US PATENT CLASS 92
Class Notes


Current as of: June, 1999
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92 /   HD   EXPANSIBLE CHAMBER DEVICES



DEFINITION

Classification: 92/

(A) This class relates to devices which include an expansible chamber, said chamber having a wall portion thereof (i.e., a

working member) movable in a to and fro motion to vary the volume of the chamber, and having a fluid conducting passage means in communication with the chamber for introducing or withdrawing fluid therefrom, said device being the type in which:

(1) The introduction of fluid into the chamber or the withdrawal of fluid from the chamber acts upon the movable wall portion and effects a movement thereof in a direction to change the volume of the chamber and produce a mechanical force output which is employed to do work (e.g., motor) or

(2) Application of a mechanical force to the movable wall portion effects a movement of such movable wall portion in a direction to change the volume of the chamber to draw fluid into or expel fluid from the chamber (e.g., pump).

(B) This class also takes miscellaneous subcombinations of motors or pumps disclosed as being of the type having a chamber as indicated in part A, above, not involving control of the working fluid and not provided for in other classes, (e.g., bellows walls, diaphragms or pistons).

(C) This class excludes means to control the fluid to or from the chamber, except in the case of a sealing means for a working member which is adapted under certain conditions of operation to flex away from the encompassing chamber wall to allow fluid passage between said means and the chamber wall.

(1) Note. Claims Not Controlling In Patents Prior To 1936. Patents issued prior to 1936 have not necessarily been classified by claims so that the placement of these patents does not necessarily indicate lines of classification. However, most of the patents regardless of their age have been placed in accordance with their claimed subject matter.

STATEMENT RELATING TO PLACEMENT OF PATENTS INVOLVING COMBINATION AND SUBCOMBINATION SUBCLASSES

In many instances the schedule of this class provides for a combination which requires a given subcombination and elsewhere below provides for the subcombination. The following rule has been followed as to the placement of the original patent and as to cross-referencing and should be followed in the future:

Where the combination subclass requires the same subcombination as is provided for in the subcombination subclass (i.e., subcombination defined with the same specificity in both subclasses) a patent disclosing the combination is placed as an original in, or under, the combination subclass regardless of whether the claims are directed to the combination or subcombination and is not cross-referenced to the subcombination subclass. A patent disclosing only the subcombination and claiming same is placed as an original in the subcombination subclass and is

not cross-referenced to the combination subclass.

This rule is applicable only in instances where there is but a single subcombination subclass (i.e., no indented subclasses), but the combination subclass may be further subdivided into indented subclasses.

The prime feature of this situation is the that the subcombination must, by definition, be of equal specificity in the two subclasses. A search for the subcombination, at least in the case where it is adapted to be used in the combination, of necessity involves all of the patents in the combination subclass. Under this system of placing the patents a complete search of the combination can be made in the combination subclass, and of the subcombination in both subclasses without the addition to the search files of the otherwise necessary cross-reference copies.

The subclasses involved in this combination-subcombination relationship have been indicated in the schedule by numbers in parenthesis, as explained in a paragraph after the class title.

See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, below for the exemplary of this situation in the Class 92 schedule.

LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES

EXEMPLARY IN THE CLASS 92 SCHEDULE

Exemplary of this situation (as described in the Class Definition, above) in the Class 92 schedule are subclasses 11 and 12. It is noted that subclass 11 provides for a working member combined with means to control the flow of nonworking arresting fluid therefor in which said flow control means is responsive to the position of the working member and an auxiliary adjustable throttle for further controlling such flow while subclass 12 merely requires an adjustable throttle for controlling such flow. As between these subclasses a patent having a disclosed means responsive to the position of the working member for controlling the flow of nonworking arresting fluid for a working member combined with an auxiliary adjustable throttle is placed as an original in subclass 11, whether or not working member position control means is claimed and is not cross-referenced in subclass 12. A complete search for the subject matter provided for in subclass 12 of necessity involves all of the patents in subclass 11.

COMBINATIONS WITH LOAD DEVICES

Inasmuch as a mechanical force output of an expansible chamber device within the definition of this class is to operate or move a load the inclusion of the load in the claim by name only or in general terms will not exclude a patent from this class. An exception to this general rule exists where the load on the expansible chamber device is a valve. The combination of an expansible chamber device and a valve as the load moved thereby, even if the valve is claimed by name only, is excluded from this class and will be found in Class 137, Fluid Handling, or Class 251, Valves and Valve Actuation.

This line also applies where the load is a tool: that is, a named tool moved by the expansible chamber will not exclude a patent from this class if no tool details are recited. However, if a support for the work being acted upon by the tool is claimed, classification in the appropriate tool class results even though both the tool and the support are claimed by name only. Also see Search Class 173 note in References to Other Classes, below, for the line with regard to a nominally claimed tool driven by an expansible chamber device combined with other features such as work cleansing or tool feeding.

No attempt has been made to review the classification of all patents found in classes relating to loads adapted to be moved by an expansible chamber device. Thus, it is to be noted that the original classification of all patents is not consistent with the above statement as to nominally claimed loads and this particularly applies as to classes not recently reclassified. In those instances in which a body of art is known to exist in a given class in which the load adapted to be moved by the expansible chamber device is claimed only nominally, and especially where the classification of that class provides for a fluid pressure actuator for the device, currently issuing patents will not be classified as originals in Class 92 even though the load is only nominally claimed.

The means which transmits power from the working member of the expansible chamber device to the load to be moved (e.g., linkage, gearing, etc.) is not considered to be the load to be moved by the expansible chamber device. See References to Other Classes, Search Note to Class 74, for a discussion of this subject.

RELATIONSHIP TO CLASS 91.

For the relationship between this class and Class 91, see "(3) Note" in the class definition of Class 91.

RELATIONSHIP TO CLASS 60

Class 92 is directed to expansible chamber devices per se of the type which includes an oscillating or reciprocating working member and is generally related to Class 60, as a subcombination of a Class 60 device of the type which includes an expansible chamber.

More specifically the line may be categorized as follows:

A. PLURAL OR COMBINED WITH A MOTOR

(1) The combination of an expansible chamber device of the

type set forth in part (A), (1), of the class definition above combined with a motor of a different type is classified in Class 60. However, the combination of a Class 92, Expansible Chamber Devices with a motor which performs work solely for use by the expansible chamber device (e.g., move the working member, or adjust a part thereof) is classified in Class 92. The combination of a plurality of Class 92, Expansible Chamber Devices having a plurality of working members (e.g., pistons) is classified in Class 92. B. WORKING FLUID SOURCE, MODIFICATION OR EXHAUST TREATMENT

(1) Pumps. The inclusion in a claim of a pump broadly which provides motive fluid for utilization by the Class 92, Expansible Chamber Devices does not preclude classification in Class 92. The following examples have been considered to be nominal inclusion of a pump and if so claimed would not preclude classification in Class 92: (a) a pump; (b) a rotary pump; (c) a motor driven pump; (d) a motor driven rotary pump; (e) an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold (as a source of vacuum); (f) a plurality of pumps arranged in parallel; (g) a circuit comprising a sump, pump and expansible chamber device.

The following examples have been considered to be significant inclusion of a pump and if so claimed would preclude classification in Class 92 and cause classification in Class 60, if otherwise appropriate:

(a) a pump which is characterized as to type, e.g., centrifugal, eduction, constant displacement, variable displacement, pulsator, etc. (however, see (b) in the preceding paragraph)

(b) a motor driven pump in which the motor is characterized as to type, e.g., turbine, electric motor, internal combustion engine (however, see (e) in the immediately preceding paragraph)

(c) a pump which has any detail thereof recited as, for example, a "piston"

(d) a plurality of pumps in series

(e) a particular physical relation between a nominal pump and (1) a motor supplied thereby or (2) with a sump, reservoir or tank forming part of the circuit supplying the pump. For example, this particular physical relation may include their relation in space or mechanical interconnection means.

See particularly Class 60, subclasses 325+.

(2) Accumulators.

An expansible chamber device in constant communication with an accumulator for pressurized working fluid is not precluded from Class 92 regardless of the specificity with which the

accumulator is recited, the accumulator in this case being considered to be merely a part of the expansible chamber. (3) Internal Generation.

Class 60 takes an expansible chamber device in which the working fluid within the expansible chamber device is heated or cooled, as, for example, by a fluid in heat exchange relation with the interior of the chamber. Such fluid may be the same working fluid used in the chamber either before or after it passes through the chamber. However, a mere heat exchange space or jacket associated with the chamber through which a heat exchange fluid may be circulated is not excluded from Class 92, unless some means are provided to control the flow of heat exchange fluid into or out of the space or jacket. See Class 60, subclass 508.

(4) Heating, Superheating or External Generation

An expansible chamber device having a nominally claimed means to heat or superheat the working fluid before introduction into the expansible chamber is not precluded from Class 92. For example, Class 92 takes a boiler combined with an expansible chamber device while a "fire tube boiler" combined with a Class 92 expansible chamber device would be classified in Class 60. See, for example, Class 60, subclasses 643+.

Class 92 does not take the combination of an expansible chamber device with an explosive generation of working fluid even if nominally claimed. See, for example, Class 60 subclasses 632+.

(5) Exhaust Treatment or Handling

Class 60 takes combinations involving treatment of motive fluid after it leaves an expansible chamber where means is claimed to change some characteristic of the fluid. A condenser, muffler or filter are examples of such means, but the inclusion of a condenser, muffler or filter in a claim by name only is not sufficient to preclude a patent from Class 92.

Class 60 also takes combinations involving handling of exhaust fluid from a fluid motor. Handling is considered to necessarily include more than a mere pipe or chamber to conduct the exhaust fluid away. However, an exhaust fluid conductor having a number of ports therein merely for the purpose of dividing the exhaust stream is more than a mere chamber or pipe and is classified in Class 60. Claimed limitations to an elbow, support or other fitting which constitutes a mere part of the exhaust pipe will be ignored, but any significant relation of the pipe and expansible chamber device will result in classification in the appropriate exhaust treatment subclass of Class 60. A particular physical relation or mechanical inter-connection between a chamber or reservoir for receiving exhaust fluid from the motor and the motor has been considered exhaust

handling for Class 60. See Class 60, subclasses 272+ and 685+.

C. PULSATORS

Class 60 takes a pulsator system in which a generally constant mass of confined working fluid is moved by the working member of one expansible chamber device to effect movement of the working member of said expansible chamber device. Where only one of the expansible chamber devices forming a pulsator system is claimed, classification is generally in Class 92. However, see (3) Note of the definition of subclasses 533+ of Class 60 for a list of pulsator elements or subcombinations classifiable in Class 60.

REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES SEE OR SEARCH CLASS

73, Measuring and Testing,

232+, for an expansible chamber type volume or rate of flow meter. Class 73 takes an expansible chamber meter combined with registering mechanism and a meter incapable of general use as an expansible chamber device. A meter is considered to be incapable of such general use if there is no disclosed means to take power therefrom for external use such as to a registering mechanism. Therefore class 92 takes an expansible chamber device disclosed as a meter having means to take power therefrom such as for an unclaimed registering mechanism; subclasses 700+ for a fluid pressure gauge. Class 73 takes a sealed capsule disclosed as forming a pressure sensing means. Class 73 also takes an expansible chamber device combined with a means to indicate the condition being sensed by the deflection of the movable wall of the expansible chamber device.

74, Machine Element or Mechanism, appropriate subclasses for a mechanical movement, gearing or element. Class 74 takes a motion converting linkage, gearing or element there provided for even though a piston and cylinder is recited where such piston and cylinder amounts to no more than a named load on or drive source for the linkage, gearing or element; even a recitation of a geometrical or spatial arrangement of plural pistons and cylinders is not considered to constitute more than a named load or drive source and does not preclude classification in Class 74. A support, casing, housing or covering (e.g., a crankcase) may also be included in a claim to a Class 74 mechanism, provided that only so much detail of such support, casing, housing or covering is recited as to constitute a support or enclosure for the mechanism. For example, a machine element such as a crankshaft which, per se, is classifiable in Class 74 will still be in Class 74 even though a crankcase or cover therefore is recited. Similarly a mechanical movement (e.g., a piston, connecting rod and crankshaft) which, per se, is classifiable in Class

74 is still proper for Class 74 even though it includes a piston housing (e.g., cylinder) and crankshaft housing (e.g., crankcase). Class 92 takes a casing for a crankshaft or other Class 74 element where disclosed as being associated with an expansible chamber device either where such casing is claimed, per se, or where the Class 74 element is nominally claimed.

123, Internal-Combustion Engines, for an expansible chamber device which is limited for use as a part of an internal combustion engine. Class 123 has not been cleared and many expansible chamber devices which are not limited for use in an internal combustion engine will be found in Class 123 without any stated line or perceptible distinction with the subject matter found in Class 92.

124, Mechanical Guns and Projectors,

56+, for a fluid pressure actuated gun in which a projectile is impelled from a confined space or barrel by the force of a fluid under pressure.

138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits,

30+, for a fluid pressure compensator for a fluid system, comprising a chamber provided with a movable wall (e.g., piston or diaphragm) to allow the volumetric capacity of said chamber to be varied, and disclosed as for receiving and accommodating a surge of fluid in the system; subclasses 118+ for a circumferentially corrugated or pleated flexible tubular member of conduit. Class 92 takes such a device where the sole specific disclosure or a claim is directed to a bellows device for an expansible chamber device; appropriate subclasses, for a tubular member, even though disclosed as a cylinder for an expansible chamber device. Class 138 takes a tubular member disclosed as a cylinder for an expansible chamber device, where the claim is directed to no more than the wall structure of such tubular member.

173, Tool Driving and Impacting, appropriate subclasses for an expansible chamber device for operating an impact delivering means or for operating a tool combined with work cleansing or feed means and see section IV of the class definition of Class 173 for a statement of the line between Class 92 and Class 173.

184, Lubrication, appropriate subclasses for lubrication of general utility, and particularly 18+, for lubrication of an engine cylinder. Class 184 takes a nominal cylinder and piston provided with lubricating means. Class 92 takes the combination of a cylinder and piston and lubricating means therefor where either the cylinder or piston is modified for a purpose other than for lubrication. Claimed structural limitations, for example, such as sealing means between the cylinder and piston or specific piston construction effects classification in Class 92. However the

claiming of a pitman or connecting rod pivotally secured to a piston including means to lubricate such connection does not preclude classification in Class 184.

187, Elevator, Industrial Lift Truck, or Stationary Lift for Vehicle, especially

213+, for an expansible chamber fluid motor in claimed combination with a more than named stationary lift for raising a vehicle in its entirety between spaced vertical positions, and subclasses 272+ for an expansible chamber fluid motor in claimed combination with a more than named load-underlying support surface (e.g., external load support guide structure which is not necessary to the fluid motor internal drive, particular load-underlying support surface structure, elevator counterbalances).

188, Brakes, appropriate subclasses for brakes and locks of general utility and particularly,

297+, for a fluid type brake or dashpot. Class 188 takes a fluid containing chamber having a movable wall (e.g., piston and cylinder) or an element thereof where the sole specific disclosure or a claim is directed to a dashpot or brake; subclass 67 for a brake or lock for a rod which may include a piston. Class 188 takes a piston and cylinder combined with a movement retarding or preventing means, where the piston and cylinder is only nominally set forth in the claim.

220, Receptacles, appropriate subclasses for the structure of a device disclosed as a cylinder for an expansible chamber device, where the claimed subject matter includes no more than the structure of a container and particularly

200+, for a container closure. Class 220 takes the combination of a cylinder and a closure or head therefor, or a cylinder closure or head, per se, where the claimed subject matter includes no more than a container and closure or a container closure of general utility. Class 92 takes such combination or the closure, per se, where the claim includes subject matter which limits the device to an element of a working chamber for an expansible device, such as for example fluid porting in the closure, or means on the closure for cooperating with a piston part.

222, Dispensing,

206+, for a resilient wall dispenser, and subclasses 386+ for a dispenser comprising a container or cylinder provided with a follower (e.g., piston) adapted to act against a fluent material to expel the material from the chamber. Class 222 takes a combined container and follower where the sole specific disclosure or a claim is directed to a dispenser for fluent material. However, Class 92 takes a claim to a follower or piston, per se, even though disclosed as for use in a dispensing device.

251, Valves and Valve Actuation, 12+, for a fluid pressure actuated valve, and especially subclasses 61+ for a valve having a fluid actuator which includes a diaphragm, bellows or flexible wall type expansible chamber device and subclasses 62+ for a fluid actuator comprising an expansible chamber device having a cylinder with a relatively movable piston therein. Class 251 takes a nominally recited valve combined with an expansible chamber device actuating means therefor; subclasses 324+ for a reciprocating piston type valve and subclass 331 for a reciprocating diaphragm type valve. Class 251 takes a piston or diaphragm when there is a disclosure that such piston or diaphragm is used as a valve element.

254, Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or Pulling Force,

93, for a fluid actuated pushing or pulling implement. Class 254 takes a fluid pressure actuated pushing or pulling implement where some detail of the load engaging means is claimed.

267, Spring Devices, appropriate subclasses for a fluid type spring device. Class 267 takes a device comprising a chamber provided with a movable wall (e.g., piston and cylinder) and adapted to contain a fluid designed to contact and exert a force against said movable wall, or an element of such device (e.g., piston) when there is a disclosure that such device is used as a spring device.

277, Seal for a Joint or Juncture, appropriate subclasses for a packing or sealing member, even though disclosed as sealing between relatively movable elements of an expansible chamber device. Class 277 takes a nominally claimed piston and cylinder combination, or a nominally claimed piston or cylinder, per se, where the claim is otherwise directed to a packing or sealing means between relatively movable surfaces of said cylinder and piston or on said cylinder or piston. Class 92 takes such devices, where some details of the cylinder or piston is set forth in the claim. However, structure of such device which is solely intended to cooperate with the packing or sealing means is not considered a detail of the device for Class 92, and is classified in Class 277. A device including either a flexible cup or flange type sealing member combined with a supporting body structure is classified in Class 92 where such device is disclosed as a piston for either a pump or motor. Such sealing structure either claimed, per se, or combined with a supporting body structure and disclosed as a device other than a piston for a pump or motor is classified in Class 277.

374, Thermal Measuring and Testing,

201+, for expanding fluid thermometers. Class 374 takes, expanding fluid bulb or expansible chamber driving an indicator. Such a bulb or chamber with an indeterminate load

is classified in Class 60, subclasses 516+; an expansible chamber, per se, is in Class 92; and a bulb, per se, is in Class 428, subclass 35.

384, Bearings, appropriate subclasses for bearings and guides. Class 384 takes a nominally claimed piston and cylinder combination as a guide and slide where the claim is otherwise directed to a specific surface structure of one, or both of said elements to form a bearing surface. Further the combination of a nominal cylinder having an opening in an end wall thereof slidably receiving a piston rod is considered a slide and guide and classified in Class 384, Class 92 takes the above combination where the piston is claimed.

429+, for a crankshaft bearing support. Class 384 takes an engine crankcase enclosing and supporting bearings for a crankshaft, the inclusion of a nominal cylinder, or cylinders does not preclude classification in Class 384. Class 384 takes a nominal piston, or cylinder where the claim is otherwise directed to a specific surface structure to form a bearing surface.

403, Joints and Connections, particularly

230+, for a rod connected to a base plate or head. Class 403 takes the combination of a nominally claimed piston and means for either pivotally or rigidly mounting a rod thereto where the subject matter claimed amounts to no more than a connection between a rod or a means to pivotally mount a rod and a tubular or cup-shaped member. Class 92 takes such combination where some detail of the piston other than that which is utilized solely for the purpose of effecting the joint or connection between the piston and the rod or rod mounting member is claimed. For example, claimed features involving sealing means on the piston, specific piston forming material, ribs or fins on the piston other than those utilized to support or mount the rod or rod mounting means on the piston, or structure in which a portion of the rod or rod mounting means extends through the piston end face are considered as piston details and are classified in Class 92. 417, Pumps, and see the class definition of Class 417, for a statement of the line.

475, Planetary Gear Transmission Systems or Components, for planetary gear transmissions, per se. The same line exists between Class 92 and Class 475 as exists between Class 92 and Class 74.

477, Interrelated Power Delivery Controls, Including Engine Control, for interrelated controls between an engine and a transmission, clutch, or brake. Class 477 was formed from patents in Classes 74 and 192 and so the same line exists between Class 91 and Class 477 as exists between Class 91 and Classes 74 and 192.

604, Surgery,

218+, for piston and cylinder type hypodermic device, and subclasses 212+ for a pump type syringe. Class 604, Surgery, provides for a device which includes no more than a piston and cylinder or other type of expansible chamber device, or any subcombination thereof, but in which the sole specific disclosure or claim is directed to a hypodermic dosing device or syringe.

GLOSSARY:

CYLINDER

A rigid external member which permanently surrounds the piston, the latter constituting a relatively moving wall for the expansible chamber, the other walls of which are formed by the cylinder, and the cylinder ordinarily including the abutment or reaction surface against which the motive fluid acts, or the piston forming the abutment for the cylinder when the cylinder is movable and the piston fixed. However, the abutment or reaction surface for the piston need not necessarily be formed by the cylinder but may be formed by a second relatively movable opposed piston within the cylinder.

END FACE

The end face of the piston consists of the portion thereof which is opposite the abutment of reaction surface of the cylinder and which is adapted to contact the working fluid.

NONWORKING CHAMBER Any space within a part of an expansible chamber device which is not designed to receive working fluid for acting upon the working member, or for being acted upon by the working member.

PISTON

A working member which has relative sliding sealing engagement with the encompassing wall of a cylinder type working chamber. The principal parts of a piston consist of an end face portion and a side wall portion which are defined as follows:

SIDE WALL

The side wall of the piston consists of that portion which is opposite the wall of the cylinder which slidably engages the piston.

WORKING CHAMBER

The space in an expansible chamber device which includes the working member and which is adapted to receive working fluid for acting upon the working member, or for being acted upon

by the working member.

WORKING FLUID

The fluid which is admitted into or withdrawn from the expansible chamber to effect movement of the working member, or the fluid which is either drawn into or expelled from the expansible chamber responsive to movement of the working member.

WORKING MEMBER

The wall portion of the expansible chamber of an expansible chamber device which is acted upon by the working fluid to be moved thereby to change the volume of the chamber and produce a mechanical force output, or which, having a mechanical force applied thereto is moved to change the volume of the chamber to either draw fluid into or expel fluid from the chamber. The term includes the movable wall portion and any part which is immovably fixed thereto (e.g., piston rod).