(under subclass 86.1) Grapples comprising (1) a tube for surrounding a stuck object in the well for the purpose of flowing a fluid down the tube to wash away matter from around the object to free it for retrieval or (2) a means for cutting away material around the object to free it for retrieval or to cut away material at the periphery of the object to free the central portion of the object for retrieval.
(1) Note. The "grapple" under this definition may be a mere joint of general utility such as a screw threaded joint. See (2) Note under subclass 86.1.
(2) Note. A device under this definition is intended to retrieve only a single, unitary stuck object. If the device is adapted to retrieve a plurality of objects, such as junk, it is excluded. Such devices may be found in numerous subclasses depending on the features claimed. See, for example Class 166, Wells, subclass 99 and the notes in the definition of that subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
166, Wells,
55+, especially subclasses 55.1 and 55.6+ for a means for perforating, weakening, bending or separating the side wall of a pipe at an unprepared point below ground in a well combined with means for retrieving the pipe or a part thereof. 175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth,
244+, for an earth boring means combined with a means for retrieving a core sample of the earth, which core may include within it a stuck object. The line between Class 175 and Class 294 as to the subject matter of Class 294 subclass 86.34 is that a specific recitation of earth cutting means causes classification in Class 175 but a mere broad recitation of such means permits classification in Class 294.
