PATENTS   
Patents > Guidance, Tools, and Manuals >> Classification >>> Class Definition
    Class Numbers & Titles   | Class Numbers Only   | USPC Index   | International   | HELP  
You are viewing a Class definition.

 [Search a list of Patent Appplications for class 425]   CLASS 425,PLASTIC ARTICLE OR EARTHENWARE SHAPING OR TREATING: APPARATUS
Click here for a printable version of this file

SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This is the generic class for:

1. Apparatus including a molding surface which either shapes a fluent or bulk material, which material has plasticity as a property, into a self-sustaining article or preform of desired shape or which reshapes or resizes a plastic or "green" preform or product, not provided for elsewhere.

2. Apparatus for shaping of molten materials including metal, but excluding glass, where no molding surface is employed, e.g., by melt comminution or spheroidizing.

3. Apparatus for treating (e.g., vulcanizing, etc.), a product made by the apparatus of this class, not provided for elsewhere.

4. Apparatus for randomly depositing and bonding (uniting) particulate material, not provided for elsewhere.

5. A combination of apparatus of this class with any diverse working or treating apparatus which combination is not provided for elsewhere.

(1) Note. Caveat relating to administration of this class. Only the assignment of "original" copies of patents issued after 1934 are to be used as evidence of appropriate classification within the class.
(2) Note. Class 425 does not provide for a product made by the apparatus of the class. A specific article is classified with the respective art class to which it belongs, (e.g., a rubber glove is provided for elsewhere).

SECTION II - SUBCLASS REFERENCES TO THE CURRENT CLASS

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

5,for means for encapsulating liquid droplets by simultaneous extrusion of a drop of liquid and a drop of fluent but hardenable encapsulating material.
77,for an ultra high pressure generating device disclosed for use in changing or controlling chemical or physical properties of a material (e.g., diamond maker, etc.).
87,see the notes and compare with the class for dispensing, some of which subclasses provide for means to dispense semi-solids, (e.g., toothpaste, putty, etc.), where there is no intent that a dispensing orifice produces a self-sustaining preform having a shape that is reflected in a final product.

SECTION III - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

2, Apparel,   subclass 168 for a rubber glove.
7, Compound Tools,   subclass 111 for a rolling pin either combined with or convertible to other apparatus.
12, Boot and Shoe Making,   appropriate subclasses for multioperation machines, for tools and adjuncts specialized to the making, assembling and repairing of foot coverings, (e.g., shoes, etc.), and parts thereof even though combined with a Class 425 means for molding or vulcanizing; see especially subclasses 21+ for a blank molding sole machine, subclass 53.1 for a stretching last or former and subclass 128 for a shoe or boot last of general application. Class 425 provides for the subcombination of a shoe last support and a female mold for casting a composite of a shoe preform and fluent material.
19, Textiles: Fiber Preparation,   subclasses 144+ for a process or apparatus for assembling fibers bearing some relationship to each other or with some other material.
26, Textiles: Cloth Finishing,   subclasses 71+ , for apparatus for stretching or spreading a cloth or woven fabric including a fabric in the form of a plastic film. Plastic film stretching devices are, per se, or with film treating means, provided for in Class 26.
28, Textiles: Manufacturing,   appropriate subclass for apparatus producing textile products by involving mechanical interengagement of fibers, strands or strandlike strips and including auxiliary devices related thereto, especially subclasses 240+ for stretching apparatus for finishing thread including a monofilament type, (e.g., nylon, etc.). Further, see subclasses 118+ and 121 for the compacting of fibrous material into tampons or wads or for such compacting combined with additional treatments, e.g., drying, where not provided for elsewhere and see the search notes thereunder.
29, Metal Working,   subclasses 33+ for miscellaneous manufacturing apparatus comprising diverse means for working material comprising (1) a metal working device combined with a Class 425 shaping or reshaping apparatus and not provided for elsewhere, or (2) means for shaping a nonmetal by slitting or cutting combined with assembly means not provided for elsewhere, or (3) diverse means for working metal.
30, Cutlery,   appropriate subclasses for an implement type cutter which shapes a preform by cutting only, i.e., wherein material flow or removal is restricted to that inherent in the cutting; the combination of a Class 30 device with a Class 425 means is provided for in Class 425.
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids,   appropriate subclasses for drying apparatus, per se. A combination of Class 34 drying apparatus and Class 425 apparatus is provided for in Class 425 unless the molding apparatus is recited by name only.
38, Textiles: Ironing or Smoothing,   appropriate subclasses for apparatus for producing a smooth appearance on a textile or fabric surface by pressing, stretching, etc.; see the notes under the class definition.
44, Fuel and Related Compositions,   subclasses 634+ , for shaping apparatus to form fuel briquets including means peculiar to the manufacture of a fuel composition.
52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),   appropriate subclasses for a static building structure, especially subclasses 749.1+ for a machine or implement used in the construction thereof and not provided for elsewhere.
53, Package Making,   subclasses 111+ for a packaging apparatus combined with means for reshaping package contents material either before, after or during the packaging operation; subclass 140 for packaging apparatus combined with means producing a cover material and subclasses 558+ for the combination of means forming or partially forming a receptacle and subsequent filling means.
(1) Note. Class 425 provides for depositing material in a confining receptacle to impart shape to the material and in which the product therefrom is removed prior to marketing, shipping, etc.. Class 425 also provides for molding by depositing on a flate sheet divider even though the divider remains with the product.
(2) Note. Means for encapsulating liquid droplets by simultaneous extrusion of a drop of liquid and a drop of fluent but hardenable encapsulating material is provided for in Class 425. See Subclass References to the CUrrent Class, above.
57, Textiles: Spinning, Twisting, and Twining,   appropriate subclasses for means for producing textile strands, yarns, threads, cords and other miscellaneous composites of filaments or fibers and the combination thereof with means for attenuating, drafting and drawing fibrous material, or the combination thereof with means upstream for covering cores. Class 57 provides for the combination of a Class 425 filament forming means recited by name only combined with a Class 57 means; otherwise the combination is provided for in Class 425.
59, Chain, Staple, and Horseshoe Making,   appropriate subclasses for metal working specific to the products of this class, see especially subclasses 16+ for a combination of diverse working means combined in a machine for combination of diverse working means for producing a horseshoe.
62, Refrigeration,   subclasses 340+ for the combination of specific refrigeration producing means and coacting shaping surface means for shaping or retaining the shape of a material being congealed with or without a product release means; however, such a combination including additional manufacturing means, (e.g., a stick inserter for the manufacture of frozen confections containing water, flavoring, and coloring, etc.), is provided for in Class 425, except where the additional means is a severing means for a congealed product.
65, Glass Manufacturing,   appropriate subclasses for processes and apparatus for molding or shaping glass after being melted or changed to a plastic or softened state.
72, Metal Deforming,   appropriate subclasses for deformation of metal stock by application of mechanical stress to the stock while in a self-sustaining state, (i.e., not molten or powdered); Class 72 is not only the residual locus for such deformation of metallic stock (including a composite with a nonmetal, e.g., metal and paper laminates, etc.), but also is the residual locus for deformation of nondefinitive material or unspecified or unidentified material which is construed to be metal by use of art terms such as ingot, rail, axle blank, etc. The combination of Class 72 apparatus and Class 425 apparatus is provided for in Class 29, Metal Working subclasses 33+ unless directed to a specific article manufacturing class.
79, Button Making,   appropriate subclasses for apparatus for making a button other than solely by molding apparatus provided for in Class 425.
83, Cutting,   appropriate subclasses for machine type apparatus for reshaping a green ceramic, earthenware or other preform of plastic material by mere cutting or severing without material flow other than that inherent in the cutting or severing. The combination of means shaping or reshaping such material with a cutting or severing means is provided for in Class 425. In general, mere cutting other than by a means cutting off of flow by a valving action on fluent material is not, per se, provided for in Class 425. (See the collection of notes under the class definition of Class 83 for various aspects of cutting, drilling, turning, etc.).
87, Textiles: Braiding, Netting, and Lace Making,   appropriate subclasses for apparatus for making textile strands or fabrics by means braiding, knotting or intertwisting strands.
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus,   subclasses 324+ for means for shaping or reshaping a fluent, (e.g., batter, etc.), or plastic, (e.g., dough, etc.) type edible combined with means for cooking or baking, see especially subclasses 372+ for a waffle iron and subclasses 450.1+ for apparatus for making a composite edible by preform assembly means or by package making means where the container or wrapper is an edible, (e.g., means filling a doughnut, cream puff, etc.).
(1) Note. Class 425 provides for apparatus to make a composite edible within a female mold or extrusion cavity and for apparatus to shape a bulk fluent edible into a self-sustaining product, or to reshape an edible preform, with or without means for applying a coating.
100, Presses,   appropriate subclasses for a press apparatus not provided for elsewhere. Class 100 provides for a press, including means for compacting material into bale, of the type providing a mechanical interlock, (e.g., hay, scrap paper, etc.), to form a bale, etc. Class 425 provides for shaping or reshaping apparatus of the press forming type having a shaping surface including means for making a self-sustaining article by compacting a mass of powder, granules or dust where the article retains its shape by interfacial bonds among adjacent particles generated by pressing.
(1) Note. For the locus providing for an ultra high pressure generating device disclosed for use in changing or controlling chemical or physical properties of a material, (e.g., diamond maker, etc.) see Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, above.
101, Printing,   subclasses 3.1+ for printing apparatus comprising embossing or penetrating means for deforming the material receiving the printing.
106, Compositions: Coating or Plastic,   appropriate subclasses for plastic compositions.
118, Coating Apparatus,   appropriate subclasses for apparatus for coating a base including a machine controlled relationship between a coating applicator and the base, see especially subclass 44 for means temporarily deforming, (e.g., by unraveling, etc.), to enhance a coating operation.
(1) Note. Class 425 provides for (1) the combination of a coating apparatus and means including a shaping surface for shaping or reshaping plastic-ware or earthenware, (2) means molding a facing type coating on a base by a stencil mold means confining a fluent material therein, (3) extrusion means applying a coating to a preform moving through the extrusion orifice, which orifice shapes the coating to a configuration other than that of the preform. (Patents which disclose a wire coating extrusion device for Class 118 but claim no wire handling features are assigned to Class 118).
(2) Note. A trowel for controlling coating thickness combined with a Class 118 coating apparatus is provided for in Class 118 as a perfecting feature.
(3) Note. Class 118 provides for application of fluent gasket material in a bottle cap; however, the combination with a means for subsequent shaping of the gasket is provided for in Class 425.
125, Stone Working,   appropriate subclasses for a tool or machine for working upon stone or stone-like material after quarrying from its native position. See the collection of search notes under the class definition for related subject matter.
127, Sugar, Starch, and Carbohydrates,   subclasses 18+ for means treating crystals of materials of the class including purging and molding.
131, Tobacco,   appropriate subclasses under subclasses 280+ for apparatus for making a cigar or cigarette including means for molding or forming and subclasses 111+ for an apparatus for making a tobacco plug or a compressed shaped tobacco product.
140, Wireworking,   appropriate subclasses for apparatus for shaping or deforming wire or the assembly and uniting of wire with wire or nonwire material by twisting, bending, kinking, looping, etc.; see especially subclasses 3+ for apparatus for making wire fabric and subclasses 71+ for apparatus for making or forming an article from wire; see the search notes in the class definition.
141, Fluent Material Handling, With Receiver or Receiver Coacting Means,   appropriate subclasses for a fluent material dispensing means having means providing a combination relationship with a receiver or a receiver coacting means; see the collection of notes in Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class and References to Other Classes in class definition in regard to filling apparatus combined with treating or manufacturing apparatus.
144, Woodworking,   for a machine or process for working in wood not elsewhere classified; see the search notes in the class definition.
156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,   appropriate subclasses for laminating apparatus including means for assembling and uniting preforms, not elsewhere provided for, even though combined with an upstream or downstream separate and distinct shaping or reshaping apparatus, see especially subclasses 394.1+ for a tire body building type, subclasses 425+ for laminating apparatus comprising means for longitudinally progressive helical winding of uncured material such that the product is homogeneous with an exterior shape determined by a core or mandrel, subclasses 433+ for means for uniting flexible strands, and subclasses 500+ for a Class 156 laminating apparatus combined with distinct means for casting, plastic molding or extruding. With respect to the line between Class 156 and Class 425, Class 425 provides for laminating apparatus comprising (1) means to make and to bond preforms within the same mold cavity (2) mold means uniting preforms and simultaneously shaping the joint formed by plastic flow of bulk or fluent bonding material or of plastic flow of at least one preform except in tire building apparatus, (3) means providing a mold frame sandwiched between spaced preforms, which frame shapes a bonding material therein, (4) mold means shaping fluent material and uniting the fluent material while in a moldable state in the mold to a preform, and (5) vulcanizing means including means for supporting an article being vulcanized, which supporting means conforms to the shape of the article.
157, Wheelwright Machines,   subclasses 1.1+ for a tire mounting or demounting apparatus, subclass 8 for tire tighteners, subclass 11 for tire removers and subclass 13 for grooving, slitting or lacerating rubber tires.
162, Paper Making and Fiber Liberation,   appropriate subclasses for an apparatus or process for making paper by deposition of fibers from a liquid suspension thereof to form an interfelted product, especially subclasses 289+ for an apparatus to form a running length product and subclasses 382+ for a foraminous forming mold to make discrete articles by pulp molding.
163, Needle and Pin Making,   appropriate subclasses for multi-operation apparatus for the manufacture of crocheting, knitting and sewing needles as well as garment-fastening pins either of the straight or safety type.
164, Metal Founding,   appropriate subclasses for a metal founding process or apparatus, especially subclasses 159+ for apparatus to shape a forming surface, (e.g., sand molds, etc.), subclasses 272+ for means to shape molten metallic material against a shaping surface and subclasses 374+ for a foundry mold flask or flask section. Class 425 provides for shaping of molten metal without use of a shaping surface, (e.g., by molten metal comminution, speroidizing, etc.), and for shaping of powdered metal on a molding surface. A disclosure of subject matter for both Classes 164 and 425 is assigned to Class 425 unless the claims are restricted solely to the Class 164 subject matter.
177, Weighing Scales,   subclasses 60+ for a dough dividing machine which weighs out a definite quantity; a dough dividing machine which merely measures a quantity by volume and simultaneously provides a shaped preform is provided for in Class 425.
199, Type Casting,   appropriate subclasses for printing type forming means, see especially subclasses 47+ for casting mechanism for integral line type including a mold and subclasses 80+ for separate type casting mechanisms including a mold.
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy,   subclass 281 for an electro-forming mold or strip plate and subclass 298.01 for means forming an object by cathode sputtering.
219, Electric Heating,   appropriate subclasses for electric heating devices, per se, or for certain specific combinations provided for therein; see especially subclasses 149+ for means heating metal electrically combined with forging or shaping means and see the search notes thereunder, and subclasses 420+ for an electrical heating device combined with a crucible or furnace adapted to hold meltable material.
222, Dispensing,   appropriate subclasses for dispensing means, per se, some of which dispense semi-solids, (e.g., tooth paste, putty, etc.), where there is no intent that a dispensing orifice produces a self-sustaining preform having a shape that is reflected in a final product. (See Subclass References to the Current Class, above for a reference to the line between Class 222 and Class 425.)
223, Apparel Apparatus,   is the generic class for machines and machine methods of making, except by knitting or weaving, repairing and maintaining in proper condition, apparel and analogous articles, (e.g., household linens, etc.), especially subclasses 12+ for a hat shaping press, subclasses 28+ for an apparel fluting press and subclasses 52+ for a device for pressing, forming, molding or stretching articles of apparel.
228, Metal Fusion Bonding,   especially subclasses 15.1+ for metal fusion bonding apparatus combined with means to deform work, or a filler or a flux portion before fusion bonding.
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration,   appropriate subclasses for a comminutor for a solid of the extrusion type, (e.g., meat or vegetable grinder or "ricer", etc.), which produces a porous bulk mass of material comminuted rather than a self-sustaining shaped product. The combination of a Class 425 shaping means and a comminutor is provided for in Class 425; a patent disclosing both types will be assigned to Class 425 unless the claims are limited to a Class 241 type.
242, Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding,   appropriate subclasses for a combination of a nominal filament or web forming means combined with a Class 242 device; however, Class 425 provides for the combination whenever the forming means is define more specifically than by name only.
249, Static Molds,   appropriate subclasses for static means for shaping fluent material; see especially subclasses 1+ for an in situ construction or building type form or mold, subclass 54 for a dental prosthodontic type of static mold, subclasses 117+ for a container type mold and subclasses 175+ for a core. Class 249 provides only for a static subcombination or element of Classes 164 and 425. Class 249 does not provide for dynamic apparatus nor for a static mold combined with a diverse function means, except for a few specially provided for combinations with perfecting devices, where such device is also static and integral with mold or is essential thereto, (e.g., a tunnel core with a wheel or skid, etc.). A female mold of a male-female press couple is provided for in Class 249. See the amplified line notes in the class definition of Class 249.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes,   appropriate subclasses for a process corresponding to an apparatus provided for in Class 425. A patent containing process and apparatus claims of equal comprehensiveness will be classified as an "original" in class 264; otherwise, the general rule that the most comprehensive claim controls placement of the "original" copy will be followed between Class 264 and 425.
266, Metallurgical Apparatus,   subclass 249 for apparatus for treating and shaping solid metal; apparatus to press and sinter powdered metal is provided for in Class 425. See subclass 160 for apparatus to pelletize or ball a metal bearing ore combined with means to sinter, indurate, reduce or otherwise metallurgically treat the ore prior to, during or after the shaping operation.
269, Work Holders,   appropriate subclasses for a work holder, per se, especially subclass 302.1 for a work-underlying support for mixing or kneading.
366, Agitating,   subclasses 69+ for working and kneading apparatus for rubber or heavy plastics, such apparatus combined with discharge means which cooperate with a molding will be classified in Class 425.
369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval,   subclasses 84+ for dynamic copying of a record.
401, Coating Implements With Material Supply,   appropriate subclasses for a coating implement with a material supply including a former which is capable of shaping the coating in one dimension only. Class 425 provides for similar structure having means for shaping a coating in plural dimensions.
422, Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing,   subclasses 245.1+ for non-coating apparatus for crystallization of non-metal, non-glass material with no intent to provide a shaped article and with no intent to grow single-crystal.
432, Heating,   subclasses 77+ , for a heating furnace with work cooling structure; subclasses 120+, for a heating furnace or kiln; and subclasses 258+, for structure supporting ceramic material during heat treatment.
433, Dentistry,   subclasses 25+ for dental apparatus including a shaping or reshaping means restricted to dental use. See particular subclasses 34+ for dental impression devices.
434, Education and Demonstration,   subclasses 81+ for a teaching device for sculpturing.
452, Butchering,   subclasses 35+ for sausage stuffer and subclasses 46+ for a sausage linkers. Class 425 provides for dynamic meat briquetting other than stuffing comminuted meat into a sausage casing.
483, Tool Changing,   generally for a process or apparatus including a tool transfer means combined with either a tool support or storage means.
493, Manufacturing Container or Tube From Paper; or Other Manufacturing From a Sheet or Web,   for working previously made paper into an article of commerce (e.g., a bag, box, envelope, etc.) without thinning flow. Class 425 provides for such apparatus wherein there is thinning flow. See the line note to Class 425 expressed under the definition of Class 493.
501, Compositions: Ceramic,   appropriate subclasses for ceramic compositions, or process for preparation, including specific firing or crystallization or pore forming thereof.
588, Hazardous or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment,   subclasses 249 through 260for the permanent enclosing or encapsulating of hazardous or toxic waste.

SECTION IV - GLOSSARY

AND

When used in a subclass title indicates plural basic subject matter of this class. And/or has not been used; see "OR".

BLOWING

Forming a plastic mass or preform by introducing gas under pressure within the mass or preform.

BOND

Uniting by adhesive means or fusion (a mechanical interlock is excluded).

BRAKE

A baker"s kneading machine. In bread making "braking" is kneading.

BULK MATERIAL

A mass or pile of stock material lacking any shape that contributes to a final shape after molding. Bulk material may have a definite shape but it must not contribute its shape to a final desired form.

CASTING

Forming a preform by pouring fluent stock onto or into a shaping surface. Synonym: Teeming.

CLOSED SYSTEM

Plural fluid containing elements in fluid tight relation when under pressure.

COMPOSITE

A preform or product made of diverse materials, each of which is identifiable, at least in part, in the final product.

CONDENSATE

Material derived by a change in physical state from a vapor to a liquid.

CONVOLUTE

To twist or to coil with one part of a preform overlapping another part.

CORE

A separable static male shaping surface providing a hollow portion in a casting. A core is differentiated from a plunger in that a plunger moves during a shaping operation.

CORRUGATE

To shape a layer into parallel rows of wavelike folds extending along its width or length and transverse to the thickness.

CULLET

Waste or broken plastic.

CURE

A chemical or physical treatment to obtain a stable state of a preform or product, (e.g., by vulcanizing, drying, etc.).

CYCLE

A sequence of manipulative steps governed by a mechanism such as a cam, timer, program means, etc.

DIE

An apparatus part having a work contacting part for shaping or reshaping the work.

DISTINCT

An independent entity.

DIVERSE

Differing from one another.

DOUGH

A soft semi-solid mass capable of being kneaded or of being shaped into a self-sustaining form, (e.g., clay bread dough, etc.).

DRUM

A hollow cylinder, substantially circular in cross-section, which has a surface used as a shaping or working surface.

DYNAMIC SUBJECT MATTER

Apparatus in which motion of a part is essential to accomplish a desired function, (e.g., shaping, cutting, etc.).

EARTHENWARE

A product made of (1) slightly porous opaque clay fired at low heat; (2) inorganic settable ingredient containing, (e.g., Portland cement type, etc.), (3) powdered metal (4) ceramics other than glass or slag; (5) alkali metal silicate containing.

EJECTOR

Means to release or remove a product from a shaping surface.

EMBOSSING

Altering a surface configuration only.

ENDLESS

A closed loop, such as the peripheral surface of a roll, a cylinder or a drum.

EXTRUDANT

A shaped body of material formed by forcing the material through a confining, shaping orifice.

FEMALE MOLD

A receptacle having structure for imparting a desired configuration to a removable product formed therein from stock material.

FLARE

Reshaping a tubular portion by spreading a portion outwardly.

FLUENT MATERIAL

A material which lacks ability to retain a shape at working temperatures, but instead readily conforms in shape to the configuration of a surface upon or within which it is placed.

GANG MOLD

A single mold having plural shaping compartments in which plural articles are formed by one operation.

"GREEN" PRODUCT

Self-sustaining but not permanently set or cured, (e.g., unvulcanized rubber, etc.).

INDEFINITE LENGTH WORK

A self-sustaining body having a longitudinal dimension which is effectively infinite.

IN SITU

Remaining in the same place.

INTERFACIAL BOND

Cohesion among common boundaries of particles material without a mechanical interlock.

KNEADING

Working a material by intermittent squeezing and relieving a semi-solid material such as dough, rubber, etc. Synonym: BRAKING

LAST

A form for shaping a shoe.

LAW OF A MACHINE

Control of sequential operations of machine parts by electrical or mechanical program means with operator control reduced to mere starting or stopping of operation of the machine.

MANDREL

A shaping form over or around which material is shaped or a preform is resized.

MECHANICAL-INTERLOCK BOND

A joint made by random lapping of discrete pieces, (e.g., as in a bale of paper, etc.).

MINERAL PLASTIC

A naturally occurring mineral which can be formed into a stone-like product by grinding, wetting, shaping and burning.

NECK RING

The portion of a segmented mold which forms the neck portion of a hollow article.

OR

This conjunction is used in this class to indicate either the combination of two subcombinations or either one of the subcombinations.

PALLET

A supporting surface used as a mold bottom or as a green material handling device.

PARISON

An intermediate hollow preform from which a bottle or the like is made.

PARTICULATE MATERIAL

Minute separate particles which are handled as bulk and not as individual pieces.

PARTING MATERIAL

A material that prevents adhesion or sticking of work to the apparatus.

PLASTIC ARTICLE OR EARTHENWARE

This generic title embraces the types of material, which have the common property of plasticity under the working conditions of the apparatus and are shaped or reshaped by apparatus within the scope of the class. These materials include the following: (1) natural or synthetic resins or gums; (2) green ceramic compositions, (e.g., clay, etc.); (3) particulate material or powder including powdered metal; (4) melts of solids or softened solids except of glass or of metal where a shaping surface is used; (5) slurries except of paper pulp; (6) dough or paste, including edible types.

PLASTICITY

The property of a material to flow either in a fluent or conditioned solid state, whereby it may be shaped or reshaped into a self-sustaining preform or product.

PLATEN

Means providing a press-type shaping surface.

PREFORM

A self-sustaining intermediate object having a configuration that contributes in part to the shape or structure of a final product.

PRODUCT

The material or article which has been shaped, reshaped or treated by the apparatus; the result of a shaping, reshaping or treating operation. (Note: material which may be "product" for one shaping operation may be "work" for an ensuing operation).

PROFILE

Representation of an object in outline, (e.g., a shape obtain by sculpturing, etc.).

REBEADING

Restoring a bead or rim on a product, usually a tire.

RECAPPING

Restoring the wear surface on a tire casing.

REGISTERING

Providing an exact fit of mating parts.

RESHAPING

Changing the configuration of a preform to a desired shape (deformation involving a surface rather than an entire layer is included).

RESIZING

Changing a dimension but not the overall configuration.

ROLL

An endless shaping surface which has a substantially circular cross-section.

SCREED

An implement used to scrape off or smooth a surface of material which is being molded.

SELF-SUSTAINING

The capacity to retain an imparted shape.

SETS

A group of shaping couples each of which generally comprises plural coacting means.

SEVER

To separate a portion from a body by cutting or breaking or perforating.

SINTERING

The coalescence of parts into one solid mass through heating, generally with melting limited to a surface layer only of each particle.

SPINNERET

Means providing a shaping orifice of a size to produce pliable filaments.

SPINNING

Extrusion molding of indefinite length filaments.

STATIC APPARATUS

Apparatus having no relatively moving parts during the forming or shaping operation.

STOCK

A material being worked on or treated by apparatus. Synonym: WORK

SUBSTRATE

A workpiece to which a layer or coating of material is applied. Synonym: BASE

SURFACE DEFORMATION

A reshaping operation involving only a surface of a preform, i.e., partially through the thickness of a layer.

TAMP

To compact by a series of blows and thereby eliminate air pockets or other voids.

TEEMING

See Casting.

TEMPLATE

A pattern used as a guide to the form of a piece being made.

TRAP CHAMBER

A compartment having means for providing a measured charge of material passing therethrough.

TRAVELING

A movement to or from a station, (e.g., shaping, feeding or ejecting station, etc.), as opposed to movement at a station essential to an operation, (e.g., mere mold opening or closing, etc.).

TREATMENT

Altering or actively maintaining some property or a product or preform.

VEHICLE

A fluid, generally a liquid, employed to carry stock material to a molding surface.

WITH

As used in a subclass title indicates the combination of basic subject matter of this class and that of a diverse class.

WORK

The material being shaped, reshaped or treated by the apparatus. Synonym: STOCK

SUBCLASSES

[List of Patents for class 425 subclass 1]    1MEANS UTILIZING FORCE FROM EXPLOSIVE OR THERMIC COMPOSITION
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus which employs, as an essential element of the shaping force an explosive or thermic composition, charge or device.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

149, Explosive and Thermic Compositions or Charges,   appropriate subclasses, for explosive and thermic charges, per se. See Note 6 of the Class 149 definition for additional search notes.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes,   subclass 84 , for the process of shaping a plastic or nonmetallic article by the use of an explosive force.
  
[List of Patents for class 425 subclass 2]    2SHAPING MEANS EMPLOYING ANATOMICAL BODY OR PORTION THEREOF (I.E., ANIMAL OR PLANT)
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus in which a portion of a plant or animal body structure is employed as an impression pattern to impart its shape to a molding material.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

175+,for a mold forming means including a flask, per se.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

19, Textiles: Fiber Preparation,   subclasses 148+ , for hat forming apparatus.
249, Static Molds,   appropriate subclasses for static molds, per se. The line between Classes 249 and 425 is as follows: Class 249 will take only those female molds, per se, disclosed for shaping material around an anatomical body positioned therein. All other molds, (e.g., female molds disclosed for retaining material while the body member is pressed therein, female molds in which the body member constitutes at least a portion of a mold wall, or female molds including means for feeding material thereto, etc.), are proper for Class 425.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes,   subclasses 222+ , for the related process.
433, Dentistry,   subclasses 34+ for devices for taking impressions in plastic material inside the mouth.
  
[List of Patents for class 425 subclass 3]    3WITH DIRECT APPLICATION OF MAGNETIC FORCE TO MANIPULATE SHAPING MEANS OR WORK
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus comprising means to effect a direct application of magnetic force to the work or a shape imparting member to magnetically hold or manipulate said work or member and facilitate, perfect, or expedite a snaping or treating operation.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

174+,for means involving the direct application of electrical or wave energy to the work.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

72, Metal Deforming,   subclasses 54+ , for process or apparatus for deforming metal by application of an energy field, especially subclass 56, wherein kinetic energy of a field is used to deform the metal.
164, Metal Founding,   subclasses 146+ for metal casting apparatus including means to directly apply magnetic force to work or to manipulate or hold shaping means.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes,   subclasses 405+ , for related process; see search notes there under.
  
[List of Patents for class 425 subclass 4]    4WITH MECHANICAL MEANS FORMING OR EXPANDING PORES (E.G., FOAMING, ETC.)
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus comprising means specifically designed or modified to cause or aid the generation or expansion of pores within the work during or prior to shaping.
(1) Note. To be included herein, the apparatus must include means to mechanically introduce a gas into the work, (e.g., gas injection means, beaters, gaseous pressure or vacuum chambers, (etc.). Means causing of controlling a chemical reaction, (e.g., heating means, cooling means, means mixing reactive ingredients, etc.), are classified in appropriate subclasses below even though the reaction results in a formed or porous article. Means injecting steam into an area confining partially expanded beads to cause further expansion is within the scope of this subclass.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

387+,for reshaping a preform or parison by fluid pressure; see the search notes thereto.
817,for an art collection of means designed to mold pore formable material.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes,   subclasses 41+ , for process of forming pores in an article either mechanically or chemically. See the notes and search notes under Search Class 41.
  
[List of Patents for class 425 subclass 5]    5MEANS ENCAPSULATING NORMALLY LIQUID MATERIAL
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus for enclosing normally liquid materials within a capsule by forming or molding said capsule around discrete droplets or portions of said liquid.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

6,for apparatus for comminuting a liquid or melt materials which are normally solids, solidifying said materials and coating.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

53, Package Making,   subclasses 111+ , for a packaging apparatus combined with means for shaping the contents material either before, after or during packaging, subclass 140 for packing apparatus combined with a cover production means, and subclasses 558+, for means forming a receptacle combined with downstream filling means; see the search notes in these subclasses of Class 5.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes,   subclass 4 for the related process of encapsulating a normally liquid material.
  
[List of Patents for class 425 subclass 6]    6MEANS MAKING PARTICULATE MATERIAL DIRECTLY FROM LIQUID OR MOLTEN MATERIAL
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus comprising means dividing or comminuting liquid material to form discrete particles and allowing the liquid to solidify while in particulate form.
(1) Note. Excluded from this and indented subclasses are devices in which the particles are solidified while in contact with a shape imparting surface.
(2) Note. Where the purpose of the comminution is to effect an operation on the material other than that to produce a product of a desired size or shape the patent is not included herein, but will be found in the class providing for said operation.
(3) Note. Included herein is a machine for making cotton candy. The fibers are of indeterminate length and thus are considered particles as opposed to strands or filaments.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

29, Metal Working,   subclasses 1.22+ for apparatus for making bullets, or shot usually involving a plurality of metal working operations, and subclasses 4.51+ for the production of metal shreds by a cutting operation.
62, Refrigeration,   subclasses 74 and 347 for processes and apparatus for congealing (freezing) material involving spraying, dripping or projecting.
65, Glass Manufacturing,   subclass 484 , for fiber glass making apparatus and processes, subclasses 21.1+ for a process for making self-supporting particles from glass or glass-like material and subclass 141, for apparatus for disintegrating and solidifying a glass or glass-like melt with a cooling fluid.
72, Metal Deforming,   subclasses 274+ , for apparatus for extruding preformed metal.
159, Concentrating Evaporators,   appropriate subclasses for spray type concentrating evaporators.
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy,   subclass 298.01 , for coating or forming by cathode sputtering.
239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing,   appropriate subclasses, for fluid sprinkling, spraying and diffusing apparatus.
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration,   subclasses 31+ , for apparatus for comminuting solid material, even though combined with a prior comminuting and solidification of a melted material.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes,   subclasses 5+ , for related process.
502, Catalyst, Solid Sorbent, or Support Therefor: Product or Process of Making,   subclasses 8+ for catalyst composition bead forming process.
516, Colloid Systems and Wetting Agents; Subcombinations Thereof; Processes of Making, Stabilizing, Breaking, or Inhibiting,   appropriate subclasses for subject matter relating to: colloid systems (such as sols*, emulsions, dispersions, foams, aerosols, smokes, gels, or pastes) or wetting agents (such as leveling, penetrating, or spreading); subcombination compositions of colloid systems containing at least an agent specialized and designed for or peculiar to use in making or stabilizing colloid systems; compositions and subcombination compositions specialized and designed for or peculiar to use in breaking (resolving) or inhibiting colloid systems; processes of making the compositions or systems of the class; processes of breaking (resolving) or inhibiting colloid systems; in each instance, when generically claimed or when there is no hierarchically superior provision in the USPC for the specifically claimed art.
  
[List of Patents for class 425 subclass 7]    7By means applying fluid jet or blast to unconfined liquid material
 This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Apparatus wherein the means for reducing the liquid or melted material comprises a forcible stream of an extraneous fluid directly against said material.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

65, Glass Manufacturing,   subclasses 519+ and 526+ for apparatus utilizing a fluid blast means to form glass fibers or filaments.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes,   subclasses 5+ , for related process.
  
[List of Patents for class 425 subclass 8]    8By slinger or rotating liquid comminutor
 This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Apparatus in which the means for reducing the liquid or melted material comprises a member mounted for angular motion around an axis.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

65, Glass Manufacturing,   subclasses 518+ and 523+ for apparatus utilizing a slinger, rotating disc, or centrifuge to form glass fibers or filaments.
239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing,   subclasses 214+ , for slinger, splasher or rotary centrifugal fluid distributors.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes,   subclass 8 , for related process.
  
[List of Patents for class 425 subclass 9]    9Cotton candy maker
 This subclass is indented under subclass 8.  Apparatus comprising means forming fibrous candy.
  
[List of Patents for class 425 subclass 10]    10And distinct means applying congealing fluid to formed particles
 This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Apparatus including a separate fluid medium contacting and aiding the solidification or generation of formed particles.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

65, Glass Manufacturing,   subclass 141 , for glass melt disintegrator and solidifer including fluid contact means. See search notes thereunder.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Articles Shaping or Treating: Processes,   subclass 14 , for related process.
  
[List of Patents for class 425 subclass 11]    11PRODUCT OR PREFORM REPAIR OR RESTORING MEANS
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus comprising means to renew, mend, fix or otherwise treat an article so as to put it into better or usable condition or to the state of newness as originally manufactured.
(1) Note. To be included herein, the resulting article must be of the same general type as the article being repaired or restored. Mere reclaiming of rubber from worn tires, for example, is not included herein but classified on some other basis.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

29, Metal Working,   subclasses 402.01+ , especially 402.18 for a process of reclaiming, renewing or repairing articles for reuse; see the search notes thereunder.
100, Presses,   appropriate subclasses for presses of general utility, especially subclass 231 , for a frame type reciprocating press. As between Classes 100 and 156, all tire or tire tube patching presses are considered to be specialized and are proper for Class 156.
138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits,   subclasses