.~ Including use of vacuum, suction, or inert atmosphere
DEFINITION
Classification: 134/21
(under the class definition) Processes in which the work is subjected to a vacuum or to suction during treatment, or an inert atmosphere is provided for the work, or any combination between the foregoing operations are used.
(1) Note. The vacuum or suction may be for the purpose of removing liquids or other materials from the work.
(2) Note. Steam is a common treating agent, and patents claiming steam are placed in this subclass only if the process is limited to the steam providing an inert atmosphere.
(3) Note. The use of vacuum or suction to feed and/or mix treating agents, where the work is not subjected to a vacuum or suction action, is not in this subclass, but in other appropriate subclasses, see particularly subclass 36.
(4) Note. The use of a vacuum to destroy hazardous or toxic waste is found in Class 588, appropriate subclasses.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 19, for contacting the work with products of combustion.
36, see note (3) above.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
15, Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning,
300.1+, for air blast and/or suction cleaning apparatus.
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids,
402+, for processes of drying and processes of contacting solids with gases or vapors (for purposes other than cleaning), and which include use of a vacuum, subclass 92, having corresponding apparatus.
