U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Information Products Division |
U.S. Patent Classification System - Classification Definitions
as of June 30, 2000
Patents classified in a subclass may be accessed by either clicking on
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Classification Index
Explanation of Data web page.
(definitions have been obtained from the
Patents ASSIST CD-ROM which
is produced by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Electronic Products Branch)
Class 261
GAS AND LIQUID CONTACT APPARATUS
Class Definition:
Apparatus specially adapted to produce an intimate contact
between gases and liquids to exchange properties or mutually
modify conditions.
(1) Note. This class includes devices generally known as
air and gas washers, air-moisteners, carbonators,
carburetors, jet-condensers, coolers, heaters, and the like,
operating by direct contact of the two fluids.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
Processes for gas separation by contacting a gaseous fluid
mixture with a liquid and processes of degasifying a liquid
by stripping with a gas are classified elsewhere, even if gas
and liquid contact apparatus is also claimed, which
apparatus, if claimed alone, would be classifiable in Class
261. See References to Other Classes, below.
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
43, Fishing, Trapping, and Vermin Destroying, for aerators
permanently associated with minnow buckets or in combination
with significant minnow bucket structure.
62, Refrigeration, subclass 121 for processes specialized to
cooling a material involving gas-liquid contact, and
subclasses 304+ for apparatus specialized to cooling a
material out of contact with the fluids undergoing gas and
liquid contact.
95, Gas Separation: Processes, see Lines With Other Classes.
Processes for gas separation by contacting a gaseous fluid
mixture with a liquid and processes of degasifying a liquid
by stripping with a gas are classified elsewhere. in Class
95, Gas Separation: Processes, subclasses 149+ and 241+,
respectively, even though gas and liquid contact apparatus is
also claimed, which apparatus, if claimed alone, would be
classifiable in Class 261.
96, Gas Separation: Apparatus, for apparatus used in
separation of a gas from a fluid mixture comprising (i) a gas
and solid or liquid particles entrained therein, (ii) a
liquid and gas entrained therein, or (iii) a plurality of
gases are classified in Class 96, Gas Separation: Apparatus.
Class 261 will take apparatus for degasifying liquid (e.g.,
deaerating feed water heater, etc.) wherein the liquid is
merely contacted with a gas in a chamber or space for
deaeration thereof; for apparatus wherein a gaseous fluid
mixture is contacted with a liquid spray, sheet, stream, or
bath to precipitate dust or to sorb a constituent from the
gaseous fluid mixture; for apparatus comprising a
nonabsorbent element on which a gaseous fluid mixture is
contacted with a liquid if the element is continuously
supplied with a liquid or is continuously moved into and out
of a liquid bath or supply; and for apparatus comprising an
absorbent porous sheet or mass on which a gaseous fluid
mixture is contacted with a liquid if the sheet or mass is:
(a) continuously supplied with liquid,(b) cyclically or
periodically moved through a liquid reservoir,(c) maintained
wet by liquid applying means, or(d) moistened by maintaining
some part of a continuous wick type member immersed in
liquid, by following the law of the machine, or during normal
operation of a gas contacting function.
Note that under the provisions of (a) and (b) there must be
no affirmative means to dry the sheet or mass, nor means to
assure a dry condition of the sheet or mass before gas flow
is resumed or the sheet or mass is returned to the gas
contacting position.If apparatus for degasifying liquid by
contact with a gas has other means to cause gas separation of
the liquid with gas entrained therein, of the separated gas,
or of the separated liquid, then the apparatus is classified
in Class 96. If apparatus in which a gaseous fluid mixture
is contacted with a liquid to precipitate dust or to sorb a
constituent from the gaseous fluid mixture has other means to
cause gas separation or has means to treat the contact
liquid, then the apparatus is classified in Class 96.
(1) Note. Apparatus for separating ammonia
(NH[subscrpt]3[end subscrpt]) or acid anhydrides
(CO[subscrpt]2[end subscrpt], SO[subscrpt]2[end subscrpt],
etc.) from a gas by mere contact with a liquid is classified
in Class 261.
110, Furnaces, for gas and liquid contact apparatus in
combination with significant furnace structure; particularly
subclass 124, 127 and 128.
122, Liquid Heaters and Vaporizers, subclass 459, 479.1 and
487 for processes of desuperheating steam by gas and liquid
contact with or without claimed contact apparatus which, per
se, is classifiable in Class 261.
202, Distillation: Apparatus, subclasses 182+ for
distilling apparatus combined with apparatus for absorbing a
gas in a liquid.
222, Dispensing, particularly subclasses 394+, for apparatus
which, in some cases, is disclosed as gas and liquid contact
apparatus but claims dispensing structure to the exclusion of
any arrangement to assist a contact operation. For a
statement of the line, see Lines With Other Classes, Gas or
Vapor Dispensers, of the class definition of Class 222.
239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, subclasses
34+ for liquid saturated absorbent masses for slowly
diffusing the liquid into a gas atmosphere, and see the class
definition of Class 239, Lines With Other Classes and Within
This Class, Slow Diffusers, for a statement of the lines
between Classes 55, 239, and 261.
399, Electrophotography, subclass 250 for liquid carrier
condensation of liquid developer material within an
electrophotos:graphic device.
435, Chemistry: Molecular Biology and Microbiology,
appropriate subclasses for processes of contacting gases with
liquids in operations that include fermentations or for
apparatus for use in such processes.
SUBCLASSES
Subclass:
1
Contact apparatus not specifically provided for below.
Subclass:
2
Including means for separating liquids or solids from the
contact liquid.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, appropriate
subclasses, for means of general utility for separating
liquids from solids, particularly subclass 198.1, for means
to add treating material.
Subclass:
3
The liquid-separating means interposed in a circuit between
the liquid-outlet and the liquid-inlet.
Subclass:
4
The liquid-separating means operating on incoming liquids.
Subclass:
5
The separator on the outlet including a filter.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclasses 348+ for
filters of general utility.
Subclass:
6
The filter having structural relations with the contact
apparatus other than pipe connections.
Subclass:
7
The separator on the outlet comprising a decanter.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclasses 513+ for
gravitational separators of general utility.
Subclass:
8
The decanter having structural relations with the contact
apparatus other than pipe connections.
Subclass:
16
Two or more gases utilized differing from each other in some
essential quality.
Subclass:
17
At least one of the gases comprising products of combustion.
Subclass:
18.1
MULTIPLE DIVERSE LIQUIDS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus providing means for handling plural different
liquids.
Subclass:
18.2
Water added to charge:
This subclass is indented under subclass 18.1. Apparatus
having means to add water to a charge.
Subclass:
18.3
Multiple fuels:
This subclass is indented under subclass 18.1. Apparatus
providing means for handling plural liquid fuels.
Subclass:
18.4
Antidetonant:
This subclass is indented under subclass 18.1. Apparatus
having means to add an antidetonant fluid.
Subclass:
19
Gas and liquid contact apparatus comprising special
fluid-distributing means, such as pumps, valves, pipes and
receptacles.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
137, Fluid Handling, for fluid distribution and handling in
general.
Subclass:
20
A plurality of gas and liquid contact apparatuses connected
for conjoint operation.
Subclass:
21
With connections permitting gases and liquids to pass
successively from one contact apparatus to another.
Subclass:
22
With connections permitting gases only to pass successively
from one contact apparatus to another.
Subclass:
23.1
Parallel:
This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Apparatus with
connections permitting the fluids to pass through contact
apparatuses in parallel.
Subclass:
23.2
Carburetors:
This subclass is indented under subclass 23.1. Apparatus
adapted to mix fuel and air.
Subclass:
23.3
Stratified charge:
This subclass is indented under subclass 23.2. Apparatus
adapted to form both a rich mixture and a lean mixture to be
supplied to different portions of an engine cylinder.
Subclass:
23.4
Rotary engine:
This subclass is indented under subclass 23.2. Apparatus
adapted to supply fuel to different portions of a rotary
engine cylinder.
Subclass:
24
Including use of pumps.
Subclass:
25
With gas-pumps operated by energy derived from the contact
liquids.
Subclass:
26
Operation of pumps automatically controlled.
Subclass:
27
Pump on the liquid-inlet.
Subclass:
28
Including pumps for both liquids and gases.
Subclass:
29
Including a circuit between the liquid outlet and inlet.
Subclass:
30
Utilizing a pump on the gas-inlet only.
Subclass:
31
Specially adapted for churning.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
366, Agitating, subclass 164.1 for an agitator in which air
may be drawn in by a suction produced by a stirrer.
Subclass:
32
Including a rotary dasher.
Subclass:
33
Including a reciprocating dasher.
Subclass:
34.1
LIQUID:
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Apparatus
comprising a liquid pump.
Subclass:
34.2
Accelerator pump:
This subclass is indented under subclass 34.1. Apparatus
adapted to pump fuel in response to operation of accelerator
linkage.
Subclass:
34.3
With thermostatic control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 34.2. Apparatus
having means to control the quantity of liquid pumped
dependent on temperature.
Subclass:
35
Pump operated by energy derived from contact-gases.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
25
Subclass:
36.1
In circuit:
Apparatus under subclasses 34.1+ having a pathway (circuit)
between the liquid outlet and inlet.
Subclass:
36.2
Carburetor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.1. Apparatus
wherein a carburetor is provided in the circuit.
Subclass:
37
Including a pump on liquid-inlet.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
27
Subclass:
38
Including use of valves.
Subclass:
39.1
Thermostatic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Apparatus
including thermostatic control of valves.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation,
appropriate subclasses, for valve elements.
Subclass:
39.2
With carburetor expansible fluid actuating means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 39.1. Apparatus
wherein the thermostatic actuating means comprises means
(e.g., chamber) filled with an expansible fluid in a
carburetor.
Subclass:
39.3
With carburetor bimetallic actuating means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 39.1. Apparatus
wherein a carburetor thermostatic actuating means is
bimetallic.
Subclass:
39.4
Carburetor spring linkage with temperature element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 39.1. Apparatus
having spring means linkage between the thermostatic
actuating means and a carburetor valve.
Subclass:
39.5
Without carburetor choke means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 39.1. Apparatus
wherein the thermostatic actuating means controls a
carburetor valve other than, or in addition to, a choke valve
on the inlet.
Subclass:
39.6
With carburetor electrical heater:
This subclass is indented under subclass 39.1. Apparatus
involving a carburetor including electrical heating means for
supplying heat to the thermostatic actuating means.
Subclass:
40
Adapted for controlling contact apparatus including a
plurality of liquid-jets.
Subclass:
41.1
Progressive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Apparatus
wherein the jets are operated successively.
Subclass:
41.2
With parallel carbureting passages:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41.1. Apparatus with
connectors permitting fluids to pass through contact
apparatuses in parallel passages.
Subclass:
41.3
With control of plural passages:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41.2. Apparatus with
control of gas or mixture flow through at least two of the
carbureting passages (e.g., includes carburetors with linkage
connecting throttle valves in two or more barrels for
progressive operation).
Subclass:
41.4
Multiple jet manual control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41.1. Apparatus with
manual control of liquid flow through at least one of the
jets.
Subclass:
41.5
By pass opening beyond throttle:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41.1. Apparatus
wherein flow from at least one liquid jet discharges into gas
or mixture flow downstream of a gas or mixture throttle valve
(e.g., includes carburetor idle systems).
Subclass:
42
Comprising a plurality of valves controlling the fluids at
different points, such as the gas inlet and outlet, the
liquid inlet and outlet, gas and liquid by-pass, and at the
place of contact.
(1) Note. Gas and liquid contact apparatus having a
plurality of valves at one point are not included.
Subclass:
43
The two or more valves connected for simultaneous operation.
Subclass:
44.1
Contact space:
This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Apparatus
including a valve at the place of connected with gas by-pass,
gas-inlet, gas-outlet, or liquid-inlet valve.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44.2 through 44.8, for carburetor gas-liquid contact
apparatus.
Subclass:
44.2
Contact valve with hollow shaft supplying liquid:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.1. Apparatus
which includes a valve at the place of gas-liquid contact
having a hollow shaft through which the liquid is supplied.
Subclass:
44.3
Transversely reciprocating air or mixture valve:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.1. Apparatus
which includes an air or mixture valve that reciprocates
transversely to the direction of the air or mixture flow.
Subclass:
44.4
Suction operated:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.3. Apparatus
wherein the air or mixture valve is moved by suction usually
engine, e.g., variable venturi type carburetor.
Subclass:
44.5
Longitudinally movable air or mixture valve:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.1. Apparatus
having an air or mixture valve that moves in a direction
substantially parallel to the direction of mixture or air
flow.
Subclass:
44.6
Rotating air or mixture valve:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.1. Apparatus
having air or mixture valve movable in a rotatable motion.
Subclass:
44.7
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.6. Apparatus
wherein the air or mixture valve is pivoted off-center.
Subclass:
44.8
Cylinder or plug-valve type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.6. Apparatus
wherein the air or mixture valve is either of the plug valve
type or forms part of a cylinder.
Subclass:
44.9
Variable-shape passage:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.1. Apparatus
having means capable of changing the shape of the air intake
conduit.
Subclass:
45
Including a gas by-pass valve connected with gas-inlet,
gas-outlet, or liquid-inlet valve.
Subclass:
46
Including a gas by-pass connected with gas-inlet valve.
Subclass:
47
Including a gas by-pass connected with gas-outlet valve.
Subclass:
48
Including a gas by-pass connected with liquid-inlet valve.
Subclass:
49
Including a liquid-inlet valve connected with gas-inlet or
gas-outlet valve.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
48
Subclass:
50.1
With gas inlet:
This subclass is indented under subclass 49. Apparatus with
gas inlet valve means connected with the liquid inlet valve.
Subclass:
50.2
Suction operated gas inlet valve:
This subclass is indented under subclass 50.1. Apparatus
wherein the gas inlet valve is suction operated.
Subclass:
50.3
Noncarburetor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 50.1. Apparatus not
disclosed for mixing fuel and air.
Subclass:
51
Including a liquid-inlet connected with gas-outlet valve.
Subclass:
52
Including gas inlet and outlet valves.
Subclass:
53
Including a valve at the place of contact with gas by-pass,
gas-inlet, gas-outlet, or liquid-inlet valve.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44.1
Subclass:
54
Including a gas by-pass valve with gas-inlet, gas-outlet, or
liquid-inlet valve.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
45
Subclass:
55
Including a gas by-pass and gas-inlet valve.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
46
Subclass:
56
Including a gas by-pass and gas-outlet valve.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
47
Subclass:
57
Including a gas by-pass and liquid-inlet valve.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
48
Subclass:
58
Including a liquid-inlet valve and gas inlet or outlet
valves.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
49 and 57.
Subclass:
59
Including a liquid-inlet and gas-inlet valve.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
50
Subclass:
60
Including a liquid-inlet and gas-outlet valve.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
51
Subclass:
61
Including gas inlet and outlet valves.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
52
Subclass:
62
Including a valve at the place of contact.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44.1 and 53.
Subclass:
63
Including a gas by-pass valve.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
45 46, 47,48, 54, 55, 56, and 57.
Subclass:
64.1
Gas inlet:
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Apparatus
including an inlet valve for gas.
Subclass:
64.2
Anterior throttle:
This subclass is indented under subclass 64.1. Apparatus
wherein the gas inlet valve is an anterior throttle.
Subclass:
64.3
Pressure control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 64.1. Apparatus
wherein the gas inlet valve is controlled by pressure
responsive means.
Subclass:
64.4
Suction operated:
This subclass is indented under subclass 64.1. Apparatus
wherein the inlet valve is operated by suction means.
Subclass:
64.5
Float control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 64.1. Apparatus
wherein the gas inlet valve is controlled by float means.
Subclass:
64.6
Starting choke:
This subclass is indented under subclass 64.1. Apparatus
wherein the gas inlet valve comprised choke means for
starting.
Subclass:
65
Including a gas-outlet valve.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
47 51, 52, 56, 60, and 61.
Subclass:
66
Including a liquid-inlet valve.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
48 49, 50,51, 53, 57, 58, 59, and 60.
Subclass:
67
Including a plurality of valves on the liquid-inlet.
Subclass:
68
Including both float and manually controlled valves.
Subclass:
69.1
Gas pressure controlled:
This subclass is indented under subclass 66. Apparatus which
is regulated by pressure of the contact gas.
Subclass:
69.2
Wet diaphragm:
This subclass is indented under subclass 69.1. Apparatus
wherein a diaphragm motor is utilized having liquid
contacting one side of the diaphragm.
Subclass:
70
Valve controlled by variations in liquid-level by means of a
float.
Subclass:
71
Valve manually operated.
Subclass:
72.1
Liquid supply tank:
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Device having a
tank for holding a supply of liquid.
Subclass:
72.2
Aviation carburetor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 72.1. Device wherein
the tank comprises a fuel bowl of a carburetor supply fuel to
an airplane engine.
Subclass:
73
Liquid-flow controlled by gas pressures.
Subclass:
74
Receptacles specially adapted for gas and liquid contact
apparatus.
Subclass:
75
Devices specially adapted to produce an intimate contact
between gases and liquids.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
516, Colloid Systems and Wetting Agents; Subcombinations
Thereof; Processes of Making, Stabilizing, Breaking, or
Inhibiting, subclasses 1+ for continuous gas or vapor phase
colloid system (e.g., smoke, fog, aerosol, cloud, mist) or
agents for such systems or making or stabilizing such systems
or agents, when generically claimed or when there is no
hierarchically superior provision in the USPC for the
specifically claimed art.
Subclass:
76
Including an injector or two fluid concentric jet nozzle for
the contact fluids, with baffles, screens, or other mingling
or agitating devices.
(1) Note. See the class definition of Class 239, Fluid
Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, Lines With Other
Classes, Lather Makers and Slow Diffusers, for the line
between the two classes.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, subclass 338,
340+ and 398+ for similar concentric jet nozzles for mixing a
plurality of fluids (one of which may be a gas, the other a
liquid) combined with a terminal element to spray the
mixture.
417, Pumps, subclasses 151+, for jet pumps.
Subclass:
77
The injector located in a tank through which the contact
liquid is circulated by the injector.
Subclass:
78.1
Atomizer type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 75. Devices
including an atomizer or two-fluid intersecting jet nozzle
with baffles, screens, or other mingling or agitating
devices.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, subclass 338,
340+ and 398+ for similar intersecting jet nozzles combined
with a means to project the mixture. See Class 239
definition, Lines With Other Classes, Lather Makers and Slow
Diffusers, for line between the subject matter of the
subclasses.
516, Colloid Systems and Wetting Agents; Subcombinations
Thereof; Processes of Making, Stabilizing, Breaking, or
Inhibiting, subclasses 1+ for continuous gas or vapor phase
colloid system (e.g., smoke, fog, aerosol, cloud, mist) or
agents for such systems or making or stabilizing such systems
or agents, when generically claimed or when there is no
hierarchically superior provision in the USPC for the
specifically claimed art.
Subclass:
78.2
Noncarburetor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 78.1. Devices which
are not carburetors for mixing fuel and air.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
516, Colloid Systems and Wetting Agents; Subcombinations
Thereof; Processes of Making, Stabilizing, Breaking, or
Inhibiting, subclasses 1+ for continuous gas or vapor phase
colloid system (e.g., smoke, fog, aerosol, cloud, mist) or
agents for such systems or making or stabilizing such systems
or agents, when generically claimed or when there is no
hierarchically superior provision in the USPC for the
specifically claimed art.
Subclass:
79.1
Rotating gases:
This subclass is indented under subclass 75. Apparatus
wherein gases are rotated or deflected into a vortex during
contact.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, appropriate
subclasses following subclass 461 for whirler structures
applicable in gas conduits.
Subclass:
79.2
Noncarburetor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 79.1. Apparatus
other than a carburetor for mixing fuel and air.
Subclass:
80
Strips of flexible material or endless webs movable in
contact with gases and liquids.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
226, Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, subclass
97.1 for fluid means to advance material of indeterminate
length.
242, Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding, for more than a nominal
supply or take-up coil structure (e.g., a support for such a
coil, a cooperative relationship between a tension or exhaust
detector, and reel driving or reel stopping means, etc.),
subclass 615.11 a residual locus for a material fluid
suspension guide or guard.
Subclass:
81
Contact devices having a to-and-fro movement.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
33
Subclass:
82
Including a reciprocating piston impelling the gases and
liquids into contact with baffles, screens or other mingling
or agitating devices.
Subclass:
83
Contact devices having a rotary movement. Including rotatable
contact receptacles.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
366, Agitating, subclasses 219+ for movable mixing
chambers.
Subclass:
84
Contact devices comprising rotary impellers in a fixed
receptacle.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
32
Subclass:
85
The impeller-shaft adapted to conduct fluids.
Subclass:
86
The hollow shaft discharging gases from the receptacle, the
gases being trapped by the impellers.
Subclass:
87
The hollow shaft delivering gases to the receptacle.
Subclass:
88
The hollow shaft delivering liquid to the impellers.
Subclass:
89
Liquid delivered in the form of spray upon the impellers.
Subclass:
90
The impellers rotating on a horizontal axis.
Subclass:
91
The impellers arranged to dip in a body of liquid in the
receptacle.
Subclass:
92
The impellers rotating on a horizontal axis.
Subclass:
93
The impellers arranged to agitate a body of liquid into which
gases are discharged below the surface.
Subclass:
94
Including a stationary porous mass of material (not a sheet)
in contact with liquids and gases.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, subclasses
34+ for slow diffusers, per se.
312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, subclasses 31+,
particularly subclass 31.04.
Subclass:
95
The gases flowing only in contact with the surface of the
mass.
Subclass:
96
Including auxiliary devices for directing the flow of gases.
Subclass:
97
Including auxiliary devices for directing the flow of
liquids.
Subclass:
98
The liquids sprayed on the porous mass.
Subclass:
99
Liquids fed to porous mass by capillary attraction.
Subclass:
100
Including a stationary sheet of porous material moistened
with liquids in contact with gases.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
80
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, subclasses
34+ for slow diffusers, per se.
312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, subclasses 31+,
particularly subclasses 31.05+.
Subclass:
101
The gas coming only in contact with the sheet surface--i.e.,
does not necessarily pass through the same.
Subclass:
102
Including auxiliary devices for directing the flow of gases.
Subclass:
103
Including auxiliary devices for directing liquids downward to
the porous sheet.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, subclass 31.05 and
indented subclass for liquid downflow porous sheet devices
which form a material holding chamber and which are
associated with significant chamber structure, such as
shelves, racks, or doors.
Subclass:
104
Liquids fed upward to porous sheets by capillary attraction.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, subclass 31.05 for
capillary upfeed porous sheet devices which form a material
holding chamber and which are associated with significant
chamber structure, such as shelves, racks, or doors.
Subclass:
105
Including auxiliary devices for directing the flow of gases.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
102
Subclass:
106
Including auxiliary devices for directing liquids downward to
the porous sheet.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
103 and seethe note thereunder.
Subclass:
107
Liquids fed upward to porous sheets by capillary attraction.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
104 and see the note thereunder.
Subclass:
108
Including stationary baffles over which the liquids flow in
contact with gases.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
95 101, 102,103, and 104.
Subclass:
109
Including auxiliary devices for directing the flow of gases.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
11 Including auxiliary devices for directing the flow of
liquids.
Subclass:
111
Liquids sprayed upon the baffles.
Subclass:
112.1
Film:
This subclass is indented under subclass 110. Apparatus
wherein liquids are directed over baffles in a thin layer or
film.
Subclass:
112.2
Corrugated plates:
This subclass is indented under subclass 112.1. Apparatus
having corrugated plates.
Subclass:
113
The baffles perforated to permit flow of liquids from one to
another.
Subclass:
114.1
Overflow baffles:
This subclass is indented under subclass 108. Apparatus
wherein the baffles allow the liquid to overflow from one
baffle to another.
Subclass:
114.2
Bubble caps:
This subclass is indented under subclass 114.1. Apparatus
utilizing bubble caps.
Subclass:
114.3
Jet plates:
This subclass is indented under subclass 114.1. Apparatus
utilizing jet plates (e.g., having inclined gas flow passage
through through the plates).
Subclass:
114.4
Valve tray:
This subclass is indented under subclass 114.1. Apparatus
utilizing trays having gas flow control valves.
Subclass:
114.5
Tray construction:
This subclass is indented under subclass 114.1. Apparatus
having special tray construction or mounting features.
Subclass:
115
Liquids sprayed in a conduit or casing in contact with
gases.
Subclass:
116
The spray directed in the same direction as the flow of
gases.
Subclass:
117
The spray directed against the flow of gases.
Subclass:
118
The spray directed across the flow of gases.
Subclass:
119.1
Liquid tank:
This subclass is indented under subclass 75. Apparatus having
liquid contained in a receptacle.
Subclass:
119.2
Carburetor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 119.1. Apparatus
adapted to mix fuel and air.
Subclass:
120
Gases distributed in contact with liquids through a floating
distributor.
Subclass:
121.1
Submerged blast:
This subclass is indented under subclass 119. Apparatus
having means to discharge gas beneath the surface of the
liquid.
Subclass:
121.2
Minnow bucket:
This subclass is indented under subclass 121.1. Apparatus
adapted to aerate minnows in holding container.
Subclass:
121.3
Carburetor vented nozzle:
This subclass is indented under subclass 121.1. Apparatus
adapted to supply mixing air to fuel in carburetor nozzle,
wells, or fuel passages.
Subclass:
121.4
Air inlet valve:
This subclass is indented under subclass 121.3. Apparatus
including valve means controlling flow of the mixing air.
Subclass:
122.1
Submerged screen:
This subclass is indented under subclass 121.1. Apparatus
including a screen through which gases pass and wherein the
screen is positioned such that all of or a portion of the
screen is below the surface of the liquid.
Subclass:
122.2
With closable apertures:
This subclass is indented under subclass 121.1. Apparatus
wherein the screen has an aperture which closes when gas flow
stops, so that liquid flow through the aperture is prevented
or retarded.
Subclass:
123
Including submerged baffles which deflect the liquids.
Subclass:
124
The submerged gas-delivery pipe provided with a plurality of
openings.
Subclass:
125
Including a tank containing a plurality of liquid receptacles
and means to direct gases over the liquid surface.
Subclass:
126
The gases adapted to flow in and out in an upward direction.
Subclass:
127
Subject matter under the definition wherein the contact
fluids have heat supplied to or removed from them before,
after or during contact by a fluid or means other than the
unreacted contact fluids themselves.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
48, Gas: Heating and Illuminating, subclass 107 for
apparatus preparing heating or illuminating gas from fuel oil
involving a chemical reaction or for apparatus in which oil
is completely vaporized and subsequently mixed with air.
62, Refrigeration, subclasses 304+ for apparatus
specialized to cooling a material out of contact with the
fluids undergoing gas and liquid contact and for gas and
liquid contact devices specialized by structure to
refrigeration.
165, Heat Exchange, subclass 60 for a combined heating and
cooling arrangement having a gas-liquid contact device as an
element; and subclass 110 for heat exchange structure in
which gas and liquid are in contact having heat exchange
elements additional to those perfecting the gas liquid
contact operation.
237, Heating Systems, subclass 78 for a radiator of a
heating system with a humidifying means.
422, Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting,
Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing, appropriate
subclasses for means for generating fumes.
Subclass:
128
This subclass is indented under subclass 127. Processes.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
48, Gas: Heating and Illuminating, subclasses 211+ for
processes of preparing heating or illuminating gas including
heating and mixing oil and air.
62, Refrigeration, subclasses 91+ for processes in which
moisture is added to air coiled by a refrigeration producer,
and subclass 121 for processes of cooling by gas and liquid
contact.
95, Gas Separation: Processes, for processes of gas
separation involving gas and liquid contact. See Lines With
Other Classes in the Class 261 class definition for an
amplification of the line.
165, Heat Exchange, subclasses 222+ for a heating and
cooling process with humidity control.
Subclass:
129
This subclass is indented under subclass 127. Apparatus
including a temperature or humidity sensing means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
165, Heat Exchange, subclass 226 for an automatically
controlled heating and cooling device with a gas liquid
contractor.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation,
appropriate subclasses, for automatically operating
temperature or humidity controlling mechanisms of more
general utility.
Subclass:
130
This subclass is indented under subclass 129. Apparatus
wherein the sensor exerts a control on a heat supply or
removal means.
Subclass:
131
This subclass is indented under subclass 127. Apparatus
wherein a control is exerted or a heat supply or removal
means or on a condition directly resulting from the operation
of such means in response to a means sensing an operating
condition or a change of operating condition.
Subclass:
133
This subclass is indented under subclass 127. Apparatus
including structure downstream of a contactor by which
additional gas is mingled with gaseous material from the
contactor.
Subclass:
134
This subclass is indented under subclass 133. Apparatus in
which the admittance of the additional gas is controlled by
pressure.
Subclass:
135
This subclass is indented under subclass 127. Apparatus
provided with an indicating or testing means.
Subclass:
136
This subclass is indented under subclass 127. Apparatus
comprising a device in addition to a gas-liquid contactor and
its heating or cooling means having a function other than
heat exchanging or contacting, or serving to perfect such
apparatus for its intended primary purpose.
Subclass:
137
This subclass is indented under subclass 127. Apparatus
wherein there is a means by which a movement of a fluid flow
controller actuates a heat supply or removal controller or
vice versa.
Subclass:
138
This subclass is indented under subclass 127. Apparatus
wherein provision is made for at least two different kinds of
heat transferences.
Subclass:
139
This subclass is indented under subclass 138. Apparatus
including an electric heating means.
Subclass:
140.1
Refrigeration producer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 127. Apparatus
wherein the heat removal means includes apparatus to cause a
cooling effect by producing a change in condition of a
material, e.g., change of phase.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
62, Refrigeration, subclasses 304+ for a conventional
gas-liquid contactor combined with specific refrigerant
handling means or having features peculiar to the manufacture
of a congealed product.
Subclass:
140.2
Absorption means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 140.1. Apparatus
having structure for providing refrigeration utilizing the
principle of absorption.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
62, Refrigeration, subclass 271 for dehumidification of a
gas with refrigeration.
Subclass:
141
This subclass is indented under subclass 127. Apparatus
including a device by which the external heat is produced by
transformation of energy.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
48, Gas: Heating and Illuminating, subclass 107 for a
heated oil retort into which air is injected.
Subclass:
142
This subclass is indented under subclass 141. Apparatus
wherein the device is an electric heater.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, subclasses 280+ for electric heaters
for fluids.
Subclass:
143
This subclass is indented under subclass 141. Apparatus
wherein the heat supply device is a combustion means
connected to receive its fuel from the contactor.
Subclass:
144
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Apparatus
wherein the combustion device is an internal combustion
engine.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
123, Internal-Combustion Engines, subclasses 434+ for
charge forming devices designed and adapted only for use in
connection with an internal combustion engine.
Subclass:
145
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Apparatus
wherein the means preparing a gas-liquid mixture for burning
in the engine is in heat exchanging relationship with the
manifold that collects the products of combustion from the
engine cylinders.
Subclass:
146
This subclass is indented under subclass 127. Apparatus
including two or more spaced interconnected zones where gas
and liquid are brought into contact.
Subclass:
147
This subclass is indented under subclass 146. Apparatus in
which one of the distinct contact zones is downstream of
another.
Subclass:
148
This subclass is indented under subclass 147. Apparatus
wherein spaced serially connected contact zones are arranged
so that gas flows through them successively in one direction
and liquid successively in the other direction.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
62, Refrigeration, subclass 638 and 641 for a gas separation
rectification process in which heat is supplied to or removed
from the intermediate sections of the column.
Subclass:
149
This subclass is indented under subclass 147. Apparatus
wherein there is a heat exchanger in the flow path spaced
from the contact devices.
Subclass:
150
This subclass is indented under subclass 127. Apparatus
wherein liquid is fed into gas through converging paths one
of which includes a heat exchanger.
Subclass:
151
This subclass is indented under subclass 127. Apparatus
wherein a heat exchanger is located within a recirculatory
circuit of one of the contact fluids.
Subclass:
152
This subclass is indented under subclass 127. Apparatus
including a heat exchanger means by which the contact fluids
are heated or cooled during or after contact.
Subclass:
153
This subclass is indented under subclass 152. Apparatus
including means exposing a mass or sheet of liquid to gas and
to a heat exchanger.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
237, Heating Systems, subclass 78 for radiators combined
with means for moistening the air.
Subclass:
154
This subclass is indented under subclass 152. Apparatus
including a porous body holding liquid by capillary action
exposed to gas and to heat exchange.
Subclass:
155
This subclass is indented under subclass 152. Apparatus
wherein a passage of the heat exchanger forming a flow path
for external fluid is within a chamber forming a part of the
contact fluid flow path.
Subclass:
156
This subclass is indented under subclass 152. Apparatus
wherein the contact fluid passage of the heat exchanger has
flow directing structure such as fins or deflectors.
Subclass:
157
This subclass is indented under subclass 152. Apparatus
combined with a heat exchanger upstream of the contactor.
Subclass:
158
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter wherein heat is interchanged between contact fluids
out of contact before, after or during contact.
Subclass:
159
This subclass is indented under subclass 158. Subject matter
in which one of the contact fluids exchanges heat prior to
contact.
Subclass:
160
This subclass is indented under subclass 159. Subject matter
wherein the exchange is between a contact zone feed fluid and
a fluid in or flowing from such zone.
Subclass:
161
This subclass is indented under subclass 160. Subject matter
wherein the feed fluid is a gas.
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