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Class 96 - Gas separation: apparatus

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430 Subclasses


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Definition

This class provides 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. As a general rule for this class, there must be a relationship of apparatus parts embracing: (a) an inlet for the fluid mixture to be treated, (b) a means effective to cause separation into constituent parts, and (c) an outlet for at least one constituent separate and distinct from an outlet for another constituent, which may be for removal of the separating media itself, or a single outlet used at different times to remove the separated constituents. The gas separation apparatus for this class does not include means in which the separation is caused by a chemical reaction.

The basic subject matter of this class is of a subcombination nature and may include only such ancillary apparatus (e.g., fluid handling means, etc.) as is necessary to perfect the gas separating function. Significant inclusion in a claim of features beyond merely perfecting the gas separating function indicates classification in a more comprehensive class. Generally, however, the mere naming of an art device in a claim to a gas separator does not affect classification. Thus, a claim to an air filter combined with a nominally included motor vehicle is proper for this class.

Notes

(1) Note. The gas separation apparatus for this class generally involves means to use a magnetic field, to use an electrical field, to diffuse selectively, to sorb on a solid sorbent, to degasify a liquid, to contact a gas with a liquid, to filter, or to deflect, or involves other mechanical means. See Lines With Other Classes, below, for the line concerning the means in which the gas separation is caused by a chemical reaction. (2) Note. This class also provides for the subcombination of the separating media, per se, when disclosed for gas separating. However, see Lines with other Classes, and References to Other Classes, below, for solid sorbents and liquid sorbents. (3) Note. Devices which may inherently perform a gas separating function but are not found in this class include grids, gratings, grilles, woven fabrics, screens, and the like. They will be found in a stock material class, for which see Lines With Other Classes, Below. However, devices of these types when positively stated as being for gas separation will be found in Class 96. (4) Note. This class also provides for apparatus in which the fluid mixture is treated to change its make-up, but no real separation occurs, provided no other suitable classification exists. Accordingly, in this class are found "spark arresters," which merely change the size of particles entrained in a gas. (See References To Other Classes for the line concerning spark arresters when used on furnaces.) These devices are usually deflectors or screens and are included in this class because of their similarity to apparatus which actually separate the fluid mixture into constituent parts. Similarly, agglomerators which by themselves may not separate constituents of a fluid mixture, but cause small particles therein to join together or coalesce to form larger particles, are in this class unless basis for other classification exists.

Lines with other classes and within this class

See the class search note for Class 422, Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing, for the line concerning the means in which the gas separation is caused by a chemical reaction.

Solid sorbants are found in Class 502, Catalyst, Solid Sorbent, or Support Therefor: Product or Process of Making, and liquid sorbents are found in Class 252, Compositions. (Also see the search class notes below.)

Devices which may inherently perform a gas separating function but are not found in this class include grids, gratings, grilles, woven fabrics, screens, and the like. They will be found in a stock material class (e.g., Class 428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, etc.).

 
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