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 209
CLASSIFYING, SEPARATING, AND ASSORTING SOLIDS
Class Definition:
The class comprises methods and apparatus for separating
solid materials and assorting or segregating them in grades
or classes according to physical characteristics.
(1) Note. The class includes in general separation of
grains, fruits, vegetables, flour, minerals, and, when the
assorting is automatic, various manufactured articles. It,
however, does not include the separation of straw in
threshing machines (see Search Notes below) or certain
manufacturing articles the separation of which has attained a
specialized status (for example, printing type and fraud
preventives of check-controlled machines).
(2) Note. This class does not include devices, either
manually operated or automatic, for testing and separating of
defective or leaky containers from perfect ones unless the
separation is based upon some characteristics, generally
dimensional, which forms the basis of some subclass of
assorters in this class.
(3) Note. This class provides for tanks or receptacles or
methods involving their use which are adapted specially to
separate different grades of solid material from each other,
usually by differential transporting effect of flowing
currents of liquid impinging on a mixture of such solid
materials or by differential subsidence of the solids in
liquid which may be stationary or flowing. (See References to
The Current Class, below). Also see Lines With Other Classes
below, for structure of process adapted for the separation of
solids from the liquid in which they are suspended.
(4) Note. Where an apparatus or method depends upon or is
adapted specially for the separation of solid ingredients
from other solids by chemical action, as by dissolution of
certain of the ingredients to be separated, with or without
subsequent precipitation, it is classifiable in other
classes, according to the nature of the material treated or
of the chemical action involved. (See Lines With Other
Classes, below.)
(5) Note. See Subclass References to The Current Class,
below, for the so-called amalgamating apparatuses or methods
when associated with other types of separation); when
dependent upon the adhesion of amalgamable materials to
surfaces coated with mercury or metallic equivalents; and
when the metals to be recovered are collected within a body
of liquid metal which may be mercury, lead, zinc, etc., or
alloys, and the ingredients lighter than the metals sought
are floated by the body of liquid metal. Where chemical or
electrical action is involved, which is not directed to the
chemical dissolution of the metals sought or formation of
compounds thereof, such goes into other subclasses in this
class, whether the "amalgamation" is adhesion to a coated
surface of mercury or its equivalent or collection by a
liquid metal body. (See Subclass References to The Current
Class, below, for cites to all these areas.) When chemical
dissolution of the metal or formation of compounds thereof is
involved with subsequent amalgamation, it goes to other
classes, for which see Lines With Other Classes, below.
(6) Note. This class does not include apparatus or methods
which involve the use of bowls or receptacles rotating at
speed high enough to develop sufficient centrifugal force to
separate one class of solids from others unless there is
"amalgamation" involved, in which case such apparatus or
methods are classifiable here (see References to This Class,
below). Cases not falling within the exception noted are
classifiable elsewhere. See Lines With Other Classes, below.
(7) Note. This class provides for methods and apparatus for
sorting special items. See Subclass References to This Class,
below, for specific subclasses. Also see this latter section
for a reference to examples of "special items." Bulk
materials (such as grains and ore) are not considered special
items and are generally sorted by methods and apparatus of
the type classifiable in other subclasses. See Subclass
References to This Class, below, for specific subclasses.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
This class provides for tanks or receptacles or methods
involving their use which are adapted specially to separate
different grades of solid material from each other, usually
by differential transporting effect of flowing currents of
liquid impinging on a mixture of such solid materials or by
differential subsidence of the solids in liquid which may be
stationary or flowing. Where the structure or process is
adapted for the separation of the solids from liquid in which
they may be suspended, it is classifiable in Class 210,
Liquid Purification or Separation, even though there may be
incidental separation of one grade of solids from another,
when there is no structure or process adaptation intended to
promote separation of one grade of solids from the other.
However, in relation to the magnetic separators in this class
(209), subclasses 212 and 213+, when combined with magnetic
separation of particles from a liquid with another type of
separation to remove nonmagnetic particles for the disclosed
purpose of clarifying the liquid is properly classifiable in
Class 210, subclasses 222+.
Where an apparatus or method depends upon or is adapted
specially for the separation of solid ingredients from other
solids by chemical action, as by dissolution of certain of
the ingredients to be separated, with or without subsequent
precipitation, it is classifiable in Class 23, Chemistry:
Physical Processes, Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical
Processes, Compositions for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal
Powder Compositions, etc.; Class 252, Compositions; Class
422, Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting,
Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing; and Class 423,
Chemistry: Inorganic, according to the nature of the
materials treated or of the chemical action involved.
When chemical dissolution of the metal or formation of
compounds thereof is involved with subsequent amalgamation,
it goes to Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes,
Compositions for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder
Compositions, etc.; Class 423, Chemistry of Inorganic
Compounds, or Class 204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave
Energy, according to whether the action involved is merely
chemical or also involves electrical or wave energy as
provided for in Class 204.
Cases not falling within the exception noted in (6) Note
above are classifiable in Class 494, Imperforate Bowl:
Centrifugal Separators. This class, however, does include
some borderline cases where it is not clear that the
separation of the classes of solids is wholly dependent upon
centrifugal force generated by high speed rotation of the
receptacle.
Where the structure or process is adapted for the separation
of the solids from liquid in which they may be suspended, it
is classifiable elsewhere, in Class 210, Liquid Purification
or Separation, even though there may be incidental separation
of one grade of solids from another, when there is no
structure or process adaptation intended to promote
separation of one grade of solids from the other. However, in
relation to the magnetic separators in subclasses 212 and
213+ of this class (209), the combination of magnetic
separation of particles from a liquid with another type of
separation to remove nonmagnetic particles for the disclosed
purpose of clarifying the liquid is properly classifiable in
Class 210, subclasses 222+.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1 -3, 4-44, 45-70, 127.1-508, and 710-734, for apparatus and
methods of sorting bulk material (such as grains and ore that
are not considered special items. However, includible in
subclasses indented under subclass 509 are methods and
apparatus not provided for in the subclasses for sorting
special items, below. (see Note 7).
3.1 -3.3, 44.1-44.4, and 509-707 provide for methods and
apparatus for sorting special items (see note 7 above)
12.1 14, 15, 16, 41, and 42 for so-called amalgamating
apparatuses or methods when associated with other types of
separation (see 5 Note).
12.1 13, 15 to 18, 42, 43, 155 to 161, 173, 207, 208+, 268 to
273, and 422+ for the so-called ore and coal washers (see
Notes 3 and 5).
12.1 13, 16, 17, 18, 155- 161, 208+ for tanks or receptacles
or methods involving their use which are adapted specially to
separate different grades of solid material from each other,
usually by differential transporting effect of flowing
currents of liquid impinging on a mixture of such solid
materials or by differential subsidence of the solids in
liquid which may be stationary or flowing (see Note 3).
14 41, 48 to 50, 174+ (see Note 5).
subclasses 30+ 311 to 349, 352+ for so-called "winnowers"
for grain.
43 48-50 for so-called amalgamating apparatuses or methods
when dependent upon the adhesion of amalgamable materials to
surfaces coated with mercury or metallic equivalents.
60 199 (see Class Definition, Note 6).
subclasses 174+ for so-called amalgamating apparatuses or
methods when the metals to be recovered are collected within
a body of liquid metal which may be mercury, lead, zinc,
etc., or alloys, and the ingredients lighter than the metals
sought are floated by the body of liquid metal. (see note
5)
176 -181, for where chemical or electrical action is
involved, which is not directed to the chemical dissolution
of the metals sought or formation of compounds thereof,
whether the "amalgamation" is adhesion to a coated surface of
mercury or its equivalent or collection by a liquid metal
body. (see Note 5)
212 213+, for magnetic separators (see Note 3).
509 (1) Note for examples of special items. (see Note 7).
Includible in subclasses indented under subclass 509 are
methods and apparatus not provided for in the subclasses
referred to in the preceding sentence, and bulk material
sorting (as well as special item sorting) effected by use of
such methods and apparatus will be classified in these
indented subclasses. (see 7 Note)
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
23, Chemistry: Physical Processes, (see Note 4).
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, and see the
note to Class 209 in the main class definition for the line.
53, Package Making, appropriate subclasses for methods of and
apparatus for encompassing or encasing goods or materials
with a separate cover or band which serves as means for
identifying, protecting or unit handling the goods or
materials, particularly subclasses 155+ for group forming
of diverse contents units.
55, Gas Separation, appropriate subclasses for methods and
apparatus for indiscriminately removing all solids from a
gaseous suspension. See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass 132.
65, Glass Manufacturing, subclass 508 for glass fiber
forming apparatus combined with assorting means for fibers.
95, Gas Separation: Processes, appropriate subclasses for
methods for indiscriminately removing all solids from a
gaseous suspension. See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass 132.
96, Gas Separation: Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for
apparatus for indiscriminately removing all solids from a
gaseous suspension. See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass 132.
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclasses 518+, 569+,
and 600+ for apparatus including separating means of that
class (99) type.
131, Tobacco, subclass 110 and 311+ for separating in
connection with tobacco feeding and disintegrating.
134, Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, and see (4)
Note to class definition for the line.
162, Paper Making and Fiber Liberation, appropriate
subclasses for paper making processes and apparatus in which
a fibrous slurry is placed in association with a foraminous
screen to form a felted product thereon.
164, Metal Founding, appropriate subclasses for apparatus for
disintegrating a sand mold or core or portion thereof, while
in molding association with (a) a flask or (b) a casting,
except those which involve abrading means (Class 451,
Abrading) or an agitating screen (Class 209) as the sole
means for disintegrating the mold or core.
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, subclasses 373+ for an
orientation control device for rearranging conveyed articles
responsive to recognition of differences in attitude (rather
than characteristics, as in the instant class); see for
example, subclasses 271 and 275 for conveyor systems
including divergent paths along which articles of mutually
different attitudes are respectively directed, one of the
paths (in subclass 275) or both (271) constituting or
including the orienting device.
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, (see (5) Note).
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, (see (3) Note).
221, Article Dispensing, especially subclasses 156+ for
article dispensing devices not otherwise classified combined
with orienting. See section VII of the class definition of
Class 221 for a statement of the line between the classes.
222, Dispensing, especially subclasses 169+, 189.01, 189.02+,
and 565 for similar structures for mere dispensing and not
having the function of classifying, separating, or assorting
solids.
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, subclass
24, 68+, and the notes thereto for the subject matter of this
class combined with comminution of the material. See
sections 8 and 12 of the main class definition of Class 241
for a statement of the line.
250, Radiant Energy, subclasses 281+ for methods and
apparatus for the ionic separation or analysis of materials
utilizing the mass to electric charge ratio of particles.
252, Compositions, (see Note 4).
312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, subclass 210.5 for
so-called "kitchen-cabinets" which include sifters merely as
parts of organizations which comprise storage means for
kitchen supplies or utilities not directly related to
sifters.
366, Agitating, for apparatus or method specially adapted for
the agitation of materials and not limited to classification
of solids to some specific chemical reaction or special
operation classifiable in some other class.
422, Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting,
Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing, (see Note 4).
423, Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, (see Note 4).
425, Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating:
Apparatus, subclass 317 for a molding machine for shaping or
reshaping nonmetals combined with a Class 209 apparatus.
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, for the separation of
straw in threshing machines.
494, Imperforate Bowl: Centrifugal Separators, appropriate
subclasses for apparatus and processes for breaking up a
mixture of fluids or fluent substances into two or more
components by centrifuging within a generally solid-walled,
receptacle-like member; see also (6) Note above.
516, 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.
588, Hazardous or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment,
appropriate subclasses for destroying or containing hazardous
or toxic waste.
SUBCLASSES
Subclass:
1
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes and apparatus not classifiable elsewhere which
relate to or are associated with the separation of solids
into grades or classes.
Subclass:
2
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Methods
and apparatus applied to particular materials or articles in
which the invention lies in the application of the
separation, which may or may not be novel, per se, to such
particular substances or articles.
(1) Note. Search should be made in the appropriate classes
which deal with the extraction, manufacture, or preparation
of the particular substance or articles.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
23, Chemistry: Physical Processes, subclasses 293+ for
processes of preparing or treating inorganic compounds and
nonmetallic elements by physical action.
422, Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting,
Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing, appropriate
subclasses for apparatus for preparing or treating inorganic
compounds and nonmetallic elements by physical action.
423, Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, subclasses 1+ for
extraction of inorganic materials.
Subclass:
3
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Methods
and apparatus including preparation, e.g., treatment of
materials or items prior to their separation to facilitate
the latter.
Subclass:
3.1
Sorting special items or sorting by methods and apparatus
includible in subclasses 509 through 707:
This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Methods and
apparatus including a means classifiable in subclasses 509
through 707.
Subclass:
3.2
Condition responsive sensor controlling preparation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 3.1. Methods and
apparatus including means for sensing a condition of
materials or items and controlling preparation of said
materials or items in accordance therewith.
Subclass:
3.3
Marking or tagging item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 3.1. Methods and
apparatus wherein materials or items are marked or tagged to
facilitate their separation.
Subclass:
4
This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Methods and
apparatus for the treatment of a mixture of materials whereby
the physical characteristics of one or more of the components
are altered relatively to those of other components to permit
or facilitate subsequent separation.
(1) Note. The characteristics of only one may be altered or
those of all may be, but in different degree.
(2) Note. This subclass will include such methods and
apparatus as are not classifiable in the subclasses indented
thereunder, and may include selective alteration of bulk,
specific gravity, or decomposition, as by dehydration etc.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
11 46, 47, 48, 49, 176-182, for combinations of separation
with treatment to promote the separation.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration,
appropriate subclasses, especially subclass 14 and 102 for
processes and apparatus for selectively comminuting material
to enable better separation of the material into grades.
Subclass:
5
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Methods and
apparatus by which certain components of a mixture may be
deflocculated or dispersed relatively to others or by which
certain components may be flocculated to facilitate
subsequent separation.
(1) Note. This subclass receives only methods and apparatus
in which the deflocculation or coagulation is contributory to
a subsequent separation of some components from others.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
166 through 170, for bubble flotation with treatment for the
purpose of modifying the factors of flotation and for bubble
flotation apparatus.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
516, 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.
Subclass:
7
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Methods and
apparatus by which components of a mixture are altered in
form relatively to other components to permit or facilitate
subsequent separation into classes or groups having like
characteristics.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration,
appropriate subclasses and see the reference to Class 209 in
section 12 of the class definition.
Subclass:
8
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Methods and
apparatus for developing or for neutralizing or destroying
magnetic properties of components of a mixture to permit or
facilitate subsequent separation of the components of the
mixture.
(1) Note. The methods and apparatus hereof, insofar as the
magnetizing is involved, are ordinarily independent of any
particular structure of manipulation of the magnetic
separator, unless it be adjustment of strength to the
developed magnetic properties. Demagnetizing may be applied
to prepare for a gravity or other separation, as by
destroying coherence between particles which interferes with
gravity or other separation.
(2) Note. For processes directed to the mere chemical
(i.e., molecular) conversion of a substance or of one or more
ingredients in a material, and the related apparatus, see the
appropriate chemical classes particularly Classes 75,
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for Use
Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, etc..; 266,
Metallurgical Apparatus; and 423, Chemistry of Inorganic
Compounds. Processes including both a chemical reaction and
a magnetic separation are classified in the appropriate
chemical class.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
213 through 232, for separation of solids by magnetic
attraction of materials responsive to the attraction from
other materials not responsive or responsive to a lesser
degree.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for Use
Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, etc., (see
(2) Note).
266, Metallurgical Apparatus, (see (2) Note).
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclass
267 for demagnetizing.
423, Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds.
Subclass:
9
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Methods and
apparatus whereby the surfaces of some components of a
mixture are altered to permit or facilitate their separation
from other components.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 47+ for adhesion separation including a coating
operation, 163+, 175, 176, 178, 179, and 181 for flotation
involving some surface alteration of the material to be
separated.
Subclass:
10
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Methods
and apparatus involving treatment of material after
separation, which are not classifiable elsewhere.
(1) Note. This subclass includes separating processes which
include treatment after separation, or the treatments
themselves when said treatments cannot be otherwise assigned
to some class or subclass elsewhere.
Subclass:
11
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Methods
and means for heating or cooling associated with separation
methods and apparatus, not elsewhere classified.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
8 for heating prior to separation for the purpose of
affecting the magnetic properties of the material to
facilitate separation.
182 for amalgamation separation processes involving heating
for the purpose of promoting amalgamation.
238 for sifters combined with heaters.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for Use
Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, heating in connection with
metallurgical processes.
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, appropriate subclasses
for the heating of foods or beverages.
208, Mineral Oils: Processes and Products, subclass 8 and
11 for the separation of bituminous material from solid
natural sources such as rocks, oil shale, bituminous sands,
etc.
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration,
appropriate subclasses, especially subclass 17 for
comminuting combined with heating.
266, Metallurgical Apparatus, for metallurgical heating
apparatus.
432, Heating, subclass 13 for a process and subclass 61 for
a residual apparatus for heating material in which a portion
of the material is separated for further heating and the
heated portion is returned.
Subclass:
12.1
Plural, diverse separating operations:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Methods
and apparatus involving combinations of different, distinct
types of separation operations.
(1) Note. This subclass and the subclasses indented
hereunder do not include methods or apparatus which are mere
duplications of the same type of separation. Some of the
patents which involve sifting and assorting, automatic or
manual, have been placed in the assorting subclasses 509-707,
and search should be made in such assorting subclasses for
such combination. See (7) note of the class definition and
subclass 509 definition including the notes appended thereto
for the statement of classification control.
(2) Note. The appropriate subclasses providing for the
individual types of separations should be searched.
(3) Note. This is the residual subclass for separating
combinations not classifiable in one of the subclasses
indented hereunder or elsewhere.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
127.1 for methods and apparatus employing plural
electrostatic charge separating operations.
subclasses 132+ for methods and apparatus employing both
gaseous and liquid suspension of items or materials.
212 for a combination of diamagnetic and paramagnetic
magnetic separating methods or apparatus or plural
diamagnetic separating methods or apparatus.
214 for plural paramagnetic separating processes.
216 for a plurality of diverse paramagnetic separators.
234 for methods and apparatus employing a plurality of
different general types of sifters.
557 for methods and apparatus employing a combination of a
condition responsive separating means for either "bulk
material" or "special items" and a noncondition responsive
separating means. See (1) Note supra.
subclasses 629+ for combinations of different types of
special item separating operations. See (1) Note supra.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration,
appropriate subclasses for processes, (i.e., subclass 19, 20,
and 24), and apparati, (i.e., subclasses 68+), including the
combination of material comminution and material separation
operations properly classifiable in this class as
subcombinations.
299, Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,
subclasses 7+ for mining combined with separation of
materials.
Subclass:
12.2
Including electrostatic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.1. Methods and
apparatus including electrostatic charges for assorting
materials by segregating those having certain characteristics
from others having different characteristics.
(1) Note. The characteristics may be of weight, size,
electroconductivity, hysteresis, etc.
(2) Note. The appropriate subclasses providing for the
individual types of separations should be searched.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
127.1 for particulars relating to electrostatic separation.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
95, Gas Separation: Processes, subclasses 57+ for processes
of electrostatic separation or purification of gases.
96, Gas Separation: Apparatus, subclasses 15+ for
electrostatic separation or purification apparatus for
gases.
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, subclasses 554+
for electrical (e.g. electrostatic, etc.) or simultaneous
electrical and magnetic separation or purification of liquids
or magnetic treatment of liquids (other than separation) and
subclasses 660+ for corresponding apparatus.
Subclass:
13
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.1. Methods and
apparatus which include aqueous suspension, sifting, and
stratifying.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
14 and 44, for a combination including sifting and
stratifying.
17 for a combination of aqueous suspension and sifting.
18 for a combination of aqueous suspension and stratifying.
subclasses 155+ for particulars of aqueous suspension
separators.
subclasses 233+ for particulars of sifters.
subclasses 422+ for particulars of stratifiers.
Subclass:
14
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.1. Methods and
apparatus in which amalgamation, either so-called plate
amalgamation in which values adhere to mercury coated
surfaces, or liquid amalgamation in which values sink in a
body of mercury or equivalent, sifting, and stratifying are
employed to extract metallic values.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
13 19 and 44, for a combination including sifting and
stratifying.
41 for a combination including mercurial adhesion and
mercurial suspension.
42 for a combination including mercurial adhesion or
suspension and sifting.
43 for a combination including mercurial adhesion or
suspension and stratifying.
Subclass:
15
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.1. Apparatus and
methods employing both fluid suspension and either suspension
by or adhesion to liquid mercury or equivalent to separate or
segregate components of a solid mixture.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
48 and 50+, for particulars of mercurial adhesion
separators.
subclasses 132+ for particulars of fluid suspension
separators.
subclasses 172+ for particulars of mercurial suspension
separators.
Subclass:
16
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Processes and
apparatus in which both free suspension in water and
amalgamation by mercury are employed to separate metals.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
13 17 and 18, for a combination including aqueous
suspension.
subclasses 155+ for particulars of aqueous suspension
separators.
Subclass:
17
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.1. Methods and
apparatus which employ free suspension in water and sifting
to effect separation or segregation of components of a
mixture of solid materials.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
13 for a combination including aqueous suspension and
sifting separations.
subclasses 155+ for particulars of aqueous suspension
separators.
subclasses 233+ for particulars of sifters.
Subclass:
18
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.1. Methods and
apparatus for separating components of mixtures of solids
which employ both free suspension in water and stratifying.
(1) Note. The stratification of this subclass may be either
wet or dry.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
13 for a combination including aqueous suspension and
sifting separations.
subclasses 155+ for particulars of aqueous suspension
separators.
subclasses 422+ for particulars of stratifiers.
Subclass:
19
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.1. Methods and
apparatus employing free suspension in gas, sifting and
stratifying, for the assorting or segregation of components
of a mixture of solids.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
13 14 and 44, for a combination including sifting and
stratifying.
20 for a combination including gaseous suspension and
stratifying.
subclasses 21+ for a combination including gaseous
suspension and sifting.
subclasses 133+ for particulars of gaseous suspension
separators.
subclasses 233+ for particulars of sifters.
subclasses 422+ for particulars of stratifiers.
Subclass:
20
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.1. Means and
apparatus employing both gaseous suspension and stratifying
to separate or segregate components of a mixture of solids
into grades or classes of like characteristics.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
19 for a combination including gaseous suspension and
stratifying.
subclasses 133+ for particulars of gaseous suspension
separators.
subclasses 422+ for particulars of stratifiers.
Subclass:
21
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.1. Methods and
apparatus for separating and segregating into grades
components of solid mixtures having like characteristics,
which employ both free suspension in gas and sifting.
(1) Note. Either may precede the other or the operations
may be simultaneous.
(2) Note. This subclass and those indented thereunder are
composed mainly of patents relating to the separation of
grains, flour, and minerals, but are not restricted thereto.
(3) Note. Search this class, subclasses 12 and 19 for the
combinations, and the subclasses indented thereunder and
under Sifting (subclass 233) for subcombinations. Where the
recovery of material carried by the gas is involved, search
should be made in Class 96, Gas Separation: Apparatus, as
well as in the deposition subclasses indented under Gaseous
suspension and sifting (subclass 21), and Fluid Suspension
(subclass 133), in this class.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
19 for a combination including gaseous suspension and
sifting.
subclasses 133+ for particulars of gaseous suspension
separators.
subclasses 233+ for particulars of sifters.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
96, Gas Separation: Apparatus, for gas separation apparatus.
See (3) Note above.
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclasses 518+ for
grain hullers and scourers combined with gas separating
means.
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, subclasses
49+ for comminutors in which material suspended in a gas
stream is conveyed to a separating screen.
Subclass:
22
This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Methods and
apparatus in which the material to be separated is subjected
simultaneously to sifting and gaseous suspension.
(1) Note. In the main the material is supported by the
sifter while gaseous currents are sent through it to suspend
and carry off the lighter components, but the subclass is not
restricted thereto.
(2) Note. This is generic and receives such cases as do not
permit assignment to subclasses indented thereunder. The
gaseous suspension must be free, and there must be
substantial conveyance of the suspended material to
distinguish from stratification under the influence of the
gas.
(3) Note. This subclass and those indented thereunder deal
mostly with grain, flour, and minerals, but will also take
other materials when the separations fall within the
definitions.
Subclass:
23
This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Methods and
apparatus in which there is coincident sifting and gaseous
suspension, such as is defined in connection with subclass
22, and also a collection of the material that has been taken
up by the gas.
(1) Note. This collection may be graded or not and may
include part or all of the material suspended.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
19 and 20, for other combined separations including gaseous
suspension.
Subclass:
24
This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Processes and
apparatus in which there are coincident grading suspension
and sifting, a horizontal current of gas, generally air,
being employed to effect the suspension.
(1) Note. This subclass may include cases where the
material is carried by the sifter while subjected to the
suspending current, as well as cases where the material
selectively suspended by the gaseous current is delivered as
a horizontal current against sifting means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
250 for sifters having means to feed material thereto by
suspension in a fluid.
Subclass:
25
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Methods and
apparatus in which the suspended material carried by the
current is collected.
(1) Note. This collection may be a grading deposition or a
separation of all or part of such suspended material without
any definite grading in the collection.
Subclass:
26
This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Methods and
apparatus in which there are coincident grading suspension
and sifting, an inclined current of gas, generally air, being
employed to effect the suspension.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
250 276, 280, 295, 312, 318, and 321, for sifters employing a
gas stream for feeding material or for agitation or
conveying.
Subclass:
27
This subclass is indented under subclass 26. Methods and
apparatus in which the suspended material carried by the
current is collected.
Subclass:
28
This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Methods and
apparatus in which there are coincident grading suspension
and sifting, a vertical current of gas, generally air, being
employed to effect the suspension.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
250 276, 280, 295, 312, 318, and 321, for sifters employing a
stream of gas for feeding material, or for agitation or
conveying.
Subclass:
29
This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Methods and
apparatus in which the suspended material carried by the
current is collected.
Subclass:
30
This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Methods and
apparatus employing both suspension by gas and sifting to
segregate components of mixtures into grades of like
characteristics, the two separations being sequential.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
19 and 20, for other combined separations including gaseous
suspension.
Subclass:
31
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Methods and
apparatus for subjecting material to be separated
successively to gaseous suspension and sifting, and
collecting one or more of the components suspended by the
gas.
Subclass:
32
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Methods and
apparatus for separating components of mixed solids into
grades which successively sift and suspend in gaseous
currents flowing horizontally.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
24 and 25, for the combination in which the sifting and
horizontal gaseous suspension grading are coincident.
subclasses 133+ and 233+, appropriate subclass for the
subcombinations of grading by gaseous suspension and sifting
respectively.
Subclass:
33
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Methods and
means for successively sifting and separating by current of
gas or air where there is also collection of part or all of
the material carried off in suspension and the suspending
current impinges horizontally on the material.
Subclass:
34
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Methods and
means employing successively sifting and a suspending current
of air impringing in an inclined direction on the material to
be separated.
Subclass:
35
This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Methods and
means including collecting steps or means for part or all of
the material carried in suspension.
Subclass:
36
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Methods and
means for successively sifting and subjecting the material to
be separated to a vertically flowing current of gas or air.
Subclass:
37
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Methods and
means including steps or means for collecting part or all of
the material suspended by the gaseous current.
Subclass:
38
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.1. Apparatus and
methods which involve both sifting and magnetic separation to
segregate components of a mixture.
(1) Note. The separations may be sequential, to separate
some components according to size and others according to
magnetic permeability, or they may be simultaneous, as where
one separation is made to promote or control the other, for
instance, where there is a sifting separation to obtain one
or more sized grades to be subjected to magnetic separation
appropriate to each size grade.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
8 for magnetic separation with a prior treatment to develop,
neutralize or destroy the magnetic property of at least one
component.
Subclass:
39
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.1. Apparatus and
processes employing both magnetic separation and fluid
suspension, either wet or dry, for the segregation of
components of a mixture according to magnetic permeability
and falling weight in fluid.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
232 for magnetic separation including feeding material by
means of a fluid suspension.
Subclass:
40
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.1. Apparatus and
methods by which there is separation both by stratification
and by magnetic separation.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
478 for such processes and apparatus as employ magnetic
separation merely as an aid to stratification by subjecting
the material to magnetic attraction while being stratified to
give the magnetically permeable components and apparently
increased or decreased specific gravity to modify the
stratification.
Subclass:
41
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.1. Apparatus and
methods employing both suspension by a liquid body of metal
and adhesion to a surface or surfaces lined with a film or
layer of such liquid metal.
(1) Note. The metal is ordinarily mercury of some alloy
thereof, but may be lead in molten condition or alloys
thereof for the suspension.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
14 for a combination including mercurial adhesion, sifting,
and stratifying.
15 16, 42, and 43, for other combinations including either
mercurial adhesion or mercurial suspension.
Subclass:
42
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.1. Apparatus and
methods employing both sifting and either adhesion to a
surface coated with mercury or suspension by a body of liquid
mercury or equivalent.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
14 for a combination including mercurial adhesion, sifting,
and stratifying.
15 16, 41, and 43, for other combinations including either
mercurial adhesion or mercurial suspension.
Subclass:
43
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.1. Apparatus and
methods employing both stratification and either suspension
by or adhesion to mercury or its equivalent to separate
ingredients from a mixture of solids.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
14 for a combination including mercurial adhesion, sifting,
and stratifying.
15 16, 41, and 42, for other combinations including either
mercurial adhesion or mercurial suspension.
Subclass:
44
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.1. Apparatus and
methods employing both sifting and stratifying to segregate
components of a mixture of solids.
(1) Note. Either or both may be wet or dry.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
13 14 and 19, for other combinations including both sifting
and stratifying.
subclasses 233+ for particulars of sifters.
subclasses 422+ for particulars of stratifiers.
Subclass:
44.1
Including sorting of special items, or sorting methods or
apparatus includible in subclasses 509 through 707:
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.1. Methods and
apparatus wherein one of the types of separations is
classifiable in subclasses 509 through 707.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
557 for a combination of condition responsive means for
controlling a separating means and a noncondition responsive
separating means. See (7) Note of the class definition and
(1) Note of subclass 509 for this class (Class 209).
Subclass:
44.2
Fluid jet:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.1. Methods and
apparatus including a fluid jet for separating materials or
items.
Subclass:
44.3
Drum-type sifter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.1. Methods and
apparatus including a drum-type sifter.
Subclass:
44.4
Manual sorting:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.1. Methods and
apparatus including a picking station wherein material is
presented for direct selection by a human observer.
(1) Note. The relevant subclasses providing for the
respective types of separation operations employed in the
combination should be searched.
(2) Note. The relevant preceding subclasses providing for
combinations of separating operations with or without manual
sorting should be searched.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
630 for a combination of different types of special item
separating means including a manual sorting operation.
subclasses 702+ for a picking station feature, per se.
Subclass:
45
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus and methods employing adhesion of one or more
components of a mixture of solids to other bodies or surfaces
to separate them from the rest of the mixture.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
76 for separations where the adhesion is due to mechanically
entangling the components with some part of the surface or
body to which the components are caused to adhere.
Subclass:
46
This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Apparatus and
methods for separating some components of a mixture of solids
by causing them to adhere to a surface or body otherwise than
by entangling, wherein the mixture is treated to alter some
of the components to enhance their capabilities to adhere to
the selecting surface or body relatively to the capabilities
of other components.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
4 for separations combined with a treatment precedent to
facilitate separation.
Subclass:
47
This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Apparatus and
methods by which some of the components of the mixture of
solids to be separated are coated with some substance which
enables such components to adhere to the selecting body or
surface.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
9 for separations combined with a treatment precedent where
by the surfaces of some components of a mixture are altered
to facilitate separation.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
118, Coating Apparatus, appropriate subclasses, for coating
apparatus in general.
427, Coating Processes, for coating processes, per se, and
note especially subclasses 212+ for processes of coating
particles, flakes or granules.
Subclass:
48
This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Apparatus and
methods in which some of the components of a mixture of
solids are coated with mercury or its equivalent to
facilitate their adhesion to a surface or body.
(1) Note. The surface or body to which the coated particles
adhere generally is some substance which is readily wetted by
mercury and may itself be coated with mercury.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 176+ for metallic liquid type separation
including a chemical treatment to facilitate separation.
subclasses 179+ for metallic liquid type separation
including an electrical treatment to facilitate separation.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for Use
Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, for separation of metals from
ores involving a metallurgical operation.
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, subclasses 219+,
250 and 251 for apparatus for forming amalgams by
electrolysis.
205, Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein, and
Methods of Preparing the Compositions, subclasses 558+ for
forming amalgams by electrolysis.
Subclass:
49
This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Apparatus and
methods wherein coated surfaces or masses are employed to
which some of the components of the mixture of solids adhere
while others do not.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
171 for flotation processes and apparatus in which an oil
which has a selective affinity for some of the constituent of
the mixtures to be separated.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, appropriate subclasses beginning with
subclass 474 for the separation of solids from gases by
filters which may be coated.
252, Compositions, subclasses 60+, 88.1, and 88.2 for
physical separation agents and for particle adherent
compositions respectively.
Subclass:
50
This subclass is indented under subclass 49. Apparatus and
methods in which some of the components of a mixture of
solids are caused to adhere to surfaces coated with mercury
or its equivalent, and are thereby separated from other
components which do not so adhere.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
14 through 16, and 41-43, for separation combinations
provided in combination with either mercurial adhesion or
mercurial suspension.
176 through 181, where chemical or electrical action is
involved, since there is no essential difference in effect
whether the separation is a gravity or an adhesion
separation. Processes involving such chemical or electrical
action are classified in said subclasses whether adhesion or
gravity separation by means of a metallic gravity liquid.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for Use
Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, for the separation of metals from
ores involving a metallurgical operation.
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, subclasses 219+,
250 and 251 for apparatus for forming amalgams by
electrolysis.
205, Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein, and
Methods of Preparing the Compositions, subclasses 558+ for
forming amalgams by electrolysis.
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, subclasses
79+ for such arrangements combined with comminutors.
Subclass:
51
This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Processes and
apparatus for applying to or removing coatings of mercury or
its equivalent from surfaces which are intended to collect
such components of a mixture as are wettable by mercury.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
118, Coating Apparatus, appropriate subclasses, for coating
apparatus in general.
Subclass:
52
This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Elements or
parts, generally of an organized apparatus, which are coated
with mercury or its equivalent, so that some of the
components of a mixture of solids will adhere thereto.
Subclass:
53
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Elements
employed to agitate the material being treated, are coated
with mercury or its equivalent, to which certain of the
components will adhere, and thus be segregated from the other
components of the mixture.
Subclass:
54
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Elements usually
stationary, against which the mixture containing the
components sought to be removed moves, are coated with
mercury or its equivalent to which the components sought will
adhere.
Subclass:
55
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Elements of disk
or spherical shape, generally but not necessarily movable,
are coated with mercury or its equivalent to cause adhesion
of such components of a mixture as are wettable by mercury to
adhere thereto.
Subclass:
56
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Elements
intended to line or form walls of receivers, are coated with
mercury to cause adhesion of some components of a mixture
thereto.
(1) Note. The liners are usually removable from the
receivers to which they are attached, but may be permanently
attached to the receivers.
Subclass:
57
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Elements forming
a multiplicity of narrow passages for the material, are
coated with mercury or its equivalent to collect certain of
the components of the mixture.
Subclass:
58
This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Receivers having
their receiving surfaces or interiors coated, in part or in
whole, with mercury or its equivalent to cause adhesion of
some components of a mixture contacting therewith.
(1) Note. The receivers hereof are generally in the form of
chutes or tables, but may include tanks.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 174+ for separation involving separation by
flotation on a metallic liquid.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, subclasses 219+,
221, 250, and 251 for apparatus specialized therefor.
205, Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein, and
Methods of Preparing the Compositions, subclasses 558+ for
electrolytic processes of producing mercury alloys.
Subclass:
59
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Rotating
receivers for the material being treated have portions coated
with mercury or its equivalent to collect by adhesion certain
of the components of the material.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 198+ for rotating receptacles employed in
metallic liquid flotation separations.
Subclass:
60
This subclass is indented under subclass 59. The rotating
receptacles have sufficient speed of rotation to make the
centrifugal force generated sufficient to be a material
factor in the separation and have portions coated with
mercury or its equivalent to separate components of the
material treated by adhesion.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
199 for rotating receptacles utilizing centrifugal force
employed in metallic liquid flotation separations.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
494, Imperforate Bowl: Centrifugal Separators appropriate
subclasses, for a separator of that class, and see, in the
definition of this class (209), the reference to that class
in (6) Note and the search note thereto.
Subclass:
61
This subclass is indented under subclass 59. Cylindrical or
polygonal devices approximating cylinders have their
exteriors coated with mercury or its equivalent to which
certain of the components adhere.
Subclass:
62
This subclass is indented under subclass 59. Hollow rotating
cylinders or drums have their interiors coated with mercury
or its equivalent to cause adhesion of certain of the
components of the material treated.
Subclass:
63
This subclass is indented under subclass 59. Endless belts
coated with mercury or its equivalent contact with the
material treated to cause adhesion of some of the components
of the mixture.
Subclass:
64
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Receivers having
the interiors or receiving surfaces coated in part or in
whole with mercury or its equivalent to cause adhesion of
some of the components of a mixture contacting therewith and
having a shaking movement.
(1) Note. The devices hereof are generally chutes or
tables, but may be tanks.
Subclass:
65
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Receivers having
some portion of their receiving or contacting surfaces coated
with mercury or its equivalent and associated with means for
agitating the material.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
53 for combinations where the agitators are essential
elements thereof of the combination; but this subclass may
include those devices which have agitators which are merely
incidentally mercury coated.
64 for mercury coated receivers having a shaking movement.
Subclass:
66
This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Receivers having
contacting surfaces lined with mercury in which fluid,
usually air or water is employed to agitate the material
treated to promote contact with the mercury.
Subclass:
67
This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Devices for
separating by adhesion of some components of material to
surfaces coated with mercury or its equivalent which are
associated with means for subjecting the material to
attritive rubbing.
(1) Note. The rubbing elements may be part of the
separating device or may be external thereto, but closely
associated therewith, and the rubbing elements may themselves
have mercury-coated portions.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
191 for metallic liquid flotation separations utilizing a
rubbing action.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration,
appropriate subclasses, especially subclass 24 and 79+ for
comminuting combined with separation by mercurial adhesion.
Subclass:
68
This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Devices for
separating material by adhesion of components to surfaces
coated with mercury in which the material is forcibly
projected against the mercury-coated surfaces.
(1) Note. This subclass will include devices in which
gravital fall of substantial extent is employed to secure the
impacting forces, as well as those which employ projecting
means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
190 for metallic liquid flotation separations in which the
material is forcibly projected against the surface of the
bath.
Subclass:
69
This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Devices for
separating components of material by adhesion to
mercury-coated surfaces in which reciprocating agitating
means are employed to promote contact of the material with
the coated surfaces.
Subclass:
70
This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Devices having
mercury-coated portions to which certain components of a
mixture of solids adhere and having rotating agitators to
promote contact of the material with the mercury-coated
surfaces.
Subclass:
127.1
ELECTROSTATIC:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Methods
and means employing electrostatic charges for assorting
materials by segregating those having certain characteristics
from others having different characteristics.
(1) Note. The characteristics may be of weight, size
electroconductivity, hysteresis, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12.2 for electrostatic separation combined with other
separating operations classifiable in this class (Class
209).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
15, Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning, subclass 1.5
for machines and implements employing an electrostatic field
for removing foreign material from the surface of objects
being cleaned.
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, subclasses 554+
for electrical (e.g., electrostatic, etc.) or simultaneous
electrical and magnetic separation or purification of liquids
or magnetic treatment of liquids (other than separation) and
subclasses 660+ for corresponding apparatus.
Subclass:
127.2
With heating of particles:
This subclass is indented under subclass 127.1. Methods and
means in which the particulate material is heated.
Subclass:
127.3
With vibrating trough charging of particles:
This subclass is indented under subclass 127.1. Methods and
means wherein electrostatic charges are applied to the
material while traversing a vibrating trough.
Subclass:
127.4
Free fall type particle charging:
This subclass is indented under subclass 127.1. Methods and
means wherein electrostatic charges are applied to free
falling materials.
Subclass:
128
This subclass is indented under subclass 127.1. Methods and
means which involve the attraction of material toward a
charged electrode followed by repulsion from the electrode,
the material being assorted according to its response to the
repellant forces.
Subclass:
129
This subclass is indented under subclass 127.1. Methods and
means for assorting material by attraction toward or to a
charged electrode.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
95, Gas Separation: Processes, subclasses 57+ for
processes of gas separation using an electric or
electrostatic field.
96, Gas Separation: Apparatus, subclasses 15+ for
apparatus for gas separation using an electric or
electrostatic field.
Subclass:
130
This subclass is indented under subclass 127.1. Methods and
means in which material, generally precharged, is subjected
to the repulsive effect of a charged electrode or to the
repulsive effect of the charges on the components of the
material and assorted according to the response to the
repulsion.
Subclass:
131
This subclass is indented under subclass 127.1. Methods and
means in which electrostatic charges are employed either
alone or associated with other forces to agitate material and
cause it to stratify to permit separation of the different
strata.
Subclass:
132
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Methods
and means in which mixed materials or articles are subjected
to the suspending influence of a fluid or fluids, either
gaseous or liquid, generally in motion, under conditions
permitting the collection of such material or articles as
respond equally or in like manner to the suspending
influence, and where all of the material is subjected to the
suspending influence and none maintained as a stratum.
(1) Note. All of the materials are subjected to the lifting
or conveying effect of the fluid, and those that ar not
lifted or conveyed collected separately from those that are,
or the materials may be separately collected in accordance
with the rates at which they settle out or the distances they
are conveyed by the fluid.
(2) Note. Where one or more of the materials remain as a
stratum or strata and the remainder are removed therefrom by
the fluid, the case comes under Stratifiers, in this class.
(3) Note. The distinction between the fluid suspension of
this class and Classes 95, Gas Separation: Processes, 96,
Gas Separation: Apparatus, and 210, Liquid Separation or
Purification, is that in the fluid suspension of this class
there is separation of solids according to different
characteristics thereof, while in Classes 95, 96, and 210
there is sought an indiscriminate collection of suspended
material without an attempt to separate and collect the
solids in different grades or classes. Where the operation
is a decanting one primarily to separate the solids from
liquid, and there is a merely incidental overflow of light
solids, Class 210 takes the case; but where there is
provision for the positive removal of one solid from another
or for the collection of the overflowing solid as such
separately from the settling solids it finds a place in this
class.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
19, Textiles: Fiber Preparation, appropriate subclasses, for
mechanically isolating fibers and for fiber manipulation to
put them in condition for use.
95, Gas Separation: Processes, see (3) Note above.
96, Gas Separation: Apparatus, see (3) Note above.
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclasses 518+ for
fluid separation apparatus.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation (see (3) Note).
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, subclass
19, 20, 38+ for comminutors combined with means to apply
fluid to the material to effect the separation thereof.
406, Conveyors: Fluid Current, appropriate subclasses, for
fluid current conveyors, per se.
Subclass:
133
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Methods and
means in which the fluid employed for the suspending and
classifying of material is gaseous.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12.1 19, 20, and 21+, for gaseous current separation combined
with other types of separation.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
131, Tobacco, subclass 110 and 311+ for gaseous separation
employed in connection with tobacco feeding or leaf
disintegrating.
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, subclass
19 and 38+ for gaseous suspension separation combined with
solid comminution or disintegration.
Subclass:
134
This subclass is indented under subclass 133. Methods and
means in which the material is subjected to the suspending or
transporting effect of a horizontally-flowing current of gas
or air and the components collected according to their
relative displacement thereby.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12.1 19, 20, 24, 25, 32, and 33, for gaseous suspension
separations employing a horizontal current combined with
other types of separation.
Subclass:
135
This subclass is indented under subclass 134. Methods and
means in which the material is subjected to a
horizontally-flowing current of gas to sort the same and the
portion of the material suspended and transported thereby is
collected in part or in whole as one or more grades.
Subclass:
136
This subclass is indented under subclass 133. Methods and
means in which gaseous currents flowing in an inclined
direction--that is, having both vertical and horizontal
components of motion--are employed to freely suspend
components of material.
(1) Note. There is usually both elevation and horizontal
displacement of the suspended material; but cases involving
the use of currents flowing in a downwardly inclined
direction maybe included.
(2) Note. Many instances are included in which the material
not freely suspended flows down an inclined wall or support,
resembling to some extent those stratifiers which employ an
inclined gaseous current for removal of the lighter. The
distinction between the two generally is that in the
suspension subclasses employing the inclined current the
inclination of the wall is such that the material on the wall
or support will normally flow freely or rapidly down the
support and not be detained to form a definite stratum.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12.1 19, 20, 26, 27, 34, and 35, for gaseous suspension
separation employing an inclined current combined with other
types of separations.
Subclass:
137
This subclass is indented under subclass 136. Methods and
means in which an inclined gaseous current is employed to
assort the material, and provision is made for the collection
of the material suspended in whole or in part and as one or
more grades.
Subclass:
138
This subclass is indented under subclass 133. Methods and
means in which a vertically flowing gaseous current is
employed to assort the material.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12.1 19, 20, 28, 29, 36, and 37, for gaseous suspension
separation employing a vertical current combined with other
type of separation.
466 through 477, for pneumatic type stratifiers.
Subclass:
139.1
With deposition:
This subclass is indented under subclass 138. Methods and
means in which a vertically flowing gaseous current is
employed to assort the material, and provision is made to
collect in part or in whole and as one or more grades or
classes the material suspended.
Subclass:
139.2
With centrifugal feed distribution:
This subclass is indented under subclass 139.1. Subject
matter wherein the material being assorted is fed or
distributed employing centrifugal force.
Subclass:
140
This subclass is indented under subclass 138. Methods and
means in which a vertically flowing gaseous current which
expands as it rises in the sorting region is employed to
suspend some of the components of the material treated.
Subclass:
141
This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Methods and
means in which a vertically flowing gaseous current which
expands as it rises in the sorting region is employed, and
provision is made for the collection, in whole or in part and
as one or more grades, of the material suspended.
Subclass:
142
This subclass is indented under subclass 133. Methods and
means by which material suspended in gaseous media is
collected in two or more grades or classes.
(1) Note. The preceding subclasses which involve fluid
suspension and deposition should be searched.
Subclass:
143
This subclass is indented under subclass 142. Methods and
means in which there is a collection of a plurality of grades
or classes of material from gaseous current carrying the same
in suspension, the gaseous current being deflected to promote
deposition of suspended material.
Subclass:
145
This subclass is indented under subclass 133. Methods and
means wherein material is given movement with substantial
impetus in a direction or directions opposing the flow of
gaseous suspending current.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
148 for separations wherein material is centrifugally
projected into the suspending gaseous current.
Subclass:
146
This subclass is indented under subclass 133. Methods and
means for delivering material to be sorted to a suspending
current or flow of gas.
Subclass:
147
This subclass is indented under subclass 146. Methods and
means wherein conveyors are employed to deliver the material
to be assorted to the gaseous suspending current.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
198, Conveyors: Power Driven, appropriate subclasses, for
conveyor features.
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclass 15, 59+ and 79+
for threshers involving feeding or conveying.
Subclass:
148
This subclass is indented under subclass 147. Methods and
means wherein material is centrifugally projected into the
suspending gaseous current, generally by rotating disks or
bowls.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
145 for separators in which material is given movement with
substantial impetus in a direction opposing the flow of the
gaseous suspending current.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
222, Dispensing, subclass 410, and the notes thereto, for
centrifugal force feeders, per se.
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, subclasses
39+ and 275 for comminutors including centrifugal force
feeders.
Subclass:
149
This subclass is indented under subclass 147. Methods and
means wherein material is delivered to the gaseous suspending
current by flow down or along chutes.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
145 for separators in which material is given movement with
substantial impetus in a direction opposing the flow of the
gaseous suspending current.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
193, Conveyors, Chutes, Skids, Guides, and Ways, appropriate
subclasses, for conveying chutes, skids, etc., per se.
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclass 15, 59+ and 79+
for threshers involving the use of chute feeders.
Subclass:
150
This subclass is indented under subclass 147. Methods and
means wherein material is delivered to the suspending gaseous
current by disks along which it flows.
(1) Note. These disks are generally stationary and conical
and deliver the material in a plurality of directions from an
initial point of feed without imparting centrifugal impulse
thereto.
Subclass:
151
This subclass is indented under subclass 147. Methods and
means wherein material is passed over a series of planes in
stepped relation and subjected to a suspending current of gas
while passing from step to step, which current generally is
horizontal or inclined.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
314 through 319, 354 and 355, for plane sifters placed in
stepped or superposed relation.
Subclass:
152
This subclass is indented under subclass 146. Methods and
means wherein material carries by hollow rotating cylinders
or drums is agitated (usually by lifting and dropping) by the
drum or a cooperating element thereof and subjected to a flow
of gas which assorts the same.
(1) Note. The distinction between this subclass and
subclass 473 is that in this subclass all the material is
definitely and repeatedly dropped into the gaseous current,
while in the latter subclass the heavier components remain on
the bottom of the cylinder or drum and are retained as a body
or stratum or are conveyed along the bottom as a stratum.
The relations of the subclasses are otherwise very close, and
search in one should always by extended into the other.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 233+ appropriate subclasses for drum sifters.
473 (see (1) Note)
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, subclass
45 and 54 for comminutors or grinders of the horizontal drum
type employing a gaseous current passing through the grinding
zones.
Subclass:
153
This subclass is indented under subclass 146. Methods and
means wherein agitators toss or project material into the
path of flow of the sorting current.
Subclass:
154
This subclass is indented under subclass 133. Methods and
means for controlling the gaseous-fluid currents employed for
sorting material.
Subclass:
155
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Methods and
means wherein liquid is employed as the assorting medium.
(1) Note. While some of the subclasses indented hereunder
are analogous to the subclasses indented under Fluid,
Gaseous, above, other properties of liquid are availed of,
such as specific gravity and surface tension. In the
subclasses analogous to those involving gaseous fluid water
is generally the medium, while where surface tension is
involved water or aqueous solutions may be employed, and in
those cases involving specific gravity water, aqueous
solutions or suspensions, and liquid or liquefied metal may
be employed.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, subclass
20 and 38+ for comminution combined with liquid application
to effect the separation of the material.
Subclass:
156
This subclass is indented under subclass 155. Methods and
means wherein a horizontal flow of liquid is employed to
assort the components of solids which settle through the
stream at different distances from the place of introduction
or impingement of the solids.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
173 for gravity separation employing an aqueous medium.
207 for separations depending upon the surface tension of an
aqueous medium.
Subclass:
157
This subclass is indented under subclass 155. Methods and
means wherein an inclined current flow of liquid involving
both horizontal and vertical displacement or motion of the
suspended material, is employed to assort the components of
material.
Subclass:
158
This subclass is indented under subclass 155. Methods and
means vertically flowing liquid is employed to assort
material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclasses 792+ for
processes of rehabilitating a particulate bed filter;
subclass 108 for flow, fluid pressure or material level
backwash control for filter beds, and subclasses 269+
(particularly subclasses 275+) for particulate material type
separators with rehabilitation means.
Subclass:
159
This subclass is indented under subclass 158. Methods and
means wherein the vertically flowing liquid and the material
subjected to the suspending influence thereof are agitated.
(1) Note. The agitating means may include mechanical
stirrers, stationary baffles, or fluid jets.
Subclass:
160
This subclass is indented under subclass 158. Methods and
means wherein vertically flowing currents which expand as
they flow upwardly are employed to assort material.
Subclass:
161
This subclass is indented under subclass 160. Methods and
means wherein vertically flowing expanding assorting liquid
currents and the material subjected to the suspending
influence thereof are agitated by means which may include
mechanical stirrers, stationary deflectors, or fluid jets.
Subclass:
162
This subclass is indented under subclass 155. Methods and
means wherein material to be assorted is delivered to a body
of liquid, some of the components floating on the liquid,
while other components are sunk or remain submerged.
(1) Note. This subclass will receive such cases as are not
definitely classifiable in any of the indented subclasses
hereunder and cases which are obscure as to the specific
factors causing flotation.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
252, Compositions, subclasses 60+ for compositions for use
in assorting.
Subclass:
163
This subclass is indented under subclass 162. Methods and
means wherein some material is caused to adhere
selectively--i.e., to some constituents and not to
others--which so lightens the material constituents to which
it is attached as to cause them to float on the liquid, while
the other constituents are not floated.
Subclass:
-2
Fluid suspension, Liquid, Floating, Buoyant material,
Bubbles:
The subclasses hereunder include apparatus and methods by
which bubbles are caused to attach to some components of a
material or mixture of solid materials and not to others, the
components to which the bubbles are attached being caused
thereby to float on the surface of the liquid.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 163+ where only selected portions of the mixed
materials are floated.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclasses 703+ for
processes of precipitation involving flotation wherein the
solids are floated indiscriminately, and subclasses 220+ for
related apparatus.
261, Gas and Liquid Contact Apparatus, appropriate
subclasses, for methods and apparatus in which contact is
effected between the gas and solids suspended in liquid which
are not limited to flotation, consequently Class 261 will
take such methods and apparatus as are applicable to
flotation as well as other purposes where the flotation step
or element is not included as a limitation.
516, 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, subclasses 115+ for compositions for or
subcombination compositions for or breaking of or inhibiting
of foam colloid systems; in each instance, when generically
claimed or when there is no hierarchically superior provision
in the USPC for the specifically claimed art.
Subclass:
164
Processes under subclass in which bubbles are caused to
attach to certain of the components of the material treated
and not to others, and the bubbles with adhering material are
floated on the liquid.
(1) Note. This subclass will include processes in which
reagents may be employed for the purpose merely of chemically
generating bubbles, but not those cases in which a reagent is
employed for modifying the surface of particles of material,
the surface tension of the liquid, or the nature of physical
properties of the bubbles, which cases go to subclasses 166+
of this class.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 166+ (see (1) Note).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
516, 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, subclasses 115+ for compositions for or
subcombination compositions for or breaking of or inhibiting
of foam colloid systems; in each instance, when generically
claimed or when there is no hierarchically superior provision
in the USPC for the specifically claimed art.
Subclass:
165
This subclass is indented under subclass 164. Processes by
which certain components of a material are separated by
bubble flotation from other components which are normally
flotable, which processes do not involve the use of reagents
which modify the physical characteristics of the liquid or
bubbles.
(1) Note. This subclass will include processes in which the
surfaces of one or more constituents are changed otherwise
than by coating with a reagent or adsorption of the reagent
and where no reagent is employed to modify the physical
characteristics of the liquid or the bubbles by which the
flotation is attained.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
516, 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, subclasses 115+ for compositions for or
subcombination compositions for or breaking of or inhibiting
of foam colloid systems; in each instance, when generically
claimed or when there is no hierarchically superior provision
in the USPC for the specifically claimed art.
Subclass:
166
This subclass is indented under subclass 164. Processes of
bubble flotation of some constituents of a mixture, but not
others, in which some reagent is employed to modify the
factors in the flotation.
(1) Note. The modification may be of surfaces of
components, as by coating or adsorption of the reagent, by
variation of the surface tension of the liquid in which the
separation is performed, or by modifying the nature of the
bubbles, or of any combination of such factors. Mere
chemical alteration of the surfaces of components does not
bring the case into this subclass unless there is associated
therewith the use of some reagent having a function such as
indicated above.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
127, Sugar, Starch, and Carbohydrates, for the manufacture of
sugar, starch or carbohydrates from natural sources.
162, Paper Making and Fiber Liberation, subclasses 1+ for
processes of chemical liberation, recovery or purification of
natural cellulose or fibrous material.
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, for liquid
purification including the use of electrical or wave energy.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclasses 703+ for
processes involving flotation wherein the solids are floated
indiscriminately, and subclasses 220+ for related apparatus.
252, Compositions, subclass 61 for reagents employed in
flotation.
261, Gas and Liquid Contact Apparatus, appropriate
subclasses, for means for effecting gas and liquid contact,
per se.
366, Agitating, for method and apparatus for mixing gases and
liquids by agitation.
516, 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, subclasses 115+ for compositions for or
subcombination compositions for or breaking of or inhibiting
of foam colloid systems; in each instance, when generically
claimed or when there is no hierarchically superior provision
in the USPC for the specifically claimed art.
Subclass:
167
This subclass is indented under subclass 166. Processes of
bubble flotation of the type of the preceding subclass,
employing reagents, in which the selection by the bubbles is
between a plurality of constituents of which each is normally
flotable, those of one kind being floated while others are
not.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
516, 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, subclasses 115+ for compositions for or
subcombination compositions for or breaking of or inhibiting
of foam colloid systems; in each instance, when generically
claimed or when there is no hierarchically superior provision
in the USPC for the specifically claimed art.
Subclass:
168
This subclass is indented under subclass 163. Apparatus for
effecting selective separation by bubble flotation.
(1) Note. As indicated in connection with subclass 166, the
distinction between Classes 261, Gas and Liquid Contact
Apparatus, and 366, Agitating, and this subclass, is that
this subclass includes apparatus limited by positive
inclusion of the element or elements which complete the
device as a flotation apparatus, whereas Class 261 and 366
include devices which effect contact between gas and liquid
not limited to flotation.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
127, Sugar, Starch, and Carbohydrates, for apparatus employed
in the manufacture of sugar, starch or carbohydrates.
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, for apparatus
employed in purifying a liquid using electrical or wave
energy.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclasses 198+ for
separators of that class combined with means to add treating
materials, e.g., a gas, particularly subclasses 220+.
261, Gas and Liquid Contact Apparatus, appropriate
subclasses. (see (1) Note).
516, 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, subclasses 115+ for compositions for or
subcombination compositions for or breaking of or inhibiting
of foam colloid systems; in each instance, when generically
claimed or when there is no hierarchically superior provision
in the USPC for the specifically claimed art.
Subclass:
169
This subclass is indented under subclass 168. Devices in
which the contact between the gas forming the bubbles and the
liquid carrying the material to be selectively floated is
effected by agitation, which devices are limited to flotation
by bubbles.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
261, Gas and Liquid Contact Apparatus, for gas and liquid
contact apparatus, per se.
366, Agitating, for agitators, per se.
516, 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, subclasses 115+ for compositions for or
subcombination compositions for or breaking of or inhibiting
of foam colloid systems; in each instance, when generically
claimed or when there is no hierarchically superior provision
in the USPC for the specifically claimed art.
Subclass:
170
This subclass is indented under subclass 168. Devices limited
to selective flotation by bubbles in which the gas forming
the bubbles is delivered below the surface of the liquid.
(1) Note. The gas as delivered may include some liquid or
reagent.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
168 for apparatus wherein a gas is generated chemically or
electrolytically within the liquid as are also combinations
involving structures or elements belonging to both this and
the immediately preceding subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
261, Gas and Liquid Contact Apparatus, appropriate
subclasses, for gas and liquid contact apparatus, per se.
516, 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, subclasses 115+ for compositions for or
subcombination compositions for or breaking of or inhibiting
of foam colloid systems; in each instance, when generically
claimed or when there is no hierarchically superior provision
in the USPC for the specifically claimed art.
Subclass:
171
This subclass is indented under subclass 163. Methods and
means wherein oil which has a selective affinity for some of
the components of the mixture to be separated is employed, to
which such components adhere and with which they are floated
to the surface of the bath of liquid.
(1) Note. This subclass includes cases in which sufficient
bulk of oil is employed to reduce the specific gravity of the
mixture of oil and adhering particles of material to a degree
below that of the liquid in which the separation is effected
so that the oily mixture may float.
Subclass:
172
This subclass is indented under subclass 162. Methods and
means wherein material to be separated is delivered to or
mixed with a liquid or mixture of liquids having a specific
gravity greater than that of some constituents and less than
that of other constituents, the constituents of lesser
specific gravity than the liquid floating thereon, while
those of greater specific gravity sink or remain suspended in
the liquid.
(1) Note. This subclass takes such cases as do not fall
within the subclasses indented thereunder.
Subclass:
172.5
This subclass is indented under subclass 172. Methods and
means wherein the constituents of a mixture having lesser
specific gravity are separated from those of greater specific
gravity by flotation on a liquid system of intermediate
specific gravity which system is a suspension of solids.
Subclass:
173
This subclass is indented under subclass 172. Methods and
means wherein the constituents of a mixture having lesser
specific gravity are separated from those of greater specific
gravity by flotation on a liquid system of intermediate
specific gravity which system is water or an aqueous
solution.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclass 570 for
apparatus for fluid separation including flotation.
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, subclasses
38+ particularly subclass 46.01 for comminutors combined
with such separators.
Subclass:
174
This subclass is indented under subclass 172. Methods and
means wherein metallic liquid is employed to float the
constituents of lesser specific gravity from those of greater
specific gravity.
(1) Note. This subclass takes those cases which involve the
use of particular metals or alloys of metals which do not
fall into the subclasses indented thereunder.
(2) Note. In substantially all the cases of this subclass
and those indented thereunder the separation is of metal from
worthless material with which the metal is mixed, the metal
sinking in the metallic liquid and the worthless material
floating thereon, though there may be some instances in which
one metal may be separated from another.
(3) Note. Owing to the impracticability of drawing a clear
line between cases where there is a clear flotation of the
lighter specific gravity components and those cases in which
liquid metal is mixed with the material and afterwards
settled out with the attached or absorbed metals, both types
are included in the subclasses indented hereunder, since the
settling of the liquid metal with rejection of the lighter
components of the material in the supernatant layer may be
considered a species of flotation of such lighter
components.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
266, Metallurgical Apparatus, subclasses 227+ for apparatus
for treating molten material to separate the same into
different constituents e.g., slag from metal.
Subclass:
175
This subclass is indented under subclass 174. Processes
involving the use of metallic liquid as a medium for the
separation of those components of a mixture which have a
lesser specific gravity from those that have a greater
specific gravity than the liquid.
Subclass:
176
This subclass is indented under subclass 175. Processes
including chemical treatment other than chemical dissolution
or formation of compounds of the metal sought which are
limited by the inclusion of the amalgamating step or which
are preparatory for or promotive of the amalgamating step and
have no other utility.
(1) Note. This subclass will include processes not
classifiable in the subclass indented thereunder, generally
processes in which the chemical treatment affects both the
material treated and the mercury or its equivalent or in
which the effect is not definitely assignable to one or the
other.
(2) Note. This subclass and subclass 178 do not include
processes involving chemical treatment for decomposing or
altering the composition of metallic constituents sought to
be extracted unless limited to or having utility restricted
to amalgamation.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
177 through 181, for other processes of chemical and for
electrical treatments in connection with amalgamating step.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, subclass 219,
220, 221, 250, and 251 for electrolytic apparatus for the
production of amalgams.
205, Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein, and
Methods of Preparing the Compositions, subclasses 558+ for
electrolytic processes of producing amalgams.
420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, subclasses 526+ for
amalgams and methods of manufacturing them.
Subclass:
177
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Processes
involving chemical treatment which are limited to
amalgamation and in which the effect of the treatment is upon
the mercury or its equivalent or which involve chemical
treatment which promotes the action of the mercury in
absorbing the substances selectively separated or prepares
the mercury or equivalent for such action and has no other
utility.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
176 179 and 180, for other processes of chemical or
electrical treatment upon the mercury employed.
Subclass:
178
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Processes
involving chemical treatment other than chemical dissolution
or formation of compounds of the metal, limited to
amalgamation in which the effect of the treatment is upon the
material to be separated or processes involving chemical
treatment, other than chemical dissolution or formation of
compounds of the metal, of the material to be separated to
prepare it for separation by mercury or its equivalent and
having no other utility.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
176 179 and 181, for other processes of chemical or
electrical treatment of the material to be separated.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for Use
Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, for metallurgical treatment of
ores.
Subclass:
179
This subclass is indented under subclass 175. Processes
involving electrical treatment limited to amalgamation or
which are promotive of amalgamation and have no other
utility. Such process does not ordinarily include cases
involving the use of mercury charged with a reagent for
decomposing salts or compounds of the metal sought, with
incidental amalgamation.
(1) Note. This subclass includes such processes as are not
classifiable in the subclasses indented hereunder, generally
processes in which both the material being separated and the
mercury or its equivalent are affected by the electrical
treatment or in which the effect is not definitely assignable
to either.
(2) Note. This subclass and subclass 181 do not include
processes in which the material being treated or a portion
thereof is electrolytically decomposed to facilitate a
separation not limited to amalgamation, for which see Class
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
180 and 181, for other processes involving electrical
treatment in connection with the amalgamating (see (2)
Note).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, subclasses 194+
for electrolytic apparatus.
205, Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein, and
Methods of Preparing the Compositions, subclasses 558+ for
electrolytic processes of producing mercury alloys (see (2)
Note.).
Subclass:
180
This subclass is indented under subclass 179. Processes
involving electrical treatment limited to amalgamation or
promotive of amalgamation and having no other utility, in
which the effect of the electrical treatment is assigned to
the mercury or its equivalent.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
179 for other processes of electrical treatment of the
mercury in connection with the amalgamation.
Subclass:
181
This subclass is indented under subclass 179. Processes
involving electrical treatment limited to or promotive of
amalgamation and having no other utility in which the effect
of the electrical treatment is assigned to the material being
separated.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
179 for other electrical treatment of the material to be
separated (see (2) Note thereto.)
Subclass:
182
This subclass is indented under subclass 175. Processes
involving heat treatment limited to or promotive of
amalgamation and having no other utility.
(1) Note. This subclass does not include heat treatment for
the purpose of reducing or decomposing ores when not limited
to amalgamation or not having utility restricted thereto.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
48 for processes of coating material with mercury to
facilitate separation by adhesion.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for Use
Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, for metallurgical processes
employing heat.
Subclass:
183
This subclass is indented under subclass 174. Apparatus and
methods for delivering material to be separated below the
surface of the body of liquid material which serves to float
the lighter components and to retain the heavier.
(1) Note. This subclass and the subclasses indented under
it do not include such cases as do not involve the initial
subsurface delivery of the material, cases where the material
is submerged only after a preliminary surface delivery which
permits the heavier to sink in the metallic bath not being
ordinarily included.
Subclass:
184
This subclass is indented under subclass 183. Apparatus and
methods wherein conveying means are employed to force the
material beneath the surface of the metallic bath.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
205 for the use of a receptacle having a rotating agitating
means in connection therewith to effect contact between the
material to be separated and the metallic liquid.
Subclass:
185
This subclass is indented under subclass 183. Apparatus and
methods wherein suction means are employed to draw the
material beneath the surface of the metallic bath.
Subclass:
186
This subclass is indented under subclass 183. Apparatus and
methods wherein means are employed to agitate the material
while submerged in the metallic bath.
Subclass:
187
This subclass is indented under subclass 186. Apparatus and
methods wherein baffles or stationary deflectors are employed
to agitate the material while submerged in the metallic
bath.
Subclass:
188
This subclass is indented under subclass 186. Apparatus and
methods wherein mechanical stirrers are employed to agitate
the material while submerged in the metallic bath.
Subclass:
189
This subclass is indented under subclass 174. Apparatus and
methods wherein the material to be separated is delivered
initially to the surface of the metallic bath.
Subclass:
190
This subclass is indented under subclass 189. Apparatus and
methods wherein the material to be separated is delivered
forcibly against the surface of the metallic bath.
(1) Note. Projecting means may be employed or the material
may be delivered gravitally by dropping a sufficient distance
to develop substantial impetus.
Subclass:
191
This subclass is indented under subclass 174. Apparatus and
methods wherein means for attritively rubbing the particles
of material are employed in conjunction with a metallic bath
which floats the components of lesser specific gravity, while
those of greater specific gravity remain in the bath.
(1) Note. The rubbing and subjection to the metallic bath
may be coincident, or one may follow the other.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration,
appropriate subclasses, especially subclass 20 and 46.01 for
processes and apparatus including comminution combined with
separation by liquid flotation.
Subclass:
192
This subclass is indented under subclass 174. Devices for
feeding material to or for discharging material to or from a
liquid metallic bath or for both feeding and discharging such
material.
Subclass:
193
This subclass is indented under subclass 192. Devices for
feeding liquid metal to a metallic bath which separates
components of material, or for discharging the metal of the
bath, or for both feeding and discharging such metal
composing the bath.
Subclass:
194
This subclass is indented under subclass 174. Devices
constructed or specially adapted for use in connection with
the treatment of material by metallic liquid for the purpose
of separating constituents of such material.
(1) Note. In connection with this and the subclasses
indented thereunder the titular term is employed in its
broadest significance to indicate devices which receives the
material treated and the liquid metal, whether they retain
either or both or permit either or both to pass continuously
through the device.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 183+ for devices where there is an initial
submergence of the material in a body of liquid metal.
Subclass:
195
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Receptacles in
or on which the material to be separated and the liquid metal
are brought into contact have a shaking movement.
Subclass:
196
This subclass is indented under subclass 195. Receptacles in
or on which contact is effected between the material to be
separated and the liquid metal are in the form of tables or
shallow chutes or troughs to which a shaking movement is
imparted.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12.1 14, 15, 41, 42, and 64, for other separation processes
and apparatus involving the use of tables or chutes with
mercurial suspension or adhesion.
Subclass:
197
This subclass is indented under subclass 195. Means which are
provided in the shaking receptacles for agitating the
material to be separated or both the material and the liquid
metal.
Subclass:
198
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Devices on or
in which contact is effected between the material to be
separated and the liquid metal are given a rotating
movement.
Subclass:
199
This subclass is indented under subclass 198. Devices in or
on which the contact is effected between the material to be
separated and the liquid metal which effects the separation
are given rotation that will generate such centrifugal force
as to promote the separation, generally by forcing the
particles of higher specific gravity into the body or bodies
of liquid metal in the receptacle.
Subclass:
200
This subclass is indented under subclass 198. Rotating
receptacles in which contact is effected between the material
to be separated and the liquid metal is provided with means
for agitating the material or the material and the liquid
metal.
Subclass:
201
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Receptacles in
which contact is effected between the material to be
separated and the liquid metal is stationary.
Subclass:
202
This subclass is indented under subclass 201. Stationary
receptacles in or on which contact is effected between the
material to be separated and the liquid metal is in the form
of a table or shallow trough.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12.1 14, 16, 41, 42, and 58, for similar separations in which
a table or trough is employed.
Subclass:
203
This subclass is indented under subclass 201. Stationary
receptacles in which contact is effected between the material
to be separated and the liquid metal is provided with means
to agitate the material or the material and the liquid
metal.
(1) Note. This subclass and those indented thereunder
receive such cases as do not include the initial submergence
of the material under the surface of the liquid metal in
which agitating means are employed for the submerged
material.
Subclass:
204
This subclass is indented under subclass 203. Stationary
receptacles which receive the material to be separated and
the liquid metal which effects the separation is provided
with reciprocating agitating means.
Subclass:
205
This subclass is indented under subclass 203. Stationary
receptacles which receive the material to be separated and
the liquid metal which effects the separation is provided
with a rotary agitating means.
Subclass:
206
This subclass is indented under subclass 174. Devices for
retaining or collecting liquid metal that is employed to
separate components of a mixture of solids.
Subclass:
207
This subclass is indented under subclass 162. Methods and
means wherein material is delivered to the surface of a body
of liquid, generally water or an aqueous solution, part of
the material breaking through the surface and another part
not breaking through, but floating, upon the surface.
(1) Note. In cases coming into this subclass the separation
depends generally upon different capabilities of the
components of the material for being surface wetted, those
that are wetted sinking, while those that are not wetted
during the period of contact allowed, float. The separation
is independent ordinarily of specific gravities of the
components. The subclass will include cases where the
material is treated to modify the wetting susceptibilities of
some of the components, as by coating with a film or oil,
etc., as well as those in which the natural susceptibilities
are depended upon.
Subclass:
208
This subclass is indented under subclass 155. Means and
methods for assorting or grading material by deposition from
a body of liquid, generally water, which are not dependent
upon the effect of an impingement of a current flow of liquid
upon the material.
(1) Note. The body of liquid may be static or may be in
motion, and in the latter case the material is either
initially in suspension in the liquid or is delivered to a
body of liquid moving in other than the form of a current.
(2) Note. The distinction between this subclass and those
indented thereunder and subclasses 155-161 lies in the
dependance of the latter upon the effect of a current of
liquid upon the material, while the former group is
substantially independent thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
155 through 161, (see (2) Note).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
266, Metallurgical Apparatus, subclasses 227+ for apparatus
for treating molten material to separate the same into
different constituents e.g., slag from metal.
Subclass:
209
This subclass is indented under subclass 208. Means and
methods wherein material is delivered to a body of liquid,
either static or in motion otherwise than as a current, and
fall of the different grades or sorts of material is checked
or the material caught after definite time intervals, these
intervals being different for the different grades or sorts
of material.
Subclass:
210
This subclass is indented under subclass 208. Means and
methods wherein the flow of liquid carrying material in
suspension is deflected to promote deposition or settlement
of the material.
(1) Note. One grade of material may be deposited and the
rest be maintained in suspension and removed from the
deposited grade or a plurality of grades may be deposited
separately.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, appropriate
subclasses for apparatus and methods where the remaining of a
portion in suspension after deposition of the material in
unclassified condition is merely an incident of the
decantation of the liquid from the settled mass, and no
provision is made to definitely suspend a particular portion
for removal.
Subclass:
-2
Magnetic:
Apparatuses and processes which employ magnetic force to
segregate material responsive to such force from other
material which is not affected by such force.
Subclass:
212
Methods and means under Magnetic for separating components of
material by magnetic repulsion.
(1) Note. This subclass includes cases where the repulsion
is due to inherent diamagnetism and cases where it is due to
magnetic polarity established by electrical currents (eddy or
Foucault currents) developed in conductive components.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12.1 particularly subclasses 38-40, for diamagnetic
separation combined with other separating operations
classifiable in this class (Class 209).
562 for a magnetic means delaying actuation of a means
separating special items.
subclasses 567+ for a magnetic test sensing a property of
special items to be sorted.
639 for means sorting special items by use of a magnet.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, subclasses 554+
for electrical (e.g., electrostatic, etc.) or simultaneous
electrical and magnetic separation or purification of liquids
or magnetic treatment of liquids (other than separation) and
subclasses 660+ for corresponding apparatus.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclasses 222+ for
processes and apparatus for applying a magnetic field to a
liquid to separate particles therefrom for the disclosed
purpose of clarifying the liquid.
588, Hazardous or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment,
appropriate subclasses using magnetic force in destroying or
containing hazardous or toxic waste.
Subclass:
213
Methods and means under Magnetic employing magnetic
attraction to separate material responsive to the attraction
from other materials not responsive to such attraction or
responsive in lesser degree.
(1) Note. This subclass takes cases which are not
classifiable in the subclasses indented thereunder.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12.1 particularly subclasses 38-40, for paramagnetic
separation combined with other separating operations
classifiable in this class (Class 209).
562 for a magnetic means delaying actuation of a means
separating special items.
subclasses 567+ for a magnetic test sensing a property of
special items to be sorted.
639 for means sorting special items by use of a magnet.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, subclasses 554+
for electrical (e.g., electrostatic, etc.) or simultaneous
electrical and magnetic separation or purification of liquids
or magnetic treatment of liquids (other than separation) and
subclasses 660+ for corresponding apparatus.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclasses 222+ for
processes and apparatus for applying a magnetic field to a
liquid to separate particles therefrom for the disclosed
purpose of clarifying the liquid.
414, Material or Article Handling, subclass 606, 737, 793.2+,
and 797.1 for a device of that class which may include a
magnet.
588, Hazardous or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment,
appropriate subclasses using magnetic force in destroying or
containing hazardous or toxic waste.
Subclass:
214
This subclass is indented under subclass 213. Processes
employing magnetic attraction to separate material responsive
to such attraction from material not so responsive or
responsive in lesser degree.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
8 for processes which involve treatment to render components
of a mixture not normally magnetically attractable so
attractable.
Subclass:
215
This subclass is indented under subclass 213. Methods and
means involving the use of magnetic attraction to separate
substances which are magnetically attractable from other
substances, applied to particular substances or under special
unconventional conditions.
Subclass:
216
This subclass is indented under subclass 213. Devices for
magnetic separation of magnetically attractable substances
from other substances which include magnetic separating
elements of more than one type.
(1) Note. This subclass does not include mere duplications
of one type of magnetic separating element.
Subclass:
217
This subclass is indented under subclass 213. Methods and
means wherein the magnetic elements which effect the
attraction of some components reciprocate.
Subclass:
218
This subclass is indented under subclass 213. Methods and
means wherein the magnetic elements which effect the
attraction of some components from other are in the form of
endless rotating belts.
(1) Note. Said elements may be single or may be made up of
a plurality of elements arranged in the form indicated.
(2) Note. This subclass will include devices including
belts of magnetic material which may be "permanently"
magnetized or may be inductively magnetized by stationary of
movable magnets and devices in which a plurality of magnets
are joined in belt form.
Subclass:
219
This subclass is indented under subclass 213. Devices
including rotating cylinders or drums having other than
vertical axes constituting magnetic elements which attract
responsive components of material to or toward their exterior
surfaces.
(1) Note. This subclass will include structures in which
the cylinders or drums are themselves magnetic or composed of
assembled magnetic elements or are composed of magnetizable
material or assembled elements of magnetizable material with
movable or stationary inducing magnets. It does not include
rotating cylinders or drums surrounding stationary magnets
where the cylinders or drums themselves are not magnetic and
serve merely as shields or conveyors.
Subclass:
220
This subclass is indented under subclass 219. Devices
including rotating cylinders or drums on vertical axes which
attract magnetically responsive material to or toward their
outer surfaces.
(1) Note. The cylinders or drums may be of the structure
indicated for the cylinders or drums of the preceding
subclass, and as with said preceding subclass, drums or
cylinders surrounding nonrotating magnets and not themselves
magnetic or magnetized are not included.
Subclass:
221
This subclass is indented under subclass 213. Devices wherein
the magnetic attracting element or elements constitute or
form part of a hollow rotating cylinder or drum, and material
to be separated is delivered to the interior of such drum or
cylinder, and the magnetizable constituents are attracted to
the magnetic elements and detained or diverted from
nonmagnetizable constituents.
(1) Note. Part or all of the rotating cylinder or drum must
be magnetized, devices in the form of hollow cylinders or
drums serving as shields or conveyors adjacent magnets, but
no portion of which is magnetized to operate directly as
attracting means, not being included.
Subclass:
222
This subclass is indented under subclass 213. Devices wherein
the magnetic attracting element or elements are in rotating
disk form or form part of a disk, the disk being rotated.
(1) Note. Disks which operate as shields or conveyors
adjacent magnetic elements not of rotary disk type, which
disks do not include a magnetic or magnetized portion, are
not included. The subclass will include a series of
open-spaced magnetic elements arranged to define a disk and
rotated.
Subclass:
223.1
Stationary magnets:
This subclass is indented under subclass 213. Methods and
means wherein the magnetic attracting elements are
stationary.
(1) Note. Movable or stationary partitions, shields, or
conveyors may be interposed between the attracting elements
and the material and do not control classification if they
include in themselves no magnetizable attracting elements.
Subclass:
223.2
Cylinder external:
This subclass is indented under subclass 223.1. Subject
matter wherein the magnetic elements are portion of hollow
cylinders or drums and the material being treated is fed
along the outside surface of each element.
Subclass:
224
This subclass is indented under subclass 223. Methods and
means wherein the magnetic attracting elements are in the
form of or constitute portions of stationary hollow cylinders
or drums, and the material is fed into or through these
cylinders or drums.
Subclass:
225
This subclass is indented under subclass 213. Methods and
means wherein means are provided for agitating or conveying
the material being subjected to magnetic separation.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
232 for magnetic separators provided with means for feeding
the material to be separated suspended in a liquid.
Subclass:
226
This subclass is indented under subclass 225. Methods and
means wherein the material being magnetically separated is
agitated by magnetic influence, which may be the result of
some special construction or relation of the separating
magnet or magnets or may be attained by supplemental
magnets.
Subclass:
227
This subclass is indented under subclass 226. Methods and
means wherein material being magnetically separated is
agitated or conveyed by traveling magnetic fields generated
by the separating magnetic elements or magnetic elements
supplemental thereto.
Subclass:
228
This subclass is indented under subclass 213. Means and
methods for discharging separated components from magnetic
separators, mainly material attracted by the magnets.
Subclass:
229
This subclass is indented under subclass 228. Devices for
mechanically removing or wiping off the material attracted to
the magnetic elements of magnetic separators.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
19, Textiles: Fiber Preparation, subclasses 262+ for
textile fiber drawing roll clearers.
Subclass:
230
This subclass is indented under subclass 229. Devices wherein
magnets are employed to remove the material attracted to the
separating magnets.
Subclass:
231
This subclass is indented under subclass 213. Means and
methods for feeding material to be separated to separating
magnets.
Subclass:
232
This subclass is indented under subclass 231. Means and
methods in which the material to be separated is fed into the
influence of the attracting magnet or magnets suspended in
liquid.
Subclass:
233
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Means
and methods by which material is separated or assorted
according to size or dimensions of components by presentation
to a series of openings or passages through which the
components having dimensions below those of the openings or
passages pass while those having dimensions greater than
those of the passages or openings do not pass through.
(1) Note. The distinction between this subclass and
subclasses indented hereunder and subclasses 659+, sorting
items by size, is mainly that subclasses 659+ generally deal
with the assortment of special articles, such as fruit,
vegetables, and various articles of manufacture as set forth
in (1) Note of subclass 509, and the articles are usually
presented individually to the sizing passages; while in
subclasses 233+, the material is ordinarily presented
indiscriminately to the series of passages. The distinction
is, however, not clearcut, and search in one group should be
extended into appropriate subclasses of the other group.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12.1 for sifting separation combined with other separation
operations.
557 for a combination of a noncondition responsive special
item sorting by size separating operation with a condition
responsive separating operation.
subclasses 629+ for a combination of diverse types of
special item separating operations.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclasses 521+ 522,
528, 603+, and 605+ for grain hullers embodying sifters.
241, Solids Material Comminution or Disintegration,
appropriate subclasses, especially subclasses 49+, 69+, 83+
for screens combined with or forming part of a comminutor
organization.
Subclass:
234
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Sifting devices
including a plurality of sifters of different general types,
but not mere duplications of a single type.
Subclass:
235
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Sifting devices
employed for separating particular materials or for other
than the mere size grading of a given mass of particles.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
251 for reversible sifters.
Subclass:
236
This subclass is indented under subclass 235. Sifting devices
employed or adapted for the distribution or spreading of
material and in which size grading is merely incidental.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
406, Conveyors: Fluid Current, subclass 121 for sifting
devices which distribute into a conveying current.
Subclass:
237
This subclass is indented under subclass 235. Sifting devices
employed or adapted for sifting material to determine the
proportion of each size in the whole.
Subclass:
238
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Sifting means
or steps associated with means or steps for heating or
cooling the material treated.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
11 for other combinations of solid separation with heating
or cooling.
Subclass:
239
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Sifting means
associated with means for weighing material treated.
(1) Note. The weighing may be precedent, coincident, or
subsequent.
Subclass:
240
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Sifting means
associated with means for feeding and discharging.
Subclass:
241
This subclass is indented under subclass 240. Devices and
methods, wherein conveyors are employed both for the feeding
of material to and for discharging material from sifting
devices.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
420 for portable sifters.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
171, Unearthing Plants or Buried Objects, particularly
subclasses 111+ and 138 for separators for sifting and
recovering from a mass of earth plants or other desired
objects embedded therein combined with conveyors for moving
the earth or recovered objects to or from said separators.
Subclass:
242
This subclass is indented under subclass 240. Devices and
methods wherein the feeding and the discharging means for
sifters are connected for simultaneous control other than
mere actuation from a common source, generally means to set
both into or out of operation simultaneously or to interrupt
one when the other is set into operation.
Subclass:
243
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Means and
methods for feeding material to sifting devices.
Subclass:
244
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Means and
methods in which the material is fed from hoppers to the
sifting devices.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
193, Conveyors, Chutes, Skids, Guides, and Ways, for
conveyors, chutes etc., per se.
222, Dispensing, for hopper feeders, per se.
Subclass:
245
This subclass is indented under subclass 244. Means and
methods wherein agitating or conveying means are associated
with hoppers which feed material to sifting devices.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
254 for spreading and distributing the material over the
surface of the sifter.
284 for feeders for drum sifters.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
222, Dispensing, for hopper feeders, per se, with agitators
to facilitate feeding.
Subclass:
246
This subclass is indented under subclass 244. Means and
methods wherein cut-offs or valves are associated with
hoppers to control the delivery of material to sifting
devices.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
193, Conveyors, Chutes, Skids, Guides, and Ways, for
conveyors chutes etc., per se, with valves or cut-offs.
222, Dispensing, for hopper feeders with valves or cut-offs.
Subclass:
247
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Means and
methods which include conveyors associated with sifting means
and delivering material to the latter.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
316 for plural superposed sifters with intermediate
conveyors.
420 for portable sifters.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
37, Excavating, subclasses 307+ for dredgers.
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, for conveyor structure, per
se.
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclass 15, 59+, 79+, and
123 for threshing machines including conveyor feeders.
Subclass:
248
This subclass is indented under subclass 247. Devices in
which the material is conveyed and delivered to sifters by
portable receptacles, there generally being some adaptation
of one for the other or some means facilitating the
positioning of the receptacle relatively to the sifter.
Subclass:
249
This subclass is indented under subclass 248. Devices wherein
ash pans are employed to deliver material to sifters,
generally with some adaptation of one to the other or means
for attaching the ashpan to the sifter.
Subclass:
250
This subclass is indented under subclass 247. Devices in
which the material is delivered to sifters, generally by
projection, suspended in a fluid.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
19, Textiles: Fiber Preparation, subclass 202, 204+, and
304+ for fiber separators with pneumatic feed.
37, Excavating, subclasses 317+ for dredges which include a
pump to cause a current to flow through the inlet or delusing
pipe.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclasses 153+ for
flume stream type screens, and subclass 405 for filters
having a movable prefilt distributor.
406, Conveyors: Fluid Current, appropriate subclasses, for
fluid current conveyors, per se.
Subclass:
251
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Sifters adapted
to sift material through in one direction and then to be
reversed to sift the material in the opposite direction
relatively to the sifting element or elements.
Subclass:
252
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Means and
methods in which the material is sifted by movement of the
sifter against a mass of the material instead of the latter
being delivered to the sifter.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
37, Excavating, subclasses 315+ for shell-fish dredgers.
171, Unearthing Plants or Buried Objects, subclasses 84+
for reticulated devices which comb through the soil or a mass
of earth having object embedded therein to collect or gather
desired objects therefrom.
Subclass:
253
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Devices
including a series of sifters and means whereby material may
be delivered at will to any desired sifter of the series by
manipulation of the feeding means or shifting of the
positions of the series of sifters.
Subclass:
254
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Devices which
distribute or spread material over the surfaces of sifters at
points of delivery or which distribute material over the
surfaces of a plurality of sifters as the material is fed.
Subclass:
255
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Means and
methods of discharging material from sifters.
(1) Note. These may include means for discharging oversize
or undersize material or both.
Subclass:
256
This subclass is indented under subclass 255. Means and
methods which include conveyors and valves which control
delivery of material to or from the conveyors for discharge
from sifters.
Subclass:
257
This subclass is indented under subclass 255. Means and
methods wherein conveyors are employed to discharge material,
either oversize, undersize, or both, from sifters.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
284 317, 371, and 375, for other combinations including a
sifter and a discharge conveyor.
420 for portable sifter.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
37, Excavating, subclasses 307+ for dredgers.
171, Unearthing Plants or Buried Objects, subclass 89, 123,
124+, and 138 for recovery devices in which a reticulated
means for screening desired objects from a mass of earth is
provided with a cooperating, conveyor means for receiving and
carrying away from said reticulated means oversize and/or
undersize material.
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, appropriate subclasses, for
conveyor structure, per se.
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclass 15, 59+, 79+, and
123 for threshers including discharge conveyors.
Subclass:
258
This subclass is indented under subclass 255. Means and
methods including valves associated with sifters to control
the discharge of material, either oversize, undersize, or
both, from the sifters.
Subclass:
259
This subclass is indented under subclass 255. Means and
methods wherein special receptacles, generally portable are
employed to receive material, either oversize, undersize, or
both, from sifting devices.
Subclass:
260
This subclass is indented under subclass 255. Sifters adapted
to discharge material, usually oversize, by tilting or
inversion of the sifter.
Subclass:
261
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Means
associated with sifters for conveying material relatively to
the sifting surfaces which do not fall within the feeding
and/or discharging subclasses or within the agitating
subclasses.
(1) Note. This specific subclass takes such cases as do not
fall within the subclasses indented thereunder and includes
generally means for conveying material from one part to
another of a sifter or series of sifters out of contact with
the sifting surface and means for conveying material around
(by-passing) the sifting elements.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
316 and 317, for other combinations of plural superposed
sifters with intermediate conveyor or discharge means.
Subclass:
262
This subclass is indented under subclass 261. Means including
conveying means, other than agitators which directly force
material through the sifting passages.
(1) Note. These conveying means may be conveyors of a
mechanical nature operating substantially in the direction in
which the undersize passes through the sifting passages or
may be means for forcing fluid in the direction specified.
(2) Note. Where fluid is employed to force material through
the passages of a sifter, it must be a fluid supply which
does not merely agitate the material on the sifter, but must
exert substantial force in the direction of passage through
the sifting passages.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
250 for sifters with fluid current feeders.
Subclass:
263
This subclass is indented under subclass 261. Means employed
to cause particles of material to move in some definite
relation to the sifting passages of a sifter.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 392+ for sifter structure, per se.
subclasses 659+ for size separation of special items.
Subclass:
264
This subclass is indented under subclass 263. Means wherein
guides are employed to direct the particles of material in
some definite relation to the sifting apertures.
Subclass:
265
This subclass is indented under subclass 264. Sifting devices
associated with an imperforate surface or surfaces which
operate to position particles of material relatively to the
sifting passages, generally by causing particles having
larger dimensions in one or more directions than in others to
arrange themselves so that the larger dimensions shall be in
planes paralleling the sifting surface.
Subclass:
266
This subclass is indented under subclass 264. Guiding devices
which overlie the sifting surfaces to maintain particles of
material having greater dimensions in one or more directions
than in others with the greater dimensions paralleling the
sifting surfaces.
Subclass:
267
This subclass is indented under subclass 261. Devices
associated with sifters which retard the passage of material
over the sifting surfaces and which are not primarily
agitators.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
266 and 314, and the appropriate sifter with agitator
subclasses, for sifters with guides or agitators, superposed
stepped sifters etc., which may function to retard the
passage of material over the sifting surfaces.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclasses 59+ and 79+,
straw carriers for threshing machines and cylinder type
threshing machines.
Subclass:
268
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Sifting means
or methods adapted for sifting materials mingled with liquid
or for subjecting the material to the action of a liquid to
promote the sifting effect.
(1) Note. This subclass and the subclasses indented
thereunder do not include cases where the liquid is employed
to promote stratifying or liquid suspension separation and
the sifting is independent of the liquid treatment or a mere
incident of some other separation due to the effect of the
liquid.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12.1 13, 14, 17, 42, and 44, for combinations of sifting and
fluid suspension or stratifying type separations.
423 through 427 and 454-457, for stratifiers employing a
permeable bed.
Subclass:
269
This subclass is indented under subclass 268. Reciprocating
sifters adapted to sift material suspended in liquid or
associated with liquid-supply means adapted to promote the
sifting operation.
(1) Note. Cases in which the liquid is employed for
stratifying or liquid suspension separation and sifting is
merely incidental are not included.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12.1 13, 14, 17, 42, and 44, for combinations of sifting and
fluid suspension or stratifying type separations.
423 through 427, for stratifiers employing a movable
permeable bed.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
162, Paper Making and Fiber Liberation, subclasses 355+ and
365 for vibrating screen molds employed in felting a fibrous
product.
Subclass:
270
This subclass is indented under subclass 268. Means and
methods wherein rotating cylindrical or drum sifters are
employed to sift material suspended in liquid or
liquid-supply means are associated therewith to promote
sifting.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12.1 13, 14, 17, 42, and 44, for combinations of sifting and
fluid suspension or stratifying type separations.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
162, Paper Making and Fiber Liberation, subclasses 323+ and
357 for paper making machines employing a foraminous cylinder
mold.
Subclass:
271
This subclass is indented under subclass 268. Means and
methods wherein rotating-disk sifters are employed to sift
material suspended in liquid or liquid-supply means are
associated with such sifters to promote sifting.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12.1 13, 14, 17, 42, and 44, for combinations of sifting and
fluid suspension or stratifying type separations.
423 through 427, for stratifiers employing moveable
permeable beds.
Subclass:
272
This subclass is indented under subclass 268. Means and
methods wherein endless-belt sifters are employed to sift
material suspended in liquid or associated with liquid-supply
means which promote the sifting action.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12.1 13, 17, 42, and 44, for combinations of sifting and
fluid suspension or stratifying type separations.
Subclass:
273
This subclass is indented under subclass 268. Means and
methods wherein stationary sifters are employed to sift
material suspended in liquid or are associated with
liquid-supply means which promote the sifting action.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12.1 13, 14, 42, and 44, for combinations of sifting with
fluid suspension or stratifying separations.
454 through 457, for stratifiers employing stationary
permeable beds.
Subclass:
274
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Sifting devices
curved concavely or convexly on the surfaces to which
material is delivered and having both reciprocating and
rotating motion, or not coming under the subclasses indented
hereunder.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
309 for reciprocating and rotating horizontal or inclined
plane sifters.
Subclass:
275
This subclass is indented under subclass 274. Sifters whose
material-receiving surfaces are curved or bent in concave or
convex form and are given a reciprocating movement.
Subclass:
276
This subclass is indented under subclass 275. Convex or
concave sifters which reciprocate and are provided or
associated with means for agitating the material being
sifted, which do not fall within the subclasses indented
hereunder.
Subclass:
277
This subclass is indented under subclass 276. Reciprocating
convex or concave sifters wherein reciprocating agitators are
employed with reciprocating sifters which are curved in
concave or convex forms on the material-receiving surfaces.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
357 for stationary, horizontal or inclined plane sifter with
reciprocating agitators.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclasses 85+ for rake
type straw carriers for grain separators.
Subclass:
278
This subclass is indented under subclass 276. Reciprocating
concave or convex sifters have associated therewith rotating
agitators.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
358 for stationary, horizontal or inclined plane sifter with
rotating agitators.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclass 22 for over hung
rake straw carriers for grain separators.
Subclass:
279
This subclass is indented under subclass 274. Sifters which
are rotating and have material-receiving surfaces concave or
convex in shape.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 350+ for rotating horizontal or inclined plane
sifters.
Subclass:
280
This subclass is indented under subclass 279. Rotating
concave or convex sifters associated with means for agitating
the material being sifted.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
351 for rotating horizontal or inclined plane sifters having
agitating means.
Subclass:
281
This subclass is indented under subclass 274. Stationary
sifters the material-receiving surfaces of which are concave
or convex.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 352+ for stationary horizontal or inclined plane
sifter.
Subclass:
282
This subclass is indented under subclass 281. Stationary
sifters the material-receiving surfaces of which are concave
or convex, having reciprocating agitators associated
therewith.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
357 for stationary horizontal or inclined plane sifter with
reciprocating agitator.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus subclass 528 and 605+
for perforated sifters in a grain huller, including agitators
and stationary sifters.
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclasses 85+ for rake
type straw carriers for grain separators.
Subclass:
283
This subclass is indented under subclass 281. Stationary
sifters having concave or convex material-receiving surfaces
and associated with rotating agitators.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
358 for stationary horizontal or inclined plane sifter with
rotating agitators.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
19, Textiles: Fiber Preparation, subclass 38 and 94 for
ball hullers and fiber picking means involving the use of
rotating agitators or elements.
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus subclass 528 and 607 for
a perforated sifter in a grain huller that may include a
rotating agitator.
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, subclass
73 and 86+ for comminutors or disintegrators combined with
sifter or screen elements cooperating with rotary comminuting
elements.
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclasses 59+, 79+ and
123+ for threshers including rotating agitating means.
Subclass:
-2
Sifting, Drum sifters:
The subclasses indented under this title include sifters
whose sifting elements form hollow drums. The material
treated may be delivered to the interiors of such drums or
may be delivered to the exterior of such drums, particles of
the material small enough passing outwardly in the former
case and inwardly in the latter case.
Subclass:
284
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Methods and
means for feeding or for discharging material to or from
hollow drum sifters mounted with their axes horizontal or
inclined.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
287 through 299, for rotating sifters of this type.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclasses 609+ for
means that feed and discharge to or from a hulling zone.
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclasses 123+ for vine
and seed strippers.
Subclass:
285
This subclass is indented under subclass 284. Hollow cylinder
or drum sifters having means for delivering material to the
outside of the drums or cylinders for the undersize particles
to be passed inside the sifting walls and the oversize
retained on the outside.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
19, Textiles: Fiber Preparation, subclasses 304+ for
screen condensers for forming webs from fibers, and subclass
202 for cleaning by condensing.
162, Paper Making and Fiber Liberation, subclasses 323+ for
cylinder mold type paper making machines.
Subclass:
286
This subclass is indented under subclass 285. Hollow
cylindrical or drum sifters having passages or inlets through
their peripheral walls through which unsifted material is
passed to the interiors of said sifters to be sifted within
the drums, the undersize passing out of the drums through the
sifting passages of the drums.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
407 for frames to which sectional drum sifters are
attached.
Subclass:
287
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Cylindrical or
drum sifters mounted with their axes in horizontal or
inclined position and having both reciprocating and rotating
motion.
Subclass:
288
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Cylindrical or
drum sifters mounted with their axes in horizontal or
inclined position and having rotary motion.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclass 521 and 605+
for rotating perforated hulling surfaces.
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, subclasses
91+ for comminutors having a rotating comminuting surface
having openings.
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclasses 59+ and 123+
for cylinder threshing machines and vine and vine and seed
strippers.
Subclass:
289
This subclass is indented under subclass 288. Sifting systems
having a plurality of horizontal or inclined axis rotating
cylindrical or drum sifters.
(1) Note. This subclass takes such systems as include
pluralities of sifters of the type indicated which do not
fall into the subclasses indented hereunder.
Subclass:
290
This subclass is indented under subclass 289. Rotating
cylindrical or drum sifters mounted on horizontal or inclined
axes which aline.
Subclass:
291
This subclass is indented under subclass 290. Series of
rotating cylindrical or drum sifters on common horizontal or
inclined axes the series being nested or mounted one within
the other.
Subclass:
292
This subclass is indented under subclass 289. Series of
rotating cylindrical or drum sifters having horizontal or
inclined axes, the series being supported one above another.
Subclass:
293
This subclass is indented under subclass 288. Rotating
horizontal or inclined axes cylindrical or drum sifters
having means for agitating the material and which do not fall
into the indented subclasses.
Subclass:
294
This subclass is indented under subclass 293. Rotating
cylindrical or drum sifters on horizontal or inclined axes
provided with means for lifting and dropping the material and
means for deflecting the material along the sifter, generally
during the drooping movement thereof.
Subclass:
295
This subclass is indented under subclass 293. Rotating
cylindrical or drum sifters on horizontal or inclined axes
provided with means for agitating the material by
gaseous-fluid currents as the major agitating factor.
(1) Note. This subclass will include cases where the sole
agitating means may be the air-supplying means, but will also
include cases which employ mechanical stirring or conveying
means within the sifter, provided the air-supplying means is
a major factor and not merely an incident to the use of such
mechanical devices or a minor factor. In the latter case the
classification is determined by the type of mechanical
agitator.
Subclass:
296
This subclass is indented under subclass 293. Rotating
cylindrical or drum sifters mounted on horizontal or inclined
axes associated with rotating agitating means which do not
fall into the indented subclasses.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclasses 603+ and
608 for a moving perforated surface and a cylindrical or
conical perforated enclosure that enclosed a rotating hulling
element.
Subclass:
297
This subclass is indented under subclass 296. Rotating
cylindrical or drum sifters mounted on horizontal or inclined
axes and provided with agitating means attached to the walls
of the sifter and moving therewith.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 392+ for structures in which the sifting
passages of the sifters are formed.
Subclass:
298
This subclass is indented under subclass 296. Rotating
cylindrical or drum sifters on horizontal or inclined axes
associated with means for lifting and dropping the material
while within the sifting drums.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
294 for other drum or cylindrical sifter having a horizontal
or inclined axis having means for lifting the material.
subclasses 392+ for structures in which the sifting
passages of the sifters are formed.
Subclass:
299
This subclass is indented under subclass 288. Rotating
cylindrical or drum sifters having horizontal or inclined
axes and associated with devices for lifting and dropping
material within the sifter and means for beating the material
so lifted and dropped.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclasses 603+ and
608 for a moving perforated surface and a cylindrical or
conical perforated enclosure that encloses a rotating hulling
element.
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclasses 123+ for vine
and seed strippers.
Subclass:
300
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Stationary
cylindrical or drum sifters having horizontal or inclined
axes.
(1) Note. This subclass will include sifters of the type
indicated whether associated with agitators or not.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 281+ for stationary sifters having concave or
convex material receiving surfaces.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclasses 605+ for a
cylindrical or conical perforated enclosure for hulling
grain.
Subclass:
301
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Cylindrical or
drum sifters having vertical axes and having means for both
reciprocating and rotating them.
Subclass:
302
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Cylindrical or
drum sifters having vertical axes and having means for
reciprocating them.
Subclass:
303
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Cylindrical or
drum sifters having vertical axes and adapted for or
associated with means for rotating them.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclasses 603+ for a
moving perforated surface used in hulling grain.
Subclass:
304
This subclass is indented under subclass 303. Rotating
cylindrical or drum sifters having vertical axes associated
with means for agitating the material being sifted.
Subclass:
305
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Stationary
cylindrical or drum sifters on vertical axes.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclasses 605+ for a
cylindrical or conical perforated enclosure for hulling
grain.
Subclass:
306
This subclass is indented under subclass 305. Stationary
cylindrical or drum sifters having vertical axes associated
with means for agitating the material being sifted.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
274 for sifters having concave or convex material receiving
surface.
Subclass:
307
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Rotating
sifters in the form of endless belts.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 393+ and 401, for elongated sifter passages and
for sifting elements in woven form.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclass 616 for an
endless-belt grain hulling surface.
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclasses 6-10 and 21
for corn shellers and straw carriers including endless
belts.
Subclass:
308
This subclass is indented under subclass 307. Sifters in the
form of rotating endless belts associated with means for
agitating the material, which may be stirring means acting
directly on the material or means acting indirectly on the
material by agitating the belt.
Subclass:
309
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Flat horizontal
or inclined sifters having both a shaking and a rotating
motion.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
274 for sifters having a concave or convex material
receiving surface.
Subclass:
310
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Sifters of a
generally flat shape having a shaking motion produced by
distortion of the sifting element in which the sifting
passages are formed.
Subclass:
311
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Pluralities of
flat reciprocating sifters associated otherwise than as
defined in the subclasses indented hereunder.
Subclass:
312
This subclass is indented under subclass 311. Series of flat
reciprocating sifters associated with means for pneumatically
agitating the material being sifted, the sifters being
associated otherwise than as defined in the subclasses
indented hereunder.
(1) Note. In devices entering this subclass the pneumatic
agitating means must be an essential element of the
combination or have some feature specially involving such
agitating means.
Subclass:
313
This subclass is indented under subclass 311. Flat
reciprocating sifters arranged end to end or side by side in
substantially common planes or meeting at angles forming
apices at the ends of the sifters.
Subclass:
314
This subclass is indented under subclass 311. Flat
reciprocating sifters arranged end to end in stepped
relation, material passing from one to another.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
151 for fluid suspension type separators involving feeding
the material over plane elements in stepped relation.
265 and 266, for sifters having guides to position the
particles relative to the sifting elements.
Subclass:
315
This subclass is indented under subclass 311. Pluralities of
flat reciprocating sifters arranged one over another.
Subclass:
316
This subclass is indented under subclass 315. Pluralities of
flat reciprocating sifters associated with intermediate
conveying elements adapted to convey material generally from
one sifter to some portion of a succeeding sifter, the
material so conveyed usually being that which passes through
or over the higher sifter.
(1) Note. This and the two succeeding subclasses, while not
limited thereto, will include the so-called winnowing
machines commonly employed for sorting threshed grain and
flour sifters having the special structures or special
elements of structure defined. Where the special feature or
essential lies in the particular shake or means for producing
the shake, the device is classified in one of the hereinafter
listed subclasses taking devices having the shake specified.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 261+ for other sifters with conveyors.
Subclass:
317
This subclass is indented under subclass 315. Pluralities of
flat reciprocating sifters one above another associated with
some special means for discharging material away from the
sifters.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
255 and 257, for other sifters with discharge means of
discharge conveyors.
Subclass:
318
This subclass is indented under subclass 315. Pluralities of
flat reciprocating sifters arranged one above another
associated with special structures or means for pneumatically
agitating the material being sifted.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
26 through 29, for combinations of gaseous suspension and
sifting means.
276 and 280, for convex or concave sifters with agitating
means.
321 for horizontal or inclined plane sifters with pneumatic
agitator or conveyor.
Subclass:
319
This subclass is indented under subclass 315. Pluralities of
flat reciprocating sifters arranged one above another having
special structure or means for attaching or adjusting the
sifting elements.
(1) Note. This subclass takes only those devices which
include the defined pluralities of sifters and have attaching
or adjusting features for one or more of the sifters. For
devices for adjusting or attaching single sifters or sifters
of other plural types, see the Search Notes below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
404 and 405, for devices for adjusting or attaching single
sifters or sifters of other plural types.
Subclass:
320
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Flat
reciprocating sifters associated with means for agitating the
material being sifted, other than the means for reciprocating
the sifter.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 392+ for sifter structure, per se.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclass 87, 88 and 90 for
straw carriers for grain separators having agitating means.
Subclass:
321
This subclass is indented under subclass 320. Flat
reciprocating sifters associating with pneumatic agitating
means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
26 through 29, for combinations of sifting with gaseous
suspension type separations.
318 for plural superposed plane sifters with pneumatic
agitating means.
Subclass:
322
This subclass is indented under subclass 320. Flat
reciprocating sifters associated with reciprocating
agitators.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
277 for concave or convex sifters with reciprocating
agitators.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclass 87, 88 and 90 for
straw carriers for grain separators having agitating means.
Subclass:
323
This subclass is indented under subclass 322. Reciprocating
agitators associated with flat reciprocating sifters are not
attached positively to the sifter, but are free to move
relatively to the sifter element, generally by inertia
impulse.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 379+ for sifting passage clearers.
Subclass:
324
This subclass is indented under subclass 320. Flat
reciprocating sifters associated with rotating agitators.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
278 for concave or convex sifters with rotating agitators.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclass 87, 88 and 90 for
straw carriers for grain separators having agitating means.
Subclass:
325
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Flat
reciprocating sifters having movement both horizontally and
vertically, which do not fall into the indented subclasses.
(1) Note. This subclass will take devices in which
horizontal movement in more than one direction, including
orbital movement in horizontal planes associated with means
giving a vertical component of motion.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclass 88 and 90 for
straw carriers for grain separators of the shaking table and
walking rake types.
Subclass:
326
This subclass is indented under subclass 325. Flat sifters
having circular or orbital motion in vertical planes.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 366+ for means for gyrating sifters.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, appropriate subclasses, for
the mechanical movement, per se.
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclass 88 and 90 for
straw carriers for grain separators of the shaking table and
walking rake type.
Subclass:
327
This subclass is indented under subclass 325. Flat sifters
having both horizontal and vertical movement, the horizontal
movement being in a single side-to-side direction where there
is no definite movement of material toward a discharge point,
or, where there is such movement of material toward a
discharge, across the line of movement.
Subclass:
328
This subclass is indented under subclass 327. Flat sifters
having movement both horizontally and vertically, the
horizontal movement being transverse to the sifter or the
line of movement toward discharge of the material and in
which one or both of the movements are impactive or bumping.
Subclass:
329
This subclass is indented under subclass 325. Flat sifters
having both horizontal and vertical movement, the horizontal
movement being in general line with the movement of the
material toward discharge.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclass 88 and 90 for
straw carriers for grain separators of the shaking table and
walking rake type.
Subclass:
330
This subclass is indented under subclass 329. Flat sifters
having both horizontal and vertical movement, the horizontal
movement being in general line with the travel of the
material toward discharge and one or both shakes being
impactive or associated with bumping means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
393 for elongated slot sifter elements.
Subclass:
331
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Flat sifters
having horizontal shake in a plurality of directions or both
in general line with and across the direction of travel of
the material toward discharge.
Subclass:
332
This subclass is indented under subclass 331. Flat horizontal
or inclined sifters having orbital movement in substantially
horizontal planes.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
366 for means for gyrating sifters.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, appropriate subclasses, for
the mechanical movement, per se.
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclass 24 for shaking
table straw carriers for grain separators.
Subclass:
333
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Flat horizontal
or inclined sifters having a horizontal shake in one
direction where there is no definite travel of material
toward a discharge, or where there is such travel of the
material, the shake is transverse to the direction of
travel.
(1) Note. This subclass will in general take devices which
do not fall into the indented subclasses, usually those in
which no specific type of sifter support is involved.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
327 for similar sifters having both horizontal and vertical
shake.
Subclass:
334
This subclass is indented under subclass 333. Flat horizontal
or inclined sifters, the shake being produced by impact or
having a bump or jar at some stage.
(1) Note. This subclass takes generally such cases of the
indicated nature as are not associated with any particular or
specified mount of the sifter.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
328 for similar sifters having both horizontal and vertical
shake.
Subclass:
335
This subclass is indented under subclass 333. Flat horizontal
or inclined sifters, the sifter being supported to swing on a
vertical pivot or axis.
Subclass:
336
This subclass is indented under subclass 335. Flat horizontal
or inclined sifters, the sifter being supported to move on a
vertical pivot or axis and the shake being produced by impact
or having a jar or bump at some stage.
Subclass:
337
This subclass is indented under subclass 333. Flat horizontal
or inclined sifters, the sifters being supported to slide on
supports.
Subclass:
338
This subclass is indented under subclass 337. Flat horizontal
or inclined sifters, the shake being produced by impact or
being modified by a jar or bump at some stage.
Subclass:
339
This subclass is indented under subclass 333. Flat horizontal
or inclined sifters supported for swinging movement,
generally on hangers or standards, the movement being in one
horizontal direction where there is no definite travel of
material over the sifter to discharge, or, where there is
such travel, in a horizontal direction transverse to the
direction of travel.
(1) Note. The slight incidental vertical component of
motion due to support by standards or hangers is disregarded
in connection with devices placed in this subclass; but where
the hanger or standard construction is such that there is a
marked and material vertical component of motion the device
generally is classified elsewhere (see Search This Class,
Subclass, below) Where there is both sliding support and
swinging (hanger or standard) support, the device is placed
according to the sliding support.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
327 for a hanger or standard construction such that there is
a marked and material vertical component of motion (see (1)
Note).
Subclass:
340
This subclass is indented under subclass 339. Flat horizontal
or inclined sifters, the movement being produced by impact or
being modified by a jar or bump at some stage.
(1) Note. Where the vertical component of motion due
ordinarily to the use of swinging standards or hangers is
merely incidental, it is disregarded as a qualification; but
where it is marked and material and there is an impact or jar
the device is placed in subclass 328. Where there is both
sliding and swinging support, the shake is transverse, as
defined above, and there is an impact or jar, the device is
placed in subclass 338.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
328 (see (1) Note).
338 (see (1) Note).
Subclass:
341
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Flat horizontal
or inclined sifters having a horizontal shake in the
direction of travel of material over the sifters toward
discharge.
(1) Note. This subclass takes devices with the defined
shake, with or without impact, where the type of support is
not involved or is not material.
Subclass:
342
This subclass is indented under subclass 341. Flat inclined
or horizontal sifters supported for sliding movement, where
the movement is horizontal and in the general direction of
travel of material over the sifters toward discharge.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
329 for similar sifters having both a vertical and
horizontal shake.
Subclass:
343
This subclass is indented under subclass 342. Flat horizontal
or inclined sifters supported for sliding movement, the shake
being horizontal in the general direction of movement of
material over the sifters toward discharge and produced by
impact or modified by a bump or jar at some stage.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
330 for similar sifters having both a vertical and
horizontal shake.
Subclass:
344
This subclass is indented under subclass 341. Flat horizontal
or inclined sifters supported, generally by hangers or
standards, for a generally horizontal swinging shake in the
direction of travel of the material over the sifters toward
discharge.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
329 for similar sifters having both a vertical and
horizontal shake.
Subclass:
345
This subclass is indented under subclass 344. Flat horizontal
or inclined sifters supported, generally by hangers or
standards, for horizontal swinging shake in the direction of
travel of the material over the sifters toward discharge, the
shake being produced by impact or modified by a bump or jar
at some stage.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
330 for similar sifters having both a vertical and
horizontal shake.
Subclass:
346
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Flat inclined
or horizontal sifters having a vertical shake.
(1) Note. This subclass takes such devices as do not come
within the indented subclasses.
Subclass:
347
This subclass is indented under subclass 346. Flat horizontal
or inclined sifters having a vertical shake produced by
impact or modified at some stage by bumps or jars.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
382 for knocking or hammering devices for clearing sifters.
Subclass:
348
This subclass is indented under subclass 346. Flat horizontal
or inclined sifters having a vertical shake, the sifters
moving on horizontal pivots or axes.
(1) Note. This subclass takes devices moving on fixed
pivots or axes or on curved rockers.
Subclass:
349
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Flat horizontal
or inclined sifters moving vertically on horizontal pivots or
axes on rockers, the movement being modified by impact, jar,
or bump at some stage.
Subclass:
350
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Flat horizontal
or inclined sifters having a rotating motion.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 279+ for rotating sifters having concave or
convex material receiving surfaces.
Subclass:
351
This subclass is indented under subclass 350. Flat horizontal
or inclined sifters associated with means for agitating the
material on the sifters.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
280 for rotating sifters having concave or convex material
receiving surfaces with agitators.
Subclass:
352
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Flat horizontal
or inclined sifters which have no movement, which do not fall
within the indented subclasses.
(1) Note. This subclass will include sifters associated
with agitating means not defined by the indented
titles--i.e., means that do not reciprocate or rotate--as
well as sifters of the indicated type not associated with any
agitating means.
Subclass:
353
This subclass is indented under subclass 352. Pluralities of
flat stationary horizontal or inclined sifters which do not
fall into the subclasses indented hereunder.
Subclass:
354
This subclass is indented under subclass 353. Pluralities of
flat stationary horizontal or inclined sifters in stepped
relation such that material has a drop in passing from one to
another.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
151 for fluid suspension separators with stepped plane type
material feeders.
Subclass:
355
This subclass is indented under subclass 353. Pluralities of
flat stationary horizontal or inclined sifters one
over-laying the other.
Subclass:
356
This subclass is indented under subclass 355. Pluralities of
flat stationary horizontal or inclined sifters one over-lying
the other and each sifter reversed in inclination relatively
to the adjacent sifter or sifters.
Subclass:
357
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Flat stationary
horizontal or inclined sifters associated with agitators
which reciprocate and operate upon the material being
sifted.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
282 for stationary concave or convex surface sifters with
reciprocating agitators.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclasses 87+ for
overhung rake and walking rake type straw carriers for grain
separators.
Subclass:
358
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Flat stationary
horizontal or inclined sifters associated with rotating
agitators which operate upon the material being sifted.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
283 for stationary concave or convex surface sifters with
rotary agitators.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclass 87 for overhung
rake type straw carriers for grain separators.
Subclass:
359
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Flat vertical
sifters.
(1) Note. This subclass includes those flat vertical
sifters which have no movement.
Subclass:
360
This subclass is indented under subclass 359. Flat vertical
sifters having a shaking movement.
Subclass:
361
This subclass is indented under subclass 359. Flat vertical
sifters rotating on horizontal axes.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
672 for rotating disc-type sizing separation of special
items.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
171, Unearthing Plants or Buried Objects, subclass 70, 97,
112, 115, and 132 for sifting wheel-type rotary separators
which are disposed in a vertical plane and adapted to rotate
about a horizontal axis.
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, subclasses
70+ for rotary drum comminutors having a screen as a
partition therein or as an end wall.
Subclass:
362
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Sifters of
spiral of involute shape.
(1) Note. The sifting surface itself has the form specified
and may be plane, curved, or tubular in cross section, and
may have movement or be stationary.
(2) Note. This subclass does not include cylindrical or
drum sifters which have spiral guide walls inside the same,
which guide walls define spiral passages along the sifting
surface; but it will include cylindrical sifting surfaces
where the cylinders are bent or twisted into spirals.
Subclass:
363
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Elements or
subcombinations of sifters or attachments for sifters which
do not find place in the indented subclasses.
Subclass:
364
This subclass is indented under subclass 363. Actuating means
adapted for the operation of sifters which are not
classifiable in the indented subclasses.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, appropriate subclasses, for
the machine element and mechanical movement, per se.
Subclass:
365.1
Reciprocating:
This subclass is indented under subclass 364. Means for
effecting back and forth movement of the sifting apparatus.
(1) Note. The motion of the sifting element maybe described
as vibrating or oscillating.
(2) Note. The device must be especially adapted for the
operation of a sifter or the sifter must be included as an
element of the device to be classified herein.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, Machine Element or Mechanism and 366, Agitating,
appropriate subclasses, for similar apparatus not especially
adapted for operation of a sifter or not including a sifter
as an element thereof.
Subclass:
365.2
Cam and linkage:
This subclass is indented under subclass 365.1. Subject
matter including a cam and linkage to the sifting elements.
Subclass:
365.3
With cushioning:
This subclass is indented under subclass 365.1. Subject
matter including means to cushion or limit the reciprocating
motion.
(1) Note. The cushioning means may be described as, e.g.,
dampening or motion buffering means or as a shock absorber.
Subclass:
365.4
Differential motion:
This subclass is indented under subclass 365.1. Subject
matter wherein the recipricatory motion of the sifting
element is not uniform in all areas or during all time
periods.
(1) Note. The nonuniformity may be effected by, e.g.,
causing different areas of a screen to vibrate at different
frequencies, or causing different velocities of movement in
the backward and the forward movements of the reciprocating
screen.
Subclass:
366
Means under subclasses 365.1+ for gyrating sifters.
(1) Note. Ordinarily the sifter must be included as an
element of the combination to locate a device in this
subclass. Otherwise the device is classifiable in Class 74,
Machine Element or Mechanism, appropriate mechanical movement
subclasses, when the novelty lies in the actuating means, per
se, while if it involves the combination of the actuating
means broadly with a receptacle without limitation to a
sifter it may go to appropriate subclasses of Class 366,
Agitating.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
326 and 332, for plane sifters having gyratory movement.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, appropriate subclasses.
(see (1) Note).
Subclass:
366.5
This subclass is indented under subclass 366. Devices, in
which gyration is caused or aided by an unbalanced weight.
Subclass:
367
Devices under subclasses 365.1+ wherein unbalanced weights
operate sifters otherwise than as gyrators.
(1) Note. As with gyrators, the sifter ordinarily must be
an element of the combination to place a device in this
subclass or there must be some adaptation that limits it to
the sifting art.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
326 332 and 366.5, for plane sifters having gyratory motion
and unbalanced weight type sifter gyrators.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, appropriate subclasses, for
the machine elements and mechanical movement, per se.
Subclass:
368
Magnetic devices under subclasses 365.1+ for reciprocating
sifters.
(1) Note. Ordinarily the magnetic actuators must be limited
to the sifting art by inclusion of the sifter as an element
or by some special adaptation to the art to find a place in
this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, subclasses 15+
for reciprocating electric motor structure.
318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, subclasses 119+
for reciprocating electric motor systems.
Subclass:
369
This subclass is indented under subclass 364. Means for
rotating sifters limited to the sifting art by inclusion of
the sifter in the combination or by some special adaptation
that limits it to said art.
(1) Note. The appropriate subclasses which include rotating
sifters should be searched.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, appropriate subclasses, for
the machine element or mechanical movement, per se.
366, Agitating, subclasses 219+ for agitating devices
including a rotatable mixing chamber.
Subclass:
370
This subclass is indented under subclass 363. Structures
inclosing sifting devices in whole or in part which are not
classifiable in the indented subclasses.
Subclass:
371
This subclass is indented under subclass 370. Devices
associated with sifters and adapting them for connection,
either loose or positive, with receivers, other than bag
holders.
(1) Note. Generally the device adapts the sifter for
connection to receivers of different sizes or types.
Subclass:
372
This subclass is indented under subclass 370. Closures other
than feed or discharge controlling valves associated with the
casings which inclose sifters in part or in whole.
(1) Note. These closures ordinarily open or close portions
of the casing to give access to the interior for the
insertion or removal of material or the sifting device or
parts thereof.
(2) Note. This subclass does not include receptacle covers,
per se, but may include covers of receptacles when a sifter
is included in the combination or there is some special
structure adapting for use with sifters.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
419 for sifters associated with shovels.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
49, Movable or Removable Closures, appropriate subclasses,
for closures of the type provided for and see the search
notes thereto in section IV for the loci of closures in other
classes.
Subclass:
373
This subclass is indented under subclass 370. Sifter-casing
structures subdivided into compartments for reception of
products of sifting either direct or by delivery into
receptacles retained within the compartments or associated
with casings subdivided into a plurality of compartments.
(1) Note. The distinction of this subclass over subclass
259 is that the receptacles of this subclass must be
associated with or within compartments of casings, while
subclass 259 is broader and includes receptacles not
associated with casing compartments, although it may include
cases of a plurality of different receiving elements one of
which may be a receiver within a casing compartment.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
259 (see (1) Note).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, subclass 210.5 for
cabinet structures having compartments and including a
sifter.
Subclass:
374
This subclass is indented under subclass 370. Sifters having
casings inclosing part or all of the sifters and specially
adapted for household use.
(1) Note. The casing itself may be adapted for household
utility related to the sifting of flour, ashes, etc., or may
be associated with some utility not related to the sifting.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, subclass 210.5 for
cabinet structures having compartments and including a
sifter.
Subclass:
375
This subclass is indented under subclass 374. Sifters
associated with chutes attached to or forming parts of
buildings, ordinarily dwellings, for conveying refuse,
including ashes, to places of deposit or receptacles for such
refuse.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
193, Conveyors, Chutes, Skids, Guides, and Ways, for chutes,
etc., per se.
232, Deposit and Collection Receptacles, for deposit and
collection receptacles, per se.
Subclass:
376
This subclass is indented under subclass 374. Sifters
associated with or forming part of the structure of
manually-portable coal hods or ash pans.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
220, Receptacles, subclasses 500+ for compartmented
receptacles.
Subclass:
377
This subclass is indented under subclass 374. Sifting devices
adapted for operation in connection with or within stoves or
furnaces, but not ordinarily limited to such by inclusion of
the stove or furnace as an essential element, in such
relation that the sifter structure may not have utility in
other relations.
(1) Note. Merely incidental inclusion of stoves or furnaces
will not exclude the device from this subclass; but where
there is some essential relation of structure between the
stove or furnace precluding possible other utility for the
sifter the device is classifiable elsewhere (see Search Class
note below)
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
126, Stoves and Furnaces, subclass 244 for a sifter device
wherein the essential relation of the structure between the
stove or furnace precludes possible other utility for the
sifter (see (1) Note).
Subclass:
378
This subclass is indented under subclass 370. Casings for
sifters having exits or vents for the air within the casings,
other than passages or conduits for air currents propelled or
sucked out by fans or equivalent forcing means.
Subclass:
379
This subclass is indented under subclass 363. Means or
devices for clearing or keeping open the sifting passages of
sifters which are not classifiable in the subclasses indented
hereunder.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
323 for plane sifters with unattached reciprocating
agitators.
Subclass:
380
This subclass is indented under subclass 379. Means for
projecting fluid jets or streams against the sifting elements
for the purpose of clearing or keeping open the sifting
passages.
(1) Note. This subclass dose not ordinarily include devices
in which the fluid current or jet has an agitating function
in the sifting operation with or without incidental clearing
of the sifting passages.
(2) Note. The appropriate preceding subclasses involving
sifting with liquid treatment and those involving fluid or
pneumatic agitation of the material being sifted should be
searched.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, subclass 294 and 302+ for gas separators
combined with pneumatic clearers.
Subclass:
381
This subclass is indented under subclass 379. Devices for
jarring sifting elements to keep the sifting passages open,
which are not classifiable in the subclasses indented
hereunder.
(1) Note. This subclass does not receive structures in
which the sifting elements are jarred for promotion of the
sifting function and clearing of the sifting passages is
merely incidental.
(2) Note. The appropriate subclasses of reciprocating
sifters involving impact should be searched.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, subclass 293 and 300 for vibrating,
shaking or jarring means for clearing gas separators.
Subclass:
382
This subclass is indented under subclass 381. Devices wherein
knocking or hammering devices are employed to clear or keep
open the sifting passages of sifters.
(1) Note. Devices for knocking sifting elements to promote
sifting otherwise than by merely keeping open the sifting
passages are not placed in this subclass, but are placed in
preceding subclasses of reciprocating sifters which involve
impact.
(2) Note. The preceding subclasses of reciprocating sifters
should be searched.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, subclass 293 and 300 for vibrating,
shaking or jarring means for clearing gas separators.
Subclass:
383
This subclass is indented under subclass 381. Devices wherein
flexible strips beat the sifting elements to keep the sifting
passages clear or open.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, subclass 293 and 300 for vibrating,
shaking or jarring means for clearing gas separators.
Subclass:
384
This subclass is indented under subclass 379. Devices
operating in contact with or in proximity to sifting elements
which press out pieces of material that catch or wedge in the
sifting passages.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
83 through 87, which include sifters and agitator movable
relatively to the sifting elements.
Subclass:
385
This subclass is indented under subclass 379. Devices movable
in contact with sifting elements to wipe the surfaces thereof
to remove material that clogs the sifting passages, which are
not classifiable in subclasses indented hereunder.
(1) Note. This subclass does not include devices whose
function is to agitate the material as a whole on the sifting
element with merely incidental clearing of the sifting
passages.
(2) Note. The preceding subclasses which include sifters
and agitators should be searched.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, subclasses 296+ for devices such as
wipers or brushes having relative traversing motion with
respect to the separator to clear it of residue and see other
related subjects in subclasses 282+.
171, Unearthing Plants or Buried Objects, subclass 12, 13,
25, 43, 87, 89, and 114 for cleaners which movable cooperate
with a reticulated separating surface to clear such surface
or recovered objects thereon of undesired adhering dirt,
vegetation or like material.
Subclass:
386
This subclass is indented under subclass 385. Brushes which
do not reciprocate or rotate are employed to wipe the sifting
element and keep the sifting passages clear.
(1) Note. The preceding subclasses which include sifters
and agitators should be searched.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, subclasses 296+ for devices such as
wipers or brushes having relative traversing motion with
respect to the separator to clear it of residue and see other
related subjects in subclasses 282+.
Subclass:
387
This subclass is indented under subclass 385. Devices wherein
reciprocating wipers operate in contact with sifting elements
to keep the sifting passages clear.
(1) Note. The preceding sifter with reciprocating agitator
subclasses should be searched.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, subclasses 296+ for devices such as
wipers or brushes having relative traversing motion with
respect to the separator to clear it of residue and see other
related subjects in subclasses 282+.
Subclass:
388
This subclass is indented under subclass 387. Devices wherein
reciprocating brushes wipe the surfaces of sifters to keep
the sifting passages open.
(1) Note. The preceding sifter with reciprocating agitator
subclasses should be searched.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, subclasses 296+ for devices such as
wipers or brushes having relative traversing motion with
respect to the separator to clear it of residue and see other
related subjects in subclasses 282+.
Subclass:
389
This subclass is indented under subclass 385. Devices wherein
rotating devices wipe the surfaces of sifters to keep the
sifting passages open or clear.
(1) Note. The preceding sifter with rotating agitator
subclasses should be searched.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, subclasses 296+ for devices such as
wipers or brushes having relative traversing motion with
respect to the separator to clear it of residue and see other
related subjects in subclasses 282+.
Subclass:
390
This subclass is indented under subclass 389. Devices wherein
rotating brushes wipe the surfaces of sifting elements to
keep the sifting passages open or clear.
(1) Note. The preceding sifter with rotating agitator
subclasses should be searched.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, subclasses 296+ for devices such as
wipers or brushes having relative traversing motion with
respect to the separator to clear it of residue and see other
related subjects in subclasses 282+.
Subclass:
391
This subclass is indented under subclass 363. Devices for
closing and opening the sifting passages of sifters to render
the sifters inoperative as such or bring them into
operation.
(1) Note. This subclass does not include means intended
primarily to adjust or vary the size of sifting passages.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
376 for sifters associated with coal hods or ash pans.
394 398 and 402, for sifter passage structure which has
adjustable openings.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration subclass 89
for comminutors combined with adjustable screens.
Subclass:
392
This subclass is indented under subclass 363. Structures not
classifiable in the indented subclasses by or in which the
sifting passages of sifters are formed, and special
combinations or successions of particular types or sizes of
passages.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 233+ for sifter structure combined with other
attributes of a sifting operation.
subclasses 659+ for size separation of special items.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, subclass 237
for reticulated floors for distributing a drying medium.
Subclass:
393
This subclass is indented under subclass 392. Sifting
passages, generally of elongated-slot form, which are formed
by bars or rods which do not intermesh.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 307+ for endless belt-type sifters.
subclasses 675+ for stationary, elongated gauging passages
for separating special items by size.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
19, Textiles: Fiber Preparation, subclass 61, 62, 89, and 95
for cotton gins and fiber picking apparatus employing slots,
bars or rods.
126, Stoves and Furnaces, subclasses 174-180 for grates
formed from bars or rods.
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclasses 59+ and 79+
for straw carriers for grain separators and cylinder
threshing machines.
Subclass:
394
This subclass is indented under subclass 393. Sifting
passages which reformed by nonintermeshing bars having means
for their relative adjustment to vary the size of the
passages.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
676 for adjustable, stationary, elongated gauging passages
for separating special items by size.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
19, Textiles: Fiber Preparation, subclass 85 and subclasses
90-95 for fiber picking apparatus utilizing beaters and
elongated slots.
Subclass:
395
This subclass is indented under subclass 393. Sifting devices
in which sifting passages are formed by nonintermeshing bars
or rods, and means for attaching the rods or bars are
included.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 675+ for stationary, elongated gauging passages
for separating special items by size.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
19, Textiles: Fiber Preparation, subclass 85 and subclasses
90-95 for fiber picking apparatus utilizing beaters and
having elongated passages.
Subclass:
396
This subclass is indented under subclass 393. Sifting
passages generally of elongated - slot form are formed by
bars or rods which have relative movement during the sifting
operation.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 667+ for an elongated, gauging slot formed
between rotatable elements; particularly subclass 673 wherein
the rotatable elements are cylindrical rollers.
674 for an elongated gauging passage formed between moving
elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclass 87 for walking
rake type straw carriers for grain separators.
Subclass:
397
This subclass is indented under subclass 392. Sifting
passages which are formed through integral sheets of
material.
(1) Note. Sheets of woven fabric may be included provided
the passages are formed by perforation of the fabric and not
by spacing of the intermeshing threads, wires, or bars.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclasses
131+ for a stock material product in the form of a single
or plural layer web or sheet embodying a component which is
apertured, and is not elsewhere provided for.
Subclass:
398
This subclass is indented under subclass 397. Devices
including means whereby the size of passages formed through
sheets of material as defined in connection with the
preceding subclass may be varied or adjusted.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 680+ for sorting special items by size employing
gauging apertures.
Subclass:
399
This subclass is indented under subclass 397. Devices
including integral sheets of material perforated with sifting
passages and means for attaching said sheets to their
supports.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
319 and 405, for sifters or frames including attaching
means.
Subclass:
400
This subclass is indented under subclass 392. Sifting devices
in which the sifting passages are formed by nonintermeshing
cords, wires, or other flexible strands.
(1) Note. This subclass will include inter alia devices in
which spaced chains form the sifting passages.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclasses
105+ for a stock material product in the form of a
composite web or sheet in which strands, fibers or filaments
in respective layers or components are angularly arranged,
and subclass 114 for a similar composite product in which the
strands, fibers or filaments in respective layers or
components are in parallel relation.
Subclass:
401
This subclass is indented under subclass 392. Sifting devices
in which the sifting passages are formed by spaced
intermeshing or crossing connected threads, wires, or bars.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 307+ for endless belt sifters.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
139, Textiles: Weaving, subclasses 383+ for an uncoated
woven fabric of general utility.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclasses
175+, 190, 193, and 196+ for a stock material product in the
form of a single or plural layer web or sheet embodying
mechanically interengaged strands or stand portions (e.g.,
weave, or knit).
442, Fabric (Woven, Knitted, or Nonwoven Textile or Cloth,
etc.), subclasses 1+ for an open mesh fabric.
Subclass:
402
This subclass is indented under subclass 401. Sifting devices
including spaced intermeshing or crossing interconnected
threads, wires, or rods forming sifting passages and means
for varying or adjusting the size of the passages.
Subclass:
403
This subclass is indented under subclass 401. Devices for
attaching woven sifting fabric to supporting elements or
frames.
Subclass:
404
This subclass is indented under subclass 363. Devices wherein
frames to which sifting elements are attached associated with
means for adjusting said frames.
(1) Note. The frames of this subclass and the four
following subclasses are not the general supporting
frameworks of sifting devices, but those frames to which
sifting elements, such as sifting fabric, sheets, or bars,
are attached and one or more of these frames may constitute
the sifter proper.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
319 which includes adjusting means for one or more of a
series of flat reciprocating sifters.
347 and other appropriate sifter subclasses, according to
the type of adjustment.
Subclass:
405
This subclass is indented under subclass 363. Devices
including attaching means or structure by which frames which
carry the sifting elements are attached to supports or
frameworks.
(1) Note. See note (1) to subclass 404 of this class.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
286 347 and 407, for other frame attaching means.
319 for adjusting means for one or more of a series of flat
reciprocating sifters, and also other appropriate subclasses
of sifters, according to the type of adjustment.
Subclass:
406
This subclass is indented under subclass 363. Frames to which
the sifting elements of drum or cylindrical sifters are
attached.
Subclass:
407
This subclass is indented under subclass 406. Frames to which
the sifting elements of sectional drum or cylindrical sifters
are attached.
(1) Note. The sifter may be made up of a plurality of
frames carrying sifting elements or may be a frame adapted
for the reception or attachment of a plurality of sections of
sifting elements.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
286 for drum, or hollow cylinder sifter having material
inlets in the peripheral walls.
Subclass:
408
This subclass is indented under subclass 363. Frames to which
the sifting elements of flat sifters are attached.
(1) Note. See Search Notes below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
309 through 361, for plane sifters.
404 for the (1) Note.
Subclass:
409
This subclass is indented under subclass 363. Structures and
devices for the support of sifters or of frames carrying
sifting elements which are not classifiable in the subclasses
indented hereunder.
Subclass:
410
This subclass is indented under subclass 409. Structures or
devices for the axial support of drum sifters.
(1) Note. The appropriate sifting subclasses which include
rotating sifters should be searched.
Subclass:
411
This subclass is indented under subclass 409. Devices or
means which are applied to or bearing on the rims or
peripheries of drum sifters to support the same.
(1) Note. The appropriate sifting subclasses which include
rotating sifters should be searched.
Subclass:
412
This subclass is indented under subclass 409. Frameworks or
structures relating to the general support of sifters or
frames carrying sifting elements.
Subclass:
413
This subclass is indented under subclass 412. Frameworks or
structures for the support of sifters or frames carrying
sifter elements and which have means whereby said frameworks
or structures may be adjusted to alter the position of the
sifting elements or frames carrying such or adapt the
supporting framework or devices to particular locations.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
319 for adjustable plural superposed plane, horizontal or
inclined sifters.
421 for sifters adapted to be mounted on a vehicle.
Subclass:
414
This subclass is indented under subclass 412. Frameworks or
structures for supporting sifters or frames carrying sifting
elements which are adapted to be taken apart and reassembled
at will.
Subclass:
415
This subclass is indented under subclass 409. Hangers and
standards specially adapted for the support of sifting
devices, generally reciprocating sifters or which constitute
essential elements of sifting devices.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
191 through 207, for amalgamators involving the use of
reciprocating or moving members.
Subclass:
416
This subclass is indented under subclass 409. Devices or
structures whereby positions of sifters are automatically
maintained constant relatively to a horizontal plane when the
supports change positions relatively to the horizontal
plane.
Subclass:
417
This subclass is indented under subclass 409. Sifters having
structure or means specially adapting them for manual
support.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
236 for sifting devices adapted for distribution or
spreading material.
Subclass:
418
This subclass is indented under subclass 417. Special
constructions of manually supported and operated sifters
adapted to scoop up the material to be sifted by insertion of
the sifter or a portion thereof into a mass of the material
and lifting the sifter away with a portion of the material
thereon.
(1) Note. Where the devices of this subclass are provided
with handles, they are of such limited dimension as not
properly to be shovel handles. Devices having extended
handles are ordinarily classified in subclass 419. Scoops,
the scooping element of which is the conventional type
without some special modification, are ordinarily classified
according to the structure of the sifting element, and in
such cases search should be made in the appropriate Sifter
subclasses according to the structure of the sifting
element.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
282 and 283, for concave or convex sifters having
reciprocating or rotating agitators.
357 and 358, for horizontal or inclined plane sifters with
reciprocating or rotating agitators.
419 (see (1) Note).
Subclass:
419
This subclass is indented under subclass 417. Sifters
associated with shovels or having the general structure of
shovels and adapted to sift the material taken up, and
generally characterized by a shovel edge adjacent the sifting
element and an extended handle or other means by which the
device may be supported and operated.
(1) Note. The device may be adapted for scooping and
sifting only or may have structure adapting to be converted
at will into a shovel only or into a shovel sifter. This
subclass may also receive some sifting shovel cases where the
sifting shovel may be part of an excavating machine, but is
not limited thereto.
Subclass:
420
This subclass is indented under subclass 409. Sifters so
mounted or supported as to be movable from place to place
other than by manual support.
(1) Note. Devices of this subclass are generally mounted on
frames provided with wheels, skids, or equivalent devices or
on scows or wheeled vehicles.
Subclass:
421
This subclass is indented under subclass 420. Sifters
especially constructed or adapted to be mounted, generally
detachable, upon particular vehicles which have some function
independent of the sifting.
Subclass:
422
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Methods
and apparatus by which mixtures of materials having
components of different mass, due to differences in size,
specific gravity, or both, are assorted by being caused to
stratify and at least one stratum collected separately from
the rest of the material.
(1) Note. This subclass takes such methods and apparatus as
are not definitely classifiable in the subclasses indented
hereunder.
(2) Note. The distinction between the subclasses indented
hereunder which involve fluid treatment and those preceding
involving fluid suspension is that in the former the material
is not all subjected to free suspension by the fluid in such
wise as to be all transported substantial distances and
separated by settling out from the fluid suspension at
varying distances from the points of initial application of
the fluid or all subjected to free suspension and the heavier
permitted to drop out of the suspension in such wise as not
to form a stratum. Where the heaviest components form a
stratum and the others form one or more strata or are carried
off by the fluid, the device is classified as a stratifier,
while where there is no definite stratum of heaviest
components it is classified as a fluid suspension device.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, subclasses
15+ and 38+ for comminutors combined with stratifiers.
Subclass:
423
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Devices and
methods involving the use of a constant flow of liquid
through a mass of material containing constituents of
different mass supported on a perforated or permeable bed or
table, through which perforations the liquid flows toward the
material supported thereon, the material's heaviest
constituents forming a stratum on the support and the lighter
constituents either forming one or more strata above the
other or being carried away by the liquid.
Subclass:
424
This subclass is indented under subclass 423. Devices and
methods in which the different strata or the stratum of the
heaviest constituents and the material carried away by the
liquid move away from each other in diverging or opposite
directions.
Subclass:
425
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Devices and
methods in which a pulsating or interrupted flow of liquid is
sent through a permeable or perforated support and through
material thereon to agitate the material in such manner that
the constituents are arranged in strata with the heaviest in
the lowest stratum, or the heaviest is formed into a stratum
and the lightest carried away by the liquid.
(1) Note. This subclass takes such processes and apparatus
as are not classifiable in the indented subclasses, generally
cases in which there is no definite horizontal movement of
the heaviest material.
Subclass:
426
This subclass is indented under subclass 425. Devices and
methods in which a pulsating or interrupted flow of liquid
through a permeable or perforated support and mixed material
thereon to form strata and the upper and lower strata are
separated by flowing in divergent or opposite directions.
Subclass:
427
This subclass is indented under subclass 425. Devices and
methods in which a pulsating or interrupted flow of liquid
through a permeable or perforated support and material
thereon to cause the components of the material to form
overlying strata, and these strata as formed are caused to
travel together to a place of position where they are
separately discharged.
Subclass:
428
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Devices and
methods wherein material having constituents of different
masses is delivered with liquid accompanying said material or
added thereto on the belt to a rotating endless belt on which
the heaviest constituents settle as a stratum and the lighter
either settle as a stratum or are carried away by the
liquid.
(1) Note. The subclass receives such processes and
apparatus as are not classifiable in the indented
subclasses.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, appropriate
subclasses for a stock material product in the form of a
single or plural layer web or sheet which is not specifically
provided for in any other class.
474, Endless Belt Power Transmission Systems or Components,
particularly subclasses 202+ for a positive drive belt; and
subclasses 237+ for a friction drive belt.
Subclass:
429
This subclass is indented under subclass 428. Belts on which
the heaviest and the lighter material move in divergent
directions to points of discharge.
Subclass:
430
This subclass is indented under subclass 428. Belts on which
the lighter and the heavier material move in opposite
directions to points of discharge.
Subclass:
431
This subclass is indented under subclass 428. Endless
rotating belts on which material is treated with accompanying
or added liquid, so that the heaviest constituents may settle
as a stratum on the belts and the lighter either form an
overlying stratum or are carried away by the liquid, are
mounted on the support so that they may be given a
reciprocating movement in addition to their rotating
movement.
Subclass:
432
This subclass is indented under subclass 331. Endless
rotating belts on which the heaviest and the lighter
materials move in divergent directions, so that they may be
separately discharged.
Subclass:
433
This subclass is indented under subclass 331. Endless
rotating belts on which the lightest and the heaviest
constituents move in opposite directions to discharge.
Subclass:
434
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Devices and
methods wherein material having constituents of different
mass is treated with accompanying or added liquid on moving
chutes or tables of spiral form, on which the heaviest
constituents settle as a stratum and the lighter either form
overlying strata or are carried away by the liquid.
(1) Note. The motion of the chutes or tables may be either
reciprocatory or rotary.
Subclass:
435
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Chutes or
tables having both reciprocating and rotating motion on which
material having constituents differing in mass is treated
with accompanying or added liquid, the heaviest constituents
settling as a stratum and the lighter either forming an
overlying stratum or being carried away by the liquid.
Subclass:
436
This subclass is indented under subclass 435. Chutes or
tables on which the heavier and the lighter materials move in
diverging or opposing directions to discharge.
Subclass:
437
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Tables or
chutes having reciprocating motion on which material having
constituents differing in mass is treated with accompanying
or added liquid, the heaviest constituents settling as a
stratum and the lighter either forming an overlying stratum
or being carried away by the liquid.
(1) Note. This subclass receives such structures as are not
classifiable in the indented subclasses, generally devices of
the kind defined in which there is no definite travel of both
the heaviest and the lighter along the chute or table
surface, the heavier being generally retained or discharged
through the bottom in proximity to the region of settlement.
Subclass:
438
This subclass is indented under subclass 437. Chutes or
tables of annular or circular form having reciprocating
motion on which material having constituents differing in
mass is treated with accompanying or added liquid, so that
the heaviest constituents settle as a stratum while the
lighter form an overlying stratum or are carried away by the
liquid.
(1) Note. This subclass takes devices in which there is no
definite travel of both the heaviest and the lighter along
the surface of the chutes or tables or in which there is
travel of both such heaviest and lighter constituents in the
same direction. This subclass will also take devices in
which the heaviest and the lighter settle as strata in
successive zones in the direction of flow of liquid along the
surfaces.
Subclass:
439
This subclass is indented under subclass 438. Chutes or
tables on which the heaviest and the lighter constituents
move in divergent or opposite directions to discharge.
Subclass:
440
This subclass is indented under subclass 437. Chutes or
tables having associated therewith means or devices for
agitating the material thereon.
Subclass:
441
This subclass is indented under subclass 437. Reciprocating
noncircular chutes or tables, on which the heaviest and the
lighter constituents move in diverging direction to
discharge.
Subclass:
442
This subclass is indented under subclass 437. Reciprocating
noncircular chutes or tables, on which the lighter and the
heaviest constituents move in opposite directions along the
chutes or tables to discharge.
Subclass:
443
This subclass is indented under subclass 437. Reciprocating
noncircular chutes or tables, on which the heaviest and
lighter constituents move in the same direction toward
discharge.
Subclass:
444
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Rotating chutes
or tables on which material having constituents of differing
mass is treated with accompanying or added liquid, so that
the heaviest constituents may settle as a stratum, while the
lighter either form overlying strata or may be carried away
by the liquid.
(1) Note. Cases in which the lighter constituents form
strata succeeding the stratum of heaviest in the direction of
liquid flow may be included.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
435 for chutes and tables which both reciprocate and
rotate.
Subclass:
-2
Stratifiers, With liquid treatment, Receptacles.
The receptacles of the hereinunder indented subclasses are
distinguished from the tables or chutes of the immediately
preceding subclasses mainly in that they have substantial
depth and are adapted to retain liquid and mixed material in
substantial depth without the same degree of freedom for
gravital flow as is usual with tables or chutes.
Subclass:
445
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Receptacles
having both reciprocating and rotating motion in which
material having constituents differing in mass is treated
mingled with liquid, which may accompany or be added to the
material, so that the heaviest constituents may settle as a
stratum, while the lighter either form overlying strata or
may be carried away by the liquid.
Subclass:
446
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Reciprocating
receptacles of substantial depth in which material mingled
with liquid, accompanying the material or added, may be
treated so that the heavier constituents of the material may
settle as a stratum, while the lighter either form overlying
strata or may be carried away by the liquid.
Subclass:
447
This subclass is indented under subclass 446. Receptacles
adapted to be supported and reciprocated manually.
(1) Note. This subclass the so-called "miners' pans" and
"bateas" which are supported and operated by hand.
Subclass:
448
This subclass is indented under subclass 446. Receptacles
associated with agitators for the material other than such as
are classifiable in the hereinunder-indented subclasses.
Subclass:
449
This subclass is indented under subclass 448. Receptacles
wherein the agitators are reciprocating.
Subclass:
450
This subclass is indented under subclass 448. Receptacles
associated with rotating agitators for the material.
Subclass:
451
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Receptacles of
nontabular form rotating on horizontal or inclined axes in
which material mingled with liquid, either added or
accompanying, is so treated that the heaviest constituents
settle out as a stratum, while the lighter either form
overlying strata or are carried away by the liquid.
Subclass:
452
This subclass is indented under subclass 451. Receptacles are
associated with agitating means for the material, which
agitating means may be conveyors for one or more strata.
Subclass:
453
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Receptacles of
nontubular form (having substantial depth) rotating on
vertical axes in which material is treated with mingled
liquid, either accompanying or added, so that the heaviest
constituents may settle as a stratum, while the lighter
either form overlying strata or are carried off by the
liquid.
(1) Note. Agitators for the material may be present on or
absent.
Subclass:
454
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Apparatus
including stationary perforated or permeable supports to
which material is delivered and through which constant
currents of liquid are sent so that the heaviest constituents
of the material may settle as a stratum while the lighter
either form overlying strata or are carried away by the
liquid.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, appropriate
subclasses, particularly subclass 162 for fixed strainers in
a flume stream, and subclasses 409+ for fluid cleaning of
fixed strainers.
Subclass:
455
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Apparatus
including stationary perforated or permeable supports to
which material is delivered and having means whereby liquid
is sent in pulsating or interrupted currents through the
support and material thereon, so that the heaviest
constituents of the material may settle as a stratum, while
the lighter may either form overlying strata or be carried
away by the liquid.
Subclass:
456
This subclass is indented under subclass 455. Apparatus and
having means whereby the lighter and the heaviest
constituents are caused to move in divergent or opposite
directions to discharge.
Subclass:
457
This subclass is indented under subclass 455. Apparatus in
which the heaviest and lighter constituents are moved in the
same direction to discharge.
Subclass:
458
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Stationary
chutes or tables on which material with mingled liquid,
accompanying or added, is so treated that the heaviest
constituents of the material may settle as a stratum, while
the lighter may form overlying strata or be carried off by
the liquid.
(1) Note. This subclass includes noncircular chutes or
tables on which there is no substantial travel of the
heaviest constituents along the surface of the chutes or
tables.
Subclass:
459
This subclass is indented under subclass 458. Stationary
circular, annular, or spiral tables or chutes on which
material with mingled, accompanying or added, liquid is
treated, so that the heaviest constituents may settle as a
stratum, while the lighter form relatively displaced strata
or are carried away by the liquid.
Subclass:
460
This subclass is indented under subclass 458. Stationary
noncircular tables or chutes on which material with mingled
liquid, accompanying or added, is treated, so that the
heaviest constituents may settle as a stratum, while the
lighter may form relatively displaced strata or be carried
away by liquid, and the heaviest and lighter constituents are
moved in diverging or opposite directions to discharge.
Subclass:
461
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Stationary
receptacles having substantial depth in which material
mingled with liquid, either accompanying or added, is
treated, so that the heaviest constituents of the material
may settle as a stratum, while the lighter constituents may
either form relatively displaced strata or be moved away by
the liquid, said receptacles being associated with agitators
of types not classifiable under the hereinunder-indented
subclasses.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclasses 413+ for
fixed filter mediums and a movable stirrer or cleaner.
Subclass:
462
This subclass is indented under subclass 461. Receptacles
wherein the agitators are reciprocating.
Subclass:
463
This subclass is indented under subclass 461. Stationary
receptacles associated with rotating agitators of a type not
classifiable in the hereinunder-indented subclasses.
(1) Note. This subclass takes, in general, those devices of
the type indicated which include agitators or the rotary
endless-belt species or devices including combinations of
different species of rotary agitators which are not all
included in one of the indented subclasses.
Subclass:
464
This subclass is indented under subclass 463. Receptacles
wherein the rotating agitators have horizontal or inclined
axes.
Subclass:
465
This subclass is indented under subclass 463. Stationary
receptacles, said receptacles being associated with rotating
agitators having vertical axes.
Subclass:
466
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Apparatus
including movable perforated or permeable supports for
material, other than rotating endless belts, and means for
sending constant gaseous currents through the supports and
the material, so that the heaviest constituents of the
material may settle as a stratum while the lighter may either
form relatively displaced strata or be removed by the gaseous
currents, there being either no substantial movement of the
heaviest constituents along the support or both the heaviest
and the lighter moving in the same direction toward
discharge.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
470 for endless belt type of pneumatic stratifier.
Subclass:
467
This subclass is indented under subclass 466. Apparatus, the
structure being so adapted that the heaviest and the lighter
constituents may move in diverging or opposite directions
toward discharge.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
470 for endless belt type of pneumatic stratifier.
Subclass:
468
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Apparatus
including movable permeable or perforated supports for
material, other than rotating endless belts, and means for
sending pulsating or interrupted gaseous currents through the
support and the material, so that the heaviest constituents
of the material may settle as a stratum, while the lighter
constituents may either form relatively displaced strata or
be removed by the gaseous currents, there being no
substantial movement of the heaviest constituents along the
support or the heaviest and the lighter constituents both
moving in the same direction toward discharge.
Subclass:
469
This subclass is indented under subclass 468. Apparatus so
arranged that both the heaviest and the lighter constituents
move in diverging or opposite directions toward discharge.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
470
Subclass:
470
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Apparatus
including endless rotating belts, either permeable, or
impermeable which support material and means for so treating
the material by gaseous current that the heaviest
constituents settle as a stratum on the support, while the
lighter constituents either form relatively displaced strata
or are carried away by the gaseous currents.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, appropriate
subclasses for a stock material product in the form of a
single or plural layer web or sheet which is not specifically
provided for in any other class.
474, Endless Belt Power Transmission Systems or Components,
particularly subclasses 202+ for a positive drive belt; and
subclasses 237+ for a friction drive belt.
Subclass:
471
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Apparatus
including impermeable movable receptacles, chutes, or tables
not of endless-belt or drum form associated with means for
treating material thereon with gaseous currents, so that the
heaviest constituents may settle as a stratum, while the
lighter constituents either form relatively displaced strata
or are carried away by the gaseous currents, there being no
substantial movement of the heaviest constituents along the
support, or both the heaviest and the lighter constituents
moving in the same direction toward discharge.
Subclass:
472
This subclass is indented under subclass 471. Apparatus in
which the heaviest and the lighter constituents move in
diverging or opposite directions.
Subclass:
473
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Apparatus
including rotating drums in which material is subjected to
gaseous currents, so that the heaviest constituents of the
material may settle or remain as a stratum, while the lighter
constituents either form relatively displaced strata or are
removed by the gaseous currents.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
152 (see (1) Note thereto for the line).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration,
appropriate subclasses, especially subclass 54 for rotary
drum comminutors having a gaseous current therethrough.
Subclass:
474
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Apparatus
including stationary perforated or permeable supports for
material through which constant gaseous currents are sent to
cause the heaviest constituents of the material to settle as
stratum, while the lighter constituents either form
relatively displaced strata or are removed by the gaseous
currents.
Subclass:
475
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Apparatus
including stationary perforated or permeable supports for
material and means for sending pulsating or interrupting
gaseous currents through the supports and the material
thereon, so that the heaviest constituents of the material
may settle as a stratum, while the lighter constituents
either form relatively displaced strata or are moved away by
the gaseous currents, there being no substantial movement of
the heaviest along the support or both the heaviest and the
lighter moving in the same direction toward discharge.
Subclass:
476
This subclass is indented under subclass 475. Apparatus in
which the heaviest and lighter constituents move in divergent
or opposite directions toward discharge.
Subclass:
477
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Apparatus
including stationary impermeable receptacles, chutes, and
tables which receive material and means for subjecting the
material to gaseous currents, so that the heaviest
constituents of the material may settle as a stratum and the
lighter constituents either form relatively displaced strata
or are removed by the gaseous current.
Subclass:
478
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Apparatus
including supports for material associated with magnets which
so operate as to apparently increase or decrease the specific
gravity of magnetically-influenced constituents, so that said
magnetically-influenced constituents will settle downward
into a stratum as if they were the heaviest constituents when
the magnetic pull is downward or will move into an upper
stratum when the magnetic pull is upward.
(1) Note. The distinction between this subclass and the
magnetic separator subclasses ante is that in this subclass
the magnets merely assist in the stratifying the material and
the separation after stratification is effected is by other
than magnetic means, while in the other subclasses the magnet
complete a separation.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
38 39 and 40, for combinations of magnetic separation with
sifting, fluid suspension separation or stratifying.
Subclass:
479
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Apparatus
including moveable receptacles, chutes, or tables, other than
drums, in or on which material is treated dry and without
application of gaseous currents, so that the heaviest
constituents of the material will settle as a stratum and the
lighter either form relatively displaced strata or move
away.
Subclass:
480
This subclass is indented under subclass 479. Apparatus in
which the heaviest and the lighter constituents move in
divergent directions to discharge.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
441 for stratifiers with liquid treatment employing chutes
or tables involving divergent travel of material.
Subclass:
481
This subclass is indented under subclass 479. Apparatus in
which the heaviest constituents and the lighter constituents
move in opposite directions to discharge.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
442 for stratifiers with liquid treatment employing chutes
or tables involving opposite travel of material.
subclasses 691+ for separating items while contacting an
inclined surface of a moving support.
Subclass:
482
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Movable drums,
generally rotating in which material is so treated dry and
without the application of gaseous currents that the heaviest
constituents may settle as a stratum, while the lighter
either form relatively displaced strata or are moved away.
Subclass:
483
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Stationary
receptacles, chutes, or tables in or on which material is
treated dry and without the application of gaseous currents,
so that the heaviest constituents may settle as a stratum
while the lighter either form relatively displaced strata or
are moved away.
Subclass:
484
This subclass is indented under subclass 422. Parts or
subcombinations of stratifiers which are not classifiable in
the hereinunder-indented subclasses.
Subclass:
485
This subclass is indented under subclass 484. Devices or
special constructions which form supports upon which the
heaviest constituents of material form strata.
(1) Note. This subclass includes impermeable supports.
(2) Note. This subclass is to be distinguished from
subclasses 506 and 507 in that in this subclass riffles
either are not involved or are merely elements of a
subcombination. Where the essential or special construction
involved is that of the riffles, per se, the structure
involved is classifiable in either subclass 506 or subclass
507.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
506 (see (2) Note).
Subclass:
486
This subclass is indented under subclass 485. Special or
specific constructions of permeable or perforated supports on
which material is stratified by fluid currents passed through
the supports.
Subclass:
487
This subclass is indented under subclass 484. Devices for
cleaning surfaces upon which material has been stratified of
material adhering thereto and which is not gravitally
discharged.
(1) Note. This subclass does not include conveyors which
move strata along the stratifying supports to points of
discharge, but will include generally devices which remove
from belt or drum surfaces material adhering thereto after
gravital discharge of the stratified material and devices for
finally cleaning the surfaces of other types of stratifiers
after gravital or other discharge of the heaviest
constituents.
Subclass:
488
This subclass is indented under subclass 484. Elements or
structures which are employed both in feeding and discharging
stratifiers.
Subclass:
489
This subclass is indented under subclass 488. Devices for
both feeding and discharging stratifiers which are adapted to
automatically control both the feed and the discharge, the
feeding and discharging elements being generally so
interrelated that when one is interrupted the other is set
into operation.
Subclass:
490
This subclass is indented under subclass 484. Apparatus under
methods for discharging material from stratifiers not
classifiable in the hereinunder-indented subclasses.
Subclass:
491
This subclass is indented under subclass 490. Apparatus and
methods for automatically controlling the discharge from
stratifiers, other than automatically-controlled ports or
valves.
Subclass:
492
This subclass is indented under subclass 490. Apparatus and
methods wherein conveying devices are employed for or
specially adapted for the removal of stratified material from
stratifiers.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
448 461-465, and all subclasses under stratifiers, having
permeable beds, for combinations of stratifiers and discharge
conveyors.
Subclass:
493
This subclass is indented under subclass 490. Devices for
dividing two or more strata for separate discharge from a
stratifier or for removing a surface stratum or layer from a
mass of stratified material.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
423 427, 443, 454, 457, 458, 466, 468, 471, 474, and 475, for
stratifiers in which the strata travel together in the same
direction and employ dividing devices to secure separate
discharge of the strata.
Subclass:
494
This subclass is indented under subclass 490. Special
constructions of discharge passages adapted to discharge one
or more grades or classes of material from stratifiers.
Subclass:
495
This subclass is indented under subclass 494. Discharging
devices controlling the discharge of material through exit
passages which are positively actuated, generally by
mechanical drive either continuously or at definite
intervals, which operation is not directly affected
automatically by variations in the progress of
stratification.
Subclass:
496
This subclass is indented under subclass 494.
Automatically-controlled devices for discharging material
through exits from stratifiers, the control or variation of
the discharge being automatically accomplished by the
progress of the stratification, generally by accumulation of
bulk or weight of a given stratum.
Subclass:
497
This subclass is indented under subclass 484. Means and
methods for feeding material to stratifiers which are not
classifiable in subclasses 488, 489, or the here
inunder-indented subclasses.
(1) Note. Such means and methods to find a place in this
subclass should be specially adapted for stratifiers or be
elements of a stratifier subclass.
Subclass:
498
This subclass is indented under subclass 497. Devices for
distributing or spreading material to or on one or more
stratifying devices which form elements of stratifying
combinations or are specially adapted for stratifiers.
Subclass:
499
This subclass is indented under subclass 497. Devices for
controlling rate or quantity of material supply which are
elements of stratifier combinations or specially adapted for
use with stratifiers.
Subclass:
500
This subclass is indented under subclass 484. Liquid-supply
means constituting elements of stratifier combinations or
specially adapted for use with stratifiers and which are not
elsewhere classifiable.
Subclass:
501
This subclass is indented under subclass 500. Stratifier
combinations including means for repeated return and reuse of
the liquid employed to promote stratification, generally
including special means for removing solids suspended in the
liquid.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclasses 167+ and
194+ for filters having recirculation means.
Subclass:
502
This subclass is indented under subclass 484. Special devices
for the supply or control of gaseous fluid to stratifiers
which are not elsewhere classifiable and stratifier
combinations including special gases supply and control
means.
Subclass:
503
This subclass is indented under subclass 484. Operating means
specially adapted for the operation of stratifiers not
elsewhere classifiable.
(1) Note. To be placed in this subclass the means should be
an element of a stratifier combination or specially adapted
for the operation of stratifiers and not obviously capable of
other uses.
Subclass:
504
This subclass is indented under subclass 503. Means for
reciprocating stratifiers specially adapted for such and not
obviously capable of other uses or which form elements of
stratifier combinations.
(1) Note. Reciprocating devices for stratifiers so
frequently include special supporting devices or structures
as an element of the actuating means that search in this
class, subclass 508, should invariably be carried into this
subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
508 (see (1) note).
Subclass:
505
This subclass is indented under subclass 503. Means for
rotating stratifiers which are elements of stratifier
combinations or are specially adapted for stratifiers, not
classifiable elsewhere or obviously capable of other use.
Subclass:
506
This subclass is indented under subclass 484. Devices
including special constructions of projections, channels, or
depressions on or in stratifying supports for material which
effect the collection or affect the stratifications of the
heavier material.
Subclass:
507
This subclass is indented under subclass 506. Devices
including projections extending from above into material
being stratified or which do not extend to the material
supporting surfaces and which affect the stratification of
the material or the flow of the lighter constituents.
Subclass:
508
This subclass is indented under subclass 484. Special devices
or structures which support stratifying devices.
(1) Note. Search in this subclass should invariably be
extended into the operating mechanism subclasses ante, for
the reason that special supports are very frequently part of
the operating mechanisms or associated with such.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
503 for stratifier operating means.
Subclass:
509
SORTING SPECIAL ITEMS, AND CERTAIN METHODS AND APPARATUS
(E.G., POCKET TYPE AND LIGHT RESPONSIVE SORTING, ETC.) FOR
SORTING ANY ITEMS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Methods
and apparatus which separate special items by means other
than electrostatic, or which separate any items by the means
named in indents hereunder.
(1) Note. Included as "special" items are the following:
fruits and vegetables such as nuts, oranges, apples,
potatoes, and tomatoes; food items such as fish, poultry,
eggs, and potato chips; manufactured items of all kinds,
including, for example, ball bearings, tools, light bulbs,
razor blades, silverware, pellets, bullets, shoe heels,
rivets, and electronic components; and items such as railroad
ties, cut flowers, seeds, lumber, etc.
(2) Note. Bulk materials (such as grains and ore) are not
considered special items and are generally sorted by methods
and apparatus of the type classifiable in subclasses 1-3,
4-44, 45-70 and 127.1-508. However, includible in subclasses
indented under subclass 509 are methods and apparatus not
provided for in the subclasses listed in the preceding
sentence, and bulk material sorting (as well as special item
sorting) effected by use of such methods and apparatus will
be classified in these indented subclasses.
(3) Note. Classifiable in Class 209 are devices which
discriminate between items on the basis of a physical
difference therein and separate them accordingly. For
devices which sense a difference in position or orientation
of articles and separate them accordingly, see appropriate
subclasses in Class 198, Conveyors: Power-Driven.
(4) Note. A patent claiming in an apparatus claim sensing
or analyzing means of the type provided for in Class 33, 73,
235, 250, 324, 340, 356, and 374, for example, coupled with a
mere recitation of a "reject signal", "reject means",
"sorting means", or the like, but not claiming a specific
feature of the reject, separating, or sorting means, will be
classifiable in the class taking the sensing or analyzing
means.
(5) Note. This class does not include methods and apparatus
wherein an operator selects a destination for an item and
utilizes a device such as a keyboard to actuate a separating
means directing the item to the selected destination. Such
methods and apparatus are classifiable in Class 414, Material
or Article Handling, subclasses 134+. Where an operator
marks or tags items for subsequent automatic separation of
the items on the basis of such marking or tagging, see
subclass 3.3 of this class (209).
(6) Note. This class does not include the combination of
testing containers for fluid leakage and rejecting those
items failing to pass such testing. Such methods and
apparatus are classifiable in Class 73, Measuring and
Testing, subclasses 37+. However, where physical defects
(e.g., such as flaws in the rim of a container) are sensed by
the application of a fluid pressure or vacuum to items, see
subclasses 522+ (bottles) and 591 (other items) of this
class.
(7) Note. This class does not include methods and apparatus
for separating items carried on a conveyor wherein a code or
distinguishing marking is placed on the conveyor or on a
special receptacle used for holding an item while it is on
the conveyor (containers such as envelopes and mailbags which
are used in handling an item after it is removed from a
conveyor are not included as "special" receptacles used with
a conveyor). Such methods and apparatus are classifiable in
Class 198, Conveyors: Power-Driven.
(8) Note. Included in this class is a patent claiming a
process wherein items are separated by sensing physical
differences therein and wherein the step of separating the
items is only nominally recited, even where no specific
separating means is disclosed in the patent.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
127.1 for electrostatic methods and apparatus for sorting
either special or nonspecial items.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
15, Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning, for sorting
followed by cleaning of the sorted items.
73, Measuring and Testing, subclasses 40+ for the
combination of testing containers for leakage and the
rejection of those failing the test.
83, Cutting, particularly subclass 27, 79+, and 102+ for
methods and devices which involve a cutting operation
followed by sorting. This subclass and subclasses indented
thereunder (i.e., subclasses 509+ of Class 209) include
apparatus for cutting combined with inspecting and sorting
where the cutting apparatus is nominally recited, or no
significant relation of the cutter to the sorting means is
recited. Classified in Class 83 is apparatus in which a
cutting device operates in synchronous (i.e., timed) relation
to a sorting device, or which includes details of the cutter.
However, a recitation of the spatial location of a sorting
means relative to a cutter (e.g., stating that a sorting
device is longitudinally spaced a certain distance from a
cutting device) is not considered significant to cause
classification in Class 83. Class 83 includes apparatus in
which the operation of a sorting device is initiated by a
cutting device, and also includes all methods reciting a
cutting step, regardless of scope, in combination with a
sorting step.
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, subclass 398 for means
distinguishing between alternatively faced (e.g., right side
up or inverted) items and conveying only uniformly faced
items.
199, Type Casting, subclass 40 for type casting machines
with font sorting means.
234, Selective Cutting (e.g., Punching), subclass 40 for a
sorting device combined with a selective punch device (e.g.,
to segregate "error" cards, or to stack master and detail
cards separately).
300, Brush, Broom, and Mop Making, subclass 18 for devices
for sorting bristles according to their length in brush
manufacture.
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclasses 4+ for
details of a thermal leakage test combined with a sorting
arrangement responsive to the test.
453, Coin Handling, subclasses 3+ for coin sorting
devices.
470, Threaded, Headed Fastener, or Washer Making: Process
and Apparatus, subclasses 164+ for machines for feeding
blanks to nail, nut, rivet, or screw making machines, and
separating the finished article from imperfect work, chips,
etc.
Subclass:
510
Sorting eggs or components thereof:
This subclass is indented under subclass 509. Methods and
apparatus for separating eggs.
Subclass:
511
Radiant energy sensing means controls separating means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 510. Methods and
apparatus including means utilizing radiant energy for
sensing a condition of eggs and controlling separating means
in accordance therewith.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
250, Radiant Energy, subclasses 223+ and 226 for a
conveyor-carried article sensed by a photodetector, the
latter subclass specifically including color detectors.
356, Optics: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 402+ for
color detecting apparatus and methods; subclasses 432+ for
apparatus sensing light transmitted or absorbed by articles;
subclasses 445+ for apparatus sensing reflected light; and
subclasses 52+ for egg candling apparatus, per se.
Subclass:
512
By weight:
This subclass is indented under subclass 510. Methods and
apparatus wherein eggs are separated into groups of different
weight.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
177, Weighing Scales, appropriate subclasses for weighting
apparatus, per se.
Subclass:
513
Sensing egg weight and controlling separating means in
accordance therewith:
This subclass is indented under subclass 512. Methods and
apparatus including means for sensing weight of eggs and
controlling separating means in accordance therewith.
Subclass:
514
Orbiting or rotating carrier responsive to egg weight:
This subclass is indented under subclass 512. Methods and
apparatus wherein an egg is supported on an orbiting or
rotating carrier responsive to weight of the egg, as, for
example, by being depressible by an egg of particular
weight.
Subclass:
515
Carrier tilted by means (e.g., trip, cam, etc.) adjacent
travel path when depressed to particular elevation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 514. Methods and
apparatus wherein the egg is discharged from the carrier when
the latter is depressed by the egg to a particular level and
is caused to tilt by means located along its path of travel.
Subclass:
516
Same eggs successively placed on means (e.g., balance beams,
etc.) responsive to different weights:
This subclass is indented under subclass 512. Methods and
apparatus wherein eggs are successively placed on means
responsive to different weights, as, for example, by being
depressible by eggs of different weight.
Subclass:
517
Sorting lumber, logs, pipes, rails, or like items:
This subclass is indented under subclass 509. Methods and
apparatus for separating lumber, logs, pipes, rails, or like
large, elongated items.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
414, Material or Article Handling, subclasses 745+ for pipe
handling apparatus, per se.
Subclass:
518
Condition responsive means controls separating means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 517. Methods and
apparatus including means for sensing a condition of items
and controlling separating means in accordance therewith.
Subclass:
519
Relatively movable calipers closed against item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 518. Methods and
apparatus wherein the sensing means comprises relatively
movable calipers closable against an item.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
33, Geometrical Instruments, subclasses 783+ for calipering
devices, per se.
Subclass:
520
Sensor responsive to item contact:
This subclass is indented under subclass 518. Methods and
apparatus wherein the sensing means responds to contact by an
item, e.g., a switch engaged by an item of particular size.
Subclass:
521
With endless conveyor belt:
This subclass is indented under subclass 517. Methods and
apparatus including an endless conveyor belt which is either
itself part of an item separator or conveys an item to or
from the latter.
(1) Note. Included here are endless belts having item
pushing elements thereon as well as apron type endless
belts.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 518+ for separating means controlled by a sensor
responsive to a condition of lumber, logs, pipes, rails, or
like items and combined with, or consisting of, an endless
conveyor belt.
Subclass:
522
Sorting bottles, ampoules, jars, drinking vessels, or like
ceramic or glass containers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 509. Methods and
apparatus for sorting bottles, ampoules, jars, drinking
vessels, or like ceramic or glass containers.
Subclass:
523
Condition responsive means controls separating means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 522. Methods and
apparatus including means for sensing a condition of items
and controlling separating means in accordance therewith.
Subclass:
524
Sensing radiant energy reflected, absorbed, emitted, or
obstructed by item or adjunct (e.g., label, cap, etc.)
thereof:
This subclass is indented under subclass 523. Methods and
apparatus including means utilizing radiant energy reflected,
absorbed, emitted, or obstructed by an item, or by an article
associated therewith, for sensing a condition of said item or
article.
Subclass:
525
Sizing with visible light beam:
This subclass is indented under subclass 524. Methods and
apparatus wherein a beam of visible light is used in sensing
a dimension of items so that the items can be separated into
groups of different size.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
356, Optics: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 372+ for
size or dimension measuring apparatus, per se.
Subclass:
526
Detecting internal flaw (e.g., air bubble, crack, etc.) in
wall of item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 524. Methods and
apparatus wherein an internal flaw in the wall of an item is
sensed.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
356, Optics: Measuring and Testing, subclass 237.1 for flaw
inspecting devices, per se.
Subclass:
527
By means of radio frequency radiation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 526. Methods and
apparatus utilizing radio frequency energy for sensing a flaw
in said item or article.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 658+
for capacitative reactance measuring apparatus, per se.
Subclass:
528
Detecting flaw in, or absence or misplacement of, label on
item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 524. Methods and
apparatus including means for sensing a flaw in, or absence
or misplacement of, a label on an item.
Subclass:
529
Sensing position, shape, or presence of closure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 523. Methods and
apparatus wherein the position, shape, or presence of a
closure for an item is sensed.
Subclass:
530
Sensor contacts item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 523. Methods and
apparatus wherein the sensing means responds to contact by an
item, e.g., a switch engaged by an item of particular size.
Subclass:
531
Gauge:
This subclass is indented under subclass 530. Methods and
apparatus wherein the sensing means senses a dimension of an
item.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
33, Geometrical Instruments, appropriate subclasses for
gauging apparatus, per se.
Subclass:
532
Plug:
This subclass is indented under subclass 531. Methods and
apparatus wherein means enters a perforation or recess in an
item to sense a dimension thereof.
Subclass:
533
Relatively movable calipers closed against item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 531. Methods and
apparatus wherein the sensing means comprises relatively
movable calipers closable against an item.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
33, Geometrical Instruments, subclasses 143+ for calipering
devices, per se.
Subclass:
534
Sorting paper money:
This subclass is indented under subclass 509. Methods and
apparatus for separating paper money.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
194, Check-Actuated Control Mechanisms, subclasses 4+ for
currency validating apparatus, per se.
Subclass:
535
Sorting cigarettes, cigars, or packages thereof:
This subclass is indented under subclass 509. Methods and
apparatus for separating cigarettes, cigars, or packages
thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
131, Tobacco, subclasses 280+ for cigar and cigarette
making apparatus, per se.
Subclass:
536
Sensing radiant energy reflected, absorbed, emitted, or
obstructed by item or adjunct thereof:
This subclass is indented under subclass 535. Methods and
apparatus including means utilizing radiant energy reflected,
absorbed, emitted, or obstructed by an item, or by an article
associated therewith, for sensing a condition of said item or
article and controlling separating means in accordance
therewith.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
250, Radiant Energy, subclasses 223+ and 226 for a
conveyor-carried article sensed by a photodetector, the
latter subclass specifically including color detectors.
356, Optics: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 402+ for
color detecting apparatus and methods; subclasses 432+ for
apparatus sensing light transmitted or absorbed by articles;
and subclasses 445+ for apparatus sensing reflected light.
Subclass:
537
Fluid or vacuum sensing means controls separating means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 535. Methods and
apparatus including means utilizing a fluid stream, or a
vacuum, for sensing a condition of an item and controlling
separating means in accordance therewith.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
73, Measuring and Testing, subclasses 37+ for testing
apparatus utilizing fluid pressure.
Subclass:
538
Nonconveying driven means for turning item at separating or
inspecting station to facilitate sorting:
This subclass is indented under subclass 509. Methods and
apparatus including driven means which does not convey an
item but turns it at a separating or inspecting station to
assist in sorting items.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, subclass 411 for a conveyor
and driven means for turning conveyed items.
Subclass:
539
Traveling items shifted to form line, or into end or edge
alignment, to facilitate inspection or separation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 509. Methods and
apparatus wherein traveling items are shifted into a line, or
ends or edges thereof are brought into alignment.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, subclasses 434+ for a
conveyor system for rearranging a stream of items.
Subclass:
540
Traveling item turned to predetermined position:
This subclass is indented under subclass 509. Methods and
apparatus wherein traveling items are turned so that they
face in a particular direction, e.g., items are inverted.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
538 for means which turns an item at a separating or
inspecting station to facilitate separating the item from
other items, the means not being a conveyor.
701 for means which turns a traveling item but does not face
it in a particular direction.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
193, Conveyors, Chutes, Skids, Guides, and Ways, subclasses
44+ for gravity conveyors with means for turning conveyed
articles to a different position.
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, subclasses 373+ for a
conveyor having means for changing the attitude of a conveyed
item relative to the conveying direction.
221, Article Dispensing, subclasses 156+ for dispensing
apparatus combined with article orienting means.
Subclass:
541
Plural orienting means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 540. Methods and
apparatus including plural means for turning items.
Subclass:
542
This subclass is indented under subclass 540. Reciprocable or
pivotable orienting means: Methods and apparatus wherein the
items are turned by a reciprocating or pivoting means.
Subclass:
543
Fluid orienting means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 540. Methods and
apparatus wherein the items are turned by a fluid means,
e.g., an air jet.
Subclass:
544
Means orienting item moved by gravity:
This subclass is indented under subclass 540. Methods and
apparatus wherein the items are turned by a means along which
they move under the force of gravity, e.g., a twisted chute.
Subclass:
545
Driven orienting means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 540. Methods and
apparatus wherein the items are turned by a driven means.
Subclass:
546
Signalling, indicating, or display means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 509. Methods and
apparatus including a signalling, indicating, or display
device by means of which an operator receives information
about items being separated or about the separating apparatus
itself.
(1) Note. A light source which illuminates an item so that
it can be more easily inspected is not considered a display
means includible herein. Cross-reference collection 938
includes such means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
116, Signals and Indicators, appropriate subclasses for
indicating and display apparatus, per se.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 500+ for
alarms, per se.
Subclass:
547
Indicia associated with cards, file folders, or like coded
items, or with sorting means therefor (including cards, per
se, with edge coding):
This subclass is indented under subclass 546. Methods and
apparatus including indicia placed on cards, file folders, or
like items coded to facilitate sorting, or indicia placed on
means for sorting such items. Included are cards, per se,
having indicia in the form of edge coding such as notches.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
235, Registers, subclass 487 for record cards coded by means
other than edge coding, e.g., perforations.
Subclass:
548
Operation of apparatus stopped:
This subclass is indented under subclass 546. Methods and
apparatus wherein the operation of a separating means stops
if an abnormal condition exists in the working of said means
or in an item sorted thereby.
Subclass:
549
Signal lamp or audible alarm:
This subclass is indented under subclass 546. Methods and
apparatus including a signal light or audible alarm.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
116, Signals and Indicators, appropriate subclasses for
indicating and display apparatus, per se.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 500+ for
alarms, per se.
Subclass:
550
Indicating scale:
This subclass is indented under subclass 546. Methods and
apparatus including a graduated series of indicia, e.g., a
dial.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
116, Signals and Indicators, appropriate subclasses for
indicating and display apparatus, per se.
Subclass:
551
Item counter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 546. Methods and
apparatus including means for indicating to an operator the
number of items which have been separated into one or more
classes.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, subclass 959 for a conveyor
having means for counting the number of load units conveyed.
235, Registers, appropriate subclasses for counting devices,
per se.
Subclass:
552
Condition responsive means controls separating means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 509. Methods and
apparatus including means for sensing a condition of items
and controlling separating means in accordance therewith.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
513 518 and 523, for apparatus including condition responsive
means for sorting eggs, lumber, and bottles, respectively.
Subclass:
553
Cards or sheets separated by rotatable suction drum:
This subclass is indented under subclass 552. Methods and
apparatus wherein cards or sheets are separated by means of a
rotatable drum against which said items are held by suction
until delivered to particular locations.
Subclass:
554
Sorting cards or sheets coded by perforation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 552. Methods and
apparatus for separating cards or sheets coded by means of
holes formed therein.
Subclass:
555
Diverse:
This subclass is indented under subclass 552. Methods and
apparatus including different types of sensing or separating
means.
Subclass:
556
Diverse electrical tests:
This subclass is indented under subclass 555. Methods and
apparatus including diverse electrical tests for sensing at
least one condition of an item, e.g., a test of the
capacitance of an item to measure thickness of a wall thereof
and a test of the resistance of the item to measure its
structural continuity.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, appropriate
subclasses for miscellaneous electrical testing.
Subclass:
557
Including noncondition-responsive separating means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 555. Methods and
apparatus including means which separates items without being
under the control of a separate means for sensing a condition
of the items.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 606+ for separating means, per se.
Subclass:
558
At single station:
This subclass is indented under subclass 555. Methods and
apparatus wherein the diverse sensing or separating means are
at the same location.
Subclass:
559
Means (e.g., information storing device, timer, delaying
relay, etc.) delaying actuation of separating means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 552. Methods and
apparatus including means for delaying the operation of said
separating means after the condition of an item has been
sensed by said sensing means.
Subclass:
560
Mechanical:
This subclass is indented under subclass 559. Methods and
apparatus wherein said delaying means is mechanically
operated.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, for automatic mechanical
control means, per se.
Subclass:
561
Rotatable pin carrier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 560. Methods and
apparatus wherein said delaying means comprises a rotatable
disk or other rotatable support carrying a pin which actuates
said separating means when moved to an operative position.
Subclass:
562
Magnetic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 559. Methods and
apparatus wherein said delaying means is magnetically
operated.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval,
appropriate subclasses for magnetic information storing
apparatus, per se.
Subclass:
563
Electrical:
This subclass is indented under subclass 562. Methods and
apparatus wherein said delaying means is electrically
operated.
Subclass:
564
Electronic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 563. Methods and
apparatus wherein said delaying means is electronically
operated.
Subclass:
565
Shift register:
This subclass is indented under subclass 564. Methods and
apparatus wherein said delaying means comprises a shift
register.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
377, Electrical Pulse Counters, Pulse Dividers, or Shift
Registers: Circuits and Systems, subclass 57 and 64 for
shift registers, per se.
Subclass:
566
Controlled by article:
This subclass is indented under subclass 565. Methods and
apparatus wherein a shift pulse is generated for said shift
register by detection of movement of an item past a
particular point.
Subclass:
567
Magnetic test sensing property of item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 552. Methods and
apparatus wherein a magnetic means senses a condition of
items.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 34+
for magnetic measuring and testing apparatus, per se.
Subclass:
568
Magnetic core tested:
This subclass is indented under subclass 567. Methods and
apparatus wherein a magnetic core is tested.
Subclass:
569
Reading indicia:
This subclass is indented under subclass 567. Methods and
apparatus for reading indicia on an item, e.g., magnetic
coding.
Subclass:
570
Permeability:
This subclass is indented under subclass 567. Methods and
apparatus wherein the permeability of an item is sensed.
Subclass:
571
Electrical test sensing property of item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 552. Methods and
apparatus wherein an electrical test senses a condition of
items.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, appropriate
subclasses for electrical measuring and testing apparatus,
per se.
Subclass:
572
Detecting flaw in dielectric:
This subclass is indented under subclass 571. Methods and
apparatus wherein items are tested for a flaw in dielectric
material included therein.
Subclass:
573
Electrical component tested:
This subclass is indented under subclass 571. Methods and
apparatus wherein an electrical component is tested.
Subclass:
574
Resistor or capacitor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 573. Methods and
apparatus wherein the electrical component is a resistor or a
capacitor.
Subclass:
575
Lamp or battery:
This subclass is indented under subclass 573. Methods and
apparatus wherein the electrical component is a lamp or a
battery.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclasses
364+ for systems, apparatus, and methods which test
electric lamps or electric space discharge devices but do not
involve sorting.
Subclass:
576
Sensing radiant energy reflected, absorbed, emitted, or
obstructed by item or adjunct thereof:
This subclass is indented under subclass 552. Methods and
apparatus including means utilizing radiant energy reflected,
absorbed, emitted, or obstructed by an item, or by an article
associated therewith, for sensing a condition of said item or
article.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
511 524 and 536, for apparatus utilizing radiant energy
sensing means for separating eggs, bottles, and cigarettes,
respectively.
524 for use of radiant energy sensing means for sorting
bottles, ampoules, jars, drinking vessels, or like ceramic or
glass containers.
552 for a condition responsive device controlling sorting by
sensing light obstruction of a gauge part or other means
associated with the sorting apparatus itself.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
181, Acoustics, appropriate subclasses for sonic and
ultrasonic measuring and testing apparatus, per se.
250, Radiant Energy, subclasses 281+ for methods and
apparatus pertaining to mass spectroscopy or calutrons;
subclasses 306+ for methods and apparatus for inspecting
solids or liquids by charged particles; subclasses 336.1+ for
methods and apparatus for testing material wherein material
subjected to invisible radiation converts the latter to a
different form of radiation which is used to generate an
electrical signal; subclasses 200+ and the classes specified
in the notes thereto, for photocell electrical circuits and
apparatus responsive to radiant energy, particularly subclass
223 for photocells which sense objects on a conveyor or
chute; and subclasses 458.1+ for luminophor radiation
detecting apparatus, per se.
372, Coherent Light Generators, appropriate subclasses for
lasers, per se.
356, Optics: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 402+ for
color detecting apparatus and methods; subclasses 432+ for
apparatus sensing light transmitted or absorbed by articles;
subclasses 445+ for apparatus sensing reflected light;
subclass 51 for ultraviolet or infrared measuring and testing
apparatus, per se; subclasses 372+ for dimension measuring
apparatus, per se; and subclass 237.1+ for flaw detecting
apparatus, per se.
Subclass:
577
Infrared, visible light, or ultraviolet:
This subclass is indented under subclass 576. Methods and
apparatus utilizing infrared, visible light, or ultraviolet
radiation.
(1) Note. To be included in this subclass and its indented
subclasses as a patent involving visible light, the patent
must (1) state that the radiant energy employed is light, or
(2) set out specific wavelengths known to be visible.
Subclass:
578
Ultraviolet:
This subclass is indented under subclass 577. Methods and
apparatus utilizing ultraviolet radiation.
Subclass:
579
Laser:
This subclass is indented under subclass 577. Methods and
apparatus utilizing a laser source.
Subclass:
580
Color detection:
This subclass is indented under subclass 577. Methods and
apparatus wherein color of items is sensed.
Subclass:
581
Intensity:
This subclass is indented under subclass 580. Methods and
apparatus wherein color intensity of items is sensed.
Subclass:
582
Measuring ratio of sensed intensities:
This subclass is indented under subclass 581. Methods and
apparatus wherein the ratio between color intensities of
items is measured.
Subclass:
583
Reading indicia:
This subclass is indented under subclass 577. Methods and
apparatus for reading indicia on an item.
Subclass:
584
On mail:
This subclass is indented under subclass 583. Methods and
apparatus for reading indicia on mail.
Subclass:
585
Mirror or prism in optical path:
This subclass is indented under subclass 577. Methods and
apparatus including a mirror or prism in the optical path of
said radiation.
Subclass:
586
Sizing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 577. Methods and
apparatus wherein said radiation senses a dimension of items
so that they can be separated into groups of different size.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
518 and 525, for apparatus sizing lumber and bottles with a
visible light beam, respectively.
Subclass:
587
Reflected for item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 577. Methods and
apparatus wherein said radiation is reflected from an item.
Subclass:
588
Transmitted through item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 577. Methods and
apparatus wherein said radiation passes through an item.
Subclass:
589
X-Ray or gamma ray:
This subclass is indented under subclass 576. Methods and
apparatus utilizing X-ray or gamma ray radiation.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
378, X-Ray or Gamma Ray Systems or Devices, appropriate
subclasses for specific sources or detectors of x- or gamma
rays.
Subclass:
590
Sonic or supersonic energy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 576. Methods and
apparatus utilizing sonic or supersonic radiation.
(1) Note. To be included here, a patent must (1) state that
the radiant energy is sonic or supersonic, or (2) set out
specific frequencies which are known to be sonic or
supersonic, i.e., frequencies above 12-15 per second.
Subclass:
591
Sensing by applying fluid or vacuum to item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 552. Methods and
apparatus wherein said sensing means applies a fluid stream
or a vacuum to an item.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
537 for apparatus sorting cigarettes, cigars, or packages by
means of fluid or vacuum sensing means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
73, Measuring and Testing, subclasses 37+ for testing
apparatus utilizing fluid pressure.
Subclass:
592
Responsive to weight of item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 552. Methods and
apparatus wherein weight of an item is sensed.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
513 for egg sorting apparatus in which a weight sensing
means controls a separating means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
177, Weighing Scales, subclasses 52+ for means weighing and
handling successive receivers; and subclasses 60+ for weight
responsive material control.
194, Check-Actuated Control Mechanisms, subclass 103 for
weight testers associated with machines within the class.
Subclass:
593
Detecting movement of item support with electrical sensor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 592. Methods and
apparatus including an electrical sensor which detects
movement of a support under the weight of an item.
Subclass:
594
Photodetector:
This subclass is indented under subclass 593. Methods and
apparatus wherein said sensor is a photodetector.
Subclass:
595
Switch:
This subclass is indented under subclass 593. Methods and
apparatus wherein said sensor is a switch.
Subclass:
596
Pusher or deflector controls movement of item on separate
support:
This subclass is indented under subclass 592. Methods and
apparatus wherein said separating means comprises a pusher or
deflector controlling movement of an item on a separate
support.
Subclass:
597
Sensing position, shape, or presence of closure or end wall
on container:
This subclass is indented under subclass 552. Methods and
apparatus wherein the position, shape, or presence of a
closure, or an end wall, of a container is sensed.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
53, Package Making, subclass 53 for apparatus sensing
defective packages in filling machines.
Subclass:
598
Sensing contour of item having no missing parts:
This subclass is indented under subclass 552. Methods and
apparatus wherein the contour of an item having no missing
parts is sensed.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
33, Geometrical Instruments, subclass 501.7 for apparatus
sensing item contour.
Subclass:
599
Sorting items according to susceptibility to deform (e.g.,
malleability, hardness, compressibility, etc.), rupture, or
vibrate:
This subclass is indented under subclass 552. Methods and
apparatus wherein the susceptibility of an item to deform,
rupture, or vibrate is sensed.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
73, Measuring and Testing, subclass 12.01 for impact testing
apparatus; subclasses 67+ for vibration testing apparatus;
subclasses 78+ for hardness detecting apparatus; subclasses
87+ for ductility or brittleness testing apparatus; and
subclasses 760+ for stress or strain testing apparatus,
particularly subclasses 788+ which include deformation
testing due to a stress intentionally applied to the
specimen.
Subclass:
600
Sensor contacts item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 552. Methods and
apparatus wherein the sensing means responds to contact by an
item.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
520 and 530, for item contacting sensors utilized in
separating lumber and bottles, respectively.
Subclass:
601
Gauge:
This subclass is indented under subclass 600. Methods and
apparatus wherein the sensing means senses a dimension of an
item.
Subclass:
602
Relatively movable calipers closed against item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 601. Methods and
apparatus wherein the sensing means comprises relatively
movable calipers closable against an item.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
519 and 533, for calipers utilized in separating lumber and
bottles, respectively.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
33, Geometrical Instruments, subclasses 783+ for calipering
devices, per se.
Subclass:
603
Sheet gauging:
This subclass is indented under subclass 601. Methods and
apparatus wherein thickness of a sheet is sensed.
(1) Note. Included here are sensors which detect superposed
sheets and control means for separating the latter from
single sheets.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass
61.13 for sheet actuated switches.
271, Sheet Feeding or Delivering, subclass 262 and 263 for
apparatus sensing excess thickness of articles.
Subclass:
604
Sensor generates electrical signal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 601. Methods and
apparatus wherein the sensing means produces an electrical
signal for controlling the separating means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass 61.4
for stationary feeler detecting a transient object.
Subclass:
605
Items separated into at least three classes:
This subclass is indented under subclass 604. Methods and
apparatus wherein items are separated into three or more
classes.
Subclass:
606
Separating means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 509. Methods and
apparatus of a particular type.
Subclass:
607
Corn silk separator:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus for separating silk from corn kernels.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclasses 26+ for corn
husking machines.
Subclass:
608
Sorting items according to edge coding:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus for separating items according to distinguishing
characteristics placed at edge portions thereof, e.g.,
notches.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
598 for apparatus sensing contour of articles having no
missing parts and separating the articles in accordance
therewith.
Subclass:
609
Magnet attracts or repels item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 608. Methods and
apparatus wherein a magnet attracts or repels an item to
separate, or to facilitate separation of, the item from other
items.
Subclass:
610
Keyboard control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 608. Methods and
apparatus including a keyboard controlling a separating
means.
(1) Note. Included here are finger manipulated push
buttons, slide bars, and like mechanisms.
Subclass:
611
Cards, file folders, or like items sorted by means of
necked-down notch thereon:
This subclass is indented under subclass 608. Methods and
apparatus for separating cards, file folders, or like items
by means of a necked-down notch thereon.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
547 for cards which are sorted by means of edge coding
thereon, e.g., notches.
Subclass:
612
Cards, file folders, or like items alternatively having notch
or hole at particular location thereon:
This subclass is indented under subclass 608. Methods and
apparatus wherein cards, file folders, or like items are
separated by means of a notch or a hole alternatively placed
at edge portions thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
547 for cards which are sorted by means of edge coding
thereon, e.g., notches.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
235, Registers subclass 487 for record cards, per se, which
are coded by perforations therein.
Subclass:
613
Sorting cards, file folders, or like items having coded
sorting holes:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus wherein cards, file folders, or like items are
separated by means of a hole therein.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
547 for cards which are sorted by means of edge coding
thereon, e.g., notches.
554 for condition responsive means for sorting cards coded
by perforations.
subclasses 608+ for means for sorting cards, file folders,
or like items according to an edge coding thereon, e.g., a
series of notches on the edge of a data.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
235, Registers, subclass 487 for record cards, per se, which
are coded by perforations therein.
Subclass:
614
Hand supported implements:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus wherein a hand-supported tool separates items.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements, appropriate
subclasses for various hand manipulated implements.
Subclass:
615
Brush, flail, or rake used other than as one of opposed pair
of gauge elements to separate, or to facilitate separation
of, items:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus wherein a brush, flail, or rake separates, or
facilitates separation of, items without being used in
opposition with another element to form a gauge.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
672 for a pair of spindles or rollers which are disposed in
spaced, opposed relation and which have projecting elements,
such as tines or bristles, spaced circumferentially thereof,
the space between the projecting elements of said spindles or
rollers constituting a gauging passage through which an item
of sufficiently small size will pass.
Subclass:
616
Rotatable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 615. Methods and
apparatus wherein said brush, flail, or rake is rotatable.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
19, Textiles: Fiber Preparation, subclasses 36-38 and 43
for rotary boll hulling and delinting apparatus.
Subclass:
617
Item gripped between opposed elements:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus including elements between which an item is gripped
to separate it from other items.
(1) Note. Included here are (1) elements which selectively
grip only particular items, and (2) elements which grip all
items being sorted but release them at different points to
effect their separation.
Subclass:
618
Rollers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 617. Methods and
apparatus wherein said gripping elements are rollers.
Subclass:
619
Gauge enters hole in item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus wherein items are separated according to their
ability to permit movement of gauge means, such as a bar of a
particular diameter, into and out of a perforation or recess
in each item.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
532 for a plug-type gauge which enters the neck opening of a
bottle.
Subclass:
620
Gauging passage between orbiting belts:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus including orbiting belts disposed in spaced
relation along at least a portion of their travel paths to
provide a gauging passage through which an item of
sufficiently small size passes to separate it from larger
items.
Subclass:
621
Rotating or orbiting carrier having expandable gauging
passage passing items of different size at different points
along carrier travel path:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus including a rotating or orbiting carrier the
structure of which defines an expandable passage, items of
different size passing through the latter at different points
along the travel path of the carrier.
Subclass:
622
Belt:
This subclass is indented under subclass 621. Methods and
apparatus wherein said carrier is a belt.
Subclass:
623
With gauging pocket for individual item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 622. Methods and
apparatus wherein said expandable passage of said carrier
belt is defined by a pocketlike structure which holds an item
separate from other items until the passage expands
sufficiently to release it.
Subclass:
624
Pocket formed by rollers, disks, or wheels spaced
transversely of belt or by contoured transverse rollers, bar,
or slat:
This subclass is indented under subclass 623. Methods and
apparatus wherein items are separately held between rollers,
disks, or wheels spaced transversely of said carrier belt, or
in pockets formed by a contoured roller, bar, or slat
transversely mounted on the carrier belt.
Subclass:
625
Gauge with clearer other than continuous feeder:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus including a gauge provided with means for moving
therefrom or therealong items that are too large to be
accepted by the gauge, such gauge clearing means not
including, however, feeding means moving items with
continuous motion along a gauge.
(1) Note. In accordance with the definition for this
subclass, a pusher which intermittently moves an item along a
gauge is included here. However, a pusher which moves an item
along the same type of gauge with continuous motion is not
included.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 379+ for means for clearing or keeping open the
passages of sifters classifiable in subclasses 233+.
684 for a table having therein pockets for receiving items
of a particular size from a mixture flowing across the table,
the table being tiltable to discharge those items lodging in
the pockets.
Subclass:
626
Spacing between gauge elements increased to free item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 625. Methods and
apparatus including gauge elements that release an over-size
item therefrom by moving away from each other.
Subclass:
627
Rotatable or pivotable clearer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 625. Methods and
apparatus wherein said gauge clearing means comprises a
rotatable or pivotable element.
Subclass:
628
Stationary clearer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 625. Methods and
apparatus wherein said gauge clearing means is fixed.
Subclass:
629
Diverse:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus including different types of item separating
operations.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 555+ for diverse separating means including a
condition responsive means controlling a separating means.
Subclass:
630
Including means supporting items for manual sorting or
allowing operator to control item destination:
This subclass is indented under subclass 629. Methods and
apparatus including means, such as a table, supporting items
for separation by hand, or means allowing an operator to
control the destination to which items are delivered.
Subclass:
631
Including separation effected by items following different
trajectories through space:
This subclass is indented under subclass 629. Methods and
apparatus including separation effected by items following
different trajectories as they travel through space.
Subclass:
632
Including separation effected by item of particular size
passing through gauging passage between separate elements:
This subclass is indented under subclass 629. Methods and
apparatus including separation effected by movement of an
item of sufficiently small size through a gauging passage
between separate elements, e.g., opposed bars.
Subclass:
633
Stationary elements:
This subclass is indented under subclass 632. Methods and
apparatus wherein said elements are fixed.
Subclass:
634
Including separation effected by item of particular size
passing through gauging aperture in wall (e.g., perforated
panel, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 629. Methods and
apparatus including separation effected by movement of an
item of sufficiently small size through an aperture in a
wall.
Subclass:
635
Including separation effected by different items traveling in
different directions while contacting a surface:
This subclass is indented under subclass 629. Methods and
apparatus including separation effected by different items
traveling in different directions on a surface.
Subclass:
636
Magnet attracts or repels item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus wherein items are separated by magnetic attraction
or repulsion.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
212 and 213+, for means for separating bulk material by use
of a magnetic force.
Subclass:
637
Items thrown or falling through space strike surface and only
some rebound:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus wherein items thrown or falling through space
separate by striking a surface from which only some items
rebound.
Subclass:
638
Items separate by following different trajectories through
space:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus wherein items separate by following different
trajectories as they travel through space.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
657 for a deflector movable into or out of the path of an
item thrown or falling through space, the item thus being
directed to different points depending upon the position of
the deflector.
Subclass:
639
Fluid jet changes trajectory of item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 638. Methods and
apparatus wherein a stream of fluid impinges upon an item to
change its trajectory.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
24 through 27, 32-35, 134-137, 145, 156, and 157, for bulk
material classifying by use of a gaseous suspension in a
horizontal or inclined current.
Subclass:
640
Items thrown or falling through space strike surface and
rebound with different trajectories:
This subclass is indented under subclass 638. Methods and
apparatus wherein items thrown or falling through space
strike a surface and rebound in different directions.
Subclass:
641
Takeoff ramp adjustable to different angular positions
relative to horizontal plane:
This subclass is indented under subclass 638. Methods and
apparatus wherein items are projected from a ramp the angle
of which can be adjusted relative to a horizontal plane.
Subclass:
642
Thrower:
This subclass is indented under subclass 638. Methods and
apparatus wherein said items are thrown into space.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
124, Mechanical Guns and Projectors, subclass 4 for
centrifugal guns or projectors.
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, subclasses 638+ for
thrower-type box car loaders and general thrower-type
conveyors.
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, subclass
5, 39+, and 275 for comminutors utilizing a throwing of
material.
273, Amusement Devices: Games, subclass 120 and 129 for
projector-type games.
406, Conveyors: Fluid Current, subclass 71 for thrower-type
material intakes for fluid current conveyors.
Subclass:
643
Suction:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus wherein items are separated by applying suction
thereto.
Subclass:
644
Fluid jet:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus wherein items are separated by impinging a stream
of fluid thereon.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44.2 for fluid jet separating means combined with separating
apparatus within the class definition but not included in
subclasses 509 through 707.
537 for apparatus sorting cigarettes, cigars, or packages
thereof by means of fluid or vacuum sensing means.
591 for condition responsive means utilizing fluid or vacuum
sensing means.
Subclass:
645
Sorting items by weight:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus wherein items are separated into groups of
different weight.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
512 for apparatus sorting eggs by weight.
592 for a weight responsive sorting apparatus.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
177, Weighing Scales, subclasses 52+ for means weighing and
handling successive receivers; and subclasses 60+ for weight
responsive material control.
194, Check-Actuated Control Mechanisms, subclass 103 for
weight testers associated with machines within the class.
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, subclasses 504+ for a
conveyor having weighing or weight actuated means associated
therewith.
Subclass:
646
Orbiting or rotating carrier responsive to item weight:
This subclass is indented under subclass 645. Methods and
apparatus wherein an item is supported on an orbiting or
rotating carrier responsive to weight of the item, as, for
example, by being depressible to a particular level by a
particular weight.
Subclass:
647
Counterbalance on balance beam moved until beam tilts to item
discharging position:
This subclass is indented under subclass 646. Methods and
apparatus wherein said carrier comprises a balance beam on
one end of which an item is supported and a counterbalance
which is moved along said balance beam until it reaches a
position at which the balance beam tilts to an item
discharging position.
Subclass:
648
Carrier tilted by means (e.g., trip, cam, etc.) adjacent
travel path when depressed to particular elevation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 646. Methods and
apparatus wherein the item is discharged from the carrier
when the latter is depressed by the item to a particular
level and is caused to tilt by means located along its path
of travel.
Subclass:
649
Same items successively placed on means (e.g., balance beams,
etc.) responsive to different weights:
This subclass is indented under subclass 645. Methods and
apparatus wherein items are successively placed on means
responsive to different weights, as, for example, by being
depressible by items of different weights.
Subclass:
650
Item support swings about fixed horizontal axis to discharge
at different vertically spaced points:
This subclass is indented under subclass 645. Methods and
apparatus including an item support which pivots about a
fixed horizontal axis to discharge the item at different
vertically spaced points depending on its weight.
Subclass:
651
Pusher moving item on separate surface:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus wherein items are separated from other items
supported on the same surface by means of a selectively
actuatable pusher.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, subclasses 717+ for
pusher-type conveyors.
Subclass:
652
Pivotable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 651. Methods and
apparatus wherein said pusher pivots.
Subclass:
653
Reciprocable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 651. Methods and
apparatus wherein said pusher reciprocates.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
652 for an item separating pusher pivotally mounted on a
reciprocating means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, subclasses 736+ for a
reciprocating type pusher conveyor.
Subclass:
654
Rotatable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 651. Methods and
apparatus wherein said pusher rotates.
Subclass:
655
Gravity-type conveyor (e.g., chute, etc.) movable between
different discharge positions:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus wherein items are separated by a gravity conveyor
movable to different positions at which different items are
discharged.
Subclass:
656
Movement of items along different paths controlled by passive
deflector:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus wherein items are moved along different paths by
selective engagement with a passive deflector such as a fixed
bar or a nondriven roller.
Subclass:
657
Deflector movable into and out of path of item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 656. Methods and
apparatus wherein said deflector is movable into and out of
the path of an item.
Subclass:
658
Deflector spaced above conveying means to pass item of
particular size thereunder:
This subclass is indented under subclass 656. Methods and
apparatus wherein said deflector is spaced above a conveying
means on which items are supported, short items passing under
the deflector and tall items striking it and being deflected
thereby.
Subclass:
659
Sorting items by size:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus for separating items into groups of different
size.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 233+ for sifters for bulk material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
119, Animal Husbandry, subclasses 840+ for apparatus for
sorting live animals by size.
453, Coin Handling, subclasses 3+ for machines which sort
coins according to their size.
Subclass:
660
Item of particular size passed through gauging passage
between separate elements:
This subclass is indented under subclass 659. Methods and
apparatus including separate elements spaced apart to provide
therebetween a gauging passage through which an item of
sufficiently small size passes to separate it from larger
items.
Subclass:
661
Gauging passage between stationary element (e.g., bar, slat,
etc.) and orbiting belt:
This subclass is indented under subclass 660. Methods and
apparatus wherein said passage is situated between a fixed
element and an orbiting belt.
Subclass:
662
Gauging passage between stationary element (e.g., bar, slat,
etc.) and roller:
This subclass is indented under subclass 660. Methods and
apparatus wherein said passage is situated between a fixed
element and a roller.
Subclass:
663
Gauging passage between orbiting belt and roller or wheel:
This subclass is indented under subclass 660. Methods and
apparatus wherein said passage is situated between an
orbiting belt and either a roller or a wheel.
Subclass:
664
Gauging passage between elements of rotating cage:
This subclass is indented under subclass 660. Methods and
apparatus wherein said passage is situated between elements
of a rotating cage, e.g., bars spaced apart circumferentially
of the perimeter of a structure having the form of a circular
treadmill.
Subclass:
665
Gauging passage between elements of orbiting belt:
This subclass is indented under subclass 660. Methods and
apparatus wherein said passage is situated between elements
of an orbiting belt, e.g., rollers extending transversely of
such a belt.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 622+ for a belt having elements, such as
transverse bars, which move away from one another as the belt
travels to provide expanding gauging passages through which
items of different size pass at different points along the
orbital path of said belt.
659 for a belt formed of plural elements (e.g., rings) each
of which alone provides a gauge opening but is not like a
wall in structural form.
681 for an apron-type belt having a gauging aperture in the
wall thereof.
Subclass:
666
This subclass is indented under subclass 660. Item moves
along curved gauging passage: Methods and apparatus wherein
an item moves along a curved gauging passage.
(1) Note. Included here, inter alia, are rings spaced apart
to provide a gauging passage therebetween, and a disk having
its edge spaced from a curved bar.
Subclass:
667
This subclass is indented under subclass 660. Gauging passage
between rotatable elements: Methods and apparatus wherein
said passage is situated between rotatable elements.
(1) Note. Includible here are (1) a gauge passage between
two elements each rotating about an axis passing
therethrough, and (2) a gauge passage between two elements
rotating about an axis outside the elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
193, Conveyors, Chutes, Skids, Guides, and Ways, subclasses
35+ for nondriven rollerways.
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, subclasses 780+ for driven
roller conveyors.
492, Roll or Roller, for a roll, per se, not elsewhere
provided for.
Subclass:
668
Element adjustable to change width of gauging passage:
This subclass is indented under subclass 667. Methods and
apparatus wherein at least one of said elements can be moved
to vary the width of said passage.
Subclass:
669
Helical roller:
This subclass is indented under subclass 667. Methods and
apparatus wherein at least one of said elements is a roller,
the periphery of which is helical in form.
Subclass:
670
Items move longitudinally of gauging passage varying in width
along length thereof:
This subclass is indented under subclass 667. Methods and
apparatus wherein items move lengthwise of a tapered passage
until they either pass therethrough or are rejected.
Subclass:
671
Spindle or roller having projecting elements spaced
circumferentially thereof:
This subclass is indented under subclass 667. Methods and
apparatus wherein at least one of said elements is a shaft or
roller having projecting elements such as tines spaced about
the circumference thereof.
Subclass:
672
Spindle or roller having axially spaced, flat-sided
circumferential elements (e.g., flanges, disks, wheels, etc.)
projecting therefrom:
This subclass is indented under subclass 667. Methods and
apparatus wherein at least one of said elements is a shaft or
roller having flat-sided elements spaced apart axially
thereon and extending circumferentially thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
361 for flat vertical sifters which rotate about a
horizontal axis and separate bulk materials.
Subclass:
673
Cylindrical rollers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 667. Methods and
apparatus wherein said elements are rollers having
substantially cylindrical peripheries.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
618 for rollers which grip an item to carry it through a gap
between the rollers.
Subclass:
674
Gauging passage between moving elements (e.g., vibrating
bars, slats, etc):
This subclass is indented under subclass 660. Methods and
apparatus wherein said passage is situated between moving
elements.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 393+ for bar-type elements for sifting bulk
material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclass 87 and 90,
respectively, for shaking table and walking rake type grain
separators.
Subclass:
675
Gauging passage between stationary elements (e.g., bars,
slats, etc):
This subclass is indented under subclass 660. Methods and
apparatus wherein said passage is situated between fixed
elements.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 393+ for bar-type elements for sifting bulk
material.
674 for a gauging passage between moving elements, such as
the bars of a vibrating screen.
Subclass:
676
Element adjustable to change width of gauging passage:
This subclass is indented under subclass 675. Methods and
apparatus wherein at least one of said elements can be moved
to vary the width of said passage.
Subclass:
677
Items move longitudinally of elongate elements:
This subclass is indented under subclass 675. Methods and
apparatus wherein said elements are elongated and items move
lengthwise thereof until they either pass through said
passage or are rejected.
Subclass:
678
With means moving, or regulating movement of, items along
elements:
This subclass is indented under subclass 677. Methods and
apparatus including means for moving, or controlling movement
of, items along said elements.
Subclass:
679
Width of gauging passage varies:
This subclass is indented under subclass 677. Methods and
apparatus wherein the width of said passage varies.
Subclass:
680
Item of particular size passed through gauging aperture in
wall (e.g., perforated panel, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 659. Methods and
apparatus including a wall having therein a gauging aperture
through which an item of sufficiently small size passes to
separate it from larger items.
(1) Note. Generally a gauging aperture classifiable in this
subclass is formed in a single piece of material. Separate
plates joined together by welding are considered to be a
single piece of material.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 233+ for sifting apparatus for bulk material.
subclasses 660+ for a gauging passage between separate
elements, including separate pieces of material which contact
along edge portions thereof but which are spaced apart
between these contacting portions to provide therebetween an
opening used as a gauging passage.
Subclass:
681
Aperture in orbiting belt:
This subclass is indented under subclass 680. Methods and
apparatus wherein said aperture is in an orbiting belt.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 307+ for endless belt sifters.
Subclass:
682
Aperture in chute or trough:
This subclass is indented under subclass 680. Methods and
apparatus wherein said aperture is in a chute or trough.
Subclass:
683
Aperture in circumferential wall of hollow body (e.g., tube,
etc.) rotatable about longitudinal axis thereof:
This subclass is indented under subclass 680. Methods and
apparatus wherein said aperture is in the circumferentially
extending wall of a hollow body rotatable about its
longitudinal axis.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44.3 for drum-type sifters combined with separating
apparatus within the class definition, but not included in
subclasses 509 through 707.
Subclass:
684
Item of particular size or shape enters pocket:
This subclass is indented under subclass 659. Methods and
apparatus including a pocket of such dimensions that an item
of a particular size or shape may enter it and be retained
for movement relative to an item which cannot fit into the
pocket.
Subclass:
685
On orbiting belt:
This subclass is indented under subclass 684. Methods and
apparatus wherein said pocket is on an orbiting belt.
Subclass:
686
On exterior of drumlike body (e.g., roller, etc.) rotatable
about longitudinal axis thereof:
This subclass is indented under subclass 684. Methods and
apparatus wherein said pocket is on the exterior of a
drumlike body rotatable about its longitudinal axis.
Subclass:
687
On interior of hollow drumlike body (e.g., tube, etc.)
rotatable about longitudinal axis thereof:
This subclass is indented under subclass 684. Methods and
apparatus wherein said pocket is on the interior of a hollow
drumlike body rotatable about its longitudinal axis.
Subclass:
688
Means pierces, or enters preformed hole in, item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus including means which pierces, or enters a
preformed hole in, an item while another item is not so
penetrated, this action effecting separation of the items.
(1) Note. Means entering an item to convey it, after the
item has been separated from other items, is not considered a
separating means classifiable in this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
532 for a plug-type gauge which enters the neck opening of a
bottle.
619 for a gauging element which enters a hole in an item.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, subclasses 692+ for a
conveyor having article impaling elements.
221, Article Dispensing, subclasses 213+ for impaling type
discharge assistants, per se.
Subclass:
689
Items separate by traveling in different directions while
contacting drumlike body (e.g., roller, hollow cylinder,
etc.) turning about longitudinal axis thereof:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus wherein items separate by traveling in different
directions on the circumferentially extending surface of a
drumlike body turning about its longitudinal axis.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
686 and 687, for drums having item retaining pockets
thereon.
Subclass:
690
Items travel circumferentially and longitudinally of turning
axis:
This subclass is indented under subclass 689. Methods and
apparatus wherein some items travel circumferentially of the
axis of rotation of said body, while other items travel in
the direction of said axis.
Subclass:
691
Items separate by traveling in different directions while
contacting same inclined surface of moving support:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus wherein items separate by traveling in different
directions on an inclined surface of a moving support.
Subclass:
692
Items contact inclined reach of orbiting belt:
This subclass is indented under subclass 691. Methods and
apparatus wherein said support is an inclined stretch of an
orbiting belt.
Subclass:
693
Item separating reach inclined only in direction of belt
movement:
This subclass is indented under subclass 692. Methods and
apparatus wherein said belt stretch is inclined only in the
direction of movement of the belt.
Subclass:
694
Translating support:
This subclass is indented under subclass 691. Methods and
apparatus wherein said support translates.
Subclass:
695
Items separate by traveling in different directions while
contacting same horizontal surface of moving support:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus wherein items separate by traveling in different
directions on a horizontal surface of a moving support.
Subclass:
696
Items separate by traveling in different directions while
contacting same inclined surface of static support:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus wherein items separate by traveling in different
directions on an inclined surface of a fixed support.
Subclass:
697
Helical ramp:
This subclass is indented under subclass 696. Methods and
apparatus wherein said support is helical in form.
Subclass:
698
Means movable between horizontal item-supporting position and
gravity discharge position:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus including means movable between a position wherein
it is horizontal and supports an item and a position wherein
the item is discharged therefrom by the force of gravity.
(1) Note. Included here are (1) supports that swing
downwardly to discharge an item, and (2) supports that move
horizontally away from each other so that they are removed
from supporting position under an item.
Subclass:
699
Sorting items according to susceptibility to deform (e.g.,
malleability, hardness, compressibility, etc.), rupture, or
vibrate:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus wherein items are separated according to their
susceptibilities to deform, rupture, or vibrate.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
599 for sensing means responsive to the difference in the
susceptibilities of different items to deform, rupture, or
vibrate.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
73, Measuring and Testing, subclass 12.01 for impact testing
apparatus; subclasses 67+ for vibration testing apparatus;
subclasses 78+ for hardness detecting apparatus; subclasses
87+ for ductility or brittleness testing apparatus; and
subclasses 760+ for stress or strain testing apparatus,
particularly subclasses 788+ which include deformation
testing due to a stress intentionally applied to the
specimen.
100, Presses, subclass 91 for presses not elsewhere provided
for and having additional means for removing one solid
substance from another; and subclass 99 for presses not
elsewhere classified and having a test means.
Subclass:
700
Sorting items according to roughness or adhesiveness:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus wherein items are separated according to their
roughness or adhesiveness.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, subclasses 688+ for conveyor
structure including means to enhance the adherence of a load
to the conveyor.
Subclass:
701
Item turned while traveling:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus wherein an item turns while traveling.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
538 for means which turns an item at a separating or
inspecting station to facilitate separating the item from
other items, the means not being a conveyor.
subclasses 540+ for means which turn an item to a
predetermined position as the item is traveling.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, subclasses 234+ for conveyor
structure including means for orienting articles.
221, Article Dispensing, appropriate subclasses, particularly
subclass 156 for dispensing apparatus including means for
orienting dispensed articles.
Subclass:
702
Manual sorting:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus wherein like items are separated from unlike items
directly by hand.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
614 for hand supported sorting implements, such as a rake
provided with a handgrip and used for removing nails of a
particular size from an assortment of nails.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements, subclass 64.1
for handling implements utilizing vacuum cup elements.
Subclass:
703
Item supported on table or chute:
This subclass is indented under subclass 702. Methods and
apparatus wherein items are supported on a table or chute to
facilitate their separation.
Subclass:
704
Rotated about vertical axis:
This subclass is indented under subclass 703. Methods and
apparatus wherein said table or chute rotates about a
vertical axis.
(1) Note. Included here are rigid, rotatable platforms,
usually annular or disk shaped.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
705 for an orbiting belt-type carrier the article supporting
surface of which is disposed in a horizontal plane, articles
supported on the carrier being manually sorted by workers
positioned beside the carrier.
Subclass:
705
Item supported on orbiting or rotating carrier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 702. Methods and
apparatus wherein items are supported on an orbiting or
rotating carrier to facilitate their separation.
Subclass:
706
Specific compartment of receptacle brought into alignment
with feed means by operator:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus including a receptacle having compartments which
can be brought, under the control of an operator, into
alignment with an item feeding means to thereby place
different items in different compartments.
Subclass:
707
Items separated by tipping, rolling, or sliding off support
under force of gravity:
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Methods and
apparatus wherein certain items on a support are separated
from other items by tipping, rolling, or sliding off the
support under the force of gravity.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 651+ for means for pushing an item off a
conveyor to separate it from an item left on the conveyor.
Subclass:
710
Plural individual interconnected separation means having
swirling currents:
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Methods and
apparatus including multiple, discrete rotary stream creating
separating phases to either (1) treat the total entrained or
suspended material sequentially, (2) treat multiple fractions
of the entrained or suspended material simultaneously, or (3)
treat the entrained or suspended material by a combination of
sequential and simultaneous operations, to promote deposition
of entrained or suspended material from the gaseous
suspension due to resultant centrifugal or centripetal
forces.
(1) Note. Included in this subclass and those indented
hereunder as a discrete separating phase is the feature of
filtering a resultant gaseous suspension from a prior
discrete separating phase to extract the entrained or
suspended material therefrom and provide substantially
purified gas for either release to the environs or for
reuse.
(2) Note. The preceding subclasses which involve gaseous
suspension and deposition should be searched for the
separation of entrained or suspended material subjected to a
suspending and classifying action of an impinging gaseous
current or a combination therewith.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12.1 for combinations of diverse types of separating
operations including gaseous suspension separation.
subclasses 725+ for analogous subject matter for liquid
suspension separation. See (1) Note in Class 209 subclass
155.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, appropriate subclasses, for the complete
removal of entrained or suspended material without separation
into a plurality of grades or classes; especially, subclass
317 for a serial arrangement of plural gas separators
including one separator having a rotating member; subclasses
342+ for combinations of distinct gas separators provided
with individual inlets and outlets; and subclasses 401+ for
arrangements of plural gas separator devices each having
rotating members.
95, Gas Separation: Processes, appropriate subclasses, for
methods involving the complete removal of entrained or
suspended material without separation into a plurality of
grades or classes; especially, subclasses 267+ for gas
separation processes involving deflection to create a
swirling motion.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, appropriate
subclasses, for analogous subject matter involving
indiscriminate solids removal from liquid suspension. See (3)
Note in Class 209 subclass 132 and (1) Note in Class 209
subclass 155.
406, Conveyors: Fluid Current, appropriate subclasses, for
delivering entrained or suspended material from a gaseous
current conveyor.
Subclass:
711
Fluidically induced, oppositely directed axial flows only
(e.g., multiple cyclone arrangements, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 710. Methods and
apparatus wherein, in each of the separating phases, coaxial,
counter traveling spiraling streams are established to effect
separation of entrained or suspended material from the
gaseous suspension into overflow and underflow fractions due
to resultant centrifugal or centripetal forces.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
728 for analogous subject matter for liquid suspension
separation. See (1) Note in Class 209 subclass 155.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, subclasses 338+ for a continuous gas
flow path with a recirculation of the separated gas to the
inlet of the system; and subclasses 346+ for plural parallely
connected gas separators each employing a rotary current. See
(3) Note in Class 209 subclass 132.
95, Gas Separation: Processes, subclasses 267+ for method
of separation or purification of a gaseous suspension
employing centrifugal or centripetal forces
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclass 512.2 for
plural cyclonic devices for indiscriminately removing solids
from a liquid suspension; and subclasses 787+ for a cyclonic
process of liquid-solid separation. See (3) Note in Class 209
subclass 132.
406, Conveyors: Fluid Current, subclass 173 for a cyclone
separator employed as a fluid conveyor outlet means.
Subclass:
712
Serial arrangement:
This subclass is indented under subclass 711. Methods and
apparatus wherein a separated fraction from an upstream
separating phase becomes an input of a subsequent separating
phase.
(1) Note. The separated fraction is not restricted to an
axially discharged fraction.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
729 for analogous subject matter for liquid suspension
separation. See (1) Note in Class 209 subclass 155.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, appropriate subclasses, for
indiscriminate removal of entrained or suspended material;
particularly, subclasses 338+ for a continuous gas flow
path with a recirculation of the separated gas to either (1)
the inlet of the system or (2) to an inlet of one of the
discrete separator devices in the serial arrangement; and
subclass 345 for plural sequentially connected gas separators
each employing a rotary current. See (3) Note in Class 209
subclass 132.
Subclass:
713
Mechanically induced swirling:
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Methods and
apparatus wherein a movable member creates a rotary stream to
promote deposition of entrained or suspended material from
the gaseous suspension due to resultant centrifugal or
centripetal forces.
(1) Note. The preceding subclasses which involve gaseous
suspension and deposition should be searched for the
separation of entrained or suspended material subjected to a
suspending and classifying action of an impinging gaseous
current or a combination therewith.
(2) Note. A fan, impeller or pump for the sole purpose of
creating the material entrained or suspended current and not
for effecting deflection to create the rotary stream is not
proper for classification in this or the subclass indented
hereunder. Such mechanical element, external to the
separating means, is classifiable with the fluidically
induced separation means of subclasses 711+ when employed in
combination with a plurality of interconnected separation
means or in an appropriate subclass subsequent hereto.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
710 for a combination of plural rotary stream creating
separating phases including a separating phase having a
movable member.
subclasses 711+ see (2) note supra.
subclasses 715+ see (2) note supra.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, appropriate subclasses for indiscriminate
removal of entrained or suspended material; particularly,
subclasses 400+ for a gas separation device including a
movable means for assisting in removal of a constituent of a
gaseous material flow; and subclasses 437+ for a gas
separation device including means for effecting the gas flow.
See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass 132.
95, Gas Separation: Processes, subclass 270 for a gas
separation process involving mechanical deflection to create
a swirling motion. See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass 132.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclasses 787+ for
processes and subclass 512.3 for apparatus for indiscriminate
removal of entrained or suspended material from a liquid
suspension analogous hereto.
Subclass:
714
Eduction rotor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 713. Methods and
apparatus wherein the movable member provides an egress path
for a separated fraction.
(1) Note. The movable member is usually coaxial to the
rotary stream created but is not limited thereto. So-called
"air-sifters", not employing an impinging gaseous current,
are classified here because the movable member provides an
egress path for a separated fraction. See subclasses 134+ for
"air-sifters" having a horizontally directed impinging
current and subclasses 138+ for "air-sifters" having a
vertically directed impinging current.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 134+ see (1) Note supra.
subclasses 138+ see (1) Note supra.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, subclasses 406+ for a gas separation
device including a movable means for assisting in the
separation and removal of a separated constituent of a
gaseous material flow. See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass
132.
95, Gas Separation: Processes, subclass 270 for a gas
separation process involving mechanical deflection to create
a swirling motion. See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass 132.
Subclass:
715
Fluidically induced, oppositely directed axial flows (e.g.,
reverse free-vortexes formed, cyclone, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Methods and
apparatus wherein coaxial, counter traveling spiraling
streams are generated solely due to the configuration of the
flow path to effect separation of entrained or suspended
material from the gaseous suspension into overflow and
underflow fractions due to resultant centrifugal or
centripetal forces.
(1) Note. The preceding subclasses which involve gaseous
suspension and deposition should be searched for the
separation of entrained or suspended material subjected to a
suspending and classifying action of an impinging gaseous
current or a combination therewith.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12.1 for combinations of diverse types of separating
operations including gaseous suspension separation
classifiable in this subclass or those indented hereunder.
subclasses 711+ for plural, individual and distinct,
interconnected fluidically generated counter-current flow
separator devices.
subclasses 727+ for analogous subject matter for liquid
suspension separation. See (1) Note in Class 209 subclass
155.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, appropriate subclasses, for
indiscriminate removal of entrained or suspended material;
particularly, subclasses 447+ for a gas separation device
involving deflection of the gas flow by a static member to
effect a separation. See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass 132.
95, Gas Separation: Processes, subclasses 267+ for a gas
separation process involving deflection to create a swirling
motion. See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass 132.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclass 512.1 for a
cyclonic device for indiscriminate solids removal from a
liquid suspension; and subclasses 787+ for a cyclonic process
of liquid-solid separation. See (3) Note in Class 209
subclass 132.
Subclass:
716
Including auxiliary fluid:
This subclass is indented under subclass 715. Methods and
apparatus provided with a secondary fluid to facilitate the
deposition of a selective fraction.
(1) Note. The secondary fluid may be either gaseous or
liquid.
(2) Note. The secondary fluid must be provided to enable or
enhance the separation rather than operate as an input
carrier fluid or as an output conveyance fluid.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 730+ for analogous subject matter for liquid
suspension separation. See (1) Note in Class 209 subclass
155.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
96, Gas Separation: Apparatus, subclasses 243+ for gas
separation apparatus having gas and liquid contact means and
subclasses 372+ for gas separation apparatus including inlet
means for diverse gas or solid for gas treatment. See (3)
Note in Class 209, subclass 132.
Subclass:
717
Including inlet characteristic (e.g., helix, spiral, volute,
etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 715. Methods and
apparatus provided with a passage formation for directing the
gaseous suspension to enter the separation device.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
734 for analogous subject matter for liquid suspension
separation. See (1) Note in Class 209 subclass 155.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
95, Gas Separation: Processes, subclasses 267+ for a gas
separation process involving deflection. See (3) Note in
Class 209 subclass 132.
96, Gas Separation: Apparatus, appropriate subclasses, for
gas separation apparatus for indiscriminate removal of
entrained or suspended material in gaseous suspension. See
(3) Note in Class 209, subclass 132.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, appropriate
subclasses, for analogous subject matter for indiscriminate
liquid-solid separation. See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass
132.
Subclass:
718
Guide vane:
This subclass is indented under subclass 717. Methods and
apparatus provided with a baffle member for directing the
gaseous suspension to enter the separation device.
(1) Note. The baffle member usually imparts spiraling
motion to the suspension.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
734 for analogous subject matter for liquid suspension
separation. See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass 132.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, subclass 456 for a gas separator device
including a helical vane or baffle for deflecting a gas flow.
See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass 132.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, appropriate
subclasses, for analogous subject matter for liquid-solid
separation. See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass 132.
Subclass:
719
Tangential:
This subclass is indented under subclass 717. Methods and
apparatus provided with a connection tangent to the
separation device for directing the gaseous suspension into
the separation device.
(1) Note. A nominal recitation of tangential infeed is
sufficient for classification in this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
734 for analogous subject matter involving liquid
suspension. See (1) Note in Class 209 subclass 155.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, subclass 459.1 for a gas separation
device including a tangential inlet.
95, Gas Separation: Processes, subclass 271 for a gas
separation method including tangential gas inflow.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclass 788 for
processes and subclasses 512.1+ for apparatus for
indiscriminate liquid-solid separation including tangential
introduction. See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass 132 and (1)
Note in Class 209 subclass 155.
Subclass:
720
Including specific underflow outlet feature (e.g., apex
discharge, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 715. Methods and
apparatus provided with details of a passage formation for
discharge of heavier or larger constituent that is contained
in an outer spiraling stream.
(1) Note. A nominal recitation of an underflow outlet
without further particulars is not proper for classification
in this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
733 for analogous subject matter involving liquid
suspensions. See (1) Note in Class 209 subclass 155.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, subclass 435 for a gas separation device
including wear liners or surface characteristics.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, appropriate
subclasses, for analogous subject matter for liquid-solid
separation. See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass 132 and (1)
Note in Class 209 subclass 155.
Subclass:
721
Including specific overflow outlet feature (e.g., adjustable
vortex finder, shape, size, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 715. Methods and
apparatus provided with details of a passage formation for
discharge of lighter or smaller constituent that is contained
in an inner spiraling stream.
(1) Note. A nominal recitation of an overflow outlet or a
vortex finder, per se, is not sufficient for proper
classification in this subclass. However, a nominal
recitation of an attribute of such overflow outlet or vortex
finder is proper for classification in this subclass; e.g., a
named "vortex finder" is not proper for classification in
this subclass whereas a named "adjustable vortex finder" is
properly classified in this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
732 for analogous subject matter involving liquid
suspension. See (1) Note in Class 209 subclass 155.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, appropriate subclass under subclasses
434+ for a gas separation device including outlet passage
formations for purified gas. See (3) Note in Class 209
subclass 132.
95, Gas Separation: Processes, subclasses 267+ for gas
separation methods involving deflection. See (3) Note in
Class 209 subclass 132
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclass 788 for
processes and subclasses 512.1+ for apparatus for
indiscriminate liquid-solid separation. See (3) Note in Class
209 subclass 132 and (1) Note in Class 209 subclass 155.
Subclass:
722
Fluidically induced unidirectional swirling (e.g., axial or
radial or tangential separation, free-vortex, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Methods and
apparatus wherein a rotary stream is generated solely due to
the configuration of the flow path for movement in a
continuous direction along or about the rotational axis from
an inlet toward an outlet to promote deposition of entrained
or suspended material due to resultant centrifugal or
centripetal forces.
(1) Note. The preceding subclasses which involve gaseous
suspension and deposition should be searched for the
separation of entrained or suspended material subjected to a
suspending and classifying action of an impinging gaseous
current or a combination therewith.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12.1 for combinations of diverse types of separating
operations including gaseous suspension separation.
710 for plural, individual and distinct, fluidically induced
unidirectional swirling separating means or a combination
including other rotary stream gaseous suspension separating
means.
725 for analogous subject matter involving liquid suspension
separation. See (1) Note in Class 209 subclass 155.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, subclasses 434+ for a gas separation
device involving deflection of the gas flow to effect a
separation. See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass 132 and (1)
Note in Class 209 subclass 155.
95, Gas Separation: Processes, subclasses 267+ for a gas
separation process involving deflection to create a swirling
motion. See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass 132 and (1) Note
in Class 209 subclass 155.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, appropriate
subclasses, for analogous subject matter for liquid-solid
separation. See (3) Note under Class 209 subclass 132 and
(1) Note in Class 209 subclass 155.
Subclass:
723
Plural extractions at diverse locations along flow path:
This subclass is indented under subclass 722. Methods and
apparatus wherein multiple fractions are withdrawn during the
course of travel at discrete positions.
(1) Note. The multiple fractions merely requires withdrawal
at different positions rather than being distinct grades or
classes separately collected.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
710 for plural, individual and distinct, interconnected
fluidically induced unidirectional swirling separating
means.
725 for analogous subject matter involving liquid suspension
separation. See (1) Note in Class 209 subclass 155.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, subclass 452 for a gas separator device
wherein a plurality of egress openings are provided in a
whirl chamber. See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass 132.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, appropriate
subclasses, for analogous subject matter for liquid-solid
separation. See (3) Note in subclass 132 and (1) Note in
Class 209 subclass 155.
Subclass:
724
Including circularly flowing liquid separation agent:
This subclass is indented under subclass 208. Methods and
apparatus wherein material, as particulate, pulp, slurry or
suspension, is delivered to a liquid assorting medium as
either (1) a volumetric mass having a rotary movement or (2)
as a swirling current to promote deposition due to resultant
centrifugal or centripetal forces.
(1) Note. The liquid assorting medium is usually water or
an aqueous suspension.
(2) Note. The moving liquid assorting medium is essential
to the generation of centrifugal or centripetal forces, not
merely additive or supplemental to any such forces generated
by the material movement itself. Accordingly, the liquid
assorting medium and the material must intersect, rather than
travel coincidentally.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12.1 for combinations of diverse types of separating
operations including liquid suspension separating operations;
particularly subclasses 13, 16, 17, and 18.
subclasses 133+ for material acted upon by a gaseous
assorting medium.
subclasses 155+ for material acted upon by a linearly
directed current of liquid assorting medium.
subclasses 172+ wherein material is delivered to a static
volumetric mass of liquid assorting medium for gravitational
separation relative to the specific gravity of the liquid
assorting medium (i.e., sink-float separation).
subclasses 725+ particularly subclasses 730+ for
centrifugal or centripetal force grading deposition of a
liquid suspension including the use of additive or
supplemental liquid which travels coincidentally with the
liquid suspension. See (2) Note supra.
Subclass:
725
Rotational hydrodynamic extraction (e.g., unidirectional
hydrocyclone, vortical, whirlpool, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 208. Methods and
apparatus wherein a liquid suspension of material is caused
to circulate about an axis creating sufficient centrifugal or
centripetal forces to promote deposition of entrained or
suspended material into respective grades or classes of
solids.
(1) Note. Gravitational sedimentation from a circularly
moving liquid suspension of material is included herein.
(2) Note. See (1) Note in Class 209 subclass 155.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12.1 for a combination of diverse types of separating
operations including a liquid suspension separating
operation.
208 for gravitational sedimentation from a linearly flowing
liquid suspension of material.
210 wherein a mechanical deflector promotes the circulation
of the liquid suspension.
subclasses 422+ for methods and apparatus wherein one or
more materials of liquid suspension of materials settles as a
layer or layers. See (2) Note in Class 209 subclass 132.
subclasses 710+ for analogous subject matter involving
gaseous suspension separations including plural, individual
and distinct, interconnected separating means. See (1) Note
in Class 209 subclass 155.
722 for analogous subject matter involving gaseous
suspension separation. See (1) Note in Class 209 subclass
155.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
95, Gas Separation: Processes, subclasses 267+, for
analogous methods for indiscriminate removal of solids from
gaseous suspension. See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass 132.
96, Gas Separation: Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for
analogous subject matter for indiscriminate removal of solids
from gaseous suspension. See (3) Note in Class 209, subclass
132.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclasses 787+ for
processes and subclasses 512.1+ for apparatus employing
cyclonic or centrifugal force effects for indiscriminately
removing solids from a liquid suspension. See (3) Note in
Class 209 subclass 132.
494, Imperforate Bowl: Centrifugal Separators, appropriate
subclasses wherein centrifugal force is generated by rapid
rotation of a vessel containing liquid suspension.
Subclass:
726
Including condition responsive control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 725. Methods and
apparatus wherein an operational parameter or status is
sensed and a reactionary procedure is executed.
(1) Note. The sensing and reactionary procedure features
may be performed by a unitary device (e.g., check valve,
etc.) or by distinct interconnected devices (e.g., pressure
detector actuating a valve controller, etc.).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1 for a specifically provided, readily distinguishable body
undergoing the separating operation used to indicate
separating operation efficiency (e.g., coded tracers, tags,
etc.).
12.1 for combinations of diverse types of separating
operations including liquid suspension separating,
particularly subclasses 44.1+.
548 for halting operation of a separating operation as a
result of sensing an abnormal or improper operational
parameter or status. See (7) note of the class definition and
subclass 509 definition including the notes appended thereto
for the statement of classification control.
549 for actuation of a signal lamp or alarm in response to
sensing an improper operational parameter or status. See (7)
note of the class definition and subclass 509 definition
including the notes appended thereto for the statement of
classification control.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
95, Gas Separation: Processes, subclasses 1+ for analogous
methods for indiscriminate removal of solids from gaseous
suspension including condition responsive control. See (3)
Note in Class 209 subclass 132.
96, Gas Separation: Apparatus, subclasses 397+ for gas
separation apparatus having automatic control means for gas
or nongaseous constituent discharge. See (3) Note in Class
209, subclass 132.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclasses 739+ for
processes of indiscriminate removal of solids from a liquid
suspension including condition responsive control. See (3)
Note in Class 209 subclass 132.
Subclass:
727
Including oppositely directed axial flows around evacuated
core (e.g., hydrocyclone having reverse free-vortexes formed,
etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 725. Methods and
apparatus wherein the liquid suspension of material
circulation creates coaxial, counter traveling spiral
currents about a reduced pressure or vacuum central region.
(1) Note. A named hydrocyclone exhibiting the required
coaxial, counter traveling spiral currents is appropriate for
classification in this subclass.
(2) Note. A named hydrocyclone producing only a single
vortex is classified in subclass 725.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
715 for analogous subject matter involving a gaseous
suspension of material. See (1) Note in Class 209 subclass
155.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, subclasses 434+ for apparatus for
analogous subject matter for the indiscriminate removal of
solids from a gaseous suspension. See (3) Note in Class 209
subclass 132.
95, Gas Separation: Processes, appropriate subclasses, for
analogous methods for indiscriminate removal of solids from
gaseous suspension. See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass
132.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclasses 787+ for
processes and subclasses 512.1+ for apparatus employing
cyclonic or centrifugal force effects for indiscriminately
removing solids from a liquid suspension. See (3) Note in
Class 209 subclass 132.
Subclass:
728
Plural individual interconnected, oppositely directed axial
flow producing separation phases (e.g., system arrangements,
multiple hydrocyclones, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 727. Methods and
apparatus employing multiple, discrete separating means
associated in an operative configuration wherein each
separating means produces coaxial, counter traveling spiral
currents about a reduced pressure or vacuum central region.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
710 for analogous subject matter involving gaseous
suspension separation. See (1) Note in Class 209 subclass
155.
727 for combinations of hydrodynamic extraction separation
and a hydrocyclone separator.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, subclasses 346+ for plural parallely
connected gas separators for indiscriminate solids removal
from a gaseous suspension. See (3) Note Class 209 subclass
132.
95, Gas Separation: Processes, appropriate subclasses, for
analogous methods for indiscriminate removal of solids from
gaseous suspension. See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass 132.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclasses 787+ for
processes and subclasses 512.1+ for apparatus employing
cyclonic or centrifugal force effects for indiscriminately
removing solids from a liquid suspension. See (3) Note in
Class 209 subclass 132.
Subclass:
729
Serially connected:
This subclass is indented under subclass 728. Methods and
apparatus wherein the total liquid suspension is treated
sequentially through the multiple separating means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
712 for an analogous configuration employed for separating a
gaseous suspension. See (1) Note in Class 209 subclass 155.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, appropriate subclasses for analogous
subject matter involving indiscriminate removal of entrained
or suspended material from a gaseous suspension;
particularly, subclasses 338+ for a continuous gas flow
path with a recirculation of the separated gas to either (1)
the inlet of the system or (2) to an inlet of one of the
discrete separator devices in the serial arrangement; and
subclass 345 for plural sequentially connected gas separators
each employing a rotary current. See (3) Note in Class 209
subclass 132.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclasses 787+ for
processes and subclass 512.2 for apparatus employing plural
cyclonic or centrifugal force effects for indiscriminately
removing solids from a liquid suspension. See (3) Note Class
209 in subclass 132.
Subclass:
730
Including auxiliary fluid (e.g., air or gas core, dilution
water, elutriation liquid, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 727. Methods and
apparatus provided with a secondary fluid to facilitate the
deposition of a select fraction of the liquid suspension.
(1) Note. The secondary fluid may be either gaseous or
liquid.
(2) Note. The secondary fluid must be provided to enable or
enhance the hydrodynamic extraction rather than merely
operate as an input carrier fluid or as an output conveyance
fluid.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
716 for analogous subject matter for gaseous suspension
separation. See (1) Note in Class 209 subclass 155.
724 for grading deposition of a liquid suspension employing
a circularly flowing liquid separation agent. See (2) note
thereunder.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
96, Gas Separation: Apparatus, subclasses 243+ for gas
separation apparatus having gas and liquid contact means and
subclasses 372+ for gas separation apparatus including inlet
means for diverse gas or solid for gas treatment.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclasses 787+ for
process and subclasses 512.1+ for apparatus employing
cyclonic or centrifugal force effects for indiscriminately
removing solids from a liquid suspension. See (3) Note in
Class 209 subclass 132.
Subclass:
731
Adjacent or subsequent to underflow discharge (e.g., dilution
water, elutriation liquid, sedimentation chamber, sump,
etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 730. Methods and
apparatus wherein the secondary fluid acts upon heavier or
larger material carried in an outer spiraling current.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
733 for particular underflow discharge features without the
introduction of secondary fluid. See (2) Note therein.
Subclass:
732
Including specific overflow discharge feature (e.g.,
adjustable vortex finder, shape, size, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 727. Methods and
apparatus having details of the passage formation for egress
of lighter or smaller material carried in an inner spiraling
current.
(1) Note. A mere recitation of an overflow discharge
without further attribute is not proper for classification in
this subclass. However, the mere naming of a further
attribute is sufficient to attain classification in this
subclass; e.g., a named "vortex finder" is not proper for
classification in this subclass whereas a named "adjustable
vortex finder" is properly classified in this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
721 for analogous subject matter involving gaseous
suspension separation. See (1) Note in Class 209 subclass
155.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, appropriate subclasses, for analogous
subject matter for indiscriminate removal of solids from a
gaseous suspension. See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass
132.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, appropriate
subclasses, for indiscriminate removal of solids from a
liquid suspension. See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass 132.
Subclass:
733
Including specific underflow discharge feature (e.g., apex
construction, secondary vortex chamber, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 727. Methods and
apparatus having details of the passage formation for the
egress of heavier or larger material carried in an outer
spiraling current.
(1) Note. A mere recitation of an underflow discharge
without any further attribute is not proper for
classification in this subclass.
(2) Note. The inclusion of secondary fluid acting upon the
underflow discharge is not proper for classification in this
subclass but rather belongs in subclass 731.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
731 see (2) Note above.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
55, Gas Separation, appropriate subclasses, for analogous
subject matter for indiscriminate removal of solids from a
gaseous suspension. See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass 132.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, appropriate
subclasses, for indiscriminate removal of solids from a
liquid suspension. See (3) Note in Class 209 subclass 132.
Subclass:
734
Including specific inlet feature (e.g., shape, size, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 727. Methods and
apparatus having details of a passage formation for
delivering the liquid suspension.
(1) Note. The mere recitation of a particular infeed
feature, such as a "tangential", without further attribute is
not proper for classification in this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 717+ for analogous subject matter involving
gaseous suspension separation. See (1) Note in Class 209
subclass 155.
724 for passage formation details when delivering material,
as particulate, pulp, slurry or suspension, to a circularly
flowing liquid separation agent.
725 for passage formation details when feeding the liquid
suspension in a manner to create a swirling current without
the creation of coaxial, counter traveling spiral currents.
subclasses 730+ for secondary fluid passage formation
details.
CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS
Subclass:
900
SORTING FLAT-TYPE MAIL:
Methods and apparatus for sorting flat mail such as letter
envelopes.
Subclass:
901
FROTH FLOTATION; COPPER:
Froth flotation methods of separating copper from an ore.
Subclass:
902
FROTH FLOTATION; PHOSPHATE:
Froth flotation methods of separating phosphate from an ore.
Subclass:
903
FEEDER CONVEYOR HAVING OPPOSED GRIPPERS:
Feed conveyors which hold articles by clamping them between
opposed gripping elements thereon.
Subclass:
904
FEEDER CONVEYOR HOLDING ITEM BY MAGNETIC ATTRACTION:
Feeder conveyors which hold articles by magnetic attraction.
Subclass:
905
FEEDER CONVEYOR HOLDING ITEM BY SUCTION:
Feed conveyors which hold articles by suction.
Subclass:
906
PNEUMATIC OR LIQUID STREAM FEEDING ITEM:
Means for feeding an item by use of gaseous or liquid
streams.
Subclass:
907
MAGNETIC FEEDER:
Means employing magnetic force to feed an article.
Subclass:
908
ITEM FED BY FREE FALL:
Feeding of articles by permitting them to drop freely through
space.
Subclass:
909
ITEM HOLDING FEED MAGAZINE INSERTABLE IN SORTING APPARATUS:
Sorting apparatus with a magazine removably attachable
thereto for feeding articles.
Subclass:
910
FEED HOPPER:
Apparatus having a hopper for feeding articles.
Subclass:
911
FEED MEANS SUPPORTING OR GUIDING ITEM MOVING UNDER INFLUENCE
OF GRAVITY:
Chutes and other gravity-type conveyors for feeding articles
under the force of gravity.
Subclass:
912
ENDLESS FEED CONVEYOR WITH MEANS FOR HOLDING EACH ITEM
INDIVIDUALLY:
Loop-type feed conveyors on which articles are held in
separate relation.
Subclass:
913
SCREW FEED CONVEYOR:
Feed conveyors of helical form.
Subclass:
914
DIVERSE SEQUENTIAL FEEDING STEPS:
Apparatus in which different types of article feeding
operations are employed in succession.
Subclass:
915
CENTRIFUGAL FEEDER:
Means employing centrifugal force to feed an article.
Subclass:
916
RECIPROCATING PUSHER FEEDING ARTICLE:
Feed conveyors which reciprocate and push the conveyed
articles along separate support means.
Subclass:
917
ENDLESS BELT PUSHER FEEDING ITEM:
Feed conveyors in the form of endless belts which push the
conveyed articles, either by direct contact of the belts with
the articles or through separate pushing elements attached
thereto.
Subclass:
918
SWINGING OR ROTATING PUSHER FEEDING ITEM:
Feed conveyors which pivot or rotate and push the conveyed
articles along separate support means.
Subclass:
919
ROTARY FEED CONVEYOR:
Feed conveyors in the form of rotatable supports such as
disks.
Subclass:
920
VIBRATORY FEED CONVEYOR:
Feed conveyors which vibrate.
Subclass:
921
RECIPROCATING OR OSCILLATING FEED CONVEYOR:
Feed conveyors which move back and forth, either by
reciprocating or swinging.
Subclass:
922
MISCELLANEOUS FEED CONVEYORS:
Feed conveyors not includible in other cross-reference
collections of this class.
Subclass:
923
FEED TROUGH INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE ENDLESS CONVEYOR:
Feed means including a channel in which at least one endless
conveyor is operated.
Subclass:
924
GRAVITY CONVEYOR MOVING ITEM FROM SEPARATING STATION:
Apparatus in which a gravity conveyor moves articles away
from a point where they have been separated from other
articles.
Subclass:
925
DRIVEN OR FLUID CONVEYOR MOVING ITEM FROM SEPARATING
STATION:
Apparatus in which a driven conveyor or fluid stream moves
articles away from a point where they have been separated
from other articles.
Subclass:
926
SILVERWARE SORTER:
Apparatus for sorting knives, forks, and spoons used in
dining.
Subclass:
927
COP SORTER:
Apparatus for sorting cops used in textile manufacture.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
470, Threaded, Headed Fastener, or Washer Making: Process
and Apparatus, subclasses 164+ for the combination of
sorting means with machines for feeding screw, nut, nail
blanks or stock to machines for making articles of Class 470
within the sorting involves separating finished article from
imperfect work or chips.
Subclass:
928
CONTAINER CLOSURE SORTER:
Apparatus for sorting closures which seal containers, e.g.,
bottle caps.
Subclass:
929
FASTENER SORTER:
Apparatus for sorting fasteners such as nails, pins, screws,
etc.
Subclass:
930
MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE SORTING:
Apparatus for sorting trash, e.g., separating metal or glass
containers from waste paper.
Subclass:
931
MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION:
Sorting apparatus having a component formed of a particular
material to enhance its operational efficiency.
Subclass:
932
FLUID APPLIED TO ITEMS:
Apparatus in which a fluid, such as water or air, is
contacted with items being sorted.
Subclass:
933
ACCUMULATOR RECEIVING SEPARATED ITEMS:
Sorting apparatus having means for accumulating in a
particular place items separated from other items.
Subclass:
934
MOVING ITEMS TO SORTING MEANS IN SPACED RELATION LENGTHWISE
OF FEED PATH:
Means for feeding items to a sorting apparatus so that they
arrive at a sorting means one after another with a space
therebetween along the feed path.
Subclass:
935
AMBULANT:
Sorting apparatus having wheels or other means which enables
it to be moved readily to different places.
Subclass:
936
PLURAL ITEMS TESTED AS GROUP:
Apparatus in which a plurality of items are simultaneous
tested for some characteristic used as a basis for sorting.
Subclass:
937
LAUNDRY SORTING:
Apparatus for sorting laundry.
Subclass:
938
ILLUMINATING MEANS FACILITATING VISUAL INSPECTION:
Means for directing light onto items so that they can be more
readily inspected for sorting.
Subclass:
939
VIDEO SCANNING:
Sorting apparatus in which a television system transmits a
view of items to a person such as an operator.
Subclass:
940
NONCONDITION RESPONSIVE SORTING BY CONTOUR:
Apparatus which sorts items into different groups in
accordance with the shape thereof, without utilizing a
condition responsive type sensor which controls a separating
means.
Subclass:
941
ITEM CARRYING BRIDGE RAISABLE TO EXPOSE DISCHARGE OPENING:
Item separating means comprising a bridge movable between a
first position wherein items travel thereover and a second
raised position wherein a discharge opening is uncovered to
receive items.
Subclass:
942
OPERATOR SELECTS DESTINATION OF ITEM:
Sorting apparatus in which an item is directed to different
destinations under the control of an operator.
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