(under the class definition) Apparatus having means which acts on the gas flow to the separator, prior to separation to (1) vary the quantity of such gas flow or (2) spread out, guide or disperse such gas flow to the separating means.
(1) Note. Inflow control does not include a mere unmodified gas inlet or means for imparting a whirling or centrifuging motion to the gas which is essential to the operation of the device for the purpose of separating a constituent from the system mixture.
(2) Note. When the direction of flow is of no moment, see subclass 410 and the notes thereto.
(3) Note. The guide, distributor or diffuser must be positioned wholly upstream of the separating means. If any part thereof is within the separated gas outlet conduit, the patent will be found in subclass 414.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
417, for gas outflow control valves and see (2) Note above.
447+, for fixed gas whirlers and see (1) Note above. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
96, Gas Separation: Apparatus,
397+, for gas separation apparatus with automatic control means for gas or nongaseous constituent discharge.
