "evolve" by
themselves from the molten mass. Such apparatus thus will not be found
in this or the indented subclasses.
(2)
Note. A nominally recited flue or a nominal flue and damper
combination is not considered to be a fume-handling means and thus
will not be found herein. Further, a mere windbox or a nominal windbox
and blower combination used in conjunction with an ore-sintering apparatus
is not considered to be a fume-handling means for this subclass.
Such patents have been placed on the features of the particular
treating apparatus with which they are associated.
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Device wherein the gas handling or treating means are specialized
to receive fumes from a furnace adapted to rotate through more than 360
degrees.
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Device including means specialized to commingle or otherwise
encounter the fumes with a nonmetallic liquid medium.
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Device including means specialized to receive vaporized
material and cause said vaporized material to undergo a phase change
to the solid or liquid state.
This subclass is indented under subclass 148. Device wherein means are provided to hurl molten metal into
the path of the evolved gas to condense metallic vapors contained
therein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 148. Device wherein the material from which the vapor is generated
is caused to flow in a descending stepped path.
This subclass is indented under subclass 148. Device wherein the vaporized material gives up its heat
of vaporization to a body of liquid which is physically separated
therefrom by a structural member, e.g., a wall, a tube, etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 148. Device wherein a heating means is provided which is adapted
to contain and externally heat a vessel which holds a discrete charge
of material to be treated and wherein means are mounted on and carried
by the vessel to liquefy or solidify vapors evolved in the vessel.
This subclass is indented under subclass 148. Device wherein the vapors are evolved from an elongated
chamber, the major axis of which is substantially perpendicular
to the horizon and through which the vapor generating material is moved
by the effects of gravity.
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Device including means specialized to remove heat from the
evolved gas by means of an indirect heat exchanger.
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Device wherein the fume treating or handling means includes
means to remove particulate matter suspended in the exhausting fumes
from the fumes.
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Device wherein the gas-handling means includes an inverted,
generally funnel-shaped fume collecting member which is disposed above
and in unattached, juxtaposed relation with the metallurgical apparatus.
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Device wherein the gas handling means includes fume conducting
means connected to the fume outlet of a metallurgical apparatus, which
conducting means conveys the fumes away from said apparatus.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device (a) including means in addition to the basic metallurgical
apparatus for performing some additional nonmetallurgical operation or
for perfecting the operation of the basic metallurgical apparatus
or (b) which can by an addition, removal, or rearrangement of one
or more of its parts be caused to have a different mode or condition
of operation.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device comprising a means to treat an ore or other metal
bearing material to remove a metal therefrom, combined with additional means
to purify or otherwise treat the removed metal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 161. Device wherein a distinct region or chamber is provided
within which the metal purification or treatment occurs.
This subclass is indented under subclass 162. Device wherein the means to extract the metal comprises
a treating chamber within which the temperature of the material
to be treated is elevated and the longitudinal axis of which is
generally normal to the horizon.
TREATING VESSEL WITH DISTINCT MOLTEN MATERIAL HOLDING MEANS,
E.G., FOREHEARTH:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device wherein a means to treat a metalliferous or a metallic
material is provided with a separate additional substantially nonambulant storage
receptacle or a separate additional ambulant storage receptacle
adapted to be attached to the treating means, which receptacles
receive molten material from the treating means and store said molten
material prior to its delivery to a point of use.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device including a receptacle specialized to contain a thermite
mixture while the mixture reacts to form a molten mass.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures,
subclass 959 for a process of thermit-type reduction and treatment.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device having means to (a) concentrate and enrich the metalliferous
material or (b) liberate metal from the metalliferous material.
(1)
Note. The term "ore" as used herein may
include other than naturally occurring sources, e.g., waste photographic solutions.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, appropriate subclasses for processes of treating
ore or extracting a metal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 168. Device wherein means are provided for contacting a metal
bearing material with mercury such that the metal is drawn from
said material by the mercury.
Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids,
subclasses 12.1 through 44.4and 174-206 for processes and apparatus for separating
by nonchemical means or procedure, e.g., magnet, amalgamating from
liquid suspensions.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, appropriate subclasses for a process of precipitating
a metal from a solution.
Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy,
subclasses 194 through 297.16for electrolytic apparatus (e.g., specialized for
electrolytic precipitation of metal, etc.).
Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein,
and Methods of Preparing the Compositions, appropriate subclasses for electrolytic precipitation
of metal.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, appropriate subclass for processes of treating ore
or extracting metal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 171. Device wherein means are provided for introducing a gas
into the heating chamber so that the solid material within said
chamber is maintained in a fluent condition while it undergoes treatment.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, appropriate subclasses for treating ores in gaseous
suspension.
This subclass is indented under subclass 171. Device wherein the heating means includes a barrel-like
receptacle within which the work is placed, which receptacle is
mounted to continuously revolve about its longitudinal axis while the
work is being heated.
This subclass is indented under subclass 171. Device having means (a) to prevent a dangerous or potentially
dangerous operating condition from occurring within the treating
means or (b) to protect operating personnel from injury.
This subclass is indented under subclass 171. Device wherein a distinct compartment or receptacle is provided
within which the temperature of the material to be treated by the heating
means is elevated prior to its entry into the heating means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 171. Device wherein the heating means is provided with means
to supply a charge of fuel, flux, or ore thereto, which supplied
material is in a solid form, or means to convey or propel the charge
within the heating means.
Material or Article Handling,
subclasses 150 through 159for the combination of a chamber of a type utilized
for a heating function and a driven device, and/or an inclined
flow path to carry or convey material into, within, and out of the
chamber; and subclasses 160-208 for such a chamber and the charging,
in general, thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Device wherein means are provided within the heating means
for propelling or conveying the work undergoing treatment through
said heating means.
Material or Article Handling,
subclasses 159 and 160-208 as discussed in the reference to that
class in subclass 176 above, and see particularly subclasses 153
and 166 of the respective areas.
This subclass is indented under subclass 177. Device wherein the means for moving the charge through the
treating zone comprises a mobile charge supporting surface which
surface is perforated to allow air or combustion gases to pass therethrough.
This subclass is indented under subclass 178. Device wherein means are provided at the junction between
said mobile charge supporting surface and the heating means to prevent the
ingress of atmospheric air into the heating zone or the escape of
gas from the heating zone.
This subclass is indented under subclass 178. Device wherein the mobile supporting surface is composed
of plural unconnected moving cars which follow closely adjacent
each other to form a moving support for the charge material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 177. Device wherein the heating means has a plurality of shelves
disposed one above the other and the moving means conveys the charge
from one shelf to the next adjacent lower shelf in a zigzag fashion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Device wherein the propelling means comprises means for
entraining the charge material in a moving stream of fluid.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, appropriate subclasses for a process of treating
molten metal with combined solid and gaseous treating agents.
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Device wherein means are provided for propelling the charge
material to be treated into the heating zone.
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Device wherein the charge-feed means includes a storage
chamber having a discharge port in the bottom thereof, which port
is closed by a valve member which is movable axially of said passage.
Material or Article Handling,
subclasses 170 and 201-205 for the combination of a chamber of
a type utilized for a heating function and a material charging means
therefor, and wherein the means includes a device of the bell and
hopper type.
This subclass is indented under subclass 171. Device wherein the heating means includes a work-supporting
surface, which surface is perforated to allow air or combustion
gas to pass therethrough.
This subclass is indented under subclass 171. Devices including a means for introducing a gas, liquid,
or combination thereof to the interior of the heating means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 186. Device including means for supplying a cooling medium to
the fluid-feeding means to maintain the temperature of said feeding
means within acceptable limits.
This subclass is indented under subclass 171. Device including means for maintaining the temperature of
the heating means structure at a safe operating level.
Heat Exchange,
subclasses 47 through 57for a heat exchanger installed in a disparate device,
subclasses 58-66 for heating and cooling of the same device, and
subclass 134.1 for a heat exchanger with protective means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 190. Device for maintaining the temperature of a delivery opening
or structure associated therewith within acceptable limits.
This subclass is indented under subclass 190. Device wherein the temperature of a specific portion of
the heating means is maintained within acceptable limits by applying
a cooling medium thereagainst, as for example, by flowing the medium
over or impinging the medium against said portion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 190. Device wherein the temperature is maintained within acceptable
limits by a cooling medium flowing through a heat-exchange member
contained within the wall or base structure of the heating means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 171. Device wherein the heating means is provided with delivery
means for drawing off the material treated within the heating means.
Material or Article Handling,
subclasses 209 through 216for the combination of a chamber of a type utilized
for a heating function and either a driven device, or a gravity
arrangement, respectively, for the discharge of material from the
chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 195. Device wherein the delivery means is further provided with
a channel shaped means through which the material passes after it
has been discharged from the heating means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 171. Device comprising a chamber having a substantially vertical
axis to which material is fed at an elevated level for gravitation
downwardly across a heating surface or through a heating medium.
This subclass is indented under subclass 197. Device wherein the upper region of the furnace has a particular
configuration or includes additional structural members which facilitate
the operation of the furnace.
MEANS FOR MELTING OR VAPORIZING METAL OR TREATING LIQUEFIED METAL:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device for (a) refining or otherwise purifying metal while
in the liquid state, (b) removing or separating constituents from
a molten bath, (c) mixing or stirring a molten bath, (d) applying
heat to a molten bath to maintain the molten condition, or (e) liquefy
or volatilize a metal.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, appropriate subclasses for a process of refining
a metal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Device wherein means are provided to effect slag contact
with a molten metal, thus promoting thorough intermingling and interaction
of the slag with the metal.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, appropriate subclasses for a process of treating
slags and oxidized drosses.
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Device wherein means are provided to enhance treating gas
contact with a molten metal, which means causes the metal to fall
through a treating gas in either a finely divided stream or as a plurality
of narrow streams and thus promotes the thorough intermingling and
interaction of the gas with the metal.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures,
subclasses 331 through 341for producing solid particulate free metal directly
from liquid metal and subclass 525 for impinging free-falling molten
metal stream or spray with a gas or solid agent or spraying (i.e., atomizing)
of molten metal.
Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating:
Apparatus,
subclass 7 for a means for atomizing a molten metal by a blast
of fluid in a powder-making apparatus.
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Device wherein means are provided to mechanically work and
to contact molten metal with an additive, such as mill scale or
ore, while in the presence of an oxidizing atmosphere, whereby a
semisolid product is produced.
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Device including means to rotate the vessel to effect outward
radial movement of a bath of molten material contained therein.
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.
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Device which is particularized to heat a body which consists
of a plurality of different materials, one of which is a metal,
to liquefy and liberate said metal from said body.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures,
subclass 401 for processes of treating multicomponent metal-containing
scrap having an integral substrate to separate metal therefrom by
temperature modification wherein at least one metal remains solid
during separation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Device wherein means are provided either for subjecting
molten metal to a specific atmosphere or atmospheric condition to
bring about a desired physical or chemical change in the metal or
for surrounding or blanketing the metal in an inert fluid to prevent
contamination of the metal being operated upon.
(1)
Note. An example of structure to be found in this and the
indented subclasses is vacuum degassing apparatus.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, for a process of treating a molten metal within
a vacuum environment.
Industrial Electric Heating Furnaces,
subclasses 54 , 63, 110-112, 140, and 141 for electric furnaces
combined with means to lower the pressure therein to subatmospheric
levels.
This subclass is indented under subclass 208. Device wherein an evacuated receptacle is provided with
a downwardly extending supply passage within which the molten material
is raised to a level higher than the level of the source.
This subclass is indented under subclass 208. Device wherein a molten-metal containing or receiving vessel
is contained within and surrounded by a housing, which housing is
communicable with a source of vacuum.
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Device wherein the means to treat the molten metal is provided
with a distinct metal liquefying region or chamber from which the
molten metal to be treated is drawn.
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Device wherein the vessel is mounted to be turned about
its longitudinal axis through more than 360 degrees.
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Device wherein the means to melt metals or to treat a molten
metal comprises a treating receptacle within which hot gas sweeps
over the surface of material contained within the receptacle to
elevate the temperature of the material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Device wherein the treating means includes a treating vessel
which is provided with means for supplying an unrefined molten metal
mass thereto and for drawing refined molten metal therefrom in a
substantially uninterrupted fashion.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, appropriate subclasses for a process of introducing
a treating material into molten metal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 218. Device wherein a plurality of tuyeres are arranged in the
wall of a vertical furnace such that the streams issuing therefrom
will meet or cross in one area substantially in the center of said
furnace.
(1)
Note. Cupola furnaces are found herein where the sole disclosure
is for melting metal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 218. Device wherein a regulating means is provided in the flow
path to control fluid flow into the treating vessel.
This subclass is indented under subclass 218. Device wherein the treating vessel is provided with a separate,
distinct bottom closure which has an integrally formed tuyere therein.
(1)
Note. The plug bottoms are usually removable or replaceable
to facilitate changing of worn or damaged tuyeres.
This subclass is indented under subclass 217. Device wherein the introducing means is a long, narrow tube
extending into the interior of the treating vessel.
Liquid Purification or Separation,
subclasses 513 through 540for gravitational separators and subclasses 767-808
for processes of separating solids and liquids.
This subclass is indented under subclass 227. Device including a separating arrangement having a barrier
member associated therewith which effects the separation of a desired
constituent from the molten mass by blocking the flow of one of
the constituents.
This subclass is indented under subclass 229. Device wherein the separating arrangement comprises a receptacle
having a baffle associated with the receptacle outlet to block the
flow of undesired constituents.
This subclass is indented under subclass 229. Device wherein the barrier member is associated with a channel
shaped means through which the molten mass flows.
This subclass is indented under subclass 227. Device wherein the separating means comprises a vessel within
which the molten mass is allowed to stand and separate by the effects
of gravity.
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Device wherein the agitating means includes an electromagnetic
means which creates flux lines passing through the metal to cause
movement of the metal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Device wherein the agitating means includes a blade-like
member having a fluid reactant surface which engages and moves the
molten mass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Device wherein the vessel containing the molten mass undergoing
treatment is provided with specific terminal outlet structure for
removing the mass from the vessel.
This subclass is indented under subclass 236. Device including a means effecting withdrawal of molten
matter remaining in the vessel after normal emptying of the vessel.
This subclass is indented under subclass 236. Device wherein the means for discharging material from the
treating vessel includes means for varying gas pressure at a selected location
on the exterior of the molten mass to create a gas pressure gradient
across the exterior which is effective to deliver material from the
vessel.
(1)
Note. The means to vary the gas pressure on a portion of
a liquid surface includes both devices that raise the gas pressure,
e.g., pressurized gas cylinders, and that lower the gas pressure,
e.g., vacuum pumps.
Dispensing, appropriate subclasses for miscellaneous receptacles having means
to effect discharge of fluent material therefrom. Note especially
subclasses 394 through 402.25for fluid pressure means and subclass 416 for siphon
means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Device wherein means are provided to remove excess heat
energy, the means treating the material thus maintaining the temperature
of said means within a safe operating range.
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Device including a kettle-like receptacle having a means
for raising the temperature of the metal therein to liquefy the
same.
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Device wherein the means to treat the molten mass comprises
an open topped, flask-like receptacle within which a molten mass
is adapted to be subjected to a self-sustaining refining action
by the introduction of a treating gas.
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Device wherein means are provided for supporting the receptacle
such that it may be rotated through more than 360 degrees about its
lengthwise center line.
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Device wherein means are provided for supporting the treating
vessel such that the vessel may be swung about an axis generally
normal to its longitudinal axis so that the mouth of the vessel
can be moved to a selected one of a plurality of positions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 245. Device wherein the means pivotally mounting the vessel includes
a generally annular member which girdles the receptacle and means
interposed between the receptacle and the girdling member to secure
the receptacle to the girdling member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 245. Device wherein the means pivotally mounting the vessel includes
a member having two arms between which the receptacle is supported.
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Device including a generally drum-like vessel having its
longitudinal axis generally parallel to the horizon and adapted
to revolve or oscillate about its longitudinal axis.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device wherein means are provided which operate upon a metallic
object or mass to discrete metal granules to enhance their physical,
chemical, or mechanical properties.
through 134, for apparatus which both heats and contacts a metallic
object with a liquid or which includes means to control the shape
of an object undergoing a liquid contact operation.
Metal Treatment, particularly
subclasses 559 through 714for processes of treating solid or semisolid metal
to modify or maintain the internal physical structure (i.e., microstructure)
or chemical property of metal.
Heating, appropriate subclasses for furnaces which merely
elevate the temperature of a metal object to facilitate some further
treatment, e.g., rolling, and where no specific gaseous environment,
treating, or protective, is supplied to, circulated in, or generated within
the furnace.
This subclass is indented under subclass 249. Device wherein the work is placed in a receptacle having
means to change the temperature thereof, said receptacle further
having means to create a treating environment by lowering the gas
pressure therein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 249. Device wherein the treating operation involves (a) surrounding
the metallic article with a specific gaseous atmosphere or (b) applying
or directing a specific treating gas against the metallic article
Electric Heating,
subclasses 50 through 162for other electric heating of metal and subclasses
600-677 for inductive heating. Note subclasses 74 and 75 where a
gas is supplied to the heated area.
This subclass is indented under subclass 252. Device wherein the article is loaded into a treating chamber
from underneath said chamber by means moving said article in a substantially
vertical direction, e.g., an elevator.
This subclass is indented under subclass 252. Device wherein a separate means is provided for altering
the temperature of the specific atmosphere, which means is separate
from the means heating the metallic articles.
This subclass is indented under subclass 252. Device wherein the article to be heated is disposed within
a receptacle and is maintained out of direct contact with the source
of heat or gases evolved thereby.
This subclass is indented under subclass 255. Device wherein the receptacle containing or protecting the
article during treatment is open-bottomed and is lowered over stationary
article prior to said treatment.
This subclass is indented under subclass 252. Device wherein means are provided within the work confining
chamber for evolving a gaseous treating agent.
This subclass is indented under subclass 251. Device wherein the apparatus is so arranged or additional
means are provided to insure that the gas contact with the object
to be treated will be restricted to only a certain pre-established
section of said object.
Metal Treatment, particularly
subclasses 559 through 714for processes of heating or cooling of solid or semisolid
metal to modify or maintain the internal physical structure (i.e., microstructure)
or chemical property of metal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 259. Device which includes means for conduction cooling of the
articles by physical contact with a solid object which is at a lower
temperature.
This subclass is indented under subclass 249. Device wherein the workpiece is juxtaposed with a burner
element whereby the burning fuel of said burner is allowed to impinge
against and heat said workpiece.
Metal Treatment, particularly
subclass 642 for processes of heat treatment of an iron or iron
based alloy with a flame to modify or maintain the internal physical
structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical property of metal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 249. Device including a removable enclosing receptacle or hood
specially adapted for holding metal articles being heated, shielding
them from the atmosphere, and equalizing the application of heat
to the metal articles, e.g., annealing or carbonizing boxes.
This subclass is indented under subclass 262. Device including structure adapted to be lowered about the
work comprising a hood closed on its top and sides and open at its
bottom, or the support upon which such hood is lowered.
MEANS FOR INTRODUCING FLUENT INTO VESSEL, E.G., TUYERE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device comprising short tubular means adapted to be mounted
in a vessel wall for permitting fluents to flow therethrough.
This subclass is indented under subclass 265. Device including means to alter either the quantity of material
moving through the introducing means or the direction in which said material
is delivered.
Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing,
subclasses 398 through 434.5for a nozzle of general utility having means for
combining separately supplied fluids.
This subclass is indented under subclass 267. Device including two separate flow paths, each of which
terminate at the outlet of the tuyere and each of which discharges
a different material.
Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing,
subclass 549 for a nozzle of general utility having multiple
outlet openings, each of which is supplied with a different fluid.
This subclass is indented under subclass 265. Device wherein means are provided which will either allow
a blockage removing cleaning implement to be inserted into the introducing means
or allows undersized material contained within the introducing means
to run off.
Liquid Heaters and Vaporizers,
subclass 6.6 for liquid-cooled tuyere elements, per se, where
a coolant flows through the tuyere element in a closed path. Those
patents which disclose a diversity of water cooled blast furnace accessories
(e.g., monkeys, cooling boxes), in addition to tuyeres and which
either specifically claim one of these diverse accessories or includes
a claim generic to all such accessories, will be placed as an original
in Class 266 and will be cross referenced to Class 122.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device for (a) plugging openings in the walls of treating
or holding receptacles or (b) tapping such openings or otherwise
removing plugs or other blockages therefrom.
(1)
Note. Examples of apertures plugged by the sealing means
are tuyere openings, cinder or slag notches, tap holes, etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 272. Device wherein the means to seal the aperture includes means
for extruding a hardenable fluent substance into the aperture.
Dispensing, appropriate subclasses for dispensers of general
utility and especially subclass 390 for dispensers having a supply
container with a follower, e.g., a piston, therein and having a
screw to advance the follower.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device which comprises means specialized to contain or retain
either metalliferous material or a solid metal member while such material
or member undergoes a metallurgical treatment.
This subclass is indented under subclass 274. Device wherein the containing or retaining means is a container
which volumetrically confines the work undergoing treatment.
This subclass is indented under subclass 275. Device wherein means are provided for mounting the container
such that its attitude may be changed, e.g., by moving it from place
to place, by tilting, or the like.
This subclass is indented under subclass 276. Device wherein the container is mounted on a plurality of
cylindrical members, each of which is adapted to revolve about its
longitudinal axis.
This subclass is indented under subclass 275. Device wherein a wall of the container is formed with a
plurality of alternating ribs and grooves which give an undulating
appearance to the wall.
This subclass is indented under subclass 274. Device wherein the means for supporting the work is a member
having a generally planar surface, which surface sustains the work against
the effect of gravity and which surface has openings therethrough
for the passage of combustion gases, air, or the like.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device which comprises the specific construction or composition
of the metal or ore contacting inner covering of a treating vessel.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures,
subclass 301 for reactive furnace linings.
This subclass is indented under subclass 280. Device including metallic elements fastened to, supported
by, or otherwise contained within the lining for the purpose of
warding off wear of the lining surface.
(1)
Note. The metal elements included herein are adjuncts to
the lining, a complete metal lining even though made in parts is
not included herein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 280. Device including the particular configuration of at least
one of the elements which, together with others of like or unlike
configuration, make up the lining.
This subclass is indented under subclass 280. Device including the particular size or range of sizes of
the particles forming the raw material of the lining.
This subclass is indented under subclass 280. Device including means to allow for the swelling of the
lining or lining elements due to temperature change.
This subclass is indented under subclass 280. Device including the particular shape, composition, structure,
or characteristic of the vessel wall or walls adjacent the lining.
(1)
Note. The coating of a vessel wall is not sufficient for
this subclass unless some cooperating characteristic of the wall
is claimed. The characteristic of the wall may be relative denseness
or relative heat-absorbing capacity, with respect to the lining,
or any other specific cooperating feature as between the wall or
walls and the lining.
(2)
Note. Specific structural supports between the lining and
adjacent wall or walls is included under this subclass.
Device wherein (a) a means is provided for the reclamation
of scrap metal by liquefying it by the application of heat or (b)
a means is provided for raising the temperature of scrap metal prior
to its introduction of the treating vessel.
Note: The Patent
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Patent and Trademark Information Support Diverse Intellectual Property
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