(under subclass 166) Processes wherein the only hydrocarbon product is acyclic.
(1) Note. This subclass is largely devoted to production of methane.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
48, Gas: Heating and Illuminating, especially
197, for processes of producing a fuel gas by anerobic fermentation of sewage.
71, Chemistry: Fertilizers, for processes whose primary intent is to make a product of that class which may incidentally produce a methane containing gas by-product.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation,
603, for fermentative processing of liquid which may result in the production of a methane containing gas. The following criteria are determinative of placement in Class 210.
(1)
Where water is the only disclosed liquid purified, the patent will be classified in Class 210.
(2)
Where the disclosure includes water, mineral oils and/or other liquids, the patent will be classified: (a) In Class 210 if all the claims are broad as to the liquid. (b) In Class 210 if several species of liquid are claimed and one species includes waters. (c) In the appropriate art class if some liquid other than water is the only liquid claimed (e.g., mineral oils in Clas 208; organic compounds in Class 206). When the treatment of mineral oils and the treatment of other materials (other than water) are claimed the patent will be classified in Class 208.
