(under the class definition) Devices adapted to retrieve a plurality of discrete objects (e.g., pieces of tools usually known as junk or fish from a well).
(1) Note. This subclass is closely related to the well grapple art in Class 294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line
Implements, subclasses 86.1+, especially subclass 86.11. The distinction is that Class 166, subclass 99 relates to junk retrievers which have features of fluid handling or other well features considered too specialized for Class 294. Specifically, if junk is swept into the retrieving device by means of fluid circulated down the inside of a central conduit which supports the retrieving device classification is in Class 166, subclass 99. On the other hand, a junk retrieving device (e.g., a junk basket as in Class 294, subclass 86.11) in which junk is swept into the basket by circulation of fluid down the outside of a central conduit supporting the device and then up the inside of the conduit, or a junk retrieving device in which junk is swept into the device merely by means such as a plunger causing a sudden inrush of fluid, is classified in Class 294.
(2) Note. The devices of this subclass are intended to comprise a unitary means to recover junk only, as distinct from a mass of fluent material which may incidentally contain junk. Thus a device for this subclass may consist of a receptacle with a foraminous bottom which permits the fluent material to drain away as distinct from a receptacle with a solid bottom which retains fluent material. Receptacles for recovering a mass of fluent material are found in Class 166, subclasses 107+ and 162+ and also in Class 294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements, subclasses 68.22+. Receptacles in combination with earth boring means are found in Class 175, Boring and Penetrating the Earth, subclasses 308+. If a single device has two distinct means, one (of any type) for recovering junk only and one for recovering a mass of fluent material of the type classifiable in Class 166, subclasses 107+ or subclasses 162+, classification is in this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
107+, and 162+, for a receptacle for retrieving fluent material from a well which material may or may not contain junk, as distinct from a junk retriever for subclass 99 which may be a receptacle designed to hold only junk but which receptacle incidentally may also hold a small amount of fluent material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS 175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth,
244+, for a core removing means, which core may contain junk and subclasses 308+ for earth boring means with a receptacle which may be adapted to retrieve junk.
294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements,
86.1+, for a well grapple, especially subclass 86.11 for a well grapple of the basket forming type and see (1) Note above; and subclass 86.34 for a device for freeing a single stuck object from its environment in a well by a washover or
