US PATENT SUBCLASS 417 / 366
.~ Including means utilizing pump fluid for augmenting cooling, lubricating, sealing, or cleaning of motor

Current as of: June, 1999
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417 /   HD   PUMPS

321  DF  MOTOR DRIVEN {32}
366.~ Including means utilizing pump fluid for augmenting cooling, lubricating, sealing, or cleaning of motor {4}
367  DF  .~.~> Heat exchange means between pump fluid and secondary motor contacting fluid
368  DF  .~.~> Including additional means for motivating fluid flow to or from motor (e.g., auxiliary pump, pump fluid induced flow path, etc.)
369  DF  .~.~> Pump fluid directed to motor via downstream branched flow path {1}
371  DF  .~.~> Pump fluid flows serially from motor through pump

DEFINITION

Classification: 417/366

(under subclass 321) Apparatus in which there is provided means for allowing at least a portion of the fluid which

flows through the pump to either (1) contact a motor or motor part, (2) induce flow of or pressurize a secondary fluid which contacts a motor or motor part, or (3) transfer heat to a secondary fluid or element which contacts a motor or motor part; said means having as its disclosed function the augmentation of cooling, lubricating, sealing, or cleansing of the motor or motor part.

(1) Note. This definition is limited to apparatus in which the fluid which cooperates with the means in the manner set forth in (1), (2), (3) of the above definition is that which flows through the pump. Therefore, apparatus utilizing fluid for cooling or lubricating a motor is included under this definition only in those instances in which the cooling or lubricating fluid itself flows through the pump or is motivated to flow or in heat exchange relationship with fluid which flows through the pump.

(2) Note. Apparatus comprising a pump which has as its sole function supplying cooling or lubricating fluid to its driving motor is considered to be an auxiliary of the motor and does not form subject matter for this class and will be found in the appropriate motor class. To come within the scope of this definition, the pump must supply fluid to a point of external use as well as supplying fluid for cooling or lubricating its driving motor. Also, apparatus in which the mere positional relationship between the pump and motor causes the entire volume of pumped fluid to flow over or around the motor to thereby necessitate cooling or lubrication of the motor by reason of the positional relationship are not intended to be included under this definition, particularly those devices in which the entire motor unit is positioned within a conduit or tank for supplying pump fluid to or from the pump without design or modification of the conduit, tank, or motor for enhancing a cooling or lubricating function. For example, in the above arrangement, the claiming of structure peculiar to cooling (e.g., heat conducting fins) or structure peculiar to lubricating (e.g., lubricant passages within a motor bearing) would cause classification under this definition. Other examples of structure peculiar to cooling would be the recital of flow passages for directing all or a portion of the pumped fluid to or through the motor or motor part, or means for interconnecting the pumping and working members via a material having high thermal conductivity characteristics.

(3) Note. For purposes of this definition, a bearing which aids in supporting a motor working member is considered to be a "motor part" as set forth in the above definition. Therefore, apparatus utilizing pumped fluid for cooling or lubricating a motor bearing forms subject matter within the scope of this definition.

(4) Note. A secondary fluid utilized for cooling, lubricating, sealing, or cleaning a motor or motor part forms subject matter to be included under this definition when the fluid is in heat exchange relationship with or caused to flow

through the motor by the pumped fluid. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

357, for rotary electric motor driven pumps having pumped fluid circulation within an isolated motor armature containing chamber.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS

62, Refrigeration,

505, for a compressor-condenser-evaporator circuit in which there is provided means for cooling the compressor motor by the refrigerant.