US PATENT CLASS 417
Class Notes
Current as of: June, 1999
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DEFINITION
Classification: 417/
This is the general class for the pumping of fluids, and includes the pumping of slurries, fluent material and the like if handled in a manner not inconsistent with the handling of fluids. With the exception of "gettering pumps" as discussed in Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, below, a pump is defined as means to move a fluid by taking it from one place or location and moving it to another place or location different from whence it came, the pump, therefore having an inlet and an outlet for the pumped fluid which are separate and distinct.
The pumping of the fluid is generally accomplished by action thereon of a mechanical member (e.g., piston) or by contact or entrainment with another fluid (e.g. jet pumps). Also, the pumping may be accomplished by the direct action on the pumped fluid of an electric or magnetic force (e.g., electromagnetic pumps). However, for the line with respect to "ion pumps", see Lines With Ohter Classes and Within This Class and Subclass References to the Current Class, below.
VACUUM FORMATION BY GETTERING
This class is the residual home for the formation of a vacuum in an enclosed space by a gettering action; a getter being a material which when placed in an enclosed space reduces the gas or vapor content of the space either by a chemical or physical action. Also, included are those devices and processes in which the fluid is ionized to permit or enhance the gettering action. These devices are often termed "getter-ion pumps". See the notes and search notes in subclasses 48 and 49 for a statement of the lines.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES
LINE WITH CLASS 313 AND CLASS 315
For the line with Classes 313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices and 315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, with respect to "ion pumps", see Subclass References to the Current Class, below.
RELATIONSHIP TO CLASS 91, MOTORS: EXPANSIBLE CHAMBER TYPE Refer to Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class in the class definition of Class 91 for a statement of the line between Classes 91 and 417.
RELATIONSHIP TO CLASS 92, EXPANSIBLE CHAMBER DEVICES
Class 92 is directed to expansible chamber devices, per se, and with respect to nonrotary expansible chamber pumps is related to Class 417 as a subcombination thereof. Class 92 is limited to expansible chamber devices in which the working member has an oscillating or reciprocating motion to expand and contract the chamber. Thus, Class 92 cannot take the subcombination of any rotary expansible chamber pump. See the note below regarding the relationship of this class (417) and Class 418, Rotary Expansible Chamber Devices, for the disposition of this art.
Set forth below are the lines between Class 92 and Class 417 as they relate to nonrotary expansible chamber pumps:
A. With Drive Means
1. Motor Driven
Class 92 excludes motor driven expansible chamber devices when the motor is significantly claimed. See (2) Note in Class 417 subclass 321 for a statement of what constitutes a significantly claimed motor.
2. Operated By Art Device
Class 92 excludes an expansible chamber pump mounted upon or adjacent to an art device to be operated thereby. See Class 417 subclasses 229+ for this subject matter and for a definition of an art device.
3. Other Drive Mechanism
Other specific means to drive an expansible chamber pump such as gearing, linkage, etc., including disconnectable drives are not excluded from Class 92.
B. Valving 1. Pump Fluid
Class 92 excludes any expansible chamber pump which includes control of the pump fluid by a valving action. Thus, any claimed valving of pump fluid of an expansible chamber pump is sufficient to preclude classification in Class 92 even though the valving claimed may not be all of the valving necessary to cause the pump to operate in the intended manner.
2. Nonpump Fluid
Class 92 does not exclude valving of nonpump fluid as, for
example, valving for lubricant, coolant, sealant, etc.
C. With Diverse Pump
An expansible chamber pump in combination with another pump of a different type (i.e., which, per se, would not be classified in Class 92) is excluded from Class 92 unless the pump of a different type is a mere auxiliary of the expansible chamber pump (i.e., lubricant or coolant pump, etc.).
Relationship to Class 137, Fluid Handling. The line between Classes 137 and 417 is generally that of combination and subcombination. Class 137 generally provides for fluid handling systems and Class 417 generally provides for motor driven pumps and pumps, per se. There are certain areas of subject matter which are considered to be peculiar to pumps and their operation and are considered as exceptions to the general rule stated above. These exceptions and other detailed lines will be set out below.
D. Pump-Tank Relationship
The combination of a pump and a tank generally will be classified in Class 137. However, a single nominally recited tank, reservoir, chamber, pump or other similar fluid holding means will be considered as merely a flow line or conduit and will be classified in Class 417. See (9) Note in the Class Definition of Class 222, Dispensing, regarding other pump-tank relationships.
E. Pump-Accumulator Relationship
An accumulator or surge dampening device is usually a device having a single fluid opening and is connected to a pump inlet or outlet for the purpose of maintaining a smooth flow to or from the pump. Such devices when disclosed for the purpose of surge dampening or insuring smooth flow and claimed in combination with a pump are classified in Class 417. F. Pump-Liquid Accumulation Control Relationship
1. A pump claimed in combination with a liquid accumulation controlled valve is classified in Class 137 with the following exceptions which are classifiable in Class 417:
a. When the liquid accumulation responsive valve controls a liquid flow to the pump or a gas relief from the pump is for the specifically disclosed purpose of priming the pump, see Class 417, subclasses 200 and 435.
b. When the liquid accumulation responsive valve functions as a pump valve in a fluid displacement-type pump, see Class 417, subclass 65 in general and subclasses 126+ and 138 in particular.
c. When the liquid accumulation responsive valve is the distributor of an expansible chamber-type pump, see Class 417, subclass 297.5.
2. A Jet pump claimed in combination with liquid level responsive regulating means therefor is classified in Class 417, subclass 182.5.
3. A pump claimed in combination with liquid accumulation-controlled drive transmission therefor is classified in Class 417, subclass 211.5.
4. A pump claimed in combination with a liquid accumulation controlled-drive motor therefor is classified in Class 417, subclasses 36+.
G. Pump-Plural Serial Valve Relationship
A pump claimed in combination with plural serial valves in either or both an inlet or an outlet flow path and without any branched flow paths is classifiable in Class 417. The rule for serial valves applies even though one or more of the valves is manually operated or condition responsive, see Class 417 for serial pump distributors, for a manually operated valve in serial relationship with a pump distributor, and for a condition responsive valve in combination with a pump. (See Subclass References to the Current Class, below.)
H. Pump-Main Flow Path and Branched Flow Path Relationship Generally a branched flow system having a main flow path and a branched flow path, whether including a pump or not, is classifiable in Class 137. However, there are a number of exceptions which usually depend upon the disclosure in the particular patent as set forth below.
1. A pump having plural branched flow paths, whether valved or not, communicating with a single source or receiver is classifiable in Class 417. Where there is no specific disclosure of the source or receiver for the flow paths, the disclosure will be considered as if there were a single source or receiver and will be classified in Class 417.
2. A pump having a main flow path and a branched flow path, each communicating with separate sources or receivers is classifiable in Class 417 if:
a. the source or receiver for the main flow path is unclaimed or nominally claimed and
b. the branched flow path is specifically disclosed as a relief inlet or outlet for the pump, a priming inlet to the pump, a bypass around the pump, or a vent, waste or drain outlet from the pump, and either(1) the main flow path is uncontrolled or (2) the main flow path is controlled and the branched flow line is (a) uncontrolled, (b) manually
controlled or (c) controlled by a condition responsive valve responding to a condition in the main flow path which is sensed between the pump and the main flow path controller.
I. Condition Responsive Control of Pump Drive Motor
A motor driven pump having a condition responsive control for controlling the operation of the motor is classifiable in Class 417. The combination of a pump and a disconnectable drive, clutch or variable transmission having a condition responsive control is classifiable in Class 417. (See Subclass References to the Current Class, below.)
J. Direct Response Valve-Pump Cylinder Relationship
The combination of one or more direct response valves of the type classifiable in Class 137, subclasses 511+ and a nominally recited cylinder is classifiable in Class 137. The specific recitation of a cylinder head is not considered to be a specific recitation of the cylinder.
RELATIONSHIP TO CLASS 415, ROTARY KINETIC FLUID MOTORS OR PUMPS
Class 415 takes rotary, nonexpansible chamber-type pumps. However, Class 417 provides for rotary, nonexpansible chamber-type pumps in certain combinations as enumerated below. Unless specifically excluded below, a patent to a rotary nonexpansible chamber-type pump, as defined in the class definition of Class 415, will be classified as an original in Class 415 as opposed to Class 417. 1. With Drive Means
a. Motor Driven
Class 415 excludes motor driven rotary nonexpansible chamber-type pumps when the motor-pump combination is significantly claimed. For a detailed explanation of what constitutes a significantly claimed motor-pump combination see Subclass References to the Current Class in this class and Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, General Relationship With Other Classes, paragraph A in the Class 415 definition.
b. Operated By Art Device
A rotary, nonexpansible chamber- type pump operated by an art device is excluded from Class 415. See Class 417 for this subject matter and the definition of an art device. (See Subclass References to the Current Class, below.)
c. Other Drive Mechanism
Other specific means to drive a rotary, nonexpansible chamber pump such as gearing, linkage, etc., including disconnectable drives (e.g., clutch) are not excluded from Class 415.
2. With Diverse Pump
The combination of a rotary, nonexpan-sible chamber-type pump with another pump of a different type (e.g., recipro- cating, rotary expansible chamber, etc.), is excluded from Class 415 and is classified in Class 417 unless the different type pump is a mere auxiliary of the rotary, nonexpansible chamber-type pump (e.g., lubricating or coolant pump). In the latter case, classification in Class 415 is proper.
Relationship to Class 418, Rotary Expansible Chamber Devices
Class 418 takes rotary expansible chamber pumps even though the disclosure and claims may be restricted to pump use. In some ways Class 418 may be considered to be less comprehensive than Class 417 and rotary expansible chamber-type pumps in certain combinations enumerated below will be classified in Class 417 rather than Class 418. Unless specifically excluded below a patent to a rotary expansible chamber type as defined in the Class Definition of Class 418 will be classified as an original in Class 418 as opposed to Class 417: 3. With Drive Means
a. With Motor
Class 418 excludes motor driven rotary expansible chamber devices when the motor is significantly claimed even if the motor is of the rotary expansible chamber type. For a detailed explanation of what constitutes a significantly claimed motor; see Subclass References to the Current Class, below.
b. Operated By Art Device
A rotary expansible chamber pump mounted upon or adjacent an art device to be operated thereby is excluded from Class 418. See this class (417) for this subject matter and the definition of an art device. (See Subclass References to the Current, Class, below.)
c. Other Drive Mechanism
Other specific means to drive the pump such as gearing, linkage, etc., including disconnectible drives (e.g., clutch) are not excluded from Class 418 even if the drive is not reversible.
4. Valving
a. Cyclic or Position Responsive
Class 418 will take rotary expansible chamber pumps combined with valves for the pumped fluid which have a repetitive pattern or cycle of operation which is related to the
rotation of the pump. These may be termed cyclic or position responsive valving and include the opening and closing of inlet or exhaust ports by the movement of the rotor past same. The adjustment of this type valving so as to provide, for example, early cutoff of supply is also included in Class 418. The inclusion, however, of means to cutoff operation of the pump after a predetermined number of revolutions is excluded from Class 418, this being considered to be a dispensing feature for Class 222, Dispensing.
b. In-Line An in-line valve is defined as one situated in the normal line of pumped fluid flow which acts in some way to control the flow in that line, but not by diverting the fluid to a second or subsidiary flow line (e.g., bypass). Class 418 will take all in-line valves combined with a rotary expansible chamber pump which are controlled by some means other than a condition of the pumped fluid (e.g., manual throttle) and will also take those which are actuated directly by the application of the pumped fluid thereto (i.e., direct response valves). Those devices including in-line valves which are controlled by a pumped fluid condition (e.g., pressure, flow) and in which said valves are not of the direct response type are excluded from Class 418 and will be classified in Class 417 if otherwise appropriate.
c. Branched Flow or By-pass
i. Separate Valve Means
Those rotary expansible chamber devices which include a separate valve means (as opposed to a movable chamber part as discussed in paragraph (2) immediately below) to divert or bypass all or a portion of the pumped fluid from its normal or first course of flow to a second or waste path are excluded from Class 418 regardless of whether the valve is manually or otherwise controlled unless the diverted fluid is used merely for a pump perfecting function such as lubricating, cooling, vane bias, etc.
ii. Movable Chamber Part
Many rotary expansible chamber pumps have expansible chamber parts which are in running contact with other chamber parts and which move from a "normal" or contacting position to a noncontacting position and in so moving allow passage or bypass of pumped fluid thereby. Exemplary of such parts are vanes, abutments, end plates, etc., and such parts are usually biased into contacting position by means such as a spring, pressure fluid conducted from the expansible chamber or the like. Such devices are not excluded from Class 418 even though the yielding of the part may be considered to be performing a bypassing function. However, if pumped fluid is conducted to the part for such a biasing function (e.g., behind end plate) and there is a controlled application of
fluid to or release of the fluid from the bias area for the disclosed purpose of bypassing said fluid or conducting it to another point of use such devices are excluded from Class 418 and are classified in Class 417 if otherwise appropriate. Also Class 418 excludes a pump having a movable chamber part whose movement is controlled in response to the pressure or flow of the pumped fluid of a second rotary expansible chamber device.
d. Reversible or Unidirectional Flow
Some rotary expansible pumps are provided with adjustable or self-acting means by which for a given direction of rotation of the pump the flow may be reversed in the line in which the fluid is being pumped, or upon reversal of the direction of rotation of the pump the flow will continue in the same direction in the pumped fluid flow line. This, per se, will not serve to preclude classification in Class 418.
5. With Diverse Pump
The combination of a rotary expansible chamber pump with another pump of a different type (centrifugal, reciprocation, etc.), is excluded from Class 418 and is classified in Class 417 unless the different type pump is a mere auxiliary of the rotary expansible chamber pump as, for example, a lubricating or cooling fluid pump, etc. In the latter case classification in Class 418 is proper.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 1+, for a motor driven pump having a condition responsive control for controlling the operation of the motor.
48, and 49, for a statement of the lines see the notes and search notes in these subclasses.
49, for ion pumps.
50, in which pumping may be accomplished by the direct action on the pumped fluid of an electric or magnetic force (e.g., electromagnetic pumps).
212+, for the combination of a pump and a disconnectable drive, clutch or variable transmission having a condition responsive control.
229+, for a rotary, nonexpansible chamber-type pump operated by an art device.
229+, for a rotary expansible chamber pump mounted upon or adjacent an art device to be operated thereby.
279+, for a condition responsive valve in combination with a pump, subclass 441 for a manually operated valve in serial relationship with a pump distributor, and subclass 456 for serial pump distributors.
321, for a detailed explanation of what constitutes a significantly claimed motor-pump combination see the (2) Note in this subclass.
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS 62, Refrigeration,
55.5, for cold traps including those in which the sole disclosure is to act as a "pump" and for cold traps combined with a nominally claimed mechanical or roughing pump. Class 417, however, takes the combination of a cold trap and a significantly claimed device of this class (pump).
73, Measuring and Testing,
168, for means to test blowers and pumps.
119, Animal Husbandry,
72+, for animal watering devices including animal operated pumps combined with a trough for receiving the pumped water.
166, Wells, appropriate subclasses for pumps combined with well processes or features especially,
369+, for well production processes including pumping steps, subclasses 53+ for automatic wells including control of a pump in response to a well condition, subclass 54.1 for wells with means for separately pumping from plural sources in a well, subclasses 61 and 62 for heating, refrigerating or insulating means with an eduction pump or plunger in the well, subclasses 68+ for above and below ground structure including an eduction pump or plunger in the well, subclasses 105+ for a well with an eduction pump or plunger in the well, subclass 176 well brushing, scraping, cutting or punching-type cleaners on a pump sucker rod, subclasses 316+ for valves including well pump or tubing drain valves.
406, Conveyors: Fluid Current, appropriate subclasses for systems which transport solids by means of a fluid current, and which include a pump for generating the fluid current. See particularly
10+, for control circuits for pump drives, which are responsive to a sensed condition, and subclasses 45 and 46+ for subject matter relating to the pumping and transportation of slurries.
415, Rotary Kinetic Fluid Motors or Pumps, for rotary fluid kinetic energy devices disclosed as a pump or a motor. Class 415 will also take a plurality of such devices in which each is a pump or each is a motor. Class 417 will take a rotary fluid kinetic energy motor driving a rotary fluid kinetic
energy pump if a claim sets out that one is a motor and one is a pump. However, Class 415 will take this disclosed motor driven pump relation if a claim does not reflect that one is a motor and the other a pump. 416, Fluid Reaction Surfaces (i.e., Impellers), appropriate subclasses for motor driven fluid reaction surfaces (i.e., impellers) in which there is no claimed fluid confining or deflecting means, upstream or downstream of or encompassing the impeller.
418, Rotary Expansible Chamber Devices, for rotary expansible chamber devices disclosed as a pump or a motor. Class 418 will also take a plurality of such devices in which each is a pump or each is a motor. Class 418 will not take a rotary expansible chamber-type motor driving a rotary expansible chamber-type pump if a claim recites one as a motor and one as a pump. However, Class 418 will take this disclosed motor driven pump relationship if a claim does not reflect that one is a motor and the other a pump.
505, Superconductor Technology: Apparatus, Material, Process,
150+, for high temperature (Tc 30 K) superconducting devices, and particularly subclass 165 for pumps utilizing a suspension of superconducting particulate material, and cross-reference art collection 910 for pumps utilizing superconducting materials.
623, Prosthesis (i.e., Artificial Body Members), Parts Thereof, or Aids and Accessories Therefor,
3, for pumps solely disclosed as artificial hearts.