US PATENT CLASS 166
Class Notes
Current as of: June, 1999
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DEFINITION
Classification: 166/
This class relates to processes or means not otherwise classified comprising (1) shafts or deep borings in the earth, commonly known as wells, for the extraction of fluids from the earth, (2) shafts or deep borings in the earth for inserting a fluid into the interstices of a porous earth formation, usually to enable withdrawal of fluid from a producing output well, (3) apparatus peculiarly adapted for treating a well or for use in or with a well, or (4) processes of using, making, or treating a well.
This class takes combinations of elements or process steps relating to wells and going beyond the scope of subcombinations, such as measuring or testing means or pumps, classifiable, per se, in other classes. The class also takes subcombinations, such as packers or expanding anchors, peculiar to wells. However, the class does not take various intermediate combinations, such as devices performing only a measuring or testing function or a pumping function, which may include subcombinations, such as packers or expanding anchors, as minor perfecting features.
Treating a well includes various miscellaneous processes or apparatus relating to wells; typically, gravel layer forming, cementing, washing or acidizing.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES
A. RELATIONSHIP TO CLASS 175, BORING OR PENETRATING THE EARTH
The relationship of Class 166 with boring or penetrating the earth, classified in Class 175, is close both for historical and functional reasons. The lines between Class 166 and Class 175 are set forth in the class definition of the latter class with the exception of the below noted reference to cementing. While Class 166 is generic to processes including earth boring or penetrating steps no general subclass has been provided in Class 166 for combinations with earth boring since earth boring of some kind is always associated with well making and the relationships expressed in the claims of patents were thought to be better classified on other bases in this class, see Class 175 subclasses 57+ and the search there noted for earth boring processes, per se.
Generally in relation to apparatus Class 175 is more comprehensive than Class 166 and takes combinations of Class 175 and Class 166 subject matter. Class 166 however, takes some miscellaneous subcombinations which may be disclosed as used only in drilling operations but which are in fact of general utility in wells, particularly when there is no suitable subclass provided in Class 175 and a suitable subclass is provided in Class 166.
Processes of cementing, plugging or consolidating as defined in Class 166 subclass 21 are distinguished from drilling with fluid processes classifiable in Class 175 subclasses 65+ by the interruption of the actual earth cutting operation of the drilling process. Thus a process which purports to be a drilling process but which includes in its disclosure some indication that the actual earth cutting has stopped to permit cementing, such as a statement that "drilling is resumed" or that "after the cement has set", will be considered a cementing process for Class 166. The fact that a drilling tool stem or shaft is disclosed as the means for delivering the cementing materials below ground or a disclosure that drilling mud or drilling fluid is used as a carrier for or a constituent of the cementing material will not preclude classification in Class 166. Such processes in which drilling is interrupted to permit cementing are classifiable in Class 166 even if the cementing step is only normally or inferentially claimed. See, however (1) Note in Class 166, subclass 21. B. RELATIONSHIP TO PUMPS
The general line between Class 417, Pumps and Class 166 is that if subject matter relating to a feature peculiar to a well is claimed in combination with Class 417 subject matter, classification is in Class 166. The following categories of subject matter more specifically delineate this line.
1. Class 166 Subject Matter Classifiable With Class 417 Subject Matter in Class 417.
a. Combinations of certain subcombinations, which if claimed, per se, are classifiable in Class 166, those with Class 417 subject matter are classifiable in Class 417. A recitation of a well broadly, or with certain well features will not exclude a patent from Class 417. The following are examples of such features which would be classifiable in Class 417:
i. a well tubing or conduit
ii. structure in well tube to support a Class 417 device
iii. a packer or anchor for sealing a Class 417 device in tube
iv. a below ground check valve in pump inlet or outlet
v. a valve which drains Class 417 device
b. In examples iv. and v. it should be noted that a broadly recited pump or pump barrel with an anchor, packer or drain valve is classifiable in Class 166 in appropriate anchor, packer or valve subclasses.
2. Class 417 Device Combined With Below Ground Separator or
Screen A well screen, as defined in Class 166, subclass 227, generally contacts the earth wall of the well bore as a continuation of a casing. A solids separator or inlet screen for a pump tube in a well is generally disposed inside the casing and well screen. A well type screen specifically described as such and claimed in combination with a pump as more than an opening or a passage for fluid is classifiable in Class 166. A gas separator or anchor disclosed as in a well, even though claimed in combination with a Class 417 device is classifiable in Class 166 (see Subclass References to Current Class, below), except as noted in section D below. Further, a sediment trap or deflector (e.g., sand trap) disclosed as in a well is also classified in Class 166 (see Subclass References to Current Class, below) even though claimed in combination with a pump.
3. Above Ground Well Structure Combined With Class 417 Device
Generally the combination of a Class 417 device, whether above or below ground, with above ground well apparatus for handling pumped fluid or supporting a pump driving means is classifiable in Class 417. Note, however, that features which relate the well structure to the earth, such as placing pipes below the frost line or embedded foundation which also supports well casing will cause classification in Class 166.
4. Below Ground Fluid Entrainment Type Pumps and Flowing Wells
a. Class 417 will take an aerating column, jet, gas lift or other entrainment type pump, per se. See References to Other Classes, below.
b. Class 166 will take Class 417 device as set forth in paragraph (1) when the solely disclosed and claimed means for supplying all the motive fluid to the device is located in the well and collects the motive fluid by trapping or separating well fluid in the well (e.g., gas anchor, packer with gas passage to central conduit etc.).
c. Class 417 will take subject matter similar to that in paragraph (2) above when there is a specific description of means to supply additional motive fluid from the earth surface or a point outside the well. This classification prevails even though the additional motive fluid may have been originally obtained from the same well. Obviously combinations of these features with other well features may cause classification in Class 166.
5. Summary of Well Feature
a. The following features, claimed in combination with a Class 417 device, are representative of the type of subject matter in general which will cause classification in Class
166:
i. Any specific relationship of the Class 417 device or other fluid conducting structure to the earth or earth formations as: plural pumps in plural wells; single pump connected to a plurality of wells; inlets from a plurality of earth formations; location of parts in relation to the frost line in earth; lateral conduit below ground; earth contacting well screen; and earth embedded support for tubing or casing
ii. Any specific relationship to well operation or structure, such as: process steps in addition to installation, removal or operation of a pump; control of pump or pumped fluid in response to a condition sensed in a well; control or pump or pumped fluid in relation to operation of another device in the well, other than mere flow check valves; above ground separation of fluids leaving well for purposes other than the production or removal of pump operating or motive fluid; apparatus, not forming a part of the pump itself, for handling or manipulating pump parts; passages for pumped fluid specifically described as directing the fluid to wash, clean or otherwise treat the well; sediment traps or deflectors; and gas separators (but see Section 4c above) C. WELL SHAFTS AND METHODS AND THE LIKE ELSEWHERE CLASSIFIED
Well shafts or shafts sunk in the earth and structurally similar to well shafts, and methods of operating wells are not all classified in Class 166.
See References to Other Classes for classes that provide for shaft structures and methods which are equivalent or very similar to those found in Class 166.
D. DEVICES OR PROCESSES IN WELLS OR THE LIKE ELSEWHERE CLASSIFIED
Class 166 provides for various well treating and flow controlling devices to be inserted into a well below the ground level, but other classes also provide for similar devices. In cases of doubtful classification the fact that a device is disclosed only for use below ground in a well should incline classification towards Class 166.
Class 166 provides for example, for apparatus and methods for fluid sampling in a well for cementing, washing, or mechanically cleaning a well, acidizing or otherwise treating a formation, packing, plugging, heating, cooling, dissolving paraffin, separating materials in a well, (including liquids from liquids, gases from liquids and solids from liquids), graveling or otherwise forming strainers in a well, and anchoring devices in a well.
See References to Other Classes, below, for other classes which take devices inserted in a well or analogous devices and processes relating to such devices.
E. REFERENCES INTEGRAL TO AND EXTERNAL TO THIS CLASS
Subclass References to the Current Class, below, includes both subclass references integral to Class 166 as well as references to art areas external to this class.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
3, for processes of taking a fluid sample only. 50, 55, 55.3, 55.4, 55.8, 57, 60, 63, 66, 66.5, 75.1, 77.1, 77.51, 82.1, 85.1, 99, 100, 105, 107, 113, 117.5, 117.6, 120, 157, 162, 170, 174, 177.6, 178, 206, 212, 222, 227, 239, 241, 242.8, 250.1, 254.1-256, 264, 272.1, 285, 292, 296-302, 305, 307, 308, 312, 315, and 316 for boring or penetrating the earth.
50, 77.1, 242.9, 285, 286, 287, 292, 302, and 315 for hydraulic and earth engineering.
50, 177.5, 179, 206, 249, 268, 272.1, 303, 305, 308, and 315 for mining or in situ disintegration of hard material.
54, 55, 72, 88.5, 95.1, 97.1, 105, 165, 205, 227, 244, 277, 311, 314, 316, and 327 for fluid handling.
54.5, 55, 63, 135, 162, 177.5, 179, 192, 241.1+, 299, 308, and 311 for ammunition and explosives.
54.5, 55, 55.6, and 55.7 for cutlery.
54.5, fishing, trapping, and vermin destroying.
54.5, and 66.5 for ships.
55, 297 and 298 for cutting.
55, for cutting by use of rotating axially moving tool.
55, 85.1, 98, 99, 117.7, 162, 166, 178, 206, 217, 226, and 301 for Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements.
55, and 297 for metal deforming. 57, and 58 for stoves and furnaces.
57, 63, 75.1, 106, 112, 142, 170, 174, 177.7, 179, 188, 202, and 206 for pumps.
60, and 315 for electric heating.
64, 66, 113, and 250 for geometrical instruments.
64, and 250 for registers.
66, and 250.1 for Communications: Directive Radio Wave
Systems and Devices (e.g., Radar, Radio Navigation).
66, and 250.1 for Communications: Electrical.
66, and 250.1 for Electricity: Measuring and Testing.
66, and 250.1 for radiant energy.
75.1, 82.1, 86.1, 88.1, 162, 170, and 311 for brushing, scrubbing, and general cleaning.
75.1, for fire extinguishers. 75.1, 78.1, 82.1, 84.1, 86.1, 88.1, 179, 187, 202, and 315 for joint packing.
75.1, 81.1, 84.1, 86.1, 88.1, 168, 179, 206, 242.3, and 315 for pipe joints or couplings..
75.1, 91.1, 135, 179, 192, 227, 242, and 316 for pipes and tubular conduits.
75.1, 92.1, 93.1, 162, and 192 for receptacles.
75.1, 86.1, 88.1, 91.1, 95.1, 97.1, and 316 for valves and valve actuation.
77.1, for Distillation: Processes Separatory.
77.1, for implements or apparatus for applying pushing and pulling force.
77.51, 117.7, and 315 for tools.
81, and 315 for metal working.
100, for fluid conducting lateral probes sealed to the well wall.
105.5+, for devices combined with a pump or plunger means for drawing well fluid out of the well or into a receptacle which is to be taken out of the well.
107, 113, 162, 250.1, and 264 for measuring and testing. 117.5+, for means for guiding an insertable element laterally of the well axis, e.g., whipstock, per se.
153, 170, 177, 179, and 202 for expansible chamber devices.
162, for dispensing.
162, for excavating.
162, 171, 205, 227, 228, and 265 for liquid purification or separation.
177.6, for agitating.
178, for tool driving or impacting.
178, in particular, and appropriate subclasses, for well devices combined with a jar for releasing a stuck part
222, for fluid sprinkling, spraying, and diffusing.
237, for clutches and power-stop control.
237, for machine element or mechanism. 244, 268, 285, 292, 304, 305, 307, 310, and 312 for compositions.
250.1, for acoustics.
250.1, for recorders.
250.1, 264, and 265 for Chemistry: Physical Processes.
265, for gas separation: apparatus.
265, for gas separation: processes.
265, for Mineral Oils: Apparatus.
265, for Mineral Oils: Processes And Products.
265, for refrigeration.
285, for coating apparatus.
285, for chemistry of carbon compounds.
285, for Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes. 285, and 292 for compositions: coating or plastic.
285, and 315 for adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture.
285, and 315 for static structures (e.g., buildings).
300, for a detailed discussion of processes involving no more than placing specific compounds or compositions in a well using insignificant manipulative steps.
311, for cleaning and liquid contact with solids.
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
15, Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning, for apparatus
designed or adapted for cleaning for other than well use
104.05+, for pipe, tube, or conduit cleaner, subclass 249.1 for a brush or broom flue cleaning implement or subclasses 249.2+ for a scraper-type cleaning implement. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
23, Chemistry: Physical Processes,
232, for processes of gas sampling involving the use of sorbents or chemical treatments which may include a shaft sunk in the ground to collect gas for analysis. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Well Shafts and Methods and the Like Elsewhere Classified.) 23, Chemistry: Physical Processes,
232, for gas analyzing process for use in a gas well, involving the use of sorbents. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
29, Metal Working, appropriate subclasses for processes or apparatus for assembling or disassembling well structures above ground, or in which there is no special relationship with the well. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
30, Cutlery,
92+, for pipe cutting implements. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
33, Geometrical Instruments, appropriate subclasses, for instruments, per se, for measuring distances, angles, and the like in a well,
302, and 304+, for borehole direction or inclination sensing and indicating. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
37, Excavating,
54+, for dredgers. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Well Shafts and Methods and the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
37, Excavating,
182, and subclasses 183+ for orange peel and clamshell buckets, which may be inserted in a well. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.) 43, Fishing, Trapping, and Vermin Destroying,
124+, for vermin destroying shafts sunk in the earth. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Well Shafts and Methods and the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),
19+, 169.1+, 192+, 223.1, 245+, and 261 for a masonry construction surrounding an open space which may form a cistern or well wherein no feature peculiar to well operation, e.g., screens, pumps, driving points, shoes, etc., is defined. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Well Shafts and Methods and the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
62, Refrigeration,
45+, for subject matter, including wells, for the use and handling of liquefied gas. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Well Shafts and Methods and the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
72, Metal Deforming. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
73, Measuring and Testing,
151.01+, for subject matter relating to bore hole studies and subclasses 863+ for soil gas sampling devices. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Well Shafts and Methods and the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
73, Measuring and Testing, appropriate subclasses, especially
152.01+, for instruments, per se, (including subcombination means such as packers or anchors for perfecting the measuring or Testing Function) for bore hole studies and subclasses 863+ for fluid samplers of general utility. Class 166 takes devices for taking a sample of fluid from a potential producing horizon of a well, but such sampling combined with measuring or testing or bore hole study is in Class 73. Devices or methods for sampling gas from the soil by means sunk into the ground to a point not far from the surface of the ground are in Class 73, subclasses 863+. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
74, Machine Element or Mechanism. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above. 81, Tools. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
83, Cutting. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
92, Expansible Chamber Devices,
172+, for pistons, and particularly subclass 180, for an elongated tubular well type plunger, and subclasses 240+ for a piston having the side wall portion thereof provided with a peripheral axially extending flexible lip. A piston which is fluid driven for treating a well (e.g., for cementing) is classified in Class 166, subclasses 153+. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
95, Gas Separation: Processes,
241+, for degasification of liquid and other appropriate subclasses for processes to be used near oil or gas wells to separate gas from other constituents discharged from the well. Claims to these processes may include a nominal recitation of the well process. However, a detailed recitation of the well process or a recitation of an input well receiving material from the separator indicates classification in Class 166. See Subclass Refereneces to the Current Class, above.
96, Gas Separation: Apparatus,
155+, for degasifying means for liquid and other appropriate subclasses for apparatus to be used near oil or gas wells to separate gas from other constituents discharged from the well. Claims to this apparatus may include a nominal recitation of the well. However, a detailed recitation of the well or a recitation of an input well receiving material from the separator indicates classification in Class 166. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
102, Ammunition and Explosives,
301+, for apparatus and methods for causing an explosion in a well to break up a formation, clean a bore, or perform other functions involving only an explosion. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
106, Compositions: Coating or Plastic. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above. 111, Planting,
118+, for devices for placing fluids below the surface of the earth without any expectation of recovering them and subclasses 89+ for dibbles. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Well Shafts and Methods and the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
114, Ships. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
118, Coating Apparatus. See Subclass References to the
Current Class, above.
126, Stoves and Furnaces. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
134, Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
137, Fluid Handling,
272+, for fire hydrants and subclasses 363+ for ground supporting enclosures. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Well Shafts and Methods and the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
137, Fluid Handling, appropriate subclasses for fluid handling devices of general application and not having a specific location in a well or other specific relationship to a well, especially
67+, for such devices with destructible or deformable element control other than valves or closures in wells destructible by drilling, subclass 155 for gas lift valves for wells and subclass 515 for direct response valves in couplings for co-axial conduits. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits, 37+, for flow restrictors or pipes with flow restrictors; and subclasses 100-178 for conduit structure of general utility, including conduits disclosed only for use as well casings or tubings. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Well Shafts and Methods and the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits,
89+, for closures and plugs other than plugs which are inserted into a prepositioned well conduit. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture, appropriate subclasses for process and apparatus for laminating in general and see especially
293+, and 423+ for inserting a core within a tube combined with a laminating step. A process of lining a well or conduit in a well is classified in Class 166. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
165, Heat Exchange,
45, for a geos:graphically installed heat exchanger that may comprise a well. Heat exchange apparatus comprising part of
a well apparatus for producing or treating a well would be classified in Class 166. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Well Shafts and Methods and the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
169, Fire Extinguishers,
2+, for processes for extinguishing or preventing well fires, and also patents for apparatus for extinguishing or preventing fires claiming no more of the well than cooperates with the fire extinguishing or preventing means and also claiming some fire extinguishing or prevention feature beyond a mere cap or casing head, means for diverting flow or means for inserting a fluid into the well. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
173, Tool Driving or Impacting. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, 1, for processes or apparatus for boring including seismic shock generation; subclasses 2+ for processes or apparatus for boring by below ground explosion, and including a device for firing a bullet or exploding a shaped charge from an inaccessible bore to penetrate the formation, to enlarge the bore, or form a bore, and including such device even when limited by disclosure to merely perforating or cutting a casing or other wall member in the bore if the device inherently causes penetration of the formation; subclasses 11+ for processes or apparatus for boring by directly applying heat to fluidize or comminute the earth; especially subclass 12 for combustion of the earth formation itself and subclass 16 for electrically produced heat; subclass 17 for processes or apparatus including heating or cooling either within the bore or of the drilling fluid (merely using drilling fluid to cool or heat is not included); subclasses 40+ for processes or apparatus for boring including signaling, indicating, testing or measuring and especially subclass 45 for tool direction or inclination measuring or indicating within the bore; subclasses 57+ for earth boring processes, per se, and especially subclass 59 for processes of taking samples of solid earth formation including (1) retaining fluid in the solid sample or (2) taking a separate fluid sample (processes of taking a fluid sample only are in Class 166; see Subclass References to the Current Class, above); subclass 77 for side wall tools fed laterally of an existing bore hole (fluid conducting lateral probes sealed to the well wall are in Class 166; see Subclass References to the Current Class, above); subclasses 79+ for tool shafts which are advanced relative to a guide (e.g., whipstock) insertable in a well bore to change the direction of advance (means for guiding an insertable element laterally of the well axis, e.g., whipstock, per se, are in Class 166; see Subclass References to the Current Class, above); subclass 84 for boring apparatus with an above ground cleaner therefor; subclasses 98+ for a below ground tool drive motor with an
expansible anchor; subclasses 207+ for boring apparatus with above ground means for handling drilling fluid or cuttings, especially subclasses 209+ in which the means engages the bore entrance; subclass 230 for boring apparatus including an expanding anchor; subclasses 293+ for below ground hammer or impact devices claimed, per se, (well devices combined with a jar for releasing a stuck part are in Class 166; see Subclass References to the Current Class, above); subclass 314 for boring apparatus combined with a well type screen; and subclass 402 for an earth cutting casing shoe type bit. (See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Relationship To Class 175, Boring or Penetrating The Earth, above.)
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, appropriate subclasses, for processes and apparatus for boring or penetrating the earth, see particularly Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, above, and the search notes located within this section. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
181, Acoustics,
102+, for mechanical acoustical devices inserted in wells.
192, Clutches and Power-Stop Control. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
196, Mineral Oils: Apparatus. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
203, Distillation: Processes Separatory. See Subclass References to the Current Class.
208, Mineral Oils: Processes and Products. See Subclass References to the Current Class.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation,
459+, for filters and strainers which may be used in a well or as a pump intake. See Class 166, subclass 227 for the line between Classes 166 and 210. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, 294+, for diverse distinct separators, subclasses 322+ for plural distinct separators, subclasses 348+ for a filter, and subclasses 513+ for a gravitational separator. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
219, Electric Heating,
277+, for electric heaters, per se, for lowering into a well. The combination of a heater and well structure is in Class 166. The well structure, for example, may be no more than a
tubing for flowing fluid from or into the well. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
220, Receptacles, for receptacles of general utility.
222, Dispensing,
356+, and the subclasses there noted for dipping type dispensers not used in a well. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
235, Registers. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
250, Radiant Energy,
83+, for ray energy detection or measurement in wells. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
251, Valves and Valve Actuation, appropriate subclasses for valves and valve actuators of general application and not having a specific location in a well or other specific relationship to a well, especially 76, for impact actuated valves, subclasses 142+ for a flow path with a single valve, and subclasses 341+ for valves in which the valve actuator is the valve casing or a continuation thereof. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
251, Valves and Valve Actuation,
1.1+, for valve type blowout preventers, per se, on well casing heads. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
254, Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing and Pulling Force. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
260, Chemistry of Carbon Compounds. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
277, Joint Packing, for packing structure of general application particularly
5+, for a packing between a casing and a relatively movable
sectional rod and subclass 31 for a rotatable packing between a casing and a reciprocating rod. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
285, Pipe Joints or Couplings, appropriate subclasses for joints between pipes, including tubing and casing sections of general utility. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Well Shafts and Methods and the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements,
68.22+, for hoist buckets to be inserted into a well, and subclasses 65.5 and 86.1+ for grappling devices for withdrawing loose or stuck objects from a well. Grapples for Class 294 may include means for washing dirt away from the object to be grappled. Processes for withdrawing loose or stuck objects from a well involving the use of grappling devices are classified in appropriate subclasses in Class 166. The line between hoisting buckets or grapples for Class 294 and receptacles for Class 166 is set forth in Class 166, subclasses 99 and 162. The line between grapples for Class 294 and expansible anchors for Class 166 is set forth in Class 166, subclass 206. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.) 299, Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material, appropriate subclass for recovering hard, solid, valuable materials from the earth and for utilizing a tunnel (a horizontal earth passage in which a human works) to recover valuable fluid material from the earth. Wells and well processes for extracting fluid from the earth, including petroliferous material such as freely flowing oil, oil adhered to the formation which must be recovered by secondary methods, asphalts and tars are classified in Class 166. Furthermore, wells and well processes for recovering hydrocarbons from material such as shale by treating the material in situ to remove only liquid or gas, or for treating or converting solid hydrocarbons such as coal or lignite in situ for recovery solely as a liquid or gas are classified in Class 166. However, wells and well processes for treating or comminuting solid materials other than hydrocarbons (e.g., sulfur and salt) for recovery in the liquid or gaseous state are classified in Class 299. Likewise, wells and well processes for recovering valuable solid material including hydrocarbons such as coal, oil shale or oil sand, where any of the valuable material is removed from the well in the solid state, are classified in Class 299. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Well Shafts and Methods and the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing,
323+, for subject matter relating to the determination of an electrical characteristic of the sub-surface of the earth,
and involving devices in wells. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
340, Communications: Electrical,
853.1+, for telemetering in wells. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
342, Communications: Directive Radio Wave Systems and Devices (e.g., Radar, Radio Navigation), appropriate subclasses for radar systems in wells. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
346, Recorders. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
366, Agitating, see Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
367, Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave Systems and Devices,
25+, for seismic well logging; subclasses 81+ for acoustic wellbore telemetering; and subclass 86 for acoustic borehole testing. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
395, Information Processing System Organization, 500.31, for the mathematical simulation of a fluid well.
405, Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,
8+, for a pressurized caisson; subclasses 36+ for drainage systems comprising shafts sunk in the earth for removing surplus water from the soil; subclasses 53+ for underground storage of fluids; subclass 133 for methods and structure relating to shafts of general utility sunk into the earth, and for methods and apparatus for the sinking of shafts, including well shafts, by means of a caisson or other similar means for excavating earth beneath a shaft being sunk; subclass 249 for methods and structure relating to the sinking of a caisson or hollow shaft which is subsequently filled to form a pile or pier; and subclass 272 for temporary shoring means. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Well Shafts and Methods and the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
405, Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,
53+, for apparatus and processes involving means for creating a chamber in the earth for storing fluid, operated solely from above the surface of the ground; subclasses 232+ for
processes and apparatus for installing piles in the earth, especially subclasses 233+ for casting a pile of hardenable material in situ; subclass 234 combined with heating, cooling, or explosion; and subclasses 240+ combined with withdrawal of a form structure subsequent to placing the fluent material. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
408, Cutting by Use of Rotating Axially Moving Tool, see Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
417, Pumps, for means for pumping liquid out of wells, especially
56+, for drilled well free piston type pumps, subclasses 86 and 118+, for pneumatic displacement pumps, subclasses 90+, and 108+, for aerated column pumps, subclass 358, for a pump-motor unit raised in a well conduit by pressure fluid applied below the unit, subclass 434, for pumps with a separate port or noncyclic valve for draining a pump portion, subclasses 448+, for well pumps removable as a unit by drive rod manipulation and subclasses 451+, for well removable with the pumping member. (See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Summary of Well Feature.)
417, Pumps, appropriate subclasses for pumps inserted in a well. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
417, Pumps,
63+, for apparatus having (1) signals, indicators, registers, recorders, or gauges for indicating a condition of the pump or pumped fluid or the position of a pump part such as a piston, control member, valve, etc., such devices comprising relatively movable, changeable or audible information giving parts, or (2) transparent viewing means whereby the pump operation or the condition of some part thereof may be observed. 418, Rotary Expansible Chamber Devices, for rotary expansible chamber devices, per se. The line between Classes 166 and 418 is the same as that set forth between Classes 166 and 417 for which see Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class in the main class definition to Class 166. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
422, Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing,
50+, for apparatus for gas sampling involving use of sorbents or chemical treatments which may include a shaft sunk in the ground to collect gas for analysis. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Well Shafts and Methods and
the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
422, Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing,
83+, for gas analyzing apparatus for use in a well, involving the use of sorbents.
427, Coating Processes,
230+, for processes of Coating the interior of hollow articles in general. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
436, Chemistry: Analytical and Immunological Testing, for processes for gas sampling involving the use of sorbents or chemical treatments which may include a shaft sunk in the ground to collect samples. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Well Shafts and Methods and the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
507, Earth Boring, Well Treating, and Oil Field Chemistry, for processes involving no more than placing specific compounds or compositions in a well using insignificant manipulative steps. See Subclass References to the Current Class above for a subclass Reference to a detailed discussion. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified.)
507, Earth Boring, Well Treating, and Oil Field Chemistry. See Class 166, Section II, Lines With Other Classes, subsection D, Devices or Processes in Wells or the Like Elsewhere Classified, and
244.1, 268, 285, 292, 304, 305.1, 307, 310, 312, and 371. 516, Colloid Systems and Wetting Agents; Subcombinations Thereof; Processes of Making, Stabilizing, Breaking, or Inhibiting. See Class 166,
244.1, and 309.
702, Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing,
6, for computations in the application of well logging.
GLOSSARY:
CASING
A pipe which lines all or a portion of the wall of a well. The casing may be adjacent the wall of the well for only a part of its length and lie within another casing section for the remainder of its length. The casing usually is of metal and is used with cement between it and the well wall. The
casing is intended to form the permanent lining of the well.
CENTRAL CHAMBER
A generic term covering both a central conduit, as defined below, and a receptacle for bodily transport of fluid material from inside the well to the top of the well or bodily transport of material from the top of the well for discharge at a point in the well. In a well device the central chamber is considered to be the primary locus from which or to which fluid is moved. For example, the "central chamber" in a tester is the sample chamber receiving the test fluid, whether this be a receptacle or a tubing, while the "central chamber" in a liquid discharging washer is the primary place from which liquid flows, whether this be a tubing or a receptacle.
CENTRAL CONDUIT
Any passage forming conduit which extends from the top of the well into the well and is positioned within another conduit. The central conduit may be, for example, a string of tubing positioned within another tubing or within the casing, or it may be a string of casing positioned within the well bore. FLUID
A material capable of flowing. It includes gases, liquids, plastics, and solids which can be handled in the manner of a liquid.
LINER
A column of casing having screen forming perforations which does not extend to the top of the well and which is usually the lowest column of casing in the well. The liner is placed in position by lowering it from the top of the well through the casing sections already placed in well. The perforations may be formed before the liner is run into the well or after. The liner is sometimes surrounded by a perforated section of casing, the liner then becoming a secondary lining section of the well.
TUBING
A pipe for conducting fluids which extends from the top of the well to some point below and lies within the casing or is used without a casing as a temporary structure.
WELL CONDUIT
Either (1) a well tubing, (2) a well casing, or (3) the earth or cementitious wall of the well.