WITH EXPOSURE OF WORK TO GAS, VAPOR, MIST, OR MODIFIEDATMOSPHERE:
(under the class definition) Subject matter comprising a step of, or means for, the subjecting of work to the action of a gas or gaseous suspension of material, including air under other than ordinary ambient or atmospheric conditions, or the removal or exclusion of air from contact with work, prior to or during an operation of the class type.
(1) Note. This subclass is the locus of patents directed to (a) passive means, such as air locks, seals, etc., for preventing contact of work with air before or during a metal-deforming operation, or (b) active means such as suction pump, etc., for evacuating a work-containing chamber, or (c) nozzles, ducts, etc., for supplying any gaseous element, mixture, or suspension (including hot, cold, or compressed air).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
39, for applying water or any liquid to work material for cleaning or lubricating.
40, for sand-blasting to clean or descale work material in combination with metal deformation.
46, for applying water or any liquid to work, for coating or unspecified purpose.
69, 128, 200, 271, 286, 342, and 364, for a disclosure of temperature maintenance or modification which may involve gas or vapor contact.
