U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
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U.S. Patent Classification System - Classification Definitions
as of June 30, 2000
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Class 201
DISTILLATION: PROCESSES, THERMOLYTIC
Class Definition:
GENERAL STATEMENT OF CLASS SUBJECT MATTER
This is the residual class for thermolytic distillation
processes not otherwise provided for. For purposes of this
class thermolytic distillation is limited to the heating of a
solid carbonaceous material (distilland) to vaporize the
portion volatile under the conditions employed and to cause a
compound or compounds in the material to undergo chemical
decomposition (thermolysis) to form different chemical
substances, at least some of which are volatile under the
condition employed and an unvaporized solid carbonaceous
material (residue). At least a part of the vaporized material
is usually condensed to a liquid (distillate). See Lines With
Other Classes, below, for lines between this class (201) and
other classes having processes including thermolysis of
carbonaceous material.
Solid carbonaceous materials within the purview of this class
(201) include (exemplary but not limiting) such minerals as
coal and oil shale and substances of an organic nature such
as organic wastes and wood. Inorganic carbonates are
excluded.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
LINES WITH CHEMICAL COMPOSITION CLASSES
(1) Product whether claimed in terms of their composition or
claimed in terms of the process of making are classified in
the appropriate composition class even if the process merely
recites a thermolytic distillation operation.
(2) Processes for heating solid, carbonaceous material to
cause decomposition of compounds therein and to produce a
solid, carbonaceous residue are classified here only if not
otherwise provided for.
(a) Processes of thermolytically decomposing a carbonaceous
material to produce carbon black, graphite, or other purified
carbon are classified elsewhere. See References to Other
Classes, below, for specific classes/subclasses.
(b) Processes for carbonizing a solid carbonaceous material
to produce an electrically conductive product are classified
elsewhere. A carbonized composition (e.g., activated carbon)
claimed or disclosed solely as a sorbent or catalyst or a
method of making such composition is classified elsewhere.
See References to Other Classes, below, for specific
classes/subclasses.
(c) The line between processes in this class (201) and Class
44, Fuel and Related Compositions, is that this class (201)
takes a carbonization process wherein the carbonization is
specified as being complete or a vaporized component is
intended to be recovered, while Class 44 takes a process
wherein the extent of carbonization is not specified or the
disposition of any vaporized component is irrelevant to the
process, only the final solid fuel product being of concern.
(d) Class 48, Gas: Heating and Illuminating, takes processes
and apparatus for making heating and illuminating gases when
no solid carbonaceous residue is left.
(e) The line between this class (201) and Class 208, Mineral
Oils: Processes and Products, is (1) thermolytic distillation
of a distilland consisting predominately of solid
carbonaceous material and a minor amount of a mineral oil
material to produce a char is in this class (201), (2)
thermolytic distillation of a distilland consisting
predominately of a mineral oil material and a minor amount of
a previously charred material is classified in Class 208, (3)
for processes including extracting mineral oils from natural,
solid, carbonaceous material as well as the digestion or
conversion of the same as the digestion or conversion of the
same to obtain mineral oils see Class 208, Mineral Oils:
Processes and Products, subclass 8 for the line.
PROCESSES INCLUDING EVAPORATION
Processes for evaporating without a condensing step are
generally excluded from this class. For specific lines
between the processes of this class and other processes
including an evaporating step, see below.
(1) This class (201) is distinguished from Class 34, Drying
and Gas Or Vapor Contact With Solids, in that the material
herein is a solid or semi-solid which is chemically changed
by the heating step so as to yield volatile substances
containing condensable or absorbable components, while the
material of Class 34 is a solid or semi-solid from which it
is desired to remove an extraneous liquid, leaving the
residue chemically unchanged, even though the volatile
material be condensed.
(2) Class 134, Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, takes
claimed combinations of work handling or supporting means or
steps with means or steps to apply a liquid to the work, as
by spraying or immersion, where said liquid is distilled or
evaporated, whether or not the resulting vapor is (1)
directly contacted with the work or (2) condensed for re-use
to contact the work. When only the liquid distillation
subcombination or the vapor-phase work contact subcombination
has been claimed, see above for the line between Class 201
and Class 34.
(3) Evaporation Processes
Processes in which volatile components of the material being
heated are removed as vapor without at least a portion of the
vapor being condensed to a liquid are not within the purview
of this class (201). See References to Other Classes, below,
for some classes which provide for processes that include an
evaporating or concentrating step.
CLASS 201 IS SUPERIOR TO CLASS 203, DISTILLATION: PROCESSES,
SEPARATORY.
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
23, Chemistry: Physical Processes, for processes that include
an evaporating or concentrating step.
44, Fuel and Related Compositions, subclasses 500+ for a
particulate solid fuel composition and subclasses 550+ for a
consolidated fuel solids composition.
48, Gas: Heating and Illuminating, subclass 200, 201 and 202
for a process for gasifying a mixture which includes coal and
subclass 210 for a process for gasifying coal alone.
75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for Use
Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, appropriate subclasses for a
process of reducing an ore to the metallic state or refining
molten metal involving distillation or for a sublimation
process.
95, Gas Separation: Processes, for processes of gas
separation.
106, Compositions: Coating or Plastic, appropriate subclasses
for a coating composition which may be applied to surfaces of
the distillation apparatus or utilized for making apparatus
of a particular composition.
110, Furnaces, subclasses 235+ for a device for burning
garbage or sewage, subclass 229 for a furnace having a
special repository for fuel for eliminating the combustible
gases and burning them before the coked fuel is fed to the
fire and subclasses 101+ for a device for feeding fuel to a
furnace. Under Class 110, class definition, see Class 122,
Liquid Heaters and Vaporizers, and Class 126, Stoves and
Furnaces, for the lines among these classes.
122, Liquid Heaters and Vaporizers, for apparatus and methods
for heating liquids, generating vapors from liquids, treating
the vapors generated and conserving the heat remaining in the
liquid or vapor after part of the heat has been used. See
particularly subclass 66 for devices containing a water
cooled coking chamber for fuel.
127, Sugar, Starch, and Carbohydrates, for processes that
include an evaporating or concentrating step.
134, Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, subclasses 1+
for a cleaning process particularly subclasses 20 and 39, for
a process of removing carbon, subclass 12 for a cleaning
process including distilling the cleaning agent and subclass
31 for a cleaning process including the step of condensing a
gas or vapor.
159, Concentrating Evaporators, for processes that include an
evaporating or concentrating step.
162, Paper Making and Fiber Liberation, subclass 30.1 for a
process of destroying the organic constituents of the waste
liquor.
252, Compositions, subclasses 502+ for an electron
conductive or emissive composition containing free carbon and
process of making.
252, Compositions, appropriate subclasses, for processes of
thermolytically decomposing a carbonaceous material.
260, Chemistry of Carbon Compounds, for processes that
include an evaporating or concentrating step.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes, subclass 29.1, for processes for carbonizing a
solid carbonaceous material to produce an electrically
conductive product
266, Metallurgical Apparatus, for apparatus peculiarly
adapted for the treatment of metals or metalliferous
material.
299, Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,
subclasses 3+ for a process of converting coal or oil shale
in place to fluid material, whether a coke-like residue
remains or not.
366, Agitating, subclasses 219+ for apparatus for agitating
a liquid or a particulate material by motion of the
container, and subclasses 241+ for a fixed container with
movable stirring apparatus, particularly subclasses 262+ for
pump type stirrers.
406, Conveyors: Fluid Current, appropriate subclasses for
apparatus for conveying solid material in a current of air or
other gas.
414, Material Article or Handling, subclasses 147+ for
charging devices for placing a charge in or removing one from
an oven or furnace, and subclasses 800+ for a process of
material or article handling.
423, Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, appropriate subclasses
for processes of producing inorganic compounds and
nonmetallic elements by chemical reaction, which may include
a distillation step.
423, Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, subclasses 445+ for
processes of thermolytically decomposing a carbonaceous
material.
426, Food or Edible Material: Processes, Compositions, and
Products, for processes that include an evaporating or
concentrating step.
502, Catalyst, Solid Sorbent, or Support Therefor: Product or
Process of Making, especially subclasses 174+ and 416+ for
a catalyst or sorbent containing carbonized material or a
process of making such composition.
502, Catalyst, Solid Sorbent, or Support Therefor: Product of
Process of Making, for a carbonized composition (e.g.,
activated carbon) claimed or disclosed solely as a sorbent or
catalyst or a method of making such composition
585, Chemistry of Hydrocarbon Compounds, for processes that
include an evaporating or concentrating step.
588, Hazardous or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment,
appropriate subclasses for the use of process distillation
and thermolytic processes to destroy hazardous waste.
GLOSSARY:
AUTOTHERMIC DISTILLATION
A thermolytic distillation operation in which the distilland,
either by combustion of a portion of itself or by other
chemical change, furnishes at least part of the heat for
thermolysis and volatilization of either the inherent or the
thermolized volatile matter.
CARBONACEOUS MATERIAL
Any solid material (mixture or compound) other than an
inorganic carbonate which contains carbon or carbon
containing compounds such as coke or wood.
CHAR
The generic term applied to the carbonaceous residue from a
thermolytic distillation of any carbonaceous material. It
encompasses such terms as bone black, charcoal and coke.
COKE
Strictly this is the amorphous, solid residue of coal after
the volatile material has been distilled off in a thermolytic
distillation. The term is also applied in the art to the
solid, carbonaceous residue from the thermolytic distillation
of such materials as oil shale, petroleum and pitch.
CONDENSATE
See Distillate in the Class Definition section.
DESTRUCTIVE DISTILLATION
See thermolytic distillation.
DISTILLAND
For the purpose of this class is the carbonaceous material
which is undergoing a distillation operation.
DISTILLATE
The liquid product condensed from vapor during the
distillation operation.
EVAPORATION
The process of changing a solid or liquid into a vapor. This
is the generic term for both sublimation and vaporization. It
differs from "distillation" in that distillation includes the
additional step of condensing vapor produced to a liquid.
SEPARATORY DISTILLATION
A process of vaporizing at least a portion of a liquid
mixture (distilland) and condensing at least a portion of the
vapor to separate the liquid mixture into distinct parts. The
substances recovered as products must have preexisted in the
original mixture.
SUBLIMATION
A process in which a solid passes into the vapor state
without liquefaction and the vapor returns to the solid state
without passing through the liquid phase.
THERMOLYTIC DISTILLATION
A distillation in which material found in the distilland
undergoes chemical decomposition (thermolysis) to form
different substances at least some of which are volatile at
the temperature employed. The volatile substances are
recovered by condensation or sorption.
SUBCLASSES
Subclass:
1
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes combined with the positive step of visually,
chemically or physically determining some chemical or
physical characteristic or property of the distilland, vapor,
residue or condensate.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
73, Measuring and Testing, appropriate subclasses,
particularly 700+ for a device for the direct measurement of
pressure.
137, Fluid Handling, subclasses 2+ for a process of fluid
handling in which one or more characteristics or conditions
of a fluent material are determined.
162, Paper Making and Fiber Liberation, subclass 238 for a
digester with automatic control means.
196, Mineral Oils: Apparatus, subclass 132 for a mineral oil
vaporizer provided with means for automatically maintaining
desired conditions.
202, Distillation: Apparatus, subclass 151, 160, 193, 196,
and 206 for distillation apparatus having control devices and
see "SEARCH CLASS" under each subclass for related fields of
search.
203, Distillation: Processes, Separatory, subclasses 1+ for
a process directed to distilling, combined with measuring,
testing or inspecting.
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, appropriate
subclasses for a device for determining an appropriate
physical characteristic of a material by electrical means.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, appropriate
subclasses for electrical systems not otherwise classified
and see "SEARCH CLASS" under the Class Definitions for
various types of electrical systems.
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclasses 100+ for a
device for quantitatively determining temperature.
422, Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting,
Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing, subclasses 50+ for
chemical apparatus for (a) determining quantitatively or
qualitatively the presence of one or more chemical
constituents of a material and (b) combination of a test or
measurement means and means for regulating a chemical
reaction.
436, Chemistry: Analytical and Immunological Testing,
subclasses 1-183 for processes which quantitatively or
qualitatively determine the presence of a chemical specie.
Subclass:
2
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes including the step of cleaning the apparatus, e.g.,
removing adhering char product, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
39 for processes in which hot char is quenched as removed.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
15, Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning, subclass 1.51
for a cleaning device including means to apply an
electrostatic field to the foreign material to remove it, and
subclasses 104.03+ for mechanical or gaseous pressure devices
for removing deposits from conduits, pipes or tubes.
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, subclass 85
for gas or vapor contact with solids, apparatus with means
for cleaning the apparatus.
122, Liquid Heaters and Vaporizers, subclasses 379+ for a
boiler provided with a mechanism for cleaning the boiler.
134, Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, subclass 20
and 39 for a cleaning process for removing carbon.
165, Heat Exchange, subclass 5 for apparatus including a
heat storing mass with a provision for cleaning the heat
storing mass.
196, Mineral Oils: Apparatus, subclass 122 for a mineral oil
vaporized provided with means for removing carbon from the
vaporizer.
202, Distillation: Apparatus, subclass 241 for means for
cleaning and decarbonizing distillation apparatus.
203, Distillation: Processes, Separatory, subclass 4 for a
separatory distillation process combined with the step of
removing a contaminant from the separatory apparatus.
208, Mineral Oils: Processes and Products, subclass 48 for a
chemical conversion of hydrocarbon process including the step
of removing solid deposits of carbon from the apparatus.
432, Heating, subclass 2 for a residual heating process
including a step that purges, cleans or prevents accretion on
the apparatus used.
510, Cleaning Compositions for Solid Surfaces, Auxiliary
Compositions Therefor, or Processes of Preparing the
Compositions, appropriate subclasses for claimed or solely
disclosed (1) cleaning compositions for cleaning or removing
foreign matter from solid surfaces, (2) auxiliary
compositions for perfecting the cleaning compositions (e.g.,
rinse or dryer added fabric softener compositions), (3)
compositions of this class defined in terms of specific
structure, (4) packages of compositions of this class, and
(5) processes of preparing compositions of this class, in
each case where not provided for elsewhere; including those
compositions (or appropriate methods) which are claimed or
solely disclosed as specifically intended for such use.
Subclass:
2.5
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes in which the feedstock to the distillation process
is a vegetable or animal material and which include either
(1) use of a catalyst with distilland during the thermolysis,
or (2) a chemical treatment of a volatile component, i.e., a
distillate or a fixed gas obtained in the thermolysis, to
convert or maintain a volatile component in a desired
chemical form.
(1) Note. Materials such as municipal wastes, garbage,
sewage sludge, cellulosics, etc., distillands suitable for
placement in this subclass.
(2) Note. The chemical treatment must include a chemical
change, but it need not be a change in the product desired.
(3) Note. Mere removal of water of hydration or mere
conversion of a material to a carbon oxide (combustion) is
not sufficient chemical treatment for this subclass.
(4) Note. Mere recycle of products of the process, water,
carbon oxides, hydrogen, etc., without a recitation of a
specific chemical reaction due to the recycle is not
sufficient for placement of a patent in this subclass.
(5) Note. The catalyst must be more than the mere char
product of the process.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
25 for processes in which nonwood, nonmineral material is
used as a distilland.
45 for a collection of patents concerned with special
procedures whereby a distillate of special characteristics
may be obtained from a given distilland.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
585, Chemistry of Hydrocarbon Compounds, subclasses 240+
for the production of a hydrocarbon mixture from refuse or
vegetation.
Subclass:
3
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes including separating a solid by-product material by
a disparate physical step.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
28 for a process in which a solid product of a thermolytic
process is removed, treated and recycled.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
203, Distillation: Processes, Separatory, subclasses 47+
for a separatory distillation process including the step of
separating solid material.
209, Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids,
appropriate subclasses for a process or apparatus for
separating or segregating solid material according to a
physical characteristic.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclasses 600+ for
a process of separating a solid from a liquid, especially
subclasses 702+ for an accretion or precipitation process;
and subclasses 767+ for a skimming, settling or filtration
process.
Subclass:
4
This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Processes in
which a solid by-product is separated from a gas or vapor.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
95, Gas Separation: Processes, for processes of separation of
a solid from a gas, per se.
137, Fluid Handling, subclasses 544+ for fluid handling
apparatus including means for separating solid material from
a fluid and see "SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS" and "SEARCH
CLASS" under subclass 544 for related fields of search.
202, Distillation: Apparatus, subclass 197 for apparatus in
which vapor deposits entrained solid or liquid particles.
209, Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids, subclass
19 for a process of using free suspension in a gas for
segregating solid components of a mixture.
Subclass:
5
Processes under the definition including a step of shaping
solid carbonaceous material into a definite shape or
structure.
(1) Note. For purposes of this subclass the recitation that
the charge of carbonaceous material fills a container or a
carbonizing zone is not shaping.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
40 for a process of filling a carbonizing zone with
carbonaceous material and compacting the material therein.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
44, Fuel and Related Compositions, appropriate subclasses
especially subclass 591 and 607, for a fuel product
containing a carbonized component and subclass 599 for a
method of making a consolidated fuel product which includes
carbonizing using a specified condition or technique.
249, Static Molds, appropriate subclass for a static molding
implement.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes, appropriate subclasses for a process of shaping
plastic and nonmetallic articles and particularly subclass
29.1 wherein a carbonaceous material is subjected to a heat
treatment in a substantially nonoxidizing atmosphere to
produce a product containing elemental carbon. See Class 264,
Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes, section IA3 for the line.
425, Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating:
Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for molding machine to
shape or reshape nonmetals.
Subclass:
6
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Processes in
which the shaping of the feed particles occurs prior to the
step of charging them to the carbonizing zone.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes, subclass 29.1 for a process of carbonizing a
shaped preform.
Subclass:
7
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes combined with the step of comminuting or at least a
portion of the charge or the residue.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, subclasses
1-30, for a process directed to comminuting solid material.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes, subclasses 500+ for a process of direct
application of fluid pressure to shape the work and
subclasses 239+ for a process of making a solid shape by the
application of mechanical force.
Subclass:
8
This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Processes in
which the solid carbonaceous material is disintegrated prior
to charging to the carbonizing zone.
Subclass:
9
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes which include a treatment of the surface of the
particles of the charge to reduce or prevent agglomerating or
foaming or swelling during distillation.
(1) Note. Searing the surface of the feed particles to
inhibit swelling during the carbonizing step is "Treating"
within the purview of this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
137, Fluid Handling, subclass 170.1 for apparatus for
controlling the degree of foaming in a gas charged liquid.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes, subclass 80 for a process of chemically
decomposing a surface portion of a particle by heat.
435, Chemistry: Molecular Biology and Microbiology, subclass
266 for a fermentation process including the step of
treating the foam.
516, Colloid Systems and Wetting Agents; Subcombinations
Thereof; Processes of Making, Stabilizing, Breaking, or
Inhibiting, subclasses 113+ for compositions for or
subcombination compositions for or breaking of or inhibiting
of colloid systems (e.g., foam breaking, emulsion breaking,
dispersion inhibiting, suspension settling, gel breaking,
smoke suppressing, coagulating, flocculating), when
generically claimed or when there is no hierarchically
superior provision in the USPC for the specifically claimed
art.
Subclass:
10
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes in which the distillation is brought about by heat
derived by direct contact with an extraneous, preheated solid
or liquid or container.
(1) Note. For purposes of this and indented subclasses a
char is considered "an extraneous solid" unless it is
disclosed as recycled solid product.
(2) Note. A preheated coke oven is a preheated container
within the meaning of this subclass if it contains originally
enough heat to completely carbonize the charge.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
20 for a process in which a solid or liquid noncarbonaceous
substance is included in the material to be carbonized and
subclass 28 for a continuous process in which a recovered
product of the carbonization step is recycled.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
165, Heat Exchange, subclass 104.11, for apparatus in which a
retained body of fluent material forming a part of the
apparatus, acts as a heat storer or heat carrier for the
apparatus.
202, Distillation: Apparatus, subclass 219 for distillation
apparatus in which the retort contains a mass of fusible
substance through which the heat is conveyed to the retort.
588, Hazardous or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment,
appropriate subclasses for the use of preheated inert
disparate solid or preheated liquid to destroy hazardous
waste.
Subclass:
11
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Processes in
which the preheated material is molten metal.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, subclasses
329+, for a process including contacting the material being
treated with a liquid metal, and see notes thereunder for
related fields of search.
48, Gas: Heating and Illuminating, subclass 92 for a retort
containing heated molten metal into which material to be
gasified is injected.
165, Heat Exchange, subclass 104.11 for apparatus in which a
retained body of fluent material forming a part of the
apparatus, acts as a heat storer or heat carrier for the
apparatus.
Subclass:
12
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Processes in
which the preheated material is a particulate solid.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
22 for a process in which char is incorporated in the
material to be carbonized.
28 for a process in which a hot, solid product of the
carbonization step is recycled to the carbonizing operation.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
208, Mineral Oils: Processes and Products, subclasses 126+
for a process directed to adding hot solids to a mineral oil
and note "SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS" and "SEARCH CLASS"
under subclass 126.
Subclass:
13
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes including using a product of the carbonizing step
as an indirect source of heat.
(1) Note. A hot product of the thermolytic distillation
process may be utilized as such as an indirect source of heat
or further treated before recovering the heat therefrom by
indirect heat exchange.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 28+ for a process in which heat is incidently
and directly recovered by recirculating a hot product of the
carbonizing step to the carbonizing zone.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, subclass 513
for a process including conserving heat by indirect heat
exchange.
165, Heat Exchange, subclasses 4+ for a device for
alternately heating a mass with a fluid and then heating a
second fluid with the stored heat.
196, Mineral Oils: Apparatus, subclass 134 for apparatus for
vaporizing mineral oils including means for heat recovery
from the vapor or residuum.
202, Distillation: Apparatus, subclass 146 for a horizontal
retort with flues wherein the air and/or gas combustion is
heated by the waste products of combustion by means of a
single-surface heater and subclass 150 for a similar
apparatus using a double surface heater.
203, Distillation: Processes, Separatory, subclasses 21+
for a process of distilling a liquid in which heat is
recovered by indirect heat exchange.
237, Heating Systems, appropriate subclass, for a heating
system which may use the heat rejected portion of a
refrigeration system with additional heating means.
588, Hazardous or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment,
appropriate subclasses for the use of a carbonization product
as an indirect heat source to destroy hazardous or toxic
waste.
Subclass:
14
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Processes
directed to indirectly heating the carbonaceous charge, at
least in part, with heat from a product of the thermolytic
distillation operation.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
196, Mineral Oils: Apparatus, subclass 134 for a mineral oil
vaporizer having means for preheating the incoming oil by the
heat of the vapors or residue.
203, Distillation: Processes, Separatory, subclasses 22+
and 25+ for a process of distilling a liquid in which the
heat recovered by indirect heat exchange is used to heat the
incoming feed or the distillation zone.
Subclass:
15
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Processes
directed to indirectly heating the carbonaceous charge, at
least in part, by the burning of at least a part of a product
of the thermolytic distillation operation.
(1) Note. When the cracking of a vapor product is for the
production of heat to assist the thermolytic process and not
primarily to produce a mineral oil, the process is classified
in Class 201 instead of Class 208.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, subclass
513, for a process including conserving heat by burning the
discharged vapors and using the evolved heat.
202, Distillation: Apparatus, subclass 111, 122, 123, 130,
132, 140, 141+, 146, and 148 for retort system heated by the
heat carried off by the products of combustion.
Subclass:
16
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Processes in
which the carbonaceous charge is indirectly heated, at least
in part, by burning a solid product of the thermolytic
distillation operation.
Subclass:
17
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes combined with the step of removing impurities from
char.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
423, Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, subclass 449.1 for
processes for producing carbon by a chemical reaction, e.g.,
oxidation, etc.
502, Catalyst, Solid Sorbent, or Support Therefor: Product or
Process of Making, especially subclasses 174+ and 416+ for
a catalyst or sorbent containing carbonized material or
process of making such composition.
Subclass:
18
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes directed to using structures having a specific
composition, (e.g., a cast iron sole plate, etc.).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
203, Distillation: Processes, Separatory, subclass 86 for a
process of distilling directed to the use of an apparatus or
element of specific composition.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes, subclass 30 for forming or repairing furnace
linings and see "Search Class" thereunder for related fields
of search.
266, Metallurgical Apparatus, subclasses 280+ for the
lining construction for metallurgical receptacles.
373, Industrial Electric Heating Furnaces, subclass 137, 155
and 164 for an electric furnace having a lining of a specific
composition.
501, Compositions: Ceramic, subclasses 94+ for refractory
compositions useful in making refractory linings.
Subclass:
19
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes including applying electrical energy directly to
the material undergoing treatment.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
196, Mineral Oils: Apparatus, subclasses 120+ for mineral
oil vaporizing apparatus having special means for heating.
209, Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids, subclass
127.1, for a process of applying an electrostatic charge for
assorting solid material.
219, Electric Heating, appropriate subclasses for electric
heating devices and electrical heating processes. See also
under "SEARCH CLASS" references to related fields utilizing
electrical heating.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes, subclasses 405+ for a process directed to
applying electrical or wave energy directly to the work.
423, Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, subclass 449.1 for
processes for producing carbon by a chemical reaction, e.g.,
oxidation, etc.
588, Hazardous or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment,
appropriate subclasses for the use of electrical energy in
the destruction of hazardous or toxic waste.
Subclass:
20
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes directed to incorporating an extraneous, solid or
liquid, noncarbonaceous material into the carbonaceous
material being treated.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
202, Distillation: Apparatus, subclass 176 for separatory
distillation apparatus including a distilland treating
device.
203, Distillation: Processes, Separatory, subclasses 29+
for a distillation process directed to adding a material
which reacts with a component of the mixture.
588, Hazardous or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment,
appropriate subclasses for using an added substance to
destroy hazardous or toxic waste.
Subclass:
21
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes in which the feed material is composed of two or
more carbonaceous substances of which at least the
predominate one is a solid.
(1) Note. For purposes of this and indented subclasses,
garbage and waste material which is carbonized is considered
a mixture unless the disclosure specifically states that it
is not.
(2) Note. For purposes of this and indented subclasses wood,
oil shale or a particular type of coal is considered a
distinct material.
(3) Note. For purposes of this and indented subclasses a
charge of a mixture of two distinct sizes of particles is
considered a mixture, e.g., a charge consisting of wood
blocks and sawdust.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
44, Fuel and Related Compositions, appropriate subclasses
especially subclass 591 and 607, for a fuel product
containing a carbonized component and subclass 599 for a
method of making a consolidated fuel product which includes
carbonizing using a specified condition or technique.
110, Furnaces, subclass 235 for furnaces for incinerating
garbage.
252, Compositions, subclasses 502+ for electrically
conductive compositions containing carbon which compositions
have been carbonized.
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, subclasses 326+
for electrodes for electric lamps and electric discharge
devices defined by their structure.
373, Industrial Electric Heating Furnaces, subclasses 88+
for the composition of electric arc furnace electrodes.
Subclass:
22
This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Processes in
which a component of the feed is char.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 28+ for processes in which a char product is
recycled to the carbonizing operation.
Subclass:
23
This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Processes in
which the feed contains mineral oil.
(1) Note. See Class 208, Mineral Oils: Processes and
Products, "Definition of Terms," for the scope of the term
"mineral oil".
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
29 for a process in which an oil recovered from the
carbonization step is recycled to the carbonization zone.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
48, Gas: Heating and Illuminating, subclass 201 for a
process of gasifying a mixture of coal and oil.
Subclass:
24
This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Processes in
which the feed is a mixture of coal materials.
(1) Note. This subclass includes a feed comprising a mixture
of two or more different coals. It also includes a feed of a
mixture two or more specific sizes of coal particles, e.g., a
mixture of 4-inch lumps and 1/2-inch lumps.
Subclass:
25
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes in which the feed is a solid carbonaceous material
other than coal, oil shale or wood.
(1) Note. Corn cobs, peat and straw are examples of solid
carbonaceous material within the scope of this subclass.
(2) Note. For purposes of this subclass the term "coal"
includes anthracite, all bituminous coals and all lignites.
(3) Note. For purposes of this subclass the term "wood"
includes wood of any type whether in large pieces or as
sawdust.
(4) Note. For purposes of this subclass the term "oil shale"
includes tar sands.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
44, Fuel and Related Compositions, subclasses 490+ for peat
briquettes and processes for preparing peat for fuel,
especially subclass 492 for a process for wet carbonizing
peat
Subclass:
26
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes wherein a plurality of solid carbonaceous materials
are separately and simultaneously subjected to carbonizing
conditions.
(1) Note. To come within the purview of this subclass a
plurality of distinct carbonaceous charges are
thermolytically treated substantially simultaneously in
separate and distinct isolated zones.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, subclass 113
for a combination of a plurality of interconnected rotating
treating drums.
110, Furnaces, subclass 208 for a plurality of
interconnected furnaces in which the gases from one furnace
are passed into an associated furnace.
202, Distillation: Apparatus, subclass 113 for a plurality
of retorts connected in series or parallel.
Subclass:
27
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes in which a volatile product of the carbonization
step is burned.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
588, Hazardous or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment,
appropriate subclasses for the burning of the vaporized
product.
Subclass:
28
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes directed to treating a product of the carbonizing
step and recycling to the carbonizing process at least a part
of the so treated product.
(1) Note. The product recycled may be a solid or a liquid or
a gas.
(2) Note. The product of the carbonization step may or may
not have been altered after it was removed from the
carbonizing zone.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 13+ for processes in which the heat of a product
of carbonization is recovered by indirect heat exchange.
Subclass:
29
This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Processes in
which the product which is recycled is a volatile.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
196, Mineral Oils: Apparatus, subclass 99, for mineral oil
distilling apparatus including the combination of a
vaporizer, condensing means with means for returning a part
or all of the condensate to the vaporizer.
202, Distillation: Apparatus, subclass 109, for apparatus for
moving the volatile matter distilled off in a closed circuit
through the retort.
Subclass:
30
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes directed to condensing the vapor evolved during
distillation into a plurality of distinct fractions.
(1) Note. The vapor must be removed from the carbonizing
zone and condensed in a plurality of zones having distinct
temperatures.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
202, Distillation: Apparatus, subclass 199 for apparatus in
which vapor is passed through a condensate from itself to
surrender high-boiling constituents.
203, Distillation: Processes, Separatory, subclass 87 for a
process directed to fractionally condensing the vapor outside
the still and see "SEARCH CLASS" thereunder.
Subclass:
31
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes directed to carbonizing the carbonaceous material
in a fluidized bed.
(1) Note. Fluidized bed for purposes of this subclass is a
system in which an upwardly flowing gas maintains the
particles of the charge in an agitated, more or less
suspended condition during carbonization. Arbitrarily a
process including hindered fall of particles during
carbonization by means of an upwardly flowing gas is included
in this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, subclass 359
for a process of treating a solid in gas or vapor
suspension.
208, Mineral Oils: Processes and Products, subclasses 126+
for a process directed to adding hot solids to a mineral oil
and note "SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS" and "SEARCH CLASS"
under subclasses 126 and 127.
Subclass:
32
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes in which carbonizing is carried out on a charge of
carbonaceous material which is in motion with respect to the
carbonizing zone.
(1) Note. For purposes of this and indented subclasses the
individual particles of a charge may be in motion with
respect to each other and the carbonization zone or a
confined charge may be moving with respect to the
carbonization zone.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
202, Distillation: Apparatus, subclass 117 for apparatus
having means for moving the distilland through it, and note
"Search This Class, Subclass" under subclasses 117+ for other
apparatus in which the distilland passes through the retort.
373, Industrial Electric Heating Furnaces, subclass 84 and
85+ for a rotating electric arc furnace.
Subclass:
33
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Processes
directed to positively agitating the charge in the
carbonizing zone.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, subclasses
114+ and 122 for a rotating retort with means for gas or
vapor contact with the treated material.
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, subclass 467.1, 513, 545, 548,
550.10, 608, 611+, 468.10, 625, 657+ for a screw conveyor,
subclasses 409, 429+, 517, 602, 614, 621.1+, 736+, and 750.1+
for a reciprocating conveyor, and subclasses 441+, 450,
550.6, 608, 611+ for a rotary conveyor.
202, Distillation: Apparatus, subclass 118, 131, 136, 216,
218, 238, and 265, for distillation apparatus including a
rotating retort or agitating elements and see "SEARCH CLASS"
under subclass 218 and 265.
366, Agitating, subclasses 219+ for a mixing chamber which
moves, in whole or in part, to effect agitation; also the
corresponding method.
Subclass:
34
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Processes
directed to carbonizing a gravitating charge of carbonaceous
material in the carbonizing zone.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
202, Distillation: Apparatus, subclasses 120+ for apparatus
in which the distilland passes through it in a vertical
direction.
Subclass:
35
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes directed to carbonizing under pneumatic pressure or
vacuum.
(1) Note. For purposes of this subclass the claims must
clearly state that the pneumatic pressure in the carbonizing
zone materially differs from ambient pressure.
(2) Note. Processes directed to carbonizing in which the
charge is only subjected to container wall pressure are
excluded.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, subclasses
402+ for a process of treating a solid under vacuum or
applying gas or vapor under superatmospheric pressure.
202, Distillation: Apparatus, subclass 110 for thermolytic
distillation apparatus in which the distilland is under
pressure.
203, Distillation: Processes, Separatory, subclasses 73+
and 91+ for a distillation process in which the distillation
zone is under pressure or vacuum.
588, Hazardous or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment,
appropriate subclasses in which treating under pressure or a
vacuum is used to destroy hazardous or toxic waste.
Subclass:
36
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes directed to positively adding an extraneous gaseous
material to the solid carbonaceous material being acted
upon.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, subclasses
282+ for a process for contacting a solid with a gas or
vapor to remove moisture or other vaporizable components and
subclasses 114+ and 122 for a rotating retort with means for
gas or vapor contact with the treated material.
202, Distillation: Apparatus, subclass 121 for a retort
provided with means for injection of fluid, and see (1) Note
and "(2) Search Class" thereunder for other apparatus in
which fluid is injected.
208, Mineral Oils: Processes and Products, subclasses 126+
for a process directed to adding hot solids to a mineral oil
and note "SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS" and "SEARCH CLASS"
under subclass 126.
502, Catalyst, Solid Sorbent, or Support Therefor: Product or
Process of Making, especially subclasses 174+ and 416+ for
a catalyst or sorbent containing carbonized material or a
process of making such composition.
588, Hazardous or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment,
appropriate subclasses for the use of gaseous material in a
process for destroying hazardous or toxic waste.
Subclass:
37
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Processes in
which the extraneous gaseous material includes combustion
gases.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, subclasses
443+ for a process of treating solid material with the
products of combustion.
202, Distillation: Apparatus, subclass 111, 121, 123, 130,
132, 140, 141+, 146, and 148 for a retort system heated by
the heat carried off by the products of combustion.
Subclass:
38
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Processes in
which the extraneous gaseous material includes steam.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
48, Gas: Heating and Illuminating, subclass 200, 202 and
204+, for a process of gasifying fuel in which steam is
injected into the incandescent fuel.
110, Furnaces, subclasses 188+, 199+, 296, and 297+ for means
of feeding air and steam to a furnace.
Subclass:
39
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes directed to cooling the carbonaceous residue of the
process by quenching in an inert medium.
(1) Note. A liquid or gas which does not materially react
with the hot carbonaceous residue is considered inert.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
202, Distillation: Apparatus, subclass 95 for apparatus
including a device for cooling the residue, subclasses 227+
for distillation apparatus including a quencher and see under
subclass 227 "SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS" and "SEARCH CLASS"
for related fields of search.
Subclass:
40
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes including arranging or positioning the carbonaceous
material in the retort to facilitate carbonizing it or to
facilitate removing products.
(1) Note. The broad recitation that gas is removed during
charging does not take the process out of this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, subclass 518
for a process of arranging the solid material to promote
contact with gas or vapor passing therethrough.
202, Distillation: Apparatus, subclass 263 for thermolytic
distillation apparatus provided with means for disposing of
smoke and fumes produced while charging.
414, Material or Article Handling, subclass 133 for
apparatus for forming piles of coal or like material; also,
subclasses 147+ or 586+ for the combination, or
subcombination, respectively, of a chamber of a type utilized
for a heating function and means for moving material to,
into, within, out of, or from the chamber.
Subclass:
41
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes directed to thermolytically decomposing solid,
carbonaceous material by applying heat not otherwise provided
for.
(1) Note. In this subclass are combinations not provided for
above and not provided for elsewhere.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
423, Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, subclasses 449+ for
processes for producing carbon by a chemical reaction, e.g.
oxidation, etc.
CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS
The following subclasses represent at least a substantial
collection of patents found elsewhere in the classification
of this class, but merit isolation for aid in searching
certain concepts which do not form appropriate bases for the
placement of original patents. These concepts are as given in
the titles and definitions of the subclasses listed
hereunder.
The cross-reference patents contained in these collections
may be of further assistance to the searcher, either as a
starting point in searching this class or as an indication of
further related fields of search inside or outside the class.
Thus, there is here provided a further path of access for
retrieval of a limited number of types of disclosure.
(1) Note. Disclosure 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 or their claimed subject matter.
(2) Note. The disclosures 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.
Subclass:
42
Thermolytic processes as provided for in this class wherein
there is either recited or disclosed a reference to a
particular size or dimension of the particles of at least one
component of the material being acted upon.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
44, Fuel and Related Compositions, subclasses 500+ for a
particulate solid fuel composition and subclasses 550+ for a
consolidated fuel solids compositions.
149, Explosive and Thermic Compositions or Charges,
subclasses 110+ for a collection of patents based on the
particle size of a component of an explosive or thermic
composition.
Subclass:
43
Thermolytic processes as provided for in this class in which
the charge is heated by means of a hot, extraneous, inert gas
cyclicly circulated.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
162, Paper Making and Fiber Liberation, subclasses 41+ for
a process of fiber liberation including circulating a hot
digesting fluid through the digester and subclasses 248+ for
a fiber liberation digester having means to circulate the
digesting fluid.
202, Distillation: Apparatus, subclass 109 for apparatus for
moving the volatile matter distilled off in a closed circuit
through the retort.
Subclass:
44
Thermolytic processes as provided for in this class in which
the carbonaceous material is subjected to at least two
distinctly different temperature stages.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
202, Distillation: Apparatus, subclass 150, 159 and 177+ for
distillation apparatus including a preheating device.
203, Distillation: Processes, Separatory, subclasses 71+
for plural separatory distillation steps.
208, Mineral Oils: Processes and Products, subclasses 49+,
354+ and 364+ for a process directed to heating mineral oil
at distinct temperature stages.
Subclass:
45
Thermolytic processes involving special characteristics may
be obtained from a given distilland.
Information Products Division -- Contacts
Questions regarding this report should be directed to:
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Information Products Division
PK3- Suite 441
Washington, DC 20231
tel: (703) 306-2600
FAX: (703) 306-2737
email: oeip@uspto.gov
Last Modified: 6 October 2000