This is the residual class for apparatus for, and corresponding
methods of operating on fluid, viscous, plastic, or fluent particulate
material solely for causing portions of the material to move irregularly
with respect to each other so as to intermix. The material may be
in motion or at rest immediately before agitation.
Apparatus for agitating articles which are treated in the same
manner as fluent particulate material will also be included in this
class, unless classified elsewhere.
This class (366) includes apparatus for forming colloid systems
(such as suspensions, emulsions) by agitation, not elsewhere provided
for. See LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS, below,
for related information.
This class (366) also includes stirrers, per se, which are disclosed
for use as agitators. However, see Lines With Other Classes, below,
for impellers.
[Note: Patents issued prior to 1945 have not in all instances
been classified by their claimed disclosure so that placement of
these older patents does not necessarily indicate lines of classification.]
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
See appropriate composition classes for processes which form
colloid systems (such as emulsifying or foaming), and see Class
516, Colloid Systems and Wetting Agents; Subcombinations Thereof;
Processes of Making, Stabilizing, Breaking, or Inhibiting, for processes
of making, stabilizing, breaking, or inhibiting colloid systems
when such is generically claimed (no claimed art use for the composition)
or when there is no hierarchically superior provision in the USPC
for the specifically claimed art to the composition of the colloid
system.
See Class 241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration,
for the generically claimed subject matter of comminuting solid
material in a fluid to form or improve a non-colloid suspension.
Processes of forming non-colloid suspensions or dispersions of
solids in fluids, and in which the ingredients of the non-colloid suspensions
or dispersion are not claimed with such particularity as to form
a basis for classification in Class 252, the that are an integral
part therein, or some other appropriate composition class, are classified
in Class 241. In general, Class 241 provides for all apparatus
for forming suspensions of solids in fluids by comminution, whether
such suspensions are disclosed as colloid-sized or not.
See Class 138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits, subclasses 40+ for
conduit provided with a flow restrictor disclosed for use in forming
emulsions of a plurality of fluids. Where such apparatus has additional
combined features, such as means to feed material to the restrictor,
etc., the patents have been placed in this Class 366.
See Class 127, Sugar, Starch, and Carbohydrates, subclass
14, for mixing devices for a sugar-bearing solution with other liquids
or solids for promoting the separation of impurities from the solution.
See Class 366, Agitating, subclasses 69+ for apparatus which
may be used for working liquid into a gel, subclasses 101+ for
apparatus which includes agitation and injection of gas which may
be a foam, subclasses 108+ for apparatus wherein the agitation
is effected by vibratory device, subclass 176.1+ for apparatus
for forming suspensions or emulsions wherein the feed means is in the
form of a pump for forcing the material through a narrow restriction
for the purpose of mixing the material, particularly for the purpose
of emulsifying or homogenizing the material, subclasses 279+ for
apparatus with rotatable stirrer which may be used for making lather
or foam, cross-reference art collection 604 for mixing apparatus
for making foam or lather, cross-reference art collection 605 for
mixing apparatus for stirring of paint.
See Class 416, Fluid Reaction Surfaces (i.e., Impellers), appropriate
subclasses for an impeller, per se, which may be useful as a stirrer
but where the disclosed use is solely as an impeller, or alternatively
as an impeller or stirrer.
Since agitation of material is incidental or ancillary to many
apparatuses for treating material for various purposes, an agitator
in combination with other means for treating material will be found
in the class providing for the particular treatment. Similarly,
an apparatus for treating or handling material which inherently
or incidentally agitates the material will be included in the appropriate
class providing for the treating or handling means. Cross references
have been placed in this class (366) where the agitating mechanism
claimed in combination with other treating means has been deemed
to have general utility as an agitator.
Also see References To Other Classes, below, for additional
lines between this class (366) and other classes and for references
to the following:
Apparatus Including Agitating Incidental to or Combined with
Other Primary Areas;
Bleaching and Dyeing; Fluid Treatment and Chemical
Modification of Textiles and Fibers,
subclass 159 for manipulative processes of agitating textile
material immersed in Liquid for purposes of mechanical or chemical
treatment other than impregnating or coating (e.g., washing, bleaching,
dyeing). (Apparatus Including Agitating Incidental To Or Combined
With Other Primary Function).
Chemistry: Physical Processes,
subclasses 313+ for a process of agglomerating particulate nonmetallic
elements or inorganic compounds by agitation. (Apparatus Including
Agitating Incidental To Or Combined With Other Primary Function).
Drying and Gas Vapor Contact With Solids, for a process or apparatus for drying material including
an agitating step or means. (Apparatus Including Agitating Incidental
To Or Combined With Other Primary Function).
Package Making, appropriate subclasses for packaging methods and apparatus
including agitation of the material packaged, and see particularly
subclass 525 for apparatus for agitating or jarring material
in a filled container for compacting the material. (Apparatus Including Agitating
Incidental To Or Combined With Other Primary Function).
Package Making,
subclass 525 for apparatus for agitating or jarring material
in a filled container for the purpose of compacting the material.
(For Agitating Apparatus Classified Elsewhere).
Refrigeration, appropriate subclasses for processed and apparatus
for removing heat from material which may include agitation of the material.
(Apparatus Including Agitating Incidental To Or Combined With Other
Primary Function)
Glass Manufacturing,
subclasses 178+ for glass working apparatus combined with means for
agitating molten glass. (Apparatus Including Agitating Incidental
To Or Combined With Other Primary Function).
Textiles: Fluid Treating Apparatus, appropriate subclasses, particularly
subclasses 131+ for apparatus for agitating textile material immersed
in liquid for purposes of mechanical or chemical treatment other
than impregnating or coating (e.g., washing machine). (Apparatus Including
Agitating Incidental To Or Combined With Other Primary Function).
Machine Element or Mechanism, appropriate subclasses for mechanisms which might
be useful in transmitting motion to a stirrer or a movable mixing
chamber.
Food and Beverages: Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for food treating apparatus of that class
combined with agitating means; see particularly
subclasses 452+ for apparatus for treating dairy food, and subclasses
518+, 600+ and 623+ for grain hulling
agitating step. (Apparatus Including Agitating Incidental To Or
Combined With Other Primary Function).
Coating Apparatus,
subclasses 400+ for coating apparatus involving agitation of the
base and coating materials. (Apparatus Including Agitating Incidental
To Or Combined With Other Primary Function).
Stoves and Furnaces,
subclasses 155 through 157for a grate having agitating means for clearance
of ashes or subclass 387.1 for an open-top liquid heating vessel
that may include a lid having an agitator or circulator using the heated
liquid within the vessel.
Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, appropriate subclasses for processes and apparatus
for Cleaning or Liquid Contact With Solids including a carrier or
holder for the solid, and also including agitation of the material
to promote, facilitate, or perfect the cleaning or Liquid Contact.
The agitation may be caused by movement of the carrier through the
Liquid or by a separate agitator. (Apparatus Including Agitating
Incidental To Or Combined With Other Primary Function).
Fluid Handling, appropriate subclasses for transfer process and apparatus
for fluent material which includes agitation or mixing of the material
and see particularly
subclasses 3+ for processes, and subclasses 87+, 599+ and
602+ for apparatus. (Apparatus Including Agitating Incidental
To Or Combined With Other Primary Function).
Pipes and Tubular Conduits,
subclasses 40+ for a conduit with a flow restrictor or deflector disclosed
for use in forming emulsions of a plurality of fluids. Where such
a conduit has additional combined features, such as means to feed
material to restrictor, etc., the patents have been placed in Class
366, subclasses 176.1 or 336+. (For Agitating Apparatus
Classified Elsewhere).
Heat Exchange,
subclass 109.1 for heat exchange apparatus including agitating
means for a fluent heat exchange medium therein. (Apparatus Including
Agitating Incidental To Or Combined With Other Primary Function).
Wells,
subclass 177.7 for agitating means in combination with a well
or disclosed solely for use in a well. (For Agitating Apparatus
Classified Elsewhere).
Conveyors, Chutes, Skids, Guides, and Ways,
subclass 2 and 11 for a chute combined with means to agitate
the material so as to aid its flow along the chute. (For Feeding
And Discharging Subcombinations).
Conveyors: Power-Driven,
subclasses 750+ for an oscillating conveyor, and subclasses 752+ for
a vibrating endless through conveyor, per se. (For Feeding And Discharging
Subcombination).
Distillation: Processes, Thermolytic,
subclass 33 for a distillation process including the step of
agitating the charge in the carbonizing zone. (Apparatus Including
Agitating Incidental To Or Combined With Other Primary Function
Distillation: Apparatus,
subclasses 175 and 265 for distillation apparatus combined with agitating
means for the distalland. (Apparatus Including Agitating Incidental
To Or Combined With Other Primary Function)
Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids, appropriate subclasses for methods and apparatus directed
to subject matter of that class, and see particularly
subclasses 233+ for the combination of a sifter with an agitator.
(Apparatus Including Agitating Incidental To Or Combined With Other
Primary Function).
Liquid Purification or Separation, appropriate subclasses for methods and apparatus for separating
solids from Liquids, and see particularly
subclasses 198.1+ or a separator with means to add treating material
which may include agitating means. (Apparatus Including Agitating Incidental
To Or Combined With Other Primary Function).
Electric Heating,
subclasses 296+ for an electric heating apparatus for a Liquid
with means to circulate the Liquid in a fixed path in relation to
heat surface so as to transfer heat to the Liquid. Where electrical
heating means is only broadly claimed, placement will be in Class 366;
but where details of the heater or control means for the heater
are claimed, placement will be in Class 219. (Apparatus Including
Agitating Incidental To Or Combined With Other Primary Function).
Dispensing, both Classes 222 and 366 have the combination of
a container and a device operable on the container contents to mix
the same, and means to discharge the contents. Class 366 takes (1)
agitators with means to feed material thereto; (2) containers having
means to agitate, which means are inoperable to assist discharge (e.g.,
where the agitator is inoperative during discharge) and such means
combined with additional dispensing means; and (3) any means particularly
designed to agitate with only an incidental discharge assisting
function (e.g., those device in which the agitator must operate
prior to a dispensing operation, even though it operates during
and assists the discharge operation). Class 222 takes containers of
any kind with (1) devices particularly designed to convey material
therefrom or produce a force on the material therein, in a discharge
direction with only incidental agitation effect; (2) agitators combined
with other nongravity discharge assistance and operable together
only during the discharging operation (the agitator-receptacle subcombination
going to Class 366); and (3) mere solid material bridge breakers
operable to promote gravity flow toward a claimed container outlet
or discharge assisting means. (Apparatus Including Agitating Incidental
To Or Combined With Other Primary Function).
Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, appropriate subclasses for processes an apparatus (1) for
projection or spraying material which required mixing just prior
to or at discharge (e.g., resin type cements), usually with a catalyst
to cause solidification or setting up, or (2) comprising particular
nozzle structure of type provided for in Class 239, combined with agitation
or mixing of ingredients in the supply means, provided the ingredients
are not of the mortar type provided
for in Class 366,
subclasses 1+ . (Apparatus Including Agitating Incidental To Or
Combined With Other Primary Function).
Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, appropriate subclasses for processes and apparatus
(1) in which agitating steps or means are combined with comminuting
steps or means, or (2) which, by disclosure, will function to comminute
the material even if a mixing function is also disclosed. (Apparatus
Including Agitating Incidental To Or Combined With Other Primary
Function).
Composition, appropriate subclasses for processes of making compositions
provided therein which may include agitation of the material, and
see the notes to the main class definition of Class 252. See also
Lines With Other Classes, above. (Apparatus Including Agitating
Incidental To Or Combined With Other Primary Function).
Gas and Liquid Contact Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for a process or apparatus
for mixing a liquid with a gas. (For Agitating Apparatus Classified
Elsewhere).
Fluid Reaction Surfaces (i.e., Impellers), appropriate subclasses for an impeller, per se, which
may be useful as a stirrer but where the disclosed use in solely
as an impeller, or alternatively as an impeller or stirrer. (For
Agitator Subcombinations Classified Elsewhere).
Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating:
Apparatus,
subclass 222 for tumbling type agglomerating apparatus for particulate
material. (Apparatus Including Agitating Incidental To Or Combined
With Other Primary Function).
Coating Processes,
subclass 242 for processes of coating by rumbling or tumbling.
(Apparatus Including Agitating Incidental To Or Combined With Other
Primary Function).
Heating, the residual class for generating heat and applying it
to materials,
subclasses 121+ for a heating chamber with more than nominally
recited heat generating means and including means for guiding or
moving material to be heated through or moving material to be heated through
or along sections of the chamber, or for agitating such material
within the chamber. (Apparatus Including Agitating Incidental To Or
Combined With Other Primary Function)
Chemistry: Molecular Biology and Microbiology, appropriate subclasses for fermentation processes and apparatus;
see particularly
subclasses 290.3+ for a composting apparatus including an agitation
means; subclasses 291.5+ for a malting or mashing apparatus, including
an agitation means; subclasses 295.1+ for a bioreactor
including a draft tube as a means for agitation; subclass 296.1
for a bioreactor with a sparging means for agitation; subclasses
297.2+ for perfusion bioreactors; subclass 298.2 for a
rotatably mounted bioreactor; and subclass 303.3 for an agitated
incubator. (Apparatus Including Agitating Incidental To Or Combined
With Other Primary Function).
Abrading,
subclasses 32+ and 326+ for a process or apparatus disclosed
for use in tumbling a workpiece for the purpose of abrading or surface
finishing the workpiece. The abrading or surface finishing may be
solely by mutual attrition of the workpieces or by an abrasive medium.
(Apparatus Including Agitating Incidental To Or Combined With Other
Primary Function)
Planetary Gear Transmission Systems or Components, appropriate subclasses, for planetary gear transmissions
which might be used to transmit motion to a stirrer or mixing chamber; and
particularly
subclass 11 for rotary planetary output.
SECTION IV - GLOSSARY
AGITATOR
A stirrer or a deflector.
DEFLECTOR
(1) An element or device secured within and in fixed relation
to the mixing chamber, or (2) a stationary device in a movable mixing
chamber for diverting or separating portions of material and then
permitting them to recombine so as to commingle, thus causing or
assisting in agitation of the material.
MATERIAL
A mass of fluid, viscous, particulate, or plastic substance
which is to be agitated.
MIXING CHAMBER
A space bounded on at least three sides by well structure within
which agitation takes place. The chamber may be in the form of a
trough, a conduit, or a container of any shape. A supply reservoir
or a conveyor for feeding material to a mixing chamber and which
includes means for agitating the material prior to its entry into
the mixing chamber will not be considered a mixing chamber.
OSCILLATING
Rotating alternately in opposite directions about an
axis.
RECIPROCATING RECTILINEARLY
Moving bodily back and forth in a straight line in the same
path so that at any instant, all parts of the moving body move in
the same direction at the same rate.
ROCKING
Moving back and forth as a result of a back and forth motion
of a curved surface on a flat surface.
ROTATING
Turning in but one direction about an axis.
STIRRER
A device which is movable by an applied force and which
in its movement causes agitation of material. The force may be applied
manually, by movement of the material, by relative motion of the
chamber, or by a power source, either directly or through a drive
train.
STIRRERS, PLURAL
Two or more devices or elements which are movable bodily
by an applied force and which move bodily relative to each other
an in such movement cause agitation of material. Where a plurality
of like or diverse stirrer elements are in fixed relation to each
other and move together as a unit they will be considered a single
stirrer even if the elements are adjustable relative to each other prior
to agitation or are flexible so that portions thereof move relative
to each other during agitation.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and corresponding methods peculiarly adapted for
mixing mortar, asphaltic and hydraulic cement, concretes, and the
like.
Road Structure, Process, or Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for (1) highway, pathway,
or walkway structure, per se, and (2) process and apparatus for
making, installing, repairing, or maintaining such structure, where such
structure, process or apparatus is not otherwise classifiable as
either (a) specifically provided for in other loci, or (b) of such
general utility as to be provided for on that basis (see section III
and IV under Class 404 class definition for known collections of
such nature and the particular lines of demarcation).
Compositions: Coating or Plastic, appropriate subclass, particularly
subclasses 273+ and 638+ for processes of making mortar,
asphaltic or hydraulic cement, concrete, and like which are not
distinct from the compositions thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Processes comprising a step or steps of (1) incorporating
air or gas with the product, or (2) mixing, delivering, and/or
conveying the product through the medium of a fluid.
Conveyors: Fluid Current,
subclasses 86+ for moving material along a surface by means of
or with the assistance of a fluid current issuing from the surface
and incidentally agitating the material; and subclasses 136+ for agitation
of material in a receptacle which feeds to a fluid current conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Processes which include other steps for making a material
ready for mixing, or modifying a material for the purpose of facilitating
the mixing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Processes wherein the treatment or preparation is the step
of controlling the relative quantities of different materials which
are mixed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the mixing is effected by the single
passage of streams of materials through intersecting paths or over
baffles or the like obstructions which may be either stationary
or movable, at least one of said streams being gravity impelled.
(1)
Note. The term "single passage" is construed to exclude mixers
such as those having rotting or oscillating receptacles which effect
mixing by lifting and dropping material over a baffle or baffles
a plurality of times.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter for (1) incorporating air or gas with a material,
or (2) having means for mixing, delivering and/or conveying
a material through the medium of a fluid.
Conveyors: Fluid Current,
subclasses 86+ for moving material along a surface by means of
or with the assistance of a fluid current issuing from the surface
and incidentally agitating the material; and subclasses 136+ for agitation
of material in a receptacle which feeds to a fluid current conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein the medium of a fluid is introduced
into a mixing chamber which revolves about a fixed axis in one direction only.
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein the medium of a fluid is introduced
into a mixing chamber which has a stirrer which turns in but one
direction about an axis.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the mixing is effected two or more
separate mixing chambers.
(1)
Note. The mixing chambers may be arranged to have either consecutive
or alternative flow therethrough of the material being mixed, and
the chambers may be concentrically arrange.
(2)
Note. Where agitation is provided for in a container or conveyor
and which agitation is incidental to the dynamic charging of a mixing
chamber from the container or conveyor. Classification is in subclasses
30+.
(3)
Note. For purposes of the classification, a compartmented
mixing chamber is considered to be a single mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Subject matter wherein the plural mixing chambers are in
communication with each other so that the material being mixed may flow
from one chamber to another.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Subject matter wherein the amount of ingredients to be added
to a batch of mixed ingredients in the mixing chamber is controlled
or regulated by (1) means in said chamber to detect a condition
of said batch (e.g., temperature, density, etc.) or (2) means external
said chamber to detect a condition of the chamber, per se (e.g.,
change in the amount of energy required to rotate the chamber).
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Subject matter wherein the ratio of the ingredients to be
mixed is controlled or regulated by respectively weighing a quantity
of each of a said ingredients, prior to charging the mixing chamber
with the same.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Subject matter wherein the ratio of the ingredients to be
mixed is controlled or regulated by respectively measuring a quantity
of each of said ingredients volume, prior to charging the mixing
chamber with said ingredients.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Subject matter wherein controlled or regulated by having
a different rotational speed and/or convolution size for
the screw conveyor means used to dynamically charge the mixing chamber
with said ingredients.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Subject matter wherein the ratio of ingredients to be mixed
is controlled or regulated by respectively adjusting the gets or
valve means at each other outlet opening of the charging means to
vary the size of said opening and thereby control the amount of
ingredients that egress the charging means and flow into the mixing
chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter including means to heat or dry a material
before, during, and/or after the mixing operation.
(1)
Note. The material may be subjected to agitation during the
preheating operation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Subject matter wherein the heating means heats the material
prior to and during the mixing in a mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Subject matter wherein the heating means is a high temperature
fluid introduced within the mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter including means for bodily raising and lowering
the mixing chamber as a unit to convey the chamber from a charging
station to a delivery station.
Material of Article Handling,
subclasses 592+ for an elevator or hoist and loading or unloading
means therefor, and see the search notes of that subclass for other
subclasses of that class (414) which include means for raising or
lowering a load.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter including means for directly applying a force
to a material in order to move the material toward or into the mixing
chamber and forcible removing material therefrom.
(1)
Note. For purposes of this classification the term "charging"
has been limited to positively feeding aggregates or conducting
liquid to the mixer receptacle.
This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Subject matter including means for mechanically or otherwise
connecting the charging and delivery means to operate in a related
manner.
This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Subject matter including means (1) to directly control the
operation of the charging and delivery means, or (2) to control
the enabling or disabling of devices for manually controlling the charging
and delivery means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter including means for directly applying force
to a material in order to move the material toward or into the mixing
chamber, and the corresponding methods.
(1)
Note. This subclass does not include those methods and devices
in which material is permitted to enter the mixing chamber solely
under the influence of gravity.
(2)
Note. The material to which the force is applied may be any
one of the components of the mixture and may be liquid.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter wherein the force is applied to the material
by vibrating element in the path conducting the material to the
mixing chamber.
(1)
Note. The vibrating element may be an element of the device
conducting the material to the mixing chamber.
(2)
Note. The vibratory motion may be induced by a single striking
movement upon the vibrating element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Subject matter wherein the vibration is applied to one or
more walls of a skip or hopper supplying the material to the mixing
chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter wherein at least one of the charge means
applies force directly to a liquid to move the liquid into the mixing
chamber.
(1)
Note. The force applying means is generally of the pump type.
Where the force applying means is of the gravitational type or is
unspecified, classification will be in subclass 36 or 40, as appropriate.
(2)
Note. Where such force applying means is the only charge means,
classification is in subclass 30.
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter wherein the dynamic charge means is a skip
or tilting bucket, and another charge means conducts liquid to the
mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter having more than one charge means and a force
is applied directly to the material in each charge means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter including means for supplying liquid to the
mixing chamber without the direct application of force to the liquid.
Subject matter under 1 wherein material is supplied to a
mixing chamber by a container or static conveyor, at least one portion
of which is capable of relative motion with respect a mixing chamber.
(1)
Note. Motion of the mixing chamber to effect mixing (e.g.,
rotation) is not considered relative motion as used herein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter including (1) means movable to remove mixed
material from a mixing chamber, or (2) means to move a movably mounted mixing
chamber to effect discharge thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter comprising automatic means (1) to directly
control the discharging means, or (2) to control the enabling or
disabling of devices for manually controlling the discharge means.
Subject matter under 42 wherein the mixing chamber effects
agitation by rotation and has cooperating means therein to effect
delivery when rotated in the direction opposite to that in which
agitation is effected.
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter wherein the mixing chamber is movably mounted
so that it may tilt and discharge its contents.
This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Subject matter wherein the mixing chamber has means associated
therewith enabling the operator to tilt the chamber by hand.
(1)
Note. Included in this subclass are mixers that have a manual
lever or a hand crank for tilting the mixer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Subject matter wherein the mixing chamber is supported on
a frame comprising two elements which have a single ground contacting
wheel there between forwardly of the chamber and which extend rearwardly
of the chamber to terminate in handle portions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter wherein the means to remove the mixed material
from the chamber is a rotatable auger screw conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter wherein the means to remove the mixed material
from the chamber is a pump which directly forces or induces material
from the mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter wherein the means for removing material from
the mixing chamber is a scraper or a deflector.
(1)
Note. The scraper or deflector is so mounted as to direct
material through the discharge opening of the mixer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Subject matter wherein the mixing chamber turns about an
axis in one direction only.
(1)
Note. Included herein are surface contacting rolling chambers
as well as wheel supported chambers wherein rolling contact of the
wheels causes rotation of the chamber.
(2)
Note. The placement of a rotatable mixing chamber upon an
independently movable platform-type support is not deemed to impart
an additional motion to the chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Subject matter wherein the mixing chamber has a component
of motion additional to its rotation.
(1)
Note. Included herein are surface contacting rolling chambers
as well as wheel supported chambers wherein rolling contact of the
wheels causes rotation of the chamber.
(2)
Note. The placement of a rotatable mixing chamber upon an
independently movable platform-type support is not deemed to impart
an additional motion to the chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 56. Subject matter wherein the agitator is a nonflexible device
secured within the mixing chamber to divert a portion of the material
to assist agitation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 57. Subject matter wherein the deflector forms a partition dividing
the mixing chamber into a plurality of sections.
This subclass is indented under subclass 60. Subject matter wherein the actuating or control means includes
a device actuated or controlled by a liquid under pressure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Subject matter wherein the support structure includes a
particularly described element for permitting rotational movement
of the chamber about an axis.
This subclass is indented under subclass 64. Subject matter including an element having an edge, or a
plurality of bristles movable in contact with or in close proximity
to a wall of the chamber for removing material from the wall surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter comprising a static conveyor and at least
one portion of which is capable of relative motion with respect
to a mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and method including a mixing chamber and an agitator
therein for use in kneading substantially self-sustaining, semisolid,
or heavy plastic material such as clay, dough, gum, plastic, resin,
or similar heavy plastic.
(1)
Note. A patent for apparatus or method for mixing ingredients
for making a plastic mass and kneading the mass will be placed in
this or an indented subclass. However, an apparatus or method for mixing
the ingredients without further kneading the mass will be placed
in an appropriate subclass elsewhere in this class.
(2)
Note. In regard to the line between Class 241 and Class 366,
see search note to Class 366 under Class 241 definition, section
12.
(3)
Note. Kneading is a process to work substantially self-sustaining,
semisolid, or heavy plastic material into a uniform mixture by pressing,
folding, and stretching.
Colloid Systems and Wetting Agents; Subcombinations
Thereof; Processes of Making, Stabilizing, Breaking, or Inhibiting,
subclasses 98+ for colloid systems of continuous or semicontinuous
solid phase with discontinuous liquid phase (gels, pastes, flocs,
coagulates) or agents for such systems or making or stabilizing
such systems or agents, when generically claimed or when there is
no hierarchically superior provision in the USPC for the specifically
claimed art.
This subclass is indented under subclass 69. Subject matter comprising spaced arms mounted for relative
motion toward and away from each other whereby said material is kneaded
by repeated stretching and recombining of stretched portions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 69. Subject matter wherein the agitator comprises a pair of
rollers for pressing the material therebetween and means for removing
said material therefrom.
This subclass is indented under subclass 69. Subject matter wherein the agitator comprises a press couple
comprises rolls with means to adjust the space between each roll.
This subclass is indented under subclass 69. Subject matter wherein the agitator comprising a press couple
comprises rolls with means to adjust the space between each roll.
This subclass is indented under subclass 69. Subject matter wherein the agitator comprises a press couple
including a roll coacting with the interior of said mixing chamber
or receptacle type of platen.
Presses,
subclass 156 for a concurrent pressing and conveying apparatus comprising
external and internal rolls, and subclass 210 for a roll and platen-type
press.
This subclass is indented under subclass 69. Subject matter including means in said mixing chamber or
in a stirrer for releasing gas from said mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 69. Subject matter including a particularly described means
for conveying or admitting material into said mixing chamber.
(1)
Note. Mere recitation of an opening, inlet port, or feed conduit
for the material will not be considered specified feed means. However,
any of the following claimed particulars will be considered specified
means for this subclass: (a) Means applying positive or negative pressure
on material to move it into the chamber (e.g., pump). (b) Conveyor means
(e.g., belt, screw, chute). (c) Feed control means (e.g., valve,
gate). (d) Structure determining the proportions of different material
fed to the chamber. (e) A feed conduit extending into the mixing chamber
or in tangential relation to the chamber. (f) A plurality of feeders
(conduits, chutes, hoppers, etc.) in a particular relation to each
other and/or to the mixing chamber. (g) A supply reservoir and
means to feed material from the reservoir into the chamber.
Dispensing, appropriate subclasses, for material dispensing
apparatus, per se. See References to Other Classes in the class
definition of this class (366) for the line between Class 366 and Class
222.
This subclass is indented under subclass 76.1. Subject matter including a detector for sensing a variable
condition of the apparatus or of the material and means for initiating
or modifying the movement of material into the mixing chamber in
response to a signal from the detector.
This subclass is indented under subclass 76.1. Subject matter wherein the means for conveying or admitting
material is a continuous helical blade which is rotated about its
longitudinal axis and is clearly distinguishable in function and
structure from the agitator in the mixing chamber
for a similar feed means for materials other than
rubber or heavy plastic in which material is fed into a mixing chamber
by a plurality of screw conveyors.
This subclass is indented under subclass 76.1. Subject matter wherein the conveying or admitting means
has an elongated member which is rotated to feed material to the
mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 76.1. Subject matter including a plurality of means for conveying
or admitting material into the mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 76.1. Subject matter including a member movable along a straight
path in the direction of feed of material to move the material into
the mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 76.7. Subject matter wherein the agitator comprises a rotor having
a recess or pocket (e.g., a blind bore) for receiving the material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 76.1. Subject matter wherein material is supplied to the mixing
chamber solely by gravity by way of a chute or hopper.
(1)
Note. A hopper is a funnel shaped container, usually, but
not necessarily used for dispensing solids. A chute is an open-topped
channel or conduit for guiding material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 76.9. Subject matter including a gate or closure for controlling
release of material from the chute or hopper.
This subclass is indented under subclass 76.1. Subject matter including particularly described means to
start, stop, or regulate the flow of material in the feed means.
(1)
Note. More than the mere recitation of a valve or pump is
required for placement of a patent in this subclass. There must be
a claim of valve details, a valve operator mechanism, pump feed
rate adjustment means, or other feature directly related to adjustment
or control of the material flow rate.
This subclass is indented under subclass 69. Subject matter including a particularly described means
for conveying or releasing said material from said mixing chamber.
(1)
Note. Mere recitation of an opening, outlet port, or discharge
conduit for the material will not be considered specified discharge
means. However, any of the following claimed particulars will be considered
as specified means for this subclass: (a) Means applying pressure
on the material to move it out of the chamber (e.g., pump). (b)
Conveyor means (e.g., belt, chute, screw). (c) Discharge control
means (e.g., valve gate).
This subclass is indented under subclass 69. Subject matter including a stirrer which turns in but one
direction about a fixed axis and moves back and forth in a straight
line along said fixed axis simultaneously or alternately to produce
mixing and kneading.
This subclass is indented under subclass 69. Subject matter wherein the mixing chamber is designed to
receive material at one end of a path and to discharge it at the
other end in a continuous flow, and said agitator comprises a stirrer
having a helical ribbon or thread type conveyor rotatable so as
to mix and knead the material concurrent with conveying it through said
path.
This subclass is indented under subclass 79. Subject matter including a device secured within and in
fixed relation to said mixing chamber for assisting said conveyor
in mixing and kneading.
This subclass is indented under subclass 79. Subject matter wherein said conveyor includes an additional
element on the ribbon or thread (e.g., pin, blade, rib) to assist
mixing and kneading.
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Subject matter wherein the additional stirrer element comprises
an annulus integral with or affixed to the shaft of said conveyor.
(1)
Note. The ring or disk may be apertured, grooved, or may have
other outer surface configuration.
This subclass is indented under subclass 83. Subject matter wherein said conveyors are located within
a plurality of mixing chambers having main axes parallel to each
other and each mixing chamber is in communication with each other
so that material may flow from one mixing chamber to another.
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Subject matter wherein one of said conveyors has a profile
which contacts a mating surface of parallel screw conveyor along
the length thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Subject matter wherein the communication between each mixing
chamber is by means of an elongated, hollow tube.
This subclass is indented under subclass 79. Subject matter including foraminous means (e.g., grate,
lattice, screen, etc.) located at the discharge end of said conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 79. Subject matter wherein the spacing of thread or helical
ribbon on a portion of said conveyor differs from the spacing of
said thread or said helical ribbon on another portion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 79. Subject matter wherein the diameter of a portion of the
shaft of said conveyor differs from the diameter of the shaft on
another portion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 79. Subject matter wherein said thread or said helical ribbon
has an opening therethrough or a discontinuous portion thereon.
This subclass is indented under subclass 69. Subject matter wherein said material is kneaded within a
plurality of mixing chambers.
(1)
Note. Mixing chambers which are in communication with each
other so that material may flow from one chamber to another will
be placed in this subclass. Moreover, the communication may be by means
of a conduit, or through a conduit, or through or across a portion
separating the chambers.
This subclass is indented under subclass 93. Subject matter including a stirrer which turns in but one
direction about a fixed axis within said rotating mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter wherein only one rotating stirrer is within
said rotating mixing chamber.
(1)
Note. Where a plurality of like or diverse stirrer elements
are in fixed relation to each other and move together as a unit they
will be considered as single stirrer even if the elements are adjustable
relative to flexible so that portions thereof move relative to each
other during agitation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 96. Subject matter comprising a stirrer which turns in but one
direction about a fixed axis within said stationary mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 97. Subject matter wherein only one rotating stirrer is within
said stationary mixing chamber.
(1)
Note. Where a plurality of like or diverse stirrer elements
are in fixed relation to each other and move together as a unit they
will be considered a single stirrer even if the elements are adjustable
relative to each other prior to agitation or are flexible so that
portions thereof move relative to each other during agitation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 69. Subject matter wherein
the mixing chamber includes a stirrer and a particularly described means
for drive said stirrer to mix and knead.
(1)
Note. Mere recitation of a motor would not be considered as
specified drive means.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and corresponding methods wherein the agitation
is effected by the introduction of a gas under pressure into contact with
the material in the mixing chamber.
(1)
Note. The injection of gas into a liquid must be primarily
for agitating the liquid. If the primary purpose is to mix the gas
with the liquid, placement will be in Class 261, and see note to
that class below.
Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing,
subclass 143 for gas effected agitation of supply for a fluid
sprinkling or spraying device, and subclasses 654+ for
gas effected agitation of supply for nonfluid material sprinkling
or spraying device.
Colloid Systems and Wetting Agents; Subcombinations
Thereof; Processes of Making, Stabilizing, Breaking, or Inhibiting,
subclasses 10+ for foam colloid systems or agents for such systems
or making or stabilizing such systems or agents, when generically claimed
or when there is no hierarchically superior provision in the USPC for
the specifically claimed art.
This subclass is indented under subclass 101. Subject matter wherein the chamber is rotatable and the
gas is injected into the chamber while it is rotating.
This subclass is indented under subclass 101. Subject matte wherein the gas is introduced in recurrent
interrupted sequence or in recurrent variation in flow rate.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and corresponding methods wherein the agitation
of the material is effected by the action of a vibratory device
producing rapid to and from movement of portions of the material,
of the mixing chamber, of a portion of the chamber well or of a
stirrer, or by rapid to and from movement of a stirrer energized
by flow of the material there against.
(1)
Note. A patent for vibratory device, per se, disclosed for
use as a stirrer by insertion with a mass of of material will be place
in subclasses 117+ below, and see the search notes thereto.
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.
This subclass is indented under subclass 108. Subject matter including an endless means (e.g., belt, chain,
rotary turret) for moving the material, or a mixing chamber containing
the material through a zone where the agitation takes place.
This subclass is indented under subclass 108. Subject matter wherein the vibrator device is attached to
a receptacle or clasp for the mixing chamber, and wherein the vibration
of the mixing chamber results from the operation of the vibratory
device.
(1)
Note. For proper placement of a patent in this subclass, the
mixing chamber does not have to be claimed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 108. Subject matter wherein the vibratory device directly supports
the mixing chamber or a platform for supporting the mixing chamber.
(1)
Note. For proper placement of a patent in this subclass, the
mixing chamber does not have be claimed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 108. Subject matter wherein the vibratory device is secured in
an opening in the bottom wall of the mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 108. Subject matter wherein the vibratory device is fastened
to the mixing chamber wall or to platform adapted to support the
mixing chamber.
(1)
Note. For proper placement of a patent in this subclass, the
mixing chamber does not have to be claimed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 114. Subject matter wherein the vibratory device is adhered or
welded to the mixing chamber wall or to the platform.
This subclass is indented under subclass 108. Subject matter including means for regulating or controlling
the amplitude or frequency of the vibration.
(1)
Note. Mere recitation of a switch with no particularly described
means for regulating the frequency or the amplitude of the vibration
is not sufficient for placement of a patent in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 108. Subject matter wherein the agitation of the material is
effected by a stirrer activated by a vibratory device, or wherein
the stirrer is a vibratory device acting directly on the material.
(1)
Note. A patent for a vibratory device, per se, disclosed for
use as a stirrer by insertion within a mass of material will be placed
in this or an appropriate indented subclass.
Tool Driving or Impacting, appropriate subclass for the combination of a toll
and a tool driving or impacting means which combination is not limited
to a specific tool art, such as specific shape of the work contacting portion
of the tool, related tools, or an opposed work support.
This subclass is indented under subclass 117. Subject matter wherein the stirrer comprises an elongated
slender housing enclosing the vibratory device and which is intended
for insertion manually into the material by the user.
This subclass is indented under subclass 120. Subject matter wherein the vibration of the stirrer is caused
by the unbalanced weight which is mounted eccentrically on a rotatable
shaft.
This subclass is indented under subclass 108. Subject matter wherein the vibratory device causes vibration
of the material or of a portion of the chamber wall, the vibration
of the device being caused by the flow of fluid under pressure within
the device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 124. Subject matter wherein the vibratory device comprises a
shaft, a cylindrical housing for the shaft, and a radially movable
element (e.g., blade, vane, ball, pin) on said shaft, the fluid acting
on the element or the housing to cause eccentric rotation of the
shaft or orbital movement of the housing relative to the shaft and thus
causing vibration of the housing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 124. Subject matter wherein the vibratory device comprises a
sphere guided for rolling movement along a generally circular or
elliptical path by pressure of the fluid thereagainst, the movement
of the sphere causing the vibration of the device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 108. Subject matter wherein the vibration is caused by periodic
deformation of a dielectric body as the result of an applied electric
or magnetic field.
This subclass is indented under subclass 108. Subject matter wherein the vibration of the device is caused
by movement of an unbalanced weight which is mounted eccentrically on
a rotatable shaft.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and corresponding methods comprising a stirrer
and/or mixing chamber which is entirely sustained against
the force of gravity by the user during agitation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 129. Subject matter wherein a mixing chamber is so held by the
user.
(1)
Note. Included in this subclass are patents for receptacles
with internal deflector structure wherein the agitation is effected
by manual manipulation of the receptacle as a whole by the user.
Special Receptacle or Package,
subclasses 219+ for a package of two or more separated materials
which are adapted to be commingled within the package by manipulation
of the package or a part thereof.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and corresponding methods including external means
to convey or admit material into the mixing chamber and means to convey
or release the material therefrom and wherein said means: (a) are
interconnected by a duct or conveyor exteriorly of the chamber for returning
discharge material to the chamber; (b) have a common control system
for regulating movement of material into and out of the chamber.
(c) have a single mechanism for moving the material into and out
of the chamber, or(d) are specifically
related to each other by their relative size.
(1)
Note. The feed and discharge may be through a common opening.
for a device including means to produce a partial
vacuum in the mixing chamber which means may also serve to move
material into and/or out of the chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 131. Subject matter including a common control system for regulating
movement of material into and out of the chamber, and also including a
detector for sensing a variable condition of the apparatus or of
the material and initiating or modifying operation of a part of
the apparatus in response to signal from the detector.
This subclass is indented under subclass 131. Subject matter wherein a single endless or screw conveyor
serves to either move material into and out of the chamber or to
return discharged material to the mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 131. Subject matter wherein there is more than one feed or discharge
means in a particular relation to each other and/or to
the mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 131. Subject matter wherein the feed and discharge means are
interconnected by a duct exteriorly of the mixing chamber for returning
at least a portion of discharge material to the chamber.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein material is mixed by directing a
jet or spray of one material into contact with a free-falling stream
of another material so as to intermix the material of the jet and
the stream.
(1)
Note. The free-falling stream of material may be solid or
liquid. The material is considered free-falling if it is unconfined or
substantially uninfluenced in its motion by any adjacent surfaces
or the like during its fall through a gas.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and corresponding methods provided with means,
in addition to inlet and outlet means for the material to be agitated,
for introducing a cleansing fluid into the mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and corresponding methods including means for
producing a partial vacuum in the mixing chamber during agitation.
(1)
Note. Substantially the entire contents of the mixing chamber
must be under reduced (subatmospheric) pressure. Where the contents
are not and localized vacuum or suction is created to feed material
into the chamber, placement is as indicated in the search notes
below.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and corresponding methods including means for
or a step of segregating or removing a portion of the material for
the purpose of inspection examination, or testing.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and corresponding methods including means for
or a step of determining the weight of a segregated quantity of
material.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and corresponding methods with means for (a) determining
a property or characteristic of the material for the purpose of indicating
the property or (b) producing or providing a perceptible manifestation
(e.g., audible or visible) of a condition of a part of the apparatus
or of a condition or rate of flow of the material.
(1)
Note. If feeding of material is automatically controlled by
or in response to the determining means, placement is as indicated
in the search notes below.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and corresponding methods including means for
viewing a part of the apparatus or a portion of the material.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and corresponding methods including means for
modifying the temperature of the material.
(1)
Note. The temperature modification may occur before, during,
or after agitation.
(2)
Note. See the class definition for class lines with other
heating or cooling classes.
Stoves and Furnaces,
subclass 387.1 for an open-top liquid heating vessel that may
include a lid having an agitator or circulator using the heated
liquid within the vessel.
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Subject matter wherein the material is heated by means of
an electric current moving through a resistance element.
Electric Heating,
subclasses 296+ for an electric heating apparatus for a liquid
with means to circulate the liquid in a fixed path in relation to
a heated surface so as to transfer heat to the liquid. Where electrical
heating means is only broadly claimed, placement will be in Class
366; but where details of the heater or control means for the heater
are claimed, placement will be in Class 219.
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Subject matter wherein the temperature modifying means includes
means for circulating a heated or cooled fluid (e.g., gas, water)
in the stirrer or for admitting such fluid in to the chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Subject matter wherein the temperature modification of the
material is effected prior to its entry into the mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Subject matter including wall structure surrounding the
mixing chamber in spaced relation to provide a cavity for a fluid
heating or cooling medium.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. An apparatus or corresponding method including a particularly
described means for conveying or admitting material (i.e., feed means)
into the mixing chamber.
(1)
Note. Mere recitation of an opening, inlet port, or feed conduit
for the material is not considered specified feed means. However,
any of the following claimed particulars are considered specified
means for this subclass: (a) means applying positive or negative
pressure on material to move it into the chamber (e.g., pump); (b)
conveyor means (e.g., belt, screw, chute); (c) feed control means
(e.g., valve, gate); (d) structure determining the proportions of
different materials fed to the chamber; (e) a feed conduit extending
into the mixing chamber or in tangential relation to the chamber;
(f) a plurality of feed means (conduits, chutes, hoppers, etc.)
in a particular relation to each other or to the mixing chamber;
or (g) a supply reservoir and means to feed material from the reservoir
into the chamber.
Dispensing, appropriate subclasses, for material dispensing
apparatus, per se. See References to Other Classes in the Class
definition of this class (366) for the line between Class 366 and Class
222.
This subclass is indented under subclass 150.1. Subject matter including a detector for sensing a variable
condition of the apparatus or of the material and means for initiating
or modifying the movement of material into the mixing chamber in
response to a signal from the detector.
This subclass is indented under subclass 151.1. Subject matter wherein the mixing chamber has feed means
for different materials, the means for initiating or modifying movement
of the material controlling at least one of the feed means so as
to control or maintain the ratio of the materials admitted into
the mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 152.1. Subject matter wherein (a) the variable condition sensed
by the detector is a volume or specific quantity of material fed
by one of the feed means and (b) the detector senses the condition by
monitoring the feed means.
(1)
Note. The specific quantity of material to be fed may be determined
by the operation of a pump of known capacity for a given time period.
This subclass is indented under subclass 152.1. Subject matter wherein the detector senses resistance to
the movement of an object through the material being mixed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 151.1. Subject matter wherein the detector senses resistance to
the movement of an object through the material being mixed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 150.1. Subject matter wherein the feed means deposits the material
in the mixing chamber in layers and the material is subsequently
removed from the mixing chamber such that portions of each layer
are substantially simultaneously removed, thereby mixing the material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 150.1. Subject matter including means for agitating the material
in the feed means or in a supply container operatively associated
with the feed means.
(1)
Note. The agitation may be for the purpose of moving the material
toward the chamber or merely for preventing agglomeration of the
material so as to maintain its free flow. The recitation of a screw
conveyor or other feed means that inherently agitates material is
sufficient to make placement of a patent here proper. A trap chamber
feeder is not considered to inherently agitate material as required
for this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 154.1. Subject matter wherein the means for agitating the material
in the feed means includes a vibrating element.
(1)
Note. The vibrating element may be part of the feed means.
Dispensing,
subclasses 196+ for a container and means for vibrating the container
or portion thereof to assist gravity discharge of material from
the container.
This subclass is indented under subclass 154.1. Subject matter wherein the agitator comprises a stirrer
that agitates the material by turning about an axis.
This subclass is indented under subclass 155.1. Subject matter wherein the stirrer includes an element that
(a) is elongated in the radial direction of the shaft, (b) has a
substantially constant cross section perpendicular to its longitudinal
axis whose thickness is similar in all directions, and (c) has a
free radially outer end.
This subclass is indented under subclass 155.1. Subject matter wherein the rotatable impeller comprises
structure having a continuous helical blade which rotates about
its longitudinal axis.
This subclass is indented under subclass 156.1. Subject matter wherein there is more than one rotatable
impeller structure having a continuous helical blade which rotates
about its longitudinal axis in the feed means.
(1)
Note. There may be a single feed means having plural screw
feeders or plural feed means each having a screw feeder.
This subclass is indented under subclass 156.1. Subject matter wherein (a) the mixing chamber has a stirrer
which moves about an axis aligned with the axis of the rotatable
impeller or (b) the rotatable impeller extends into the mixing chamber
to also serve as a stirrer within the chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 157.1. Subject matter wherein (a) the stirrer moving about the
axis aligned with the screw conveyor is a screw-type stirrer, or
(b) the screw conveyor extends into the mixing chamber to serve as
the stirrer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 156.1. Subject matter wherein the mixing chamber has a stirrer
movable about an axis which is parallel to and noncoaxial with the
axis of the screw conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 156.1. Subject matter wherein the helical blade varies in diameter
along its length or the blade surrounds and is mounted on a central
shank that varies in diameter.
This subclass is indented under subclass 156.1. Subject matter including an agitator upstream of the helical
blade in the direction of flow of material in the feed means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 154.1. Subject matter wherein the means for agitating the material
in the feed means or supply container comprises a stationary deflector
configured and arranged to cause irregular flow of material past
the deflector.
This subclass is indented under subclass 150.1. Subject matter including means to cause or permit material
fed toward the mixing chamber to move away from the chamber in the
feed means before entering the mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 150.1. Subject matter wherein the feed means includes variable
means for controlling the relative quantities of different materials
fed by the feed means to the mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 160.1. Subject matter wherein the feed means includes a pump for
moving or conveying the material to the mixing chamber.
(1)
Note. A "pump" includes a screw- or auger-type feed means
for purposes of this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 160.2. Subject matter wherein the variable means comprises means
for varying the speed, duration, or capacity of the pump.
This subclass is indented under subclass 150.1. Subject matter wherein the feed means is designed to deliver
different materials to the mixing chamber in a fixed proportional
relationship.
This subclass is indented under subclass 162.1. Subject matter wherein the feed means includes at least
one feed means that rotates for feeding material to the mixing chamber.
(1)
Note. Endless conveyors are not considered rotatable feed
means. Rotatable feed means include screw conveyors, rotatable trap
chambers, etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 162.1. Subject matter wherein the feed means has a feed chamber
for feeding material to the mixer and the feed chamber decreases
in volume during the feeding of material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 150.1. Subject matter wherein the feed means includes a pair of
inlets into the mixing chamber constructed to direct material toward
a common point and wherein the material is introduced into the chamber
through the inlets with sufficient velocity to form streams that collide
at the common point and intermix.
(1)
Note. Devices in which the energy of any streams formed by
mixing chamber inlet is substantially dissipated before the streams
collide are excluded.
Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing,
Preserving, or Sterilizing,
subclasses 133 and 135 for chemical reactors forming impinging
jets.
This subclass is indented under subclass 162.4. Subject matter including a body that reciprocates within
the mixing chamber to assist the discharge of the material from
the chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 150.1. Subject matter wherein the material is moved into the chamber
under the influence of negative pressure produced in the chamber.
(1)
Note. This subclass does not require substantially the entire
volume of the mixing chamber to be exposed to negative pressure.
for a mixing chamber, the entire contents of which
is exposed to negative pressure, in which the negative pressure
may serve to move material into the mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 163.1. Subject matter including (a) a passage having a region of
reduced cross- sectional area connected to the mixing chamber and
constructed so that the flow of a fluid through the region creates
the suction, or (b) a small tube through which material is directed
into a larger tube with sufficient velocity to produce the suction.
(1)
Note. The passage may constitute a portion of the mixing chamber,
or a low pressure region of the passage may be fluidly connected
to the mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 164.1. Subject matter wherein the stirrer is mounted for rotation
about a fixed axis and the material is fed by the suction to the
chamber through a conduit that is fixed to or part of the stirrer
so as to be substantially immovable with respect to the stirrer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 164.2. Subject matter wherein the stirrer is mounted on and driven
by a rotatable drive shaft and the stirrer and at least a portion
of the conduit can be repositioned or are removably mounted on the
drive shaft.
This subclass is indented under subclass 164.3. Subject matter having a fixed deflector in the mixing chamber
for providing additional agitation of the material.
for a stationary element in a mixing chamber cooperating
with a rotating stirrer. See the search notes in subclass 302 for
other locations of mixing apparatus having stationary agitating elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 164.2. Subject matter wherein the stirrer has a blade and the material-conducting
conduit discharges the material into a zone to the rear of the blade.
This subclass is indented under subclass 164.1. Subject matter wherein the stirrer is rotatable, rotation
of the stirrer generating flow of material away from the axis of
rotation of the stirrer that creates the negative pressure in the
mixing chamber.
(1)
Note. Excluded from this subclass are devices in which all
radial motion of fluid is incidental to the operation of the device,
that is, not producing the suction drawing material into the mixing
chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 150.1. Subject matter wherein the feed means is arranged relative
to an inner wall of the mixing chamber to cause a generally circular
or elliptical movement of the material within the chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 165.1. Subject matter wherein the mixing chamber has a deflector
therein positioned to be contacted by either the material entering
the chamber or the material undergoing mixing within the chamber.
(1)
Note. The deflector may be part of the mixing chamber wall
and extends into the chamber.
for a stationary element in a mixing chamber cooperating
with a rotating stirrer. See the search notes in subclass 302 for
other locations of mixing apparatus having stationary agitating elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 165.1. Subject matter wherein the mixing chamber has a rotatable
member therein for further implementing agitation.
(1)
Note. The rotatable member may be driven by a power source
such as a motor or driven by means of the material entering the
mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 165.1. Subject matter wherein the feed means includes means (e.g.,
a valve or pump) to control the flow of material into the mixing
chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 165.1. Subject matter wherein the means supplying the material
has a plurality of outlets into the mixing chamber, all of which
are connected to a common supply source.
178.2, and 181.6, for feed means having plural outlets
into a mixing chamber, all connected to the same source of material.
See the search notes in subclass 181.6 for further locations of mixing
apparatus having plural material feed means or outlets.
This subclass is indented under subclass 150.1. Subject matter wherein the feed means includes a passage-forming
element projecting into the mixing chamber so as to admit liquid material
through the element into the chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.1. Subject matter wherein the injector comprises a rotating
member having an internal chamber or channel through which the material
flows and having outlets in its periphery through which material
is discharged from the chamber or channel into the mixing chamber.
(1)
Note. A rotating hollow stirrer (i.e., a rotating body agitating
material by contact with the exterior surface of the body) through
which material is fed is not included in this subclass. See the search
notes below for the location of such a device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 168.1. Subject matter wherein the passage-forming element is an
integral part of the stirrer.
(1)
Note. A drive shaft integral with a stirrer is considered
a part of the stirrer.
(2)
Note. Typical of patents in this subclass is a stirrer having
a drive shaft and having a passage in the shaft through which liquid
is fed into the mixing chamber.
(3)
Note. Substantially all of the material that flows through
the passage-forming element must be from outside the mixing chamber
rather than from the agitated contents of the mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 169.1. Subject matter wherein the material is fed radially through
a side wall of a drive shaft of the stirrer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 169.1. Subject matter wherein the passage-forming element is a
projection of the stirrer having substantial radial extension from
the axis of rotation of the stirrer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 169.1. Subject matter wherein the feed means includes a stationary
conduit having a portion located inside the rotating stirrer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 168.1. Subject matter wherein the mixing chamber has an immovable
element therein which is in addition to the injector and which cooperates with
the rotatable stirrer to effect agitation.
for a stationary element in a mixing chamber cooperating
with a rotating stirrer. See the search notes in subclass 302 for
other locations of mixing apparatus having stationary agitating elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 168.1. Subject matter wherein there is more than one passage-forming
element in the mixing chamber.
(1)
Note. A branched tube constitutes plural injectors, while
a single tube or nozzle having a plurality of perforations without
projecting hollow fluid conducting members does not constitute plural injectors.
for feed means having plural identical outlets opening
into a mixing chamber all of the outlets being connected to the
same source of material. See the search notes in subclass 181.6
for further locations of mixing apparatus having plural material
feed means or outlets.
This subclass is indented under subclass 168.1. Subject matter wherein the tube or nozzle directs the material
into a region immediately adjacent to the stirrer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.1. Subject matter wherein there is more than one passage-forming
element in the chamber.
(1)
Note. A branched tube constitutes plural injectors, while
a single tube or nozzle having a plurality of perforations without
projecting hollow fluid conducting members does not constitute plural injectors.
for feed means having plural identical outlets opening
into a mixing chamber, all of the outlets being connected to the
same source of material. See the search notes in subclass 181.6
for further locations of mixing apparatus having plural material
feed means or outlets.
This subclass is indented under subclass 173.1. Subject matter having plural passage-forming elements in
the mixing chamber for material from the same supply.
178.2, and 181.6, for feed means having plural inlets
into a mixing chamber connected to a common material source. See
the search notes in subclass 181.6 for further locations of mixing
apparatus having plural material feed means or outlets.
This subclass is indented under subclass 167.1. Subject matter which also includes an element that is in
the chamber and stationary relative to the chamber or a support
therefor serving to divert portions of the material in the mixing chamber
so as to assist in the agitation.
(1)
Note. The deflector need not act directly on fluid introduced
by the tube or nozzle or a flow induced entirely by the introduction
of material through the tube or nozzle, but may act on any moving
material in the chamber.
for a stationary element in a mixing chamber cooperating
with a rotating stirrer. See the search notes in subclass 302 for
other locations of mixing apparatus having stationary agitating elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 174.1. Subject matter wherein the passage-forming element directs
the material introduced through it onto the stationary element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 150.1. Subject matter wherein the feed means is in the form of
a pump for forcing the material through a narrow restriction for
the purpose of mixing the material, particularly for the purpose
of emulsifying or homogenizing the material.
and particularly 340, for mixing apparatus in which
material is divided into different portions by passage around deflectors
or through apertures therein and recombined for the purpose of mixing
or emulsifying the material.
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.
This subclass is indented under subclass 176.3. Subject matter wherein the narrow restriction is within
a chamber and the pressure within the chamber may be changed by
adjustable means for maintaining a desired pressure (e.g., a regulator
valve).
This subclass is indented under subclass 150.1. Subject matter including a plurality of feed means emptying
into the mixing chamber through separate outlets and being in a
particular relation to each other or the mixing chamber.
(1)
Note. The mixing chamber that the materials enter must be
a chamber in which mixing of the type proper for Class 366 occurs.
This subclass is indented under subclass 177.1. Subject matter wherein at least two elongated feed means
have a common axis and are arranged one inside the other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 178.1. Subject matter wherein one of the feed means has a plurality
of outlets into the mixing chamber that are substantially the same
size and shape.
for nonconcentric feed means having plural identical
outlets opening into a mixing chamber, all of the outlets being
connected to the same source of material. See the search notes in
subclass 181.6 for further locations of mixing apparatus having
plural material feed means or outlets.
This subclass is indented under subclass 178.1. Subject matter in which (a) an inner one of the feed means
extends through a wall of an outer one of the feed means forming
an intersection between them and (b) the axis of the inner feed means
extends along the common axis of the feed means at the intersection.
This subclass is indented under subclass 177.1. Subject matter wherein at least one of the feed means supplies
quantities of material to the chamber in recurrent interrupted sequence.
(1)
Note. Means to intermittently operate flow control means for
the material to repeat a material-supplying operation without operator
intervention is required for placement in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 177.1. Subject matter wherein the feed means includes a chute or
hopper that supplies material solely by gravity.
(1)
Note. A hopper is a funnel-shaped container usually, but not
necessarily, used for dispensing fluent solids. A chute is an open-topped
channel or conduit for guiding material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 181.1. Subject matter including means for distributing material
over a region of the mixing chamber as it is being introduced into
the mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 181.1. Subject matter including a valve, gate, or closure for controlling
release of material from the chute or hopper.
This subclass is indented under subclass 177.1. Subject matter including a rotating stirrer in the mixing
chamber and a stationary deflector cooperating therewith to agitate
the material in the chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 177.1. Subject matter including an obstacle in the mixing chamber
past which the material flows and which deflects or changes the
motion of the material to promote mixing of the material.
(1)
Note. To be placed in this subclass, the obstacle must be
an element other than the mixing chamber wall, even if collision
of material with the wall is responsible for agitating the material.
(2)
Note. An obstacle agitating only one of a plurality of materials
fed to the mixing chamber before combination with other materials
is not considered to be within the mixing chamber.
for a stationary element in a mixing chamber cooperating
with a rotating stirrer. See the search notes in subclass 302 for
other locations of mixing apparatus having stationary agitating elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 177.1. Subject matter wherein a feed means has a plurality of outlets
opening into the mixing chamber which are substantially the same
size and shape.
and 10+, for mortar mixing apparatus in
which fluid is introduced into a mixing region of a conveying conduit through
a plurality of substantially identical inlets.
This subclass is indented under subclass 177.1. Subject matter including a rotatable stirrer in the mixing
chamber defining a space of relatively small radial dimension between
the periphery of the stirrer and the wall of the mixing chamber
and wherein one of the feed means introduces material directly into
the space.
This subclass is indented under subclass 177.1. Subject matter wherein one of the feed means is a device
that acts on fluid to force it to move along a path to the mixing
chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 150.1. Subject matter including means to start, stop, or regulate
the flow of material in the feed means.
(1)
Note. The mere disclosure of a valve or pump is not sufficient
for placement of a patent in this subclass. There must be a disclosure
of valve details, a valve operator mechanism, pump feed rate adjustment
means, or other feature directly related to adjustment or control
of material flow rate.
This subclass is indented under subclass 182.1. Subject matter wherein the feed means includes a pump that
directly forces material into the mixing chamber.
(1)
Note. A "pump" includes a screw- or auger-type feed means
for purposes of this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 182.1. Subject matter wherein the feed means includes a feed chamber
for holding a volume of material, and the means to start, stop,
or regulate the flow of material includes a valve in an outlet of
the feed chamber to regulate flow from the feed chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 182.1. Subject matter wherein the feed means includes a tubular
conduit, and the means to start, stop, or regulate the flow of material
to the mixing chamber includes a valve.
This subclass is indented under subclass 150.1. Subject matter wherein the feed means includes a fixed structure
which conducts the material solely by gravity to the mixing chamber.
(1)
Note. The feed structure may be a chute, hopper, funnel, etc.
The material must be fed solely by gravity through the static structure.
The structure must be stationary during feeding.
This subclass is indented under subclass 183.1. Subject matter including stationary flow-modifying means
in the outlet of the static conveyor past which material must flow
to enter the mixing chamber.
(1)
Note. The flow-modifying means may be, for example, a guide
to enhance distribution of material throughout the mixing chamber
or a screen or filter for breaking up or preventing entry of lumps of
material or foreign matter into the mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 183.3. Subject matter including means for closing off a space between
the fixed material-conducting structure and a wall forming an integral
portion of the rotatable mixing chamber so as to prevent escape
of material between the material-conducting structure and the wall.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and corresponding methods including a particularly
described means for conveying or releasing material from the mixing
chamber.
(1)
Note. Mere recitation of an opening, outlet port, or discharge
conduit for the material will not be considered specified discharge
means. However, any of the following claimed particulars will be considered
as specified means for this or an indented subclass: (a) Means for applying
pressure on the material to move it out of the chamber (e.g., pump compressed
air). (b) Conveyor means (e.g., belt, chute, screw, spout). (c)
Discharge control means (e.g., valve, fate). (d) Means for tilting
or permitting tilting of the chamber on its support for discharge
of the contents.
This subclass is indented under subclass 184. Subject matter wherein the mixing chamber is pivotable relative
to its support so as to permit material to flow therefrom under
the force of gravity.
This subclass is indented under subclass 184. Subject matter wherein the mixing chamber is rotatable in
one direction only, or alternatively rotatable about its axis.
This subclass is indented under subclass 187. Subject matter including an opening in the wall of the mixing
chamber and a movable or removable cover for the opening for selectively permitting
the material to flow from the chamber under the force of gravity.
This subclass is indented under subclass 184. Subject matter wherein a predetermined quantity of material
is removed or release from the chamber by the discharge means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 184. Subject matter wherein egress of the material from the mixing
chamber is effected by an agitating element which is in contact
with the material in cooperation with a confined flow path within
the chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 184. Subject matter wherein the material is caused to egress
the chamber by means producing a partial vacuum at the discharge
opening of the mixing chamber or increasing the pressure of the
air on the surface of the material in the mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 184. Subject matter wherein the flow of the material from the
mixing chamber is regulated by a movable means that opens, shuts,
or partially blocks a discharge opening in or passageway from the
chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 192. Subject matter wherein the movable means is a closure which
is rectilinearly reciprocable in a path transverse to the opening
or passageway.
This subclass is indented under subclass 184. Subject matter including a stirrer within the mixing chamber
which is rotatable about its axis in one direction, or alternatively
in opposite directions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Subject matter wherein the stirrer cooperates with the specified
discharge means to effect or regulate the flow of material from
the mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Subject matter wherein the stirrer, in its agitating movement,
acts directly on the material to cause its egress from the mixing
chamber.
MIXING CHAMBER REMOVABLE FROM STIRRER AND SUPPORT:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and corresponding methods including means to hold
a mixing chamber and a stirrer during agitation wherein the chamber can
be removed from the holder and the stirrer.
(1)
Note. If the chamber and stirrer are removed as a unit and
the stirrer is not removable, see subclass 219 below.
(2)
Note. For proper placement of patents in this and indented
subclasses, the chamber does not have to be claimed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Subject matter wherein the stirrer is adjustable relative
to the chamber and the adjustment is independent of the agitation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 197. Subject matter wherein the mixing chamber is supported by
a receptacle and is on the inside of the receptacle.
(1)
Note. The use of the container is for cooling of the chamber
but not limited to such and the patents are placed here, not in
subclass 149.
This subclass is indented under subclass 197. Subject matter including means for governing the starting,
stopping direction of motion, acceleration, speed retardation, etc.,
of a motor.
BY MOVEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR REMOVABLE MIXING CHAMBER:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and corresponding methods including means to hold
a mixing chamber and means to permit the holder to move during agitation,
wherein the chamber is removable from the holder.
(1)
Note. For proper placement of patents in this and indented
subclasses, the chamber does not have to be claimed.
(2)
Note. The mixing chamber support has the same movement with
or without the mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 210. Subject matter wherein the support is moved by a power source
which converts one form of energy to another form of energy.
This subclass is indented under subclass 209. Subject matter wherein the support is suspended by more
than one rod, strap, etc., which are movable about their own axis
and cause the support to move in an accurate path.
This subclass is indented under subclass 209. Subject matter wherein the support rotates alternately in
opposite directions about an axis and also moves in another direction
during agitation.
(1)
Note. The second motion can be oscillatory, rectilinearly,
etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 209. Subject matter wherein the support turns in but one direction
about an axis and also turns in but one direction about another
axis where the axes are at an angle to each other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 208. Subject matter wherein the mixing chamber is moved along
or with a device which supports it and causes agitation.
BY MOVEMENT OF MIXING CHAMBER RELATIVE TO STATIONARY SUPPORT:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and corresponding methods including a chamber
and means to support the chamber against the force of gravity while allowing
the chamber to move with respect to support during agitation the
means to support the chamber being fixed with respect to a surface
that does not move.
This subclass is indented under subclass 220. Subject matter wherein an element having an edge, flaccid
surface, etc., which is in contact with or in close proximity to
the chamber wall causes material to be moved away from the wall.
This subclass is indented under subclass 220. Subject matter including a device which is secured within
and in fixed relation to the mixing chamber or a stationary element
in the mixing chamber and serving to divert portions of the material
in the mixing chamber so as to assist in the agitation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 225. Subject matter wherein the deflector is an elongated strip
twisted in a spiral shape about the axis of rotation of the chamber,
or a segment of such a spirally shape strip.
This subclass is indented under subclass 220. Subject matter wherein the mixing chamber moves relative
to rotating cylinders or wheels which underlie the chamber during
rotating, or hangs by a support from above so as to allow relative
movement of the chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 219. Subject matter wherein the chamber is rotatable, reciprocated
about a fixed axis and there is not other motion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 219. Subject matter wherein the chamber is mounted on a rocker
which allows the chamber to move in a back and forth curved path
and there is no other motion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 219. Subject matter wherein the chamber is moved in alternate
directions in a straight line and there is no other motion.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and corresponding methods including a mixing chamber
which is in fixed position during agitation and a stirrer within the
chamber.
Special Receptacle or Package,
subclasses 217+ for a drinking vessel and material packaged therein
with a space provided for the addition of a liquid to be mixed with
the material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 241. Subject matter wherein the stirrer is mounted in an entirely
supported by a closure that is removable from the chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 244. Subject matter wherein the axis of the stirrer turns, but
is stationary with respect to its longitudinal movement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 247. Subject matter wherein the stirrer is an integral bar or
rod that is of curved or crooked shape to produce agitation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 247. Subject matter wherein the rotating stirrer is moved by
a power source which converts one form of energy into another form
of energy.
This subclass is indented under subclass 252. Subject matter wherein the mixing chamber has an immovable
element therein which cooperates with the rotatable stirrer to effect
agitation.
for a stationary element in a mixing chamber cooperating
with a rotating stirrer. See the search notes in subclass 302 for
other locations of mixing apparatus having a stationary agitating
element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 252. Subject matter wherein, prior to agitation, (1) the position
of the stirrer relative to the chamber may be varied, or (2) the
position of an element of the stirrer may be varied relative to
the position of another element of the stirrer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 255. Subject matter wherein the stirrer is mounted for movement
only in alternate directions along a straight line in the mixing
chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 256. Subject matter wherein the movement of the stirrer is produced
by a rotating element or by revolution of a crank, the motion of
the rotating element or crank being converted to straight line movement
in alternate directions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 256. Subject matter wherein the movement of the stirrer is produced
by an element which moves about a point in such a manner so as to
move the stirrer in a straight line.
This subclass is indented under subclass 256. Subject matter wherein an elastic body is employed to return
the stirrer from one direction of reciprocable movement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 241. Subject matter wherein the stirrer has a support means and
additional means are provided for moving the support and stirrer
in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the stirrer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 241. Subject matter wherein a confined flow path within the mixing
chamber forms part of the course through which material is caused
to pass by means of a pump within the chamber which (a) directly
forces or induces material through the flow path, or (b) causes
the material to move to and fro in said path, thereby producing turbulence
and agitation of the material in the chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 263. Subject matter wherein the centrifugal pump comprises a
rotating impeller and an outer stationary ring located in the same
general diametrical plane with the impeller.
This subclass is indented under subclass 263. Subject matter wherein the centrifugal pump comprises a
rotating impeller only e.g., cooperates with no other element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 262. Subject matter wherein the pump is a continuous helical
ribbon rotatable about its longitudinal axis to produce the pumping
action.
This subclass is indented under subclass 262. Subject matter wherein the pump has one or more blades which
when rotated about a central shaft produces movement of the material
in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 241. Subject matter wherein the stirrer comprises at least two
members having meshing teeth, at least one of said members being
rotatable and such rotation causing agitation of material in the
chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 241. Subject matter wherein the stirrer is a resilient diaphragm
within the chamber or chamber walls which on movement agitates the
material within the chamber.
Colloid Systems and Wetting Agents; Subcombinations
Thereof; Processes of Making,
subclasses 9+ for continuous liquid phase colloid systems (e.g., foams,
emulsions, suspensions, dispersions) or agents for such systems or
making or stabilizing such systems or agents, when generically claimed or
when there is no hierarchically superior provision in the USPC for
the specifically claimed art.
This subclass is indented under subclass 279. Subject matter wherein the movement of the material being
mixed causes movement of an element within the chamber.
(1)
Note. The element may be a stirrer or may be mounted on either
the container or a stirrer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 281. Subject matter including a power source for converting one
form of energy into another to cause motion of the stirrer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 281. Subject matter including at least two members having meshing
teeth, at least one of said members rotatable by a source of power
and such rotation causing the other member to rotate.
This subclass is indented under subclass 283. Subject matter wherein the support attaching the stirrer
to the rim has one or more mechanical elements which may be varied.
This subclass is indented under subclass 279. Subject matter wherein the stirrer"s position may
be moved relative to the mixing chamber prior to agitation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 279. Subject matter wherein the stirrer rotates on its own axis
as well as revolves about a second and different axis.
This subclass is indented under subclass 279. Subject matter wherein the rotatable stirrer also has axial
movement alternatively back and forth in a straight line.
This subclass is indented under subclass 279. Subject matter wherein a rotatable stirrer is located within
at least one of a plurality of mixing chambers which are in communication
with each other so that material may flow from one chamber to another.
(1)
Note. The communication may be by means of a conduit or through
or across a partition separating the chambers.
This subclass is indented under subclass 290. Subject matter wherein there is at least one stirrer in
at least two mixing chambers and the axis of the stirrers are parallel
to each other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 293. Subject matter wherein the stirrers are rotatable and are
driven in opposite directions relative to each other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 297. Subject matter wherein one of the stirrers has a profile
which contacts a mating surface of a parallel stirrer along the
length thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 279. Subject matter wherein the mixing chamber has an immovable
element therein which cooperates with the rotatable stirrer to effect
or perfect agitation.
(1)
Note. Included here is a stationary scraper, wiper, or brush
for removing material from the stirrer.
for a mixing apparatus having plural feed means
in which a stirrer and mixing chamber wall are separated by a small
distance and cooperate to shear the material at a rate sufficient
to mix the material.
for a flow-through mixing chamber without a moving
stirrer having a stationary deflector for dividing and recombining
material flowing through the mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 302. Subject matter wherein at least one of the stirrers or immovable
elements has at least two adjacent projections and the other has
at least one projection which extends between the previous two adjacent
projections.
This subclass is indented under subclass 302. Subject matter wherein either the stirrer or stationary
element has a substantially cylindrical or substantially conical
configuration.
(1)
Note. The term "substantially conical" is intended to included
truncated conical elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 302. Subject matter wherein the stationary element is attached
to the curved wall of a substantially cylindrical mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 279. Subject matter wherein the rotatable stirrer has means for
enabling the stirrer to be folded into a more compact shape.
(1)
Note. Normally the folding is for insertion into and out of
a reduced opening in the mixing chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 279. Subject matter including an element having an edge of a
flaccid surface or a plurality of bristles movable in contact with
or in close proximity to a wall of the chamber for removing material
from the wall surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 309. Subject matter wherein the edge has a spiral configuration
extending axially about the axis of rotation of the stirrer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 309. Subject matter wherein the element is pivotally mounted
on the support about an axis other than the axis of rotation of
the stirrer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 312. Subject matter wherein the two scraping edges are either
spaced apart in the direction of the axis of rotation of the stirrer
or wherein each edge has a portion extending beyond the other edge
in the axial direction.
This subclass is indented under subclass 315. Subject matter wherein the stirrer has an element projecting
from a surface or the periphery of the stirrer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 318. Subject matter wherein the helical ribbon changes diameter
along its length, or the diameter of a shaft supporting the ribbon
changes, or the distance between the convolutions of the helical
ribbon changes.
This subclass is indented under subclass 318. Subject matter wherein the helical ribbon has an opening
therethrough or a notch on the edge of the ribbon or the flow of
material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 279. Subject matter wherein the rotatable stirrer comprises a
plurality of agitating elements rigidly secured to a rotatable shaft.
(1)
Note. Contiguous agitating portions are considered to form
a single agitating element except when they differ substantially
in geometric form. A thin member that can be regarded as consisting
of agitating portions that differ substantially only in width, and
form continuous major working surfaces that may be flat, curved,
or bent is considered a single agitating element. An agitating portion
is a piece of material constructed and arranged to produce significant
agitation of material upon movement through the material. For example,
agitating portions that project from another agitating portion are
considered separate agitating elements.
(2)
Note. Agitating elements may be interconnected by nonagitating
portions. Agitating portions connected only by nonagitating portions
are considered separate agitating elements. The shaft of the stirrer
is a nonagitating portion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 325.1. Subject matter wherein an element is (a) elongated in the
radial direction of the shaft, (b) has a substantially constant
cross section perpendicular its longitudinal axis whose thickness
is similar in all directions, and (c) has a free radially outer
end.
(1)
Note. The element may have a cross section that is roughly
a square, regular hexagonal, circle, etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 325.1. Subject matter wherein one of the elements extends parallel
to the axis of the shaft in spaced relation to the shaft and has
a free end to which no supporting structure is directly attached.
This subclass is indented under subclass 325.1. Subject matter wherein one of the elements is a wire or
rodlike element that is configured to form by itself a substantially
continuous closed curve.
This subclass is indented under subclass 325.1. Subject matter wherein an element is independently supported
at opposite ends and spaced from the shaft between the ends.
(1)
Note. The element may be supported at each end by direct attachment
to the shaft or by attachment to an intermediate supporting member.
For the ends to be independently supported, any intermediate supporting
members must be separate members connected to the shaft.
This subclass is indented under subclass 325.1. Subject matter wherein an element has a substantially planar
working surface thereon and the axis of the shaft lies substantially
in the plane of the working surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 325.1. Subject matter wherein the elements are arranged to form
a substantially open central portion along the axis of rotation
and there is no shaft along the axis of rotation in the open central
portion.
for a rotatable stirrer having an agitating element
forming an openwork stirrer and having a central shaft present along
the axis of rotation of the stirrer in the same axial location as the
agitating element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 325.1. Subject matter wherein an element is capable of being adjusted
relative to the shaft or an element is configured and intended to
flex during mixing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 325.1. Subject matter wherein an element has an angular inclination
relative to its plane or surface of rotation that differs from that
of another element.
(1)
Note. Two elements are considered to have the same pitch if
the pitch of one element at any radius from the axis of rotation
at which both elements are present is the same as that of the other element
at the same radius.
This subclass is indented under subclass 327.1. Subject matter wherein an element is angled to move material
in one direction and another element is angled to move material
in the opposing direction.
This subclass is indented under subclass 327.1. Subject matter wherein a portion of an element is angled
to move material in one direction and another portion is angled
to move material in the opposing direction.
This subclass is indented under subclass 328.3. Subject matter wherein the aperture is bounded by four sides
substantially equal in length and intersect at right angles.
This subclass is indented under subclass 329.1. Subject matter wherein an agitating element is intended
to substantially engage and move relative to a wall of the mixing
chamber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 325.1. Subject matter wherein an agitating element is relatively
thin compared to its other dimensions and is angularly positioned
with respect to the rotatable shaft so as to produce movement of
the material in a direction having a component parallel to the axis
of rotation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 330.1. Subject matter wherein the rotatable shaft has an enlarged
section configured to receive the blade in a readily removable manner.
(1)
Note. The blade may secured to the hub by screws, for example.
This subclass is indented under subclass 330.1. Subject matter wherein the blade is curved or tilted to
extend substantially out of the plane that is perpendicular to the
axis of rotation of the shaft and that passes through a point of connection
between the blade and the shaft.
This subclass is indented under subclass 330.1. Subject matter wherein the widest dimension of the blade
measured generally perpendicularly to a radial line passing through
the blade substantially continuously increases in a radially outward
direction from adjacent the shaft to substantially the outer end
of the blade.
This subclass is indented under subclass 330.1. Subject matter wherein the widest dimension of the blade
measured generally perpendicularly to a radial line passing through
the blade substantially continuously decreases in a radially outward
direction from adjacent the shaft to substantially the outer end
of the blade.
This subclass is indented under subclass 330.1. Subject matter wherein the trailing edge of the projection
of the blade onto the surface of rotation of the blade is convex
substantially throughout its length.
This subclass is indented under subclass 279. Subject matter wherein the stirrer has a particularly described
means for either mounting the stirrer shaft to a drive means or
for mounting the stirrer within the container, e.g., bearing means.
(1)
Note. Mere recitation of a mounting means broadly will not
be considered specified mounting means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 241. Subject matter wherein the stirrer moves bodily back and
forth in a straight line so that at any instant all parts of the
moving body moves in the same direction at the same rate.
This subclass is indented under subclass 332. Subject matter wherein the stirrer, while moving back and
forth for agitating, is in contact with at least a portion of the
mixing chamber surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 332. Subject matter wherein there is more than one stirrer and
at least one of which moves bodily back and forth in a straight
line.
STATIONARY DEFLECTOR (DIVIDING AND RECOMBINING TYPE) IN
FLOW-THROUGH MIXING CHAMBER:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and corresponding methods including a mixing chamber
designed to receive the material at one end of a closed path and
to discharge it at the other end in a continuous flow and a device
positioned in the path so as to divert or separate a portion of
the stream of material in the path relative to other portions and
then permit the portions to recombine so as to commingle.
(1)
Note. The flow of material may, by disclosure, be either under
the force of gravity or an applied force.
for a stationary element in a mixing chamber cooperating
with a rotating stirrer. See the search notes in subclass 302 for
other locations of mixing apparatus having stationary agitating elements.
Pipes and Tubular Conduits,
subclasses 40+ for a conduit with a flow restrictor or deflector
disclosed for use in forming emulsions of a plurality of fluids.
Where such a conduit has additional combined features, such as means
to feed material to the restrictor, etc., the patents have been
placed in Class 366.
This subclass is indented under subclass 336. Subject matter wherein the deflector structure includes
a plurality of flat surfaces, each positioned at an acute angle
to the flow path and also in angular relation to each other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 336. Subject matter wherein the deflector comprises surface extending
along the path which are bent or twisted gradually and without angularity.
This subclass is indented under subclass 338. Subject matter wherein the deflector is an elongated strip
or slender rod twisted in a spiral shape extending along the path.
This subclass is indented under subclass 338. Subject matter wherein the deflector is a disk or solid
body extending across the path and having an opening therethrough
or an edge portion out away or indented so as to permit portions
of the material to pass through.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus wherein the mixing chamber is in fixed position
during the agitation and includes internal structure designed to
deflect moving material within the chamber so as to cause its agitation.
Special Receptacle or Package,
subclasses 217+ for a drinking vessel and material packaged therein
with a space provided for the addition of a liquid to be mixed with
the material.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising an agitating means, per se, not
provided for in any of the preceding subclasses.
This subclass is indented under subclass 343. Subject matter wherein the stirrer has a spindle fastened
in a socket of motor drive means for the stirrer and including means
for expelling the spindle from the socket.
This subclass is indented under subclass 343. Subject matter wherein the stirrer is mounted on wheels,
skids, tracks, or the like for movement along a surface intended
to support material for agitation by the stirrer.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising a closure or protective device
for the opening in a mixing chamber designed to cooperate with a
stirrer in the chamber.
(1)
Note. The cover may be shaped to assist in the agitation or
it may be provided with an aperture for the stirrer to extended
therethrough into the chamber.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus which is not provided for in any of the preceding
subclasses.
CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS
The following subclasses are collections of published disclosures
pertaining to various specified aspects of the agitating art which
aspects do not form appropriate bases for subclasses in the foregoing
classification (i.e., subclasses superior hereto in the schedule),
wherein original copies of patents are placed on the basis of proximate
function of the apparatus. These subclasses assist a search based
on remote function of the apparatus and may be of further assistance
to the searcher, either as a starting point in further related fields
of search inside or outside the class. Thus, there is here provided
a second access for retrieval of a limited number of types of disclosures.
(1)
Note. Disclosures are placed in these subclasses for their
value as references and as leads to appropriate main or secondary
fields of search without regard to their original classification
of their claimed subject matter.
(2)
Note. The disclosure found in the following subclasses are
examples only of the indicated subject matter, and in no instance
do they represent the entire extent of the prior art.
Colloid Systems and Wetting Agents; Subcombinations
Thereof; Processes of Making,
subclasses 9+ for continuous liquid phase colloid systems (e.g., foams,
emulsions, suspensions, dispersions) or agents for such systems or
making or stabilizing such systems or agents, when generically claimed or
when there is no hierarchically superior provision in the USPC for
the specifically claimed art.
Apparatus for the stirring of paint consisting of either
a device for moving the paint container or a stirrer to be inserted
into the container for mixing.
Colloid Systems and Wetting Agents; Subcombinations
Thereof; Processes of Making,
subclasses 9+ for continuous liquid phase colloid systems (e.g., foams,
emulsions, suspensions, dispersions) or agents for such systems or
making or stabilizing such systems or agents, when generically claimed or
when there is no hierarchically superior provision in the USPC for
the specifically claimed art.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising a mixing chamber having a bottom
wall and an upwardly extending side wall and a stirrer extending through
the side wall.
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