I
The appearance of a term with an asterisk (*) indicates that a definition for that term will be found in Section IV, Glossary.
Subject matter provided for in this class:
i) colloid systems (also called colloid dispersions* or colloid suspensions), including aerosols, smokes, fogs, liquid foams, emulsions, sols*, gels, coagulates, or pastes, shown by bold outline in the following table (note: gels may be composed of continuous or dispersed liquid phase in a continuous solid matrix): [figure]
ii) wetting agents* (compositions for wetting surfaces, including spreading, penetrating, or leveling);
iii) subcombination compositions of colloid systems or wetting agents* containing at least an agent specialized and designed for or peculiar to use in making or stabilizing colloid systems or in wetting agents*, which includes:
(a) compositions fully compounded for and intended to be made into a colloid system, such as an assemblage of compounds merely requiring non-material input (such as
agitation) to effect a colloid system;
(b) compositions consisting of a potential dispersand* combined with a colloid system making or stabilizing agent*;
(c) compositions consisting of a mixture of colloid system making or stabilizing agents*, or, of one such agent* and an adjuvant*, or, of a mixture of adjuvants*, in each instance the composition lacking both the material* to be dispersed and the material* in which it is to be dispersed, including thickening, suspending, stabilizing agents*, or protective colloid compositions;
iv) compositions and subcombination compositions specialized and designed for or peculiar to use in breaking (resolving) or inhibiting colloid systems;
v) processes of making or stabilizing the compositions or systems of i), ii), iii), or iv), hereinabove;
(vi) processes of breaking (resolving) or inhibiting colloid systems, by any means, physical or chemical, including, but not limited to, use of, alone or in combination, mechanical treatment, composition, compound, or temperature control (heat or cold);
in each case, where not elsewhere provided for, such as may be set forth in Search Class notes in Reference to Other Classes, below.
Ii
A. Class 252
This class is an integral part of Class 252, as shown by the position of the box indentifying this Class in the Class 252 schedule (immediately following subclass 193, AMMONIA, ALKALI OR BASE, BINDANT CONTAINING, and immediately preceding subclass 363.5, SOLIDS WITH SOLUTION OR DISPERSION AIDS). As such, this class follows the schedule hierarchy, and is subject to the class definition and notes of Class 252 unless superseded by explicit statements in the Class 516 definition and notes.
The foreign patents and non-patent literature from 252/302+ were not reclassified into the Class 516 schedule and have been transferred to the Art Collections FOR 100 -FOR 163 in Class 516. The parenthetical classifications in the titles for FOR subclasses refer to the abolished US classifications from which these are collections were derived.
B. Colloidally Sized Materials, Per Se, Are Not Placed in Class 516
A compound, element, or composition of matter in finely-divided solid state is not considered to be sufficient by itself for placement in Class 516. Finely-divided
compounds, elements, composites, and compositions of matter are placed in the US Patent Classification System (USPCS) where such compounds, elements, composites, and compositions of matter are classifiable.
C. Guidelines for OR (Original Reference) and XR (Cross Reference) Placement
Colloid systems (emulsions, foams, etc.) and surfactants therefor (emulsifying, dispersing, stabilizing, foaming agents*, etc.) are widely used in industrial, commercial, and home applications. The USPCS provides for many specifically claimed applications/uses in various composition and process art classes and subclasses. Accordingly, colloid systems are found throughout the USPCS, i.e., in those places where it is specifically provided for. Where reference is made to art-class or art use class or specific art application or intended use such is understood to be shorthand for classes or subclasses in the USPCS including the provided-for compositions of Class 252.
To determine OR placement among various USPCS composition classes, see the section LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS in Class 252 Definition for a hierarchical list of composition classes and how it is to be used as a placement tool.
For placement of ORs, Class 516 generally provides only for patents which contain: (i)only generic claims, where generic refers to the claims having no recited application or intended use (NOTE: this is superseded by those art-classes, such as Classes 424, 508, and 510, which provide for both claims with specific art application or intended use and generic claims when the specification solely discloses that specific art application or intended use. See relevant class definitions or the Search Class notes herein to ascertain which classes provide for solely disclosed art.); or (ii) claimed specific art application(s) or intended use(s) which is(are) hierarchically inferior to Class 516 (based on the hierarchical list in the section LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS in Class 252) or is(are) NOT provided-for in the USPCS, whether or not generic claims are also present.
When Class 516 provides for the OR, placement of XRs outside of Class 516 is mandatory for all disclosed specific art applications or intended uses for which an art-class provides.
When a class other than Class 516 provides for the OR, placement of XRs in Class 516 is only mandatory when there is a claim which meets (i) or (ii) hereinabove and is optional when there is only a generic disclosure of Class 516 subject matter. See (6) Note, hereinbelow, for guidance on placing generic disclosure or claim. If none of these conditions are met, placement of an XR into Class 516 is unnecessarily duplicative since Class 516 is not intended to include
colloid systems which are exclusively directed to subject matter for which USPCS explicitly provides an art-class.
D. Subcombination Compositions are Placed with Ultimate Intended Use Within Class 516
Processes of making or stabilizing a colloid system, subcombination compositions of colloid systems, and processes of making subcombination compositions are placed in the same subclass as the colloid system. Similarly, processes of colloid system breaking or inhibiting are placed along with the colloid system breaking or inhibiting agents* or adjuvant* compositions therefor. Similarly, methods of making wetting agents* or subcombinations of wetting agents* are placed with the compositions containing the wetting agent*. Often this means that placement will be premised on the claims read in light of disclosure.
Patents may claim subject matter which may be placed in more than one mainline area, for example: (1) claiming both an aqueous colloid system and a method of using it as a colloid system breaker ; (2) claiming a method of breaking a suspension colloid system which thereby produces a gel or floc colloid system; (3) claiming an emulsion colloid system with an ultimate intended use in making a gel colloid system; and (4) claiming a method of making a gel colloid system which passes through a sol colloid system phase. In these instances, the OR is placed in the first subclass of Class 516 which provides for claimed subject matter. This is the standard USPCS rule for OR determination within a class. When OR placement is other than the where the ultimate intended use is, such as examples (1), (2), and (3) hereinabove, cross-referencing is mandatory to the ultimate intended use area(s). Unclaimed, but disclosed, class subject matter, such as example (4) hereinabove, is subject to discretionary cross-referencing by the Examiner.
E. Subcombination Compositions, Intended for Making Colloid Systems or Wetting Agents* Which are Provided for Outside of Class 516, May be Placed in Class 516
Class 516 provides for subcombination compositions of colloid systems or wetting agents* even when the complete colloid system or wetting agent* itself is properly placed in another class, unless such subcombination composition is specifically provided for in another class. For example, a subcombination composition of a mixture of surfactants which is intended for use in emulsifying latex is provided for in Class 516, even though the complete emulsion colloid system (the emulsified latex) is proper for placement in the Class 520 series because the Class 520 series does not provide for such subcombination. A claimed dispersing composition intended for dispersing latex droplets in an aqueous continuous phase is properly placed in Class 516, subclasses 53+.
F. Compounds Includes Polymers
The term compound is used to mean the more or less pure substances* of Class 532-570 series as well as the synthetic resins of Class 520 series and the substances* of Class 423. Thus, the term organic* compound encompasses acetic acid as well as polyacrylamide, and the term inorganic* compound encompasses water as well as silica.
G. Guidelines for Placing Generic Disclosure or Generic Claims
The placement of any generic subject matter must be premised on the generic subject matter rather than upon specific art application or intended use for which a classification is already made in an art-class. In other words, when a claim has already been classified in another class, then that basis of classification should not be used to infer a specific detail for a generic disclosure; this obviates placements which merely duplicate placement in an art-class. For example, a claimed surfactant mixture with the sole specific disclosed use of an aqueous phase laundry cleaning agent (which is properly OR in Class 510) and further generically described as useful for surfactant uses or other such broad language which does not afford determination of, or limitation to, a specific continuous phase of a colloid system, is placed in Class 516, subclass 9, because no continuous phase is specified and all the indented subclasses are based upon a specified continuous phase. If the broad language does specify subject matter so as to satisfy an indented subclass area, then placement is made in an indented subclass; multiple placements made be required in the case of generic and sub-generic type disclosures
References which altogether fail to disclose the particulars of the colloid system in which they are to be used (i.e., their ultimate intended colloid system is unspecified) are placed in an appropriate generic subclass. For example, if the claims are to an agent* for a dispersion or emulsion colloid system (or to a dispersion or emulsion colloid system itself) and the patent disclosure fails to identify the continuous phase (dispersant*), then proper placement is Class 516, subclass 9.
H. Colloid Systems Provided for Elsewhere
A concerted attempt has been made to specifically identify and list in section IV, below, those subclasses which specifically provide for colloid systems, related compositions, and related processes. However, even in classes which provide for colloid systems, there are not always specific subclasses for this subject matter. Hence, no guarantee can be made that every subclass containing colloid system subject matter has been identified and listed. Furthermore, even in cases where a subclass has specific reference to a colloid system, the hierarchy of that class must be considered to assess whether that provision in fact provides for all colloid systems otherwise proper for that class. Accordingly, the user should carefully assess whether
the subclasses in other classes in the USPCS which specify a colloid system are the only subclasses in which to find colloid systems appropriate to that class. The user is advised to consult with an expert in the particular class of interest in order to obtain a complete assessment of where to search for any particular colloid system, composition, or process.
I. Glossary References
Carbohydrate; Carbohydrate-Derivative This definition follows the definition of Class 536, subclass 1.11.
Mineral-Oil The text used in this definition was adopted from Class 208.
Organic; Organic Compound; Organic Group When the expression organic or organic compound or organic group is used in this class (516), it means a compound or group which meets the requirements of the Class 260 definition.
Resin, Natural Class 530, subclasses 200+, contain information related to this definition.
Rosin Class 530, subclasses 200+, contain information related to this definition.
Spreading Agent Class 516, subclasses 198+, contain information related to this definition.
Tall Oil Class 530, subclasses 200+, contain information related to this definition.
Wetting Agent Class 516, subclasses 198+, contain information related to this definition.
The rules for determining class placement of the Original Reference (OR) for claimed chemical compositions are set forth in the class definition of Class 252 in the section LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS, subsection COMPOSITION CLASS SUPERIORITY, subsection Composition Class Superiority, which includes a hierarchical ORDER OF SUPERIORITY FOR COMPOSITION CLASSES.
III. SUBCLASS REFERENCES TO THE CURRENT CLASS

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
9 for broadly defined surfactants.
9 for an agent for a dispersion or emulsion colloid system (or a dispersion or emulsion colloid system itself), where the continuous phase (dispersant) is not identified.
20 and 53+ for an emulsion colloid system.
31 and 77+ for a sol colloid system phase.
38 53+, and 77+ for an aqueous colloid system.
53 for a claimed dispersing composition intended for dispersing latex droplets in an aqueous continuous phase.
98 for a gel or floc colloid system.
98 for use in making a gel colloid system.
98 for a method of making a gel colloid system.
113 for processes of colloid system breaking or inhibiting.
198 for methods of making wetting agents or subcombinations of wetting agents, and the wetting agents or subcombinations of wetting agents.

REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
8, Bleaching and Dyeing; Fluid Treatment and Chemical Modification of Textiles and Fibers, appropriate subclasses. See the main class definition for the special use compositions classified therein, which include those compositions (or appropriate methods) which are claimed as specifically intended for such use, including colloid systems, wetting agents, subcombination compositions therefor, or appropriate methods (such as surfactant compositions, per se). Surfactants and colloid systems useful in Class 8 processes and compositions include, but are not limited to, wetting agents (e.g., with dyes), de-aerating agents*, foam suppressants, foam carriers (e.g., for dyeing, finishing, coating). Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 477 for foam dye composition.
34, Drying and Gas Vapor Contact with Solids, for process and apparatus for (1) the separation of liquids from solids, i.e., drying, (2) the contacting of solids with either, or both, gases or vapors, (3) feather treatment. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 302 for processes under that class definition of treating a flowable material wherein the material is congealed, thickened, jelled, or stiffened in any way.
40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 213 for smoke producing apparatus and systems limited to skywriting.
43, Fishing, Trapping, and Vermin Destroying, for methods and apparatus relating to trapping of wild animals, the catching of fish, especially food fish, and the destruction of all animal life obnoxious or pestiferous to man, not including catching and restraining devices for use with domestic
animals or fowls nor the destruction of insects on such live stock, and not including bee-moth catchers. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 124 for process and apparatus the primary object of which is to destroy or kill vermin without trapping them (particularly see subclasses 125+ for apparatus for creating or involving fumes or smoke when such fumes are used for destroying vermin and not for general disinfecting or similar purposes, subclass 132.1 for devices or processes under subclass 124 for destroying invertebrate animals, i.e., insects), cross-reference art collection 900 for apparatus for dispersing i.e., spraying, a liquid mass or jet of droplets used to destroy insects.
44, Fuel and Related Compositions, appropriate subclasses for compositions to be used either as a fuel or as a carbonaceous reductant in a metallurgical process; including colloid systems, wetting agents, subcombination compositions therefor, or appropriate methods which are claimed as specifically intended for such use. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 265 for a gelled fuel composition, subclass 275 for candle making composition, subclasses 280+ for solid carbonaceous fuel dispersed in a liquid medium (such as dispersed coal), subclasses 301+ for liquid fuels comprising an emulsion.
47, Plant Husbandry, for apparatus and processes employed in treating the earth and its products and includes all inventions relating thereto that have not been especially provided for in other classes. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 2, methods and devices for preventing the freezing of trees and plants and their fruit (such as misting).
51, Abrasive Tool Making Process, Material, or Composition, appropriate subclasses for materials or compositions designed for an abrading purpose; including colloid systems, wetting agents, subcombination compositions therefor, or appropriate methods which are claimed as specifically intended for such use.
60, Power Plants, for process and apparatus which include driving a load by conversion of heat, pressure, radiant, or gravitational energy into mechanical motion, such as rockets. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 252 for reaction motor (e.g., rockets) wherein the propellant is a gelatinous precipitate, subclass 39.464 for reaction motor having means to produce combustion products wherein the fuel may be a solid, slurry, emulsion, dispersion, or suspension.
62, Refrigeration, for processes and apparatus peculiar to removing heat from a substance, the resultant product, and processes and apparatus peculiar to handling the resultant product as a stored product, not elsewhere provided for. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or
wetting agents include: subclass 54.1 for process or apparatus for storing a cryogen as a mixture of diverse phases such as a gel or colloid suspension.
65, Glass Manufacturing, for processes and/or apparatus for making stock or articles of glass and processes and/or apparatus for treating glass stock or articles. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 17.2 for processes of working or treating glass which includes a sol-gel route or liquid phase route procedure during any stage of working or treating glass.
71, Chemistry: Fertilizers, appropriate subclasses for plant fertilizing compositions; including colloid systems, wetting agents, subcombination compositions therefor, or appropriate methods which are claimed as specifically intended for such use. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 64.08 for slurry or suspension, subclass 64.09 for gels, cross-reference art collection 900 for foams.
73, Measuring and Testing, (1) as the generic class for processes and apparatus for making a measurement of any kind or for making a test of any kind, and all such subject matter not provided for in other classes, (2) where the term "test" includes inspection, processes and apparatus for determining qualities by inspection being included where not provided for in other classes, (3) as the generic class for sampling and all sampling apparatus and processes not otherwise provided for (see 863 and the notes thereto). Refer to the class definition for guidance on location of measuring and testing arts throughout the USPCS. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclasses 19.01+ for a process or an apparatus for determining the nature or amount of gas in a substance other than gas, subclasses 28.01+ for measuring solid content of gas (e.g., particle), subclasses 53.01+ for liquid analysis or analysis of the suspension of solids in a liquid (particularly subclass 60.11 for determining cleaning or foaming ability, subclasses 61.44+ for determining content or effect of a constituent of a mixture of plural liquids (e.g., multiphase liquid), subclasses 61.63+ for determining settling ability of sediment constituent of a liquid mixture, subclasses 61.71+ for determining content or effect of a solid component (e.g., particles) constituent of a liquid mixture, subclasses 64.41+ for a process or an apparatus for detecting or determining the composition of, a constituent of, or a property of, a liquid or a liquid suspension of a solid and the determination is made by measuring or detecting the ability of the liquid to coagulate, to form a clot, or to form a stiffened or solid colloid-like mass (e.g., gel)).
75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose Metal Particulate Mixtures, appropriate subclasses for processes of obtaining free metals from metal compounds,
ores, or mixtures, or preparing materials for such processes, or compositions for use in such processes, and for alloys and other compositions having a continuous phase of free metal, e.g., made from metal powder. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 415 for pyrometallurgical processes involving amalgam and producing a foamed (porous) solid, cross-reference art collection 953 for subject matter of the class in which spheres are produced.
95, Gas Separation: Processes, appropriate subclasses for processes involving mechanical or manipulative operations or steps resulting in separation of a gas from a fluid mixture comprising (a) a gas and solid or liquid particles entrained therein, (b) a liquid and gas entrained therein, or (c) a plurality of gases, however Class 516 provides for compositions or processes for making or breaking colloid systems (foams, gels, emulsions, etc.) by utilization of agent* compositions whether alone or combined with a mechanical or manipulative operation. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 57 for processes using electric or electrostatic field (e.g., electrostatic precipitation, etc.), subclass 150 for contacting fluid mixture with a liquid and including foaming of liquid to aid in the separation, subclass 152 for contacting fluid mixture with a liquid and including coagulating or flocculating agent, subclass 155 for contacting fluid mixture with a liquid and including defoaming or antifoaming agent, subclass 157 for contacting fluid mixture with a liquid to degasify and including defoaming, subclasses 241+ for processes of degasification of a liquid (especially subclass 242 for defoaming, subclass 253 for emulsion breaking or multiple liquid separating). Also see Search Class reference to Class 239, below.
102, Ammunition and Explosives, for ammunition intended to be propelled by explosives and materials intended to be projected (pyrotechnic devices) and methods of use. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 334 for apparatus for and methods of smoke generating (i.e., causing vapor, cloud, etc., to be formed by a burning), subclasses 335+ for pyrotechnics apparatus and corresponding methods designed to produce smoke, light, heat, and/or noise (e.g., fireworks display, amusement, flash photo, signal), subclass 365 for liquid or jelly incendiary apparatus or method of use, subclasses 367+ for apparatus for or methods of using an explosion to cause a liquid, solid, or gas to be scattered or spread about in the form of a mist, vapor, particles, or gas (e.g., noxious or incapacitating, plant, insect, animal, foliage, biological warfare/chemical warfare).
106, Compositions: Coating or Plastic, appropriate subclasses for coating or plastic compositions, and materials or ingredients used in the making of coating or plastic compositions, which are not elsewhere classified; including colloid systems, wetting agents, subcombination compositions
therefor, or appropriate methods which are claimed as specifically intended for such use. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 162.1 for coating or plastic composition containing a carbohydrate* or carbohydrate-derivative* which may be an emulsion (e.g., cellulose ether or ester), subclass 271 for dispersions of paraffin wax in water which contain more than just the material necessary to produce or stabilize the dispersion, subclass 277 for bituminous emulsions which contain more than just those components necessary to form or stabilize the emulsion, subclass 278 for bituminous dispersions which contain more than just those components necessary to form or stabilize the emulsion, subclass 646 for inorganic settable composition containing protein which sets or hardens when mixed with water or aqueous solutions, usually forming a hard, stone-like product, and forming foam, cellular, hollow, or porous material.
109, Safes, Bank Protection, or a Related Device, for I. Safes: all buildings and receptacles which have combined therewith (a) means in addition to their structure and/or (b) means built into their structure, for repelling or protecting their contents (including living beings) from explosion, penetration of missiles, other attacks by force or stealth (including burglary or larceny), fire, or for any other protective, or safe-guarding purpose not elsewhere provided for; II. Bank protection devices: banks, stores, or other related institutions, having means to protect or defend them and their personnel against a burglary or robbery attack; III. Related devices: all devices not elsewhere classified for preventing physical objects (including living beings) from being harmed by violence of any kind, or from getting into unauthorized possession of any person. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 29 for devices of the class combined with means for releasing, generating and/or distributing gas, smoke, vapors and/or liquids either manually, automatically upon attack, or automatically in case of fire, which fluent material is normally, but not necessarily, toxic, noncombustible, or incapacitating and may normally, but not necessarily, be used to repel attacks and/or put out, prevent, or impede the action of a fire, and this includes devices relating to jails, where the purposes of this subclass are also present.
126, Stoves and Furnaces, for apparatus for the application of heat, including cooking and heating stoves, hot-air furnaces, and accessories; hot-air radiators and heating drums; open water heaters, steaming apparatus, dampers, fireplaces, and stovepipes; the fuel burner when combined with the stove or furnace structure; combinations of a particular stove or furnace structure of the type classified in this Class 126 with a closed water heater or steam generator; water heaters of only the nonpressure type unless they are structurally tied to the stove or furnace or form a necessary part thereof, and grates of general use in stoves, hot-air furnaces, or boiler furnaces. Areas known to have
documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 59.5 portable devices for generating heat or smoke for protecting orchards from frost (e.g., smudge pots).
134, Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, for apparatus for or processes of cleaning, which may include use of detergents, or for contacting solids with liquids for any purpose not provided for in another class.
137, Fluid Handling, for residual subject matter relating to fluid material handling, and processes, systems, combinations, subcombinations, and certain elements pertaining thereto not otherwise classified. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 13 for processes in which flow of fluent material is facilitated by the addition of material which affects the flow characteristics of the fluent material (e.g., suspending agent, viscosity reducing agent), or by the application of heat or other forms of energy, subclasses 170.1+ for apparatus for foam control in gas charged liquids.
138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits, for: A. Tubular members of definite or indefinite length including wall structure of the tubular members, the end structure of the tubular members of definite length, if not elsewhere classifiable; B. Fluid pressure compensators (e.g., accumulators or cushioning devices), flow regulators, or baffles not restricted by structure to use with any particular art; C. Devices for thawing frozen fluid in pipes, for preventing the fluid in the pipes from freezing and for preventing the pipe from bursting if the fluid freezes; D. Pipes with closures and plugs where tied with the structure of the pipe or limited by structure to use with a pipe; E. Methods and apparatus for repairing pipes where not elsewhere classifiable. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 40 for some devices disclosed for the purpose of forming a mixture or emulsion of a plurality of fluids but in which the claims are limited to the structure of the conduit and the flow restrictor.
141, Fluent Material Handling, With Receiver or Receiver Coacting Means, for: (1) the transfer of fluent material, gaseous, liquid or flowable granular solids, through a flow confining system, the source and terminal or receiver parts of which are normally separable, i.e., one or both parts are portable or are otherwise capable of or intended to have a utility in their separated condition. Such utility ordinarily lies in portability of a separated part, either for use of the contents material in another place, or for use of one of the system parts with another complementary part. See the class definition for details of the subject matter of this class. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 3 for processes in which an aerosol type dispenser type receiver is filled by steps involving manipulation of the dispenser as an
incident to or aid to refilling or filling the supply chamber (i.e., the material to be dispensed, powder or liquid, is dissolved in or carried by a vaporizing propellant which forms the charge of the dispenser).
148, Metal Treatment, appropriate subclasses for compositions employed in the treatment of solid metal such as for soldering, fluxing, heat treating, tempering, or otherwise modifying solid metal; including colloid systems, wetting agents, subcombination compositions therefor, or appropriate methods which are claimed as specifically intended for such use.
149, Explosive and Thermic Compositions or Charges, appropriate subclasses for explosive and thermic compositions and methods of preparing or treating such compositions, where the latter are used to produce usable heat or flame or by-products resulting from the use of such compositions (e.g. smoke flares); including colloid systems, wetting agents, subcombination compositions therefor, or appropriate methods which are claimed as specifically intended for such use. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: various subclasses based on active composition for explosive or thermic compositions which may be gels or pastes or may be intended to yield smoke as result of combustion (particularly 29, 37+, and 78+), subclasses 17+ for compositions containing particulate material dispersed substantially entirely within a solidified or matrix medium and which are characterized by dispersed phase within a continuous phase, subclass 108.4 for smoke affecting composition (e.g., coloring), subclass 108.8 for compositions containing a stability or viscosity agent (e.g., gelling, thickening, thinning, liquefying, etc., agent, a stabilizer or unstabilizer (activator), a burning rate modifier), cross-reference art collection 110+ for compositions or processes reciting or disclosing a reference to a particular size or dimension of the particles of at least one of the ingredients or the size or dimension of all or part of the composition in particulate form, cross-reference art collection 117 for smoke generating or weather modifying composition with a resin, and cross-reference art collection 118 for composition containing a resin dissolved in the continuous phase of a gel.
156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture; see the Class 156 definition for presentation of the diverse content of this class. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 78 for processes of bonding of lamina which include the step of forming pores by introducing a gas under pressure to the interior of at least one lamina or by generating a gas in-situ within such lamina.
162, Paper Making and Fiber Liberation; see the Class 162 definition for presentation of all categories of provided subject matter, which includes but is not limited to (A) processes for the liberation, recovery or purification of
fibers as individual staple fibers or as a pulp of such fibers, including cellulosic fibers, from a fibrous containing material by use of a reagent which exerts some chemical or solvent action upon the fibrous material, (B) reagent compositions employed in the processes A above, and processes of preparation of such compositions, not otherwise provided for, or (C) processes including the deposition of fibers from a liquid suspension thereof in order to form an interfelted product and processes of treatment of the deposited fibrous product prior to the final drying thereof; including colloid systems, wetting agents, subcombination compositions therefor, or appropriate methods which are claimed as specifically intended for such use. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 1 for processes of liberation (especially subclasses 63+ for processes wherein the fibrous material is forcibly and directly contacted with a (reactive or nonreactive) gas, vapor, or mist during digestion or chemical treatment for some purpose other than drying, subclasses 70+ for compositions specifically employed in or intended to be employed in the class provided for processes), subclasses 100+ for processes of depositing fibers from a liquid suspension thereof to form an interfelted fibrous product (paper), subclass 187 for processes of forming an interfelted fibrous product from a hydrated or partially gelatinized fiber and the product per se, and Digest 3 for wetting agent.
166, Wells, for processes or means not otherwise classified comprising (1) shafts or deep borings in the earth, commonly known as wells, for the extraction of fluids from the earth, (2) shafts or deep borings in the earth for Inserting a fluid into the interstices of a porous earth formation, usually to enable withdrawal of fluid from a producing output well, (3) apparatus peculiarly adapted for treating a well or for use in or with a well, or (4) processes of using, making, or treating a well. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 244.1 for processes of treating or operating a well which may include colloid system (e.g., gel or emulsion) forming or breaking (especially subclass 309 for processes which produce foam or gas in a well by a foaming or gas producing material) in a well, which includes significantly claimed process steps of well treating or well operation. See also the notes and Search Class references in Class 166 subclass 244.1.
169, Fire Extinguishers, appropriate subclasses for fire extinguishing apparatus and processes and fire preventing apparatus; including colloid systems, wetting agents, subcombination compositions therefor, or appropriate methods which are claimed as specifically intended for such use. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 44 for processes involving the mixing of fire extinguishing components.
184, Lubrication, for devices employed to lubricate bearing parts in a machine where such lubrication device forms no
part of the machine structure. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 6.23 for devices which include means to destroy or remove gas or vapor bubbles dispersed in the lubricant.
201, Distillation: Processes, Thermolytic. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 9 for process including a step of surface treating solid carbonaceous material to reduce or prevent agglomerating or foaming or swelling during distillation.
202, Distillation: Apparatus. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 264 for apparatus for breaking foam during distillation.
203, Distillation: Processes, Separatory, for a distillation process not otherwise provided for. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 20 for processes including defoaming or inhibiting foam.
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, for processes involving electrolysis, producing chemical changes by use of electrical or wave energy, involving electrophoresis or electro-osmosis, or electrical separation or purification of liquids (including breaking or resolving of colloid systems, such as, emulsions). Compositions which are the result of a wave energy process are classified with the art use of said composition. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 193 for apparatus for electrical separation or purification of liquids, subclass 414 for apparatus for electrolysis in analytical or testing system which uses a gel electrolyte, subclasses 450+ for processes of separating or purifying using electrophoresis or electro-osmosis (especially subclasses 456+ for processes of gel electrophoresis, subclass 514 for separation of hydrocarbon oil in an aqueous system (e.g., emulsion breaking)), subclasses 554+ for processes (e.g., electrostatic separation of a liquid) involving (a) electrical (including simultaneous electrical and magnetic) separation or purification of a liquid, or (b) magnetic treatment, per se, when some effect other than mere separation is desired or produced (especially subclasses 563+ for process which involves breaking emulsion or dispersion by agglomerating or accreting suspended constituents in a predominantly hydrocarbon liquid, subclass 573 for process which involves breaking emulsion or dispersion by agglomerating or accreting suspended constituents in other than a predominantly hydrocarbon liquid).
205, Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein, and Methods of Preparing the Compositions, for subject matter defined in the class of which it is an integral part. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 74 for the reproduction or
formation of powder, flakes, or colloid-sized particles by electrodeposition in which the deposit does not remain with the base upon which deposition is made and compositions therefor, subclasses 334+ for processes or compositions for the preparation of chemical compounds or of elements by means of electrolytic action (especially subclass 352 for processes wherein an emulsion, dispersion, or suspension is utilized as the electrolyte or bath, subclass 353 for processes wherein an electrolyte system having two or more separate, immiscible layers are utilized), subclass 699 for electrolytic erosion of a workpiece for shape or surface change (e.g., etching, polishing, etc.) (process and electrolyte composition) wherein the electrolyte is held into contact with a portion of the workpiece surface by surface tension or capillary action, subclasses 687+ for processes directed to the chemical modification of material by electrolysis, including products thereof where not provided for elsewhere and electrolyte compositions for use therein (especially subclass 699 for processes in which the material is organic which contains (a) a natural or synthetic elastic polymer commonly known as rubber (e.g., caoutchouc, neoprene, etc.) or (b) a dispersion or emulsion of a natural or synthetic elastic polymer in water commonly known as latex).
208, Mineral Oils: Processes and Products, appropriate subclasses for (1) processes for the recovery or treatment of natural occurring mineral oil which result in the production of a purified or modified mineral oil or of coke, (2) mineral oil products of the above processes or mixtures thereof which include only mineral oil components, (3) processes for the recovery of oily liquid or tar-like hydrocarbonaceous material from a solid mineral source; including colloid systems, wetting agents, subcombination compositions therefor, or appropriate methods which are claimed as specifically intended for such use; however Class 516 provides for breaking of emulsions of mineral oil when not combined with some other treatment of the mineral oil, i.e., Class 516 provides for effecting breaking or inhibiting by merely adding an agent* for that purpose and permitting or causing separation (settling) of phases. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 29 for treatment or recovery of wax wherein the oil-paraffin separation involves the formation of an emulsion or dispersion (emulsion dewaxing), subclasses 39+ for processes of removing water from asphalts, tars, pitches or resins, subclasses 177+ for mere removal of a colloid system stabilizing agent from a mineral oil for the purpose of preventing formation of an emulsion or colloid system containing the mineral oil (particularly subclasses 179+ for processes of removing water from used mineral oils, subclasses 187+ for the separation of water emulsified with the oil, subclass 263 for removing undesirable organic acids or phenolic components from mineral oils).
209, Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids, for methods and apparatus for separating solid materials and assorting or segregating them in grades or classes according
to physical characteristics (separating solids from solids in general). Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 5 for methods or apparatus for treatment of materials or items prior to their separation to facilitate the latter in which certain components of a mixture may be deflocculated or dispersed relatively to others or by which certain components may be flocculated (this subclass receives only methods and apparatus in which the deflocculation or coagulation is contributory to a subsequent separation of some components from others), subclasses 163+ for methods and means wherein some material is caused to adhere selectively (i.e., to some constituents and not to others) which so lightens the material constituents to which it is attached as to cause them to float on the liquid, while the other constituents are not floated (e.g. bubbles are caused to attach to some components of a material or mixture of solid materials and not to others, the components to which the bubbles are attached being caused thereby to float on the surface of the liquid).
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, for treating water or waste liquid, and when not more specifically provided for, for treating liquids in general or of any kind: (1) process and apparatus for (a) separating a component from (b) purifying or (c) effecting a change in water or waste liquid, such process or apparatus not being more specifically provided for in another class; (2) process of treating liquids in general and treating liquid compositions of either general or diverse utilities; (3) apparatus not provided for in other classes, for performing the foregoing processes and treating liquids of any kind; (4) filter materials or compositions peculiar to the above-mentioned processes; and (5) processes for purification of liquids containing hazardous or toxic waste to produce a nonhazardous or nontoxic product. Class 516 is the locus for the breaking of colloid systems generically claimed and provides for (a) the separation or purification of liquids, generally claimed, when performed by a Class 516 process, such as by breaking an emulsion, dispersion, or foam, and for such processes further including ancillary steps, such as, decanting, or passing through a separatory funnel, etc., or (b) processes in which recovery is intended of both water and another product. Class 210 provides for (a) processes which include a step of colloid system resolution of liquids, generally claimed, when combined with a step of separation of a diverse component, unless that step is also a Class 516 step (i.e., multiple Class 516 steps are proper for placement in Class 516), or (b) a step of colloid system breaking, per se, for the purpose of obtaining water, wherein the water may be intended for use or intended to be made suitable for disposal, thus, decontaminating of sewage waste water to be dumped into the ocean using an emulsion breaking step is proper for Class 210. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 600 for process under the class definition (particularly subclass 608 for processes of using living organism to regulate floating constituent,
subclass 609 for processes of using living organism and including dewatering sludge, subclasses 634+ for liquid/liquid solvent or colloid dispersion extraction, subclass 696+ for processes of preventing, decreasing, or delaying precipitation, coagulation or flocculation, subclasses 702+ for processes in which a liquid is treated by a chemical or physical agent to cause a dissolved constituent to separate from the solvent or to cause a constituent, dispersed in such a finely divided state that it is not filterable or settleable, to agglomerate, coagulate, coalesce, or flocculate (e.g., subclasses 703+ for flotation using a specified precipitant, coagulant, or flocculant, subclass 708 for including emulsion breaking, subclass 737 for process including the step of changing the temperature, subclass 738 for process including agitating, stirring, or inducing turbulence), subclasses 749+ for processes wherein a material is added which chemically reacts with a constituent in the liquid), cross-reference art collections 922+ for oil spill cleanup (e.g., cross-reference art collection 923 for using mechanical means, cross-reference art collection 924 for using physical agent, 925 for using chemical agent).
222, Dispensing, for dispensers; this is the generic class for processes and apparatus for dispensing material, and takes all such subject matter that must be classified on such basis and not provided for in other main classes, this class is not limited as to the character of the materials dispensed which may be in any physical state, i.e., it may be in a gas, vapor, liquid, viscous, paste-like or solid state and if in a self sustaining state may have any form or shape. See the class definition for presentation of the diverse content of this class. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 394 for dispensers in which the material is caused to discharge from the container by fluids under pressure that directly contact the material to be dispensed, subclass 635 for pressurized aerosol container.
239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, for processes or apparatus for dispersing fluent materials, liquids, or gases, see the class definition for presentation of the diverse content of this class. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 2.1 for processes including spraying or dispersing and intended for weather control or modification including fog clearing or making, snow making, cloud dispersing, rain making (i.e., either (a) to wet a surface or (b) to precipitate moisture from the atmosphere), subclasses 8+ for processes of mixing a gas with the material to be dispersed, subclasses 14.1+ for apparatus for weather control, such as snow making.
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, for the generically claimed subject matter of comminuting solid material in a fluid to form or improve a non-colloid suspension. Processes of forming non-colloid suspensions or dispersions of solids in fluids, and in which the ingredients of the non-colloid suspensions or dispersion are not claimed
with such particularity as to form a basis for classification in some appropriate composition class, are classified in Class 241. In general, Class 241 provides for all apparatus for forming suspensions of solids in fluids by comminution, whether such suspensions are disclosed as colloid-sized or not. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 15 (particularly subclass 16) for processes for producing non-colloid suspensions of a solid in a liquid by comminuting operations and subclasses 38+ for apparatus which may produce suspensions of a solid in a liquid by comminuting operations, whether such suspensions be disclosed as colloidal or not.
252, Compositions, for all those compositions for which there is no provision elsewhere in the USPCS; including colloid systems, wetting agents, subcombination compositions therefor, or appropriate methods which are claimed as specifically intended for such use, provided the subject matter is hierarchically superior within Class 252. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 3, 6.5, and 8.05 for fire extinguishing foams, subclasses 610+ for fire retarding compositions in the form of dispersion or colloid system, subclasses 8.57, 8.61+, 8.81+, and 8.91+ for various specialized compositions for leather, fur, or textile treating, subclass 61 for froth flotation compositions used in physical separation, subclasses 71+ for compositions for thickening liquids for use as hydraulic fluids, subclasses 182.11+ for compositions containing a single reactant or plural reactants specialized or designed for use in subsequent reactions with other materials, but not with each other (e.g., for producing foams), subclasses 186.1+ for compositions for bleaching by oxidation, or in other oxidation of extraneous substances, or in generating oxygen, subclasses 175+ for compositions for treating water to soften or purify it, to precipitate impurities in it, or to inhibit formation of scale or incrustation in steam boilers or other water containers, subclass 194 for a composition which is designed to remove or bind water which may be in the form of a gel or which forms a gel, subclasses 299.01+ for liquid crystal composition, subclass 363.5 for finely divided solids combined with an agent to facilitate dispersion, subclass 367.1 for soap containing compositions (these are alkali-metal (i.e., Li, Na, K, Rb, or Cs) salts of unsubstituted or hydroxy-substituted, saturated or unsaturated, higher fatty acids, or of rosin (abietic) acids) which are of general utility and lack any shape or structure to adapt them for use as cleaning agents, subclasses 610+ for fire retarding compositions in the form of dispersion or colloid system, subclasses 634+ for radioactive compositions in the form of sol solution or gel.
261, Gas and Liquid Contact Apparatus, for apparatus specially adapted to produce an intimate contact between gases and liquids to exchange properties or mutually modify conditions. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 75 for devices specially
adapted to produce an intimate contact between gases and liquids (especially 78.1+ for atomizer), digest 26 foam apparatus.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes, for diverse Subject matter under that class definition, such as molding, or liquid or melt comminuting, and provided that in each instance the materials are other than glass or metal. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 3.1 for processes making gelled explosives which include a molding step or otherwise proper for this class, subclasses 5+ for processes of forming solid particulate material directly from a molten or liquid mass, e.g., liquid comminuting to form colloid-sized particles.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, for understanding of the scope of this class, see the class definition. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 526 for solid electrolytic capacitor of paste or gel.
366, Agitating, for processes and apparatus operating on fluid, viscous, or fluent particulate material solely for causing portions of the material to move irregularly with respect to each other so as to intermix, except for processes which form colloid systems, such as emulsifying or foaming, which are proper for compositions classes for the claimed specified use compositions, and for Class 516 for non-specified use compositions (generic). Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 69 for apparatus which may be used for working liquid into a gel, subclasses 101+ for apparatus which includes agitation and injection of gas which may be a foam, subclasses 108+ for apparatus wherein the agitation is effected by vibratory device, subclasses 176.1+ for apparatus for forming suspensions or emulsions by agitation, subclasses 279+ for apparatus with rotatable stirrer which may be used for making lather or foam, cross-reference art collection 604 for mixing apparatus for making foam or lather, cross-reference art collection 605 for mixing apparatus for stirring of paint.
392, Electric Resistance Heating Devices, for devices commonly known as electric heaters, electric-heating metal working apparatus, electrically-heated tools and instruments. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 324 for steam or vapor generator which is a fluid-in-circuit type heater, subclasses 386+ for heating device for use in converting a substance from a solid or liquid to a gaseous state (especially subclasses 394+ for evaporation device for substance which is a liquid (e.g., water, etc.)).
401, Coating Implements With Material Supply. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 190 for device including pressurized
reservoir (e.g., aerosol device).
422, Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing, for the diverse subject matter provided for in that class. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 41 for processes of storage of liquid which may involve use of a colloid system such as an emulsion or foam spread on the surface of the liquid.
423, Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 445 for products or processes of making same wherein the product is free carbon in substantially pure form, such as, diamond, fullerenes.
424, Drug, Bio-Affecting and Body Treating Compositions, appropriate subclasses, for diverse subject matter provided for in that class; including colloid systems, wetting agents, subcombination compositions therefor, or appropriate methods which are claimed or solely disclosed as specifically intended for such use. With respect to Class 516, Class 424 will take its provided for subject matter when it is claimed or is solely disclosed. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 1.13 for radionuclide containing composition containing aerosol, subclass 1.25 for radionuclide containing composition which dissolves or elutes from solid or gel matrix, subclass 1.29 for radionuclide containing composition containing coated, impregnated, or colloid-sized particulate, subclasses 40+ for combustible or chemically reactive compositions to produce a smoke, mist, or aerosol, subclasses 43+ for effervescent or pressurized fluid containing composition, subclass 70.19 for compositions which have topical nontherapeutic utility for treating the hair or scalp of the living body (e.g. grooming or adorning aids, tonics, rinses) which contain two or more surfactants (i.e. compounds that lower the surface or interfacial tension, including detergents, foaming or wetting agents, emulsifiers, solubilizers, or dispersants) which are either designated in the claims or are art recognized as such, subclasses 76.2+ for non-body deodorizing substances which are evaporable, sublimable, or gas (e.g., deodorization of air, aerosol spray compositions, gels), subclasses 278.1+ for a claimed particular emulsifier for a nonspecific immunoeffector, subclass 455 for a capsule which contains an emulsion, dispersion, or solution, subclasses 469+ in which sustained or differential release type tablets, lozenges, or pills contain discrete soluble particles of the active ingredient are positioned or dispersed in a solid, generally insoluble matrix from which said particles are leached sequentially under conditions of use from the outside portions of the matrix inwardly, digest 1 for aerosol hair preparations.
425, Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating: Apparatus, for specified apparatus for shaping materials; see the class definition for full appreciation of the scope of
this class. Of relevance to colloid technology is the provision for apparatus for shaping of molten materials (including metal, but excluding glass), where no molding surface is employed, e.g., by melt comminution or spheroidizing, particularly 6 for apparatus comprising means dividing or comminuting liquid material to form discrete particles and allowing the liquid to solidify while in particulate form.
426, Food or Edible Material: Processes, Compositions, and Products, appropriate subclasses, for food products, compositions, and processes of treating same, including for processes of forming food materials in colloid suspensions and emulsions and the products or compositions produced thereby; including colloid systems, wetting agents, subcombination compositions therefor, or appropriate methods which are claimed as specifically intended for such use. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 116 for packaged or wrapped product having utility for dispensing or serving an aerosol, subclass 235 for application of a gas, mist, smoke, or vapor to a food material under the influence of electrical or wave energy, subclass 329 wherein a food foam is protected against deterioration, or wherein a food is protected against undesirable foam formation by contact with a change inhibiting chemical agent other than an antioxygen agent, subclasses 531+ for per se products or processes of preparing or treating compositions involving chemical reaction by addition, combining diverse food material, or permanent additive (particularly subclasses 564+ for foam or foamable type, subclasses 573+ for gels or gellable composition, subclasses 602+ for an aqueous emulsion in a composition having fat or oil basic ingredient other than butter in emulsion form, subclass 654 for stabilizing or preserving agent or emulsifier other than organophosphatide), subclass 519 for processes including mixing or agitating, e.g., homogenizing.
427, Coating Processes, for coating or impregnating processes in general and see the Class 427 definition for the general line between Class 427 and the composition classes. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 245 for forming a foraminous product having a microporous coating (particularly subclass 246 for such by coagulating or jelling the coating), subclasses 248.1+ for coating by vapor, gas, or smoke, subclasses 421+ for spraying.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, main class definition, section VI, B, for the distinction between a composition and a stock material. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 158 for a structurally defined web or sheet which includes variation in thickness and is composed of foamed or cellular layer (e.g., polyurethane, rubber), subclasses 304.4+ for web or sheet containing a structurally defined element or component and two or more components at least one
of which has voids (e.g., porous, cellular, microvoids).
429, Chemistry: Electrical Current Producing Apparatus, Product and Process, for devices which produce an electrical current by means of a chemical reaction or change in physical state (e.g., from liquid to gas, etc.); and also included are the following subject matter not provided for elsewhere, A. Structural combinations of the device, subcombinations and elements thereof, B. Electrolyte, compositions of the same, and process of preparation, C. Process of operating the device, and D. Miscellaneous process involving the device. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 250 for apparatus having separator, retainer, spacer or materials for use for producing an electrical current in combination with a wetting agent or surfactant.
430, Radiation Imagery Chemistry: Process, Composition, or Product Thereof, appropriate subclasses for class provided for compositions and processes; including colloid systems, wetting agents, subcombination compositions therefor, or appropriate methods which are claimed as specifically intended for such use. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 113 for image developing composition or product which is a multiple phase liquid carrier medium, such as an emulsion, for electric or magnetic imagery, subclasses 199+ for films used for image forming and transfer (e.g., instant photography) which may include an emulsion or a gel, subclasses 377+ for emulsifier in a coupling compound with silver compound sensitizer in a process of color imaging using a radiation sensitive composition, subclass 404 where a gel or web is used in a developer for nonradiation sensitive image processing, subclass 493 for surfactant or emulsifier processing additive in a developer for nonradiation sensitive image processing compositions or process of making, subclasses 495.1+ for film which may contain an emulsion or a gel (e.g., gelatin).
435, Chemistry: Molecular Biology and Microbiology, for processes of making chemical compounds which involve micro-organisms or enzymes, other processes relating to cell, organ, or tissue growth or maintenance, compositions for use in such processes, in vitro processes of testing or measuring, certain apparatus for class provided for processes. Nominal recitation of a Class 435 process (e.g., fermentation or fermentation step) combined with a process otherwise classifiable in Class 516 is proper for Class 516, while recitation of a significant Class 435 step combined with a step or COMPOSITION otherwise classifiable in Class 516 is proper for Class 435 with a discretionary cross-reference to Class 516. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 246 for foam culture of micro-organisms, subclasses 262+ for processes in which preexisting material or compound, which may include a hazardous or toxic waste, present in a composition or material containing a preexisting material, is
contacted with an enzyme or immobilized enzyme micro-organism or plant or animal cells to isolate or recover the preexisting material which is chemically unchanged by the process and the hazardous or toxic waste is (especially subclass 262.5 for processes wherein hazardous or toxic waste such as oil spill is destroyed or converted into an environmentally safe substance, subclass 266 for processes of using enzyme or microorganism to liberate, separate, or purify by treating gas, emulsion, or foam, subclasses 281+ for processes of recovering petroleum or shale oil), subclasses 283.1+ for class apparatus (particularly 301.1 for apparatus including means for breaking foams), cross-reference art collection 812 for collection of art of Class 435 relating to foam control, foreign art collection FOR184 for a method of using genetically engineered (other than hybrid or fused ) cells for oil spill cleanup.
436, Chemistry: Analytical and Immunological Testing, for (A) processes which involve a chemical reaction for determining qualitatively or quantitatively the presence of a chemical element, compound, or complex in a composition or a chemical compound, or an element or radical in a compound; (B) processes for analysis which involve an in vitro antigen-antibody, immunological or protein binding interaction other than those involving a living antigen, or enzyme label; (C) processes of analysis or study of the chemical properties of a sample; the physiological effect of a sample; or chemical determination of a physical property of a sample; (D) compositions and their mere methods of use of thermoparticulating compositions; (E) chemical test standards for A, B, and C; (F) analytical compositions for A, B or C (subject to the caveat of III A of the Class 436 definition); (G) combinations of tests or measurements with methods of regulating a chemical reaction not otherwise provided for in a chemical synthesis class or otherwise. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 18 for compositions, such as anticoagulant containing, which are used to mimic or quantify the effect, in a chemical test procedure, of another chemical composition, or to stabilize, preserve or otherwise prepare a sample for a chemical test and the processes of use of such materials preparatory to a chemical test procedure, subclass 515 for tests involving diffusion or migration of antigen or antibody through a gel, such as immunoelectrophoresis.
446, Amusement Devices: Toys. This class is a specific class under the generic Class 472, Amusement Devices, and includes patents relating to devices of the type whose principal purpose is for the amusement or recreation of children, wherein there is some physical interaction between a person and the device. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 15 for bubble producing toys, subclasses 24+ for smoke producing toys.
454, Ventilation, for apparatus and processes for supplying air to and removing it from enclosures, for distributing and
circulating the air therein, or for preventing its contamination. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: cross-reference art collection 901, for fog dispeller, i.e., comprising means for eliminating or dispersing cloud-like, condensed water vapor which is positioned close to a ground surface.
501, Compositions: Ceramic, for compositions comprising glass, ceramic, clay, porcelain, brick, or refractory; including colloid systems, wetting agents, subcombination compositions therefor, or appropriate methods which are claimed as specifically intended for such use. See that class definition for the statement of the relationship between Class 501 and other composition classes. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 12 for glass or glass forming compositions which are made by a gel route, subclass 39 for glass or glass forming compositions which are pore forming, subclasses 80+ for pore-forming ceramic compositions other than glass or glass forming compositions.
502, Catalyst, Solid Sorbent, or Support Therefor: Product or Process of Making, appropriate subclasses for (1) a mixture of materials intended to catalyze a reaction or to sorb a component of a fluid or (2) certain single materials specifically structured to catalyze a reaction or sorb a component; including colloid systems, wetting agents, subcombination compositions therefor, or appropriate methods which are claimed as specifically intended for such use. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 233 for forming a catalyst or precursor comprising forming silica gel (i.e., an amorphous form of hydrate silica, generally produced by precipitation or coagulation of a silica sol or decomposition of a silicate), subclass 405 for solid sorbent comprising inorganic gel composition, in which there is usually a metal or silicon oxide in relatively minor amount which is distributed in suspension in water, appearing to be solid while the water constitutes as much as 95 to 99% of the mixture, subclasses 416+ for sorbent compositions which are free carbon containing (the term "activated carbon" will be construed as indicating a composition comprising carbon and unidentified components, functioning as a sorbent for this class).
504, Plant Protecting and Regulating Compositions, appropriate subclasses for a plant stimulating or eradicating composition; including colloid systems, wetting agents, subcombination compositions therefor, or appropriate methods which are claimed as specifically intended for such use. In this class the chemical structure of the ingredient disclosed as having a utility set forth in the class Definition is used as the primary basis of classification, therefore colloid systems and wetting agents are not specifically or separately provided for, but such subject matter will be found throughout the subclasses.
505, Superconductor Technology: Apparatus, Material, Process, for subject matter involving (a) superconductor technology above 30 K and (b) art collections involving superconductor technology; including apparatus, devices, materials, and processes involving such technology. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 165 for system, device, or component utilizing suspension of superconducting particulate material in liquid (e.g., seal, pump, etc.), subclass 440 for processes under the Class definition of producing or treating high temperature (Tc >30 K) superconductor material or superconductor containing products or processes of producing or treating precursors thereof which utilizes a sol or gel at any stage, cross-reference art collection 735 for a process limited to the methods of making or treating high temperature (Tc >30 K) superconducting shaped material, article, or device which includes a sol-gel process.
507, Earth Boring, Well Treating, and Oil Field Chemistry, appropriate subclasses for (1) compositions of matter for use in earth boring, well treating, or preventing contaminant deposits in petroleum oil conduits having or not having structure, physical form, or heterogeneous arrangement of components, (2) processes of making, or processes peculiar to making such compositions and for which there is no provision elsewhere, and (3) mere methods of use of said compositions or of a compound in earth boring, well treating, or in preventing contaminant deposits in petroleum oil conduits; including colloid systems, wetting agents, subcombination compositions therefor, or appropriate methods which are claimed as specifically intended for such use. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 90 for compositions for addition to petroleum oils during transportation through conduits to prevent fouling or clogging of the conduits due to components of the petroleum oils precipitating out during the transportation (e.g., suspending agents, antiflocculants), subclasses 100+ for earth boring compositions which may contain colloid systems (e.g., dispersions, suspensions, emulsions) or wetting agents (especially subclass 102 for compositions which may contain foam), subclasses 200+ for well treating compositions which may contain colloid systems (e.g., dispersions, suspensions, emulsions) or wetting agents (especially subclass 202 for compositions which may contain foam), cross-reference art collection 921 for well treating composition intended to break an emulsion or gel or to uncrosslink a polymer, cross-reference art collection 922+ for fracture fluids which may be gels.
508, Solid Antifriction Devices, Material Therefor, Lubricant or Separant Compositions for Moving Solid Surfaces, and Miscellaneous Mineral Oil Compositions, appropriate subclasses for claimed or solely disclosed, (1) compositions of matter which are solid antifriction devices or articles described in terms of their chemical composition, (2) materials from which said solid antifriction devices or articles are fashioned, (3) compositions which serve as
lubricants or separants for moving solid surfaces, (4) compositions of mineral oils admixed with non-hydrocarbon materials and not limited to a function or utility provided for elsewhere in any other art-class* ; including colloid systems, wetting agents, subcombination compositions therefor, or appropriate methods which are claimed or solely disclosed as specifically intended for such use. This class is organized based upon the chemical constituents or chemical reactants of the composition or device; no subclass specifically provides for colloid systems or wetting agents, therefore such subject matter would be placed based upon its constituents as though it were a solution or mixture having no colloid system characteristic. Many patents are known to disclose lubricant compositions which are emulsion colloid systems. See 113 for compositions which are miscellaneous mineral oil compositions, or are lubricants or separants for moving solid surfaces, which contain elemental carbon, coal or graphite, subclasses 136+ for compositions which are miscellaneous mineral oil compositions, or are lubricants or separants for moving solid surfaces, which contain silicon dioxide, silicic acid, orthosilicate, or metasilicate (e.g., clays, onium clays, estersils, etc.) which may be surface-treated.
510, Cleaning Compositions for Solid Surfaces, Auxiliary Compositions Therefor, or Processes of Preparing the Compositions, appropriate subclasses for claimed or solely disclosed (1) cleaning compositions for cleaning or removing foreign matter from solid surfaces, (2) auxiliary compositions for perfecting the cleaning compositions (e.g., rinse or dryer added fabric softener compositions), (3) compositions of this class defined in terms of specific structure, (4) packages of compositions of this class, and (5) processes of preparing compositions of this class, in each case where not provided for elsewhere; including colloid systems, wetting agents, subcombination compositions therefor, or appropriate methods which are claimed or solely disclosed as specifically intended for such use. A claim which does not specify a cleaning use is termed a "generic use claim" which claim creates a requirement for a mandatory search and cross-reference in Class 516 even if presented with claims reciting cleaning or in a disclosure which solely discloses cleaning use. Class 510 is hierarchically organized as follows: based upon the substrate or specific contaminant to be cleaned, then by functional additive component, then by physical characteristic, then by specific organic component, then last placement is auxiliary compositions. Although various subclasses specifically provide for colloid systems or wetting agents, such subject matter may be placed based upon another criterion, such as its chemical constitution (i.e., as though it has no colloid system characteristic). Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 112 for compositions for cleaning contact lenses (especially subclass 113 for compositions including solid particulate component which may be a colloid system (suspension)), subclass 117 for composition for cleaning removable dentures
which is gas generating (e.g., effervescent), subclass 120 for composition for cleaning human scalp hair, scalp, or wig which is dispensed by release of pressurized gas, subclasses 130+ for composition for cleaning human skin (especially subclass 135 for high-foaming bath (e.g., bubble bath), subclass 139 for particulate containing which may be colloid-sized, subclass 140 for packaged in an aerosol dispenser, subclass 158 for cream, paste, or gel), subclass 198 for gas-propelled composition for removing heat-degraded food residue from solid surface, subclass 216 for compositions facilitating sweeping uncarpeted floors by reducing the amount of dust that becomes airborne, subclasses 221+ for liquid, paste, or gel composition used in automatic dishwasher, subclass 242 for liquid composition (e.g., emulsion) for removing foreign matter from surface carrying a protective or ornamental coating, finish, or adhesively attached covering (e.g., from painted or papered wall, automobile body), subclasses 276+ for cleaning compositions for textile material (e.g., laundry detergent) (particularly subclass 279 for gas-propelled composition (e.g., aerosol) for cleaning pile fabric or upholstery (e.g., carpet, rug), subclass 280 for gel or liquid composition for cleaning pile fabric or upholstery (e.g., carpet, rug), subclass 317 for suds regulating component and peroxy component containing, subclass 336 for gel, cream, or paste, subclasses 337+ for liquid compositions (e.g., slurry) which may be colloid systems), subclass 364 for compositions for displacing organic liquid film from a solid surface which may include a wetting agent, subclass 365 for compositions for removing greasy or oily contaminant from a substrate which may include a wetting agent, subclasses 367+ for cleaning compositions with oxygen or halogen containing chemical bleach or oxidant component (particularly subclasses 368+ for with scrubbing or scouring component (e.g., abrasive, slurry), subclass 370 for liquid, paste, foam, or gel (e.g., slurry, aerosol composition or package)), subclasses 383+ for liquid, paste, or gel cleaning composition with halogen, nitrogen, oxygen, or phosphorus containing antiseptic or biocidal component, subclasses 395+ for cleaning composition with a scrubbing or scouring component (e.g., containing an abrasive, cream, paste, gel, gas-propelled, slurry), subclass 403 for gel or malleable (e.g., plastic-like) cleaning composition, subclass 404 for cream or paste cleaning composition, subclasses 405+ for liquid cleaning compositions, especially for chemically specified surfactants (particularly subclass 406 for gas-propelled, subclass 417 for plural immiscible liquid phases (e.g., emulsion, oily and aqueous layers), subclass 418 for liquid and solid phases (e.g., suspension, slurry)), subclass 514 for dishwasher rinse composition which may be a wetting agent, subclasses 535 for surfactant compositions (other that raw soap) which are specialized for use in cleaning compositions together with other auxiliary components (particularly subclass 537 for liquid or paste).
512, Perfume Compositions, for compositions including an organoleptic ingredient which imparts aroma, processes of extracting essential oils for use in perfumes from animal or
plant sources, and processes of utilizing a compound or composition as a perfume, which may be intended for application to a living body, clothing, or objects, (e.g., a flower fragrance may be applied to a person, a pine scent to a Christmas tree, etc.) This class is substantially organized based upon the chemical constituents of the composition; no subclass specifically provides for colloid systems or wetting agents, therefore such subject matter would be placed based upon its constituents as though it were a solution or mixture having no colloid system characteristic. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 2 for compositions which include a chemical compound whose sole purpose is to prevent chemical change, or to extend the life of the perfume by retarding evaporation of the perfume active ingredient, subclass 4 for nonliquid or encapsulated compositions, such as gels containing a perfume material
514, Drug, Bio-Affecting and Body Treating Compositions, which incorporates all the definitions and rules as to subject matter of the class of which it is an integral part. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 772 for compositions which contain a designated non-bioactive organic compound (e.g., emulsifying polymers, gelatin), cross-reference art collections 936-975 which pertain to specifically disclosed carrier systems, physical form, or specified nonbioactive ingredient (particularly cross-reference art collections 937+ for subject matter involving a composition in the form of a dispersion or emulsion, cross-reference art collection 944 for subject matter involving a gel form and containing specified ingredients to give a gel, cross-reference art collection 945 for subject matter involving a foam and containing specified ingredients to form said foam, cross-reference art collection 946+ for subject matter involving the increasing or enhancing of the rate or amount of active ingredient absorbed into the treated subject (e.g., skin, digestive tract), cross-reference art collection 957 for subject matter involving application or distribution of an active ingredient using a vapor or gas, cross-reference art collection 958 for subject matter involving a combination of an active ingredient with a carrier system which allows administration by smoking or inhaling, cross-reference art collection 959 for subject matter involving inhalation of a breathing gas such as oxygen containing gas and supplements thereto).
520, Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, appropriate subclasses for (1) synthetic resins, per se, or (2) resin containing compositions, the use or utility of which is not specifically provided for elsewhere. The subject matter of the Class 520 series is hierarchically superior to Class 516 for placement of ORs (original reference). subclass 1 of Class 520 is the residual subclass for solid resin containing subject matter. See various subclasses in the 520 series of Classes for aqueous or organic dispersions, latexes, or gels, of a polymer or natural or synthetic
rubber, and methods of making or treating same.
521, Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers Part of the Class 520 Series, for (1) ion-exchange polymers, (2) processes of reclaiming a synthetic resin, and (3) cellular synthetic resins. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 28 for a mixture of a synthetic ion exchange resin which may be in gel form, subclasses 50+ for cellular products or processes of preparing a cellular product (e.g., foams, pores, channels), subclasses 53+ for the gel of a porous synthetic resin.
522, Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers -- Part Of The Class 520 Series, for processes of preparing or treating a solid polymer utilizing wave energy and for compositions which contain a photosensitizer and which when reacted form a product proper for this class. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 3 for processes of forming or modifying a solid polymer wherein wave energy is employed and wherein specified mixing, stirring, agitating, movement of material or directional orientation is employed; or compositions therefore.
523, Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers -- Part Of The Class 520 Series, for synthetic resins or specified intermediate condensation products admixed with a nonreactant material. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclasses 100-181 for nonporous synthetic polymeric materials with specified functions or uses and for intentional composition, or process of preparing same, of specifically provided for special use, application, or property (particularly subclass 171 for composition having opalescent, pearlescent, or variegated color, subclass 175 for liquid-solid drag reduction composition).
524, Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers -- Part Of The Class 520 Series, for synthetic resins or specified intermediate condensation products admixed with a nonreactant material. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 457 for polymerizing an ethylenic monomer in the presence of a preformed SICP or solid polymer and in the presence of a nonreactive material so as to form an aqueous dispersion, latex, suspension, or emulsion therewith, or product thereof, subclass 801 for process of preparing water-in-oil emulsion or dispersion, or product thereof, cross-reference art collection 903 for aerosol compositions, cross-reference art collection 916 for hydrogel compositions, cross-reference art collection 922 for flocculating, clarifying, or fining compositions, cross-reference art collection 923 for subject matter involving treating or preparing nonaqueous dispersions or emulsions of solid polymer or SICP.
528, Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers -- Part Of The Class 520 Series, for polymers derived from at least one nonethylenic reactant, and also for processes of treating a
polymer either derived from ethylenic or nonethylenic reactants wherein chemical bonds in the polymer are left unaffected. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: cross-reference art collections 934+ for subject matter relating to recovery and physical processing of natural rubber latex (particularly cross-reference art collection 936 for coagulating).
530, Chemistry: Natural Resins or Derivatives; Peptides or Proteins; Lignins or Reaction Products Thereof, appropriate subclasses for colloid systems such as gel-like proteins; including colloid systems, wetting agents, subcombination compositions therefor, or appropriate methods which are claimed as specifically comprising such constituency. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: 200 for natural resin derivatives which are not pure compounds, and processes of treating natural resins or derivatives (e.g., wood, gum, and tall oil rosin; wood or pine tar or pitch; shellac; copals from various sources, both recent and fossil, such as Congo, Manila, etc.; amber; dammar; kauri; coal resin; gum accroides; sandarac; cativo resin), subclasses 354+ for gelatin, subclass 356 for collagen, subclasses 360+ for casein or caseinate, subclasses 362+ for albumin, subclasses 370+ for plant or yeast proteins, subclasses 380+ for blood proteins (particularly 381+ for blood coagulation factors and fibrin, e.g., thromboplastin).
585, Chemistry of Hydrocarbon Compounds, for hydrocarbon in pure or relatively pure state and for certain compositions containing hydrocarbons, and methods for making such compounds and compositions by synthesis, blending or otherwise, and certain methods for treating. Class 516 is superior to Class 585 for purposes of placement of original reference (OR).
604, Surgery, which incorporates all the definitions and rules as to subject matter of the class of which it is an integral part, for methods of treatment of the living body and apparatus used in the inspection and treatment of diseases, wounds, and other abnormal conditions of the bodies of humans and lower animals. Areas known to have documents related to colloid systems or wetting agents include: subclass 368 for methods and apparatus comprising portable receptor or material collecting means used to receive material discharge from the body and treatment of the body by employing material collectors or receptors which comprise an absorbent pad for external or internal application and supports therefor (e.g., catamenial devices, diapers, etc.) and which contain collagen or gelling material.
Iv
NOTE: Words and terms identified with an asterisk (*) are defined in this section of this class definition.
ABIETIC ACID
C 19H 29COOH. Contains a hydrogenated phenanthrene ring system. See also rosin*.
ADJUVANT
A material* which assists the action of another material*, especially an agent*.
AEROGEL
A dispersion* of a gas in a liquid or solid. A common example is silica-gel which is a light fluffy silica particle having a porous amorphous matrix. Cf. aerosol*.
AEROSOL
A colloid system of a discontinuous solid or a liquid phase (dispersand*) in a gas or vapor continuous phase (dispersant*). See smoke* and fog*.
AGENT
Refers to the effective material*, energy, or means which acts in the given context. A colloid system making or stabilizing agent acts to form or stabilize a colloid system; usually characterized by its tendency to collect at the interface between two immiscible phases and not to be confused with the material which constitutes the continuous or discontinuous phases, particularly noting that gas propellants for aerosols and foams are NOT colloid system making agents. A colloid system breaking, resolving, or inhibiting agent acts to dissipate the interface between two immiscible phases. The term agent also includes subcombinations of an agent composition, such as adjuvants*. (Thus, the term agent may apply to a compound or composition which may not be fully functional for its stated context, or its functionality may be greatly enhanced by another component which is not present.) Note that although a compound can be an agent, this class does not provide for compounds, per se. An agent may be physical or energy.
AGGREGATION
See flocculation*.
ALCOSOL
A colloid system of a dispersand* (discontinuous phase), in a liquid alcohol dispersant* (continuous phase). Examples are metal oxides such as silica or rare earth oxides dispersed in lower and higher liquid alcohols. See sol*.
AQUASOL
See hydrosol*.
BICONTINUOUS EMULSION
Type of emulsion wherein the aqueous or polar phase and the oily or non-polar phases are characterized as both being continuous. Commonly associated with emulsion polymerization.
BLEEDING
See syneresis.
BLOWN FATTY ACID
Fatty acid treated to oxidize, commonly by passing (blowing) air, oxygen, ozonized air, or ozone through the material under mildly elevated temperatures. The process forms ketones from hydroxy groups and hydroxy groups at unsaturation sites. Process conditions also control the degree of polymerization and esterification reactions.
BLOWN OIL
Oil treated to oxidize, commonly by passing (blowing) air, oxygen, ozonized air, or ozone through the material under mildly elevated temperatures. The process forms ketones from hydroxy groups and hydroxy groups at unsaturation sites.
BREAKER, COLLOID SYSTEM; BREAKING, COLLOID SYSTEM
The effective material*, energy, or means used for accomplishing the act of breaking or resolving (i.e., destroying) a colloid system, such as agent* compositions specialized and designed for or peculiar to use in colloid system breaking. See emulsion breaker.
CARBAMATE
A compound based on carbamic acid, NH 2COOH, in the form of its salts and derivatives.
CARBOHYDRATE; CARBOHYDRATE-DERIVATIVE
Carbohydrates are compounds which are saccharides whose monomeric units are polyhydroxy mono-aldehydes or polyhydroxy mono-ketones, having the formula Cn(H2O)n, where n is five or six, or the corresponding cyclic hemiacetals thereof. Carbohydrate-derivatives maintain the carbon skeleton and the carbonyl function or hemi-acetal function of the saccharide. See section LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS, subsection Glossary References, for additional information concerning this definition.
CARBOXYL GROUP
Structure comprised of a carbonyl group (C=O) with a hydroxyl group (OH) attached to the carbonyl carbon.
COAGULATE
The product of coagulation; the irreversible combination of semisolid particles (e.g., fats, proteins, oils) to form a mass. Often brought about by the addition of a coagulant. See flocculate.
COALESCENCE
The phenomenon of the merging of two or more drops of liquid (e.g., oil or water droplets in emulsions) or particles (e.g., solid particles in sols* and dispersions*) resulting in a larger drop or particle having a lower interfacial surface area and a generally less stable condition.
COLLOID SYSTEM
Also called colloid dispersions* or colloid suspensions. Sometimes simply colloid, but this is not preferred because this may also be used to refer to colloid-sized particles, per se. A colloid system is a multi-phase combination of matter in which one or more constituents has one or more dimensions below about five microns, however systems having particles of 20 to 50 microns have been described. Nobel prize winning research chemist, Wolfgang Ostwald (1853-1932), reportedly said "There are not sharp differences between mechanical suspensions, colloidal solutions, and molecular solutions. There is a gradual and continuous transition from the first through the second to the third." With respect to particles in suspension, in colloid systems the particles are governed by surface forces and therefore act as individual flow units, as contrasted to non-colloid mixtures which are governed by gravity or body (e.g. drag) forces. Macromolecules may form either true solutions or colloid systems and categorization properly depends upon the properties relevant to the intended use. Foams are colloid systems because they contain two phases and the liquid film has a thickness which is colloid-sized. Most common colloid systems are composed of particles of a colloid-sized dispersed phase (the subdivided or discontinuous phase) surrounded by a continuous phase. See also sol*.
COLOPHONY
See Rosin*.
COMPOUND
See LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS, above.
DETERGENT
A compound and/or composition characterized by the ability to remove unwanted materials from a solid surface by physicochemical means, i.e., emulsifying, dispersing, suspending, dissolving, etc.
DIATOMACEOUS EARTH
Diatomite, Kieselguhr. Siliceous material composed of the skeletal remains of small, prehistoric organisms (diatoms). About 88% silica.
dILATANT; DILATANCY
The property of a material wherein when subjected to shear the rate of increase of strain decreases with increasing shear. Examples are pastry doughs and highly concentrated solid colloid-sized particle suspensions.
DISPERSAND
The suspended colloid-sized particles in a dispers ant*. Often referred to as the discontinuous phase.
DISPERSANT
The dispersing medium or continuous phase.
DISPEROID
The suspended particles in a dispersion.
dispersion
A suspension of particles in a solid, liquid, or gas to form a biphasic or polyphasic composition. Colloid-sized particles form colloid dispersions. See also colloid system.
DRYING OIL
A liquid fat which readily absorbs oxygen from air, polymerizes, becomes resinous, and which can thereby form a hard film. The property of drying is due to the presence of unsaturation in the hydrocarbon length of fatty acid oil, usually the glycerides of linoleic* and linolenic* acids. Common sources include linseed, tung, perilla, soybean, fish and dehydrated castor oils. Drying oils have high iodine number; nondrying oils, low.
EMULSION
A colloid system of two or more immiscible liquid phases. Examples are water-in-oil (w/o), oil-in-water (o/w), water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w). Also includes immiscible oils/solvents.
EMULSION BREAKER
The effective material*, energy, or means used for accomplishing the act of destroying an emulsion colloid system, such as agent* compositions specialized and designed for or peculiar to use in emulsion breaking.
EMULSIFYING AGENT
The effective material*, energy, or means used for accomplishing the act of making an emulsion colloid system, such as agent* compositions specialized and designed for or peculiar to use in emulsion making. Typically, this is a surfactant added to aid in the emulsification of two immiscible liquids. Characteristically resides at the interface in a stable emulsion.
ESSENTIAL OIL
Volatile component of plants which imparts the characteristic odor to flowers, leaves, stems, or twigs, or wood, or derivable from plant constituents. Various methods are used to derive including distillation, pressing, solvent extraction, and fat extraction. Distinguished from fatty oils by usually being terpenes*, fairly volatile, non-greasy, and non-saponifiable (except those with esters). Most essential oils are mixtures, an exception being oil of wintergreen which is essentially pure methyl salicylate.
FAT
Naturally occurring glycerides. Natural fats are the natural oils which oils which are solid at room temperature.
FATTY ACID
Organic* compounds comprising a hydrocarbon chain with a carboxylic acid at one end. The term usually implies an unbroken hydrocarbon chain of seven or more carbon atoms. Saturated, unsaturated, and polyunsaturated occur naturally. The most common fatty acids in natural fats or oils are palmitic, stearic, oleic, lauric, and myristic.
FLOCCULATE; FLOCCULATING AGENT*' FLOCCULANT
Flocculate is the aggregation or combination of suspended colloid-sized particles to form small clumps or short clusters of elongated strands. Flocculating agent* is the effective material*, energy, or means used for accomplishing the act of flocculating an colloid system, such as agent* compositions specialized and designed for or peculiar to use in flocculation. Typical flocculating agents*: alum, ferric chloride, lime and polyelectrolytic polymer such as polyacrylamide. See coagulate*.
FOAM
A colloid system characterized as a gas suspended in a liquid; wherein the gas is the dispersand* (discontinuous) phase and the liquid is the dispersant* (continuous) phase.
FOG
A colloid system characterized as a suspension of colloid-sized liquid droplets in a gas; wherein the liquid is the dispersand* (discontinuous) phase and the gas is the dispersant* (continuous) phase. See aerosol*.
FUME
Particles of solids or liquids suspended in a gas, e.g., smoke from combustion. Also the vapors evolved from concentrated sulfuric or nitric acids, or from solvents.
FUMED SILICA
The colloid-sized form of silica formed by the vapor phase hydrolysis of silanes or halosilanes in a Hydrogen-oxygen flame. Generally characterized by high purity, amorphous crystallinity, and colloid-sized particle.
GEL
A solid or semisolid colloid system formed of a continuous or semicontinuous solid phase and a liquid phase (either discontinuous or continuous or mixed), often identified by its outward gelatinous appearance, and which exhibits properties of a solid such as plasticity, elasticity, or rigidity. Gels are typically characterized by a physical property of the system, such as the yield point (defined as the shearing force required to result in the flow of said gel), which is a measure of the gel strength. A variety of compositions can form gels, including but not limited to; solubilized polymers, cross-linked polymers, concentrated surfactant solutions having crystalline-like properties (e.g., liquid crystal phases), organically modified and unmodified hydrous metal oxides (e.g., silica, silicates, alumina, iron, etc.), and organically modified and unmodified hydrous mixed metal oxides (e.g., clays, bentonites, synthetic aluminosilicates). See Thixotropic*.
GLYCERIDE
An ester of glycerol and fatty acid(s) in which one or more of the hydroxyl groups of the glycerol have been replaced by any combination of acid radicals. Mono-glyceride has one fatty acid ester, di-glyceride two, and triglyceride has three. Naturally occurring fats and oils are mainly triglycerides of fatty acids, most commonly are palmitic, stearic, and oleic.
GLYCEROL
1,2,3-propanetriol.
green acids
The oil insoluble sulfonic acid products of sulfonation of petroleum*. Also called sludge acids. C.f. mahogany* acids.
HLB
Hydrophile Lipophile Balance. The most commonly used HLB system was developed by W.C. Griffin (1949). The system employs certain empirical formulas to calculate the HLB number between 0 and 20; high numbers correspond to hydrophilic surfactants with high water solubility and functionally good solubilizing agents*, detergents, and o/w stabilizers; low numbers correspond to hydrophobic (or lipophilic) surfactants with low water solubility, which solubilize water into oils and stabilize w/o emulsions.
HYDROSOL
A colloid system of a dispersand* (discontinuous phase), in an aqueous liquid dispersant* (continuous phase). Examples are metal oxides such as silica or rare earth oxides dispersed in an aqueous phase. See sol*.
INORGANIC COMPOUND
Any compound that is not organic*.
LEVELING AGENT*
Term of the textile industry referring to a wetting agent* used to aid in the uniform dispersal of a dye in a dye bath and generally have wetting properties.
LINOLEIC ACID
A diunsaturated fatty acid, the glyceride of which is present in drying oils such as linseed oil. CH3(CH2) 4CH=CHCH2CH=CH(CH2)7COOH.
LINOLENIC ACID
A triunsaturated fatty acid, the glyceride of which is present in drying oils such as linseed oil. CH3CH 2CH=CHCH2CH=CHCH2CH=CH(CH2)7COOH.
MAHOGANY ACIDS; MAHOGANY SOAP
The oil soluble sulfonic acid products of sulfonation of petroleum oils. Cf. green* acids. Mahogany soaps are the saponified acids.
MATERIAL
Material is given its broadest meaning and includes mixtures (petroleum, alloys, cement, etc.) and substances*.
MER
The part of a monomer which is present in the reaction product of a reaction involving what is commonly referred to
as a monomer (e.g., dimer, trimer, tetramer, oligomer).
MINERAL-OIL
Included by this term are (1) materials exploited from the Earth which are liquid, primarily petroleum oil or relatively crude fractions thereof, which are primarily mixtures of hydrocarbons, (2) liquid or semi-solid derivatives of solid materials exploited from the Earth, including asphalts (from petroleum, shale, or sand sources), tars (including coal tar), pitches, or waxes, which are primarily mixtures of hydrocarbons, (3) materials which are Fischer-Tropsch crudes, that is, the liquid hydrocarbonaceous mixture resulting from the hydrogenation of a carbon oxide, (4) wood tars or wood tar oils, which are similar to coal tar in that they include an unidentified mixture including hydrocarbons. Note: excluded are (1) substantially purified hydrocarbon compounds, (2) solid carbonaceous materials such as coal, lignite, or peat (as distinguished from semi-solid petroleum-derived asphalts or asphalt derived from shales or sands). See section LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS, subsection Glossary References, for additional information concerning this definition.
MULITIPLE (PHASE) EMULSION
Emulsion having more liquid phases than one discontinuous and one continuous phase. Types are water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w), oil-in-water-in-oil o/w/o, water-in-oil-in-water-in-oil (w/o/w/o), etc. See emulsion.
O/W
Oil-in-water emulsion. Cf. w/o, w/o/w.
OIL
(1) Naturally occurring oils are glycerides*. Natural fats are the natural oils which are solid at room temperature. (2) Mineral-oils* are exploited from the earth, or derived from processing woody materials, generally comprising hydrocarbons. See definition, hereinabove, of mineral-oil used for this Class.
OLEIC ACID; OLEATE
CH3(CH2)7CH:CH(CH2)7COOH. Mono-unsaturated fatty acid found in most natural fats and oils. Glycerol monooleate is the monoglyceride formed from the esterification reaction between glycerol and oleic acid.
ORGANIC; ORGANIC COMPOUND; ORGANIC GROUP
When the expression "organic" or "organic compound" or "organic group" is used in this class, it means a compound or group which meets the requirements wherein the molecule (or group) is characterized by two carbons bonded together, one
atom of carbon bonded to at least one atom of hydrogen or halogen, or one atom of carbon bonded to at least one atom of nitrogen by a single or double bond; certain compounds are exceptions to this rule, i.e., HCN, CN-CN, HNCO, HNCS, cyanogen halides, cyanamide, fulminic acid, and metal carbides. Said exceptions and all other chemical compounds shall be regarded as inorganic*. See section LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS, subsection Glossary References, for additional information concerning this definition.
ORGANO-(prefix)
The prefix organo indicates a requirement that the term meet the definition of organic*, organic group * or organic compound *.
ORGANOSOL
A colloid system of a dispersand* (discontinuous phase) in an organic* liquid dispersant* (continuous phase). Examples are metal oxides such as silica or rare earth oxides dispersed in liquid alcohols, or in non-polar organic* solvents. See sol*; cf. hydrosol*.
PALMITIC ACID; PALMITATE
CH3(CH2)14COOH. Hexadecanoic acid, cetylic acid, palmic acid, ethalic acid. Saturated fatty acid found in most natural oils and fats. Glycerol monopalmitate is the monoglyceride formed from the esterification reaction between glycerol and palmitic acid.
PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM OIL
Crude oil. Mixture of hydrocarbons, with small amounts of compounds containing nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur, and oxygen, obtained from underground deposits. Often the terms are applied to fractions derived from the basic yield, including distillation and cracking fractions.
PEPTIDE; POLYPEPTIDE
Compounds composed of amino acids bound together by amide linkages. Proteins are polypeptides.
RED OIL
Commercial grade of oleic acid containing about 15% each of linoleic and stearic acids.
RESIN, SYNTHETIC
Compound or mixtures of compounds produced from simpler compounds by polymerization or condensation reactions.
RESIN, NATURAL
A broad term covering a variety of naturally derived products usually obtained by secretion or disintegration (extraction). Vegetative sources are usually mixtures of carboxylic acids or their esters, essential* oils (these are usually non-saponifiable, non-glyceride), and terpenes; mostly insoluble in water and soluble in alcohols, ethers, and carbon disulfide. Examples include balsam and rosin* which are obtained from coniferous trees. Used in varnish, printing inks, and adhesives. Shellac resin is obtained from the secretion of an insect indigenous to India. Amber resin is a polymerized vegetative resin that occurs as a fossil. Amorphous sulfur is considered an inorganic natural resin. Cf. drying oil. See section LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS, subsection Glossary References, for additional information concerning this definition.
RESINOID
Thermosetting resin or resin like material which becomes solid and infusible upon heating. Linseed oil and other drying-oils* and partially condensed phenol-formaldehyde are examples.
RESOLVER
See Breaker*.
ROSIN
Colophony. Abietic-acid* (80-90%) types and remnants from derivation. Usually designated according to its source, e.g., gum rosin (from exudate of incisions on living trees); wood rosin (from Southern pine stumps); and tall oil rosin (from by-products of the wood pulp industry). The principal constituents isolated from rosin are carboxylic acids with a hydrophenanthrene nucleus, comprising abietic acid and its isomers, such as pimaric acid. The acids may exist in rosin as acid anhydrides. The mixed acids are known in the trade as rosin acids or resin acids, the two expressions sometimes being used interchangeably. Gum rosin is obtained from the residue left after distillation of turpentine from the exudate from live trees. Wood rosin is obtained by extracting the wood or stumps with naphtha and removing the volatile portion. Tall oil rosin is obtained by fractionation of tall-oil*. See section LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS, subsection Glossary References, for additional information concerning this definition.
SMOKE
A colloid system of a solid dispersand* (discontinuous phase), in a gas dispersant* (continuous phase), as an aerosol*. Cf. fog*.
SOL
Usually refers to a colloid system of a dispersand* (gas, solid, or liquid discontinuous phase), in a liquid dispersant* (continuous phase). However, aerosol* refers to a colloid system of colloid-sized particles in a gas continuous phase. Sol may also refer to just the liquid phase of a colloid system. Examples are metal oxides such as silica or rare earth oxides dispersed in an aqueous phase (aquasols*), or in liquid lower and higher alcohols (alcosols*), or in organic solvents (organosols*). Sol is generic to organosol*, alcosol*, aquasol*, and hydrosol*, where in each instance the prefix refers to the continuous phase.
SORBITAN
Cyclic ether tetrahydric alcohols derivable from sorbitol by removal of one molecule of water.
SORBITAN FATTY ACID ESTERS
Mixtures of partial esters of sorbitol and sorbitol anhydrides with fatty acids.
SORBITOL
C6H8(OH)6, 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexanehexol. Reduction product of glucose, found in nature in small quantities.
SPREADING AGENT*
A material*, energy, or means used for affecting the spreading and displacement of one material* for another material*. In a type of wetting known as spreading wetting, a first liquid in contact with a solid is displaced by a second liquid. See also wetting* agents. See section LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS, subsection Glossary References, for additional information concerning this definition.
STEARIC ACID; STEARATE
CH3(CH2)16COOH. The most common fatty acid in natural oils and fats. Glycerol monostearate is the monoglyceride formed from the esterification reaction between glycerol and stearic acid.
SUBSTANCE
A substance is a chemical compound or element. Substance is characterized as being homogeneous, particulary down to the molecular level. See The Condensed Chemical Dictionary, (tenth edition, 1981) Van Nostrand Reinhold Company Inc. CF. material*. Note: this definition may not be followed in other Classes; often the term is used loosely as a synonym to material*.
SULFOXY
A radical containing a Sulfur-oxygen double bond. Examples of sulfoxy containing compounds include; sulfate, sulfonate, and sulfone compounds.
SURFACE ACTIVE AGENT*
A compound which reduces the surface tension of a liquid when dissolved therein or reduces the interfacial tension between two liquids. A surface active agent* compound is typically characterized by at least one hydrophobic portion and at least one hydrophilic portion. Also referred to as surfactant.
SURFACE TENSION
The force exerted at an interface by the molecules below the interface. For example, in a gas-liquid interface, the surface tension is due to the high concentration of the liquid molecules relative to the lower concentration of the gas molecules. The strength depends on the characteristics of the liquid, and to a lessor extent, the gas.
SURFACTANT
See surface active agent*.
SYNERESIS
The contraction of a gel* composition on standing, accompanied by the exudation of liquid.
TALL OIL
A mixture of rosin* acids (35-40%) and fatty acids (50-60%) and other remnants of derivation. Obtained from the spent black liquor (alkaline) of the pulping (digesting) process of pine wood (sulfate or kraft paper processes) by concentrating until the sodium salts of the various acids separate, followed by acidification (e.g., by sulfuric acid). See section LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS, subsection Glossary References, for additional information concerning this definition.
TENSIDE
A term widely employed in Europe which means surface active agents*.
TERPENE OILS
C10H16. Unsaturated hydrocarbon based upon isoprene unit (C5H8), acyclic or cyclic, with or without benzene moiety. Dipentene is monocyclic, pinene is dicyclic, and myrcene is acyclic. Being non-glyceride oils, they are not saponifiable. Examples include tall and pine oils. Cf. oil,
essential oil, glyceride.
THIXOTROPIC
The property of materials, such as some gels*, to liquefy when subjected to shear, such as by agitation or other mechanical energy and to return to gel* upon rest. CF. dilatancy*.
TSP
Tri-sodium Phosphate; sodium phosphate, tribasic; Na 3PO4 12H2O. Commodity product used alone or compounded with other materials* for use in multitudes of applications including; water softening, boiler water treating, detergency, textile treating, laundering, industrial cleaning, dietary supplements, pH buffering, emulsifying.
TURKEY RED OIL
Sulfonated castor oil or soluble castor oil. Sulfonated fats or oils obtained by the treatment of a variety of hydroxylated or unsaturated natural fats and oils, usually castor oil, with sulfuric or chlorosulfonic acids, and washing. Also known as alizarin oil or alizarin assistant when used as a dyeing aid with alizarin dye(s).
TWITCHELL PROCESS
Splitting of fats to glycerol and fatty acids by acid hydrolysis, in the presence of steam and catalytic amount of Twitchell Reagent*.
TWITCHELL REAGENT
Catalyst for the Twitchell-process*. The sulfonation product of reacting sulfuric acid with oleic acid and naphthalene (naphthalenestearosulfonic acid).
W/O; W/O/W
Water-in-oil emulsion and water-in-oil-in-water emulsion. Cf. o/w.
WETTING AGENT*
The effective material*, energy, or means used for accomplishing the act of wetting a surface. Wetting most generally is the process of displacing from a surface (solid or liquid) one fluid, such as air, with another, such as water. See section LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS, subsection Glossary References, for additional information concerning this definition.
ZEOLITE
A hydrated silicate of aluminum and sodium and/or calcium.
Natural and synthetic. Typical: Na2O.Al2O 3.xSiO2.yH2O.

CONTINUOUS GAS OR VAPOR PHASE: COLLOID SYSTEMS; COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING AN AGENT FOR MAKING OR STABILIZING COLLOID SYSTEMS; PROCESSES OF MAKING OR STABILIZING COLLOID SYSTEMS; PROCESSES OF PREPARING THE COMPOSITIONS (E.G., SMOKE, FOG, AEROSOL, CLOUD, MIST):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter which is a (1) colloid system having a continuous gas or vapor phase, (2) composition containing an agent* for making or stabilizing such a system, (3) process of making or stabilizing such a system, or (4) process of preparing a composition containing an agent* for making or stabilizing such a system; such as smoke, fog, aerosol, cloud, mist, aerosolizing.
(1) Note. The discontinuous phase may be a solid, liquid, or a polyphasic material*, such as gels, emulsions.
(2) Note. As set forth in the class definition, included in this and indented subclasses are subcombination compositions, which includes those compositions which are substantially completely formulated except for performing a step thereon to form the colloid system, such as a chemical reaction, or a physical step. Examples of such step include spraying, aerosolizing, atomizing, heating, agitating, dissolving. Thus, a liquified composition in a pressurized container intended for creating a colloid-sized mist is proper for placement in this and indented subclasses, and as appropriate in other colloid system areas of this Class if the liquified composition is itself a colloid system.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
10 for colloid systems of continuous liquid phase and a discontinuous gas or vapor phase (i.e., foam), and propellant per se, therefor.
905 for a collection of art under the class definition which discloses a per se composition containing a colloid system making or stabilizing agent* (e.g., foaming, emulsifying, dispersing, gelling), i.e., a composition containing said agent* and lacking both dispersant* and dispersand*.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, subclass 213 for smoke producing apparatus and systems limited to skywriting.
43, Fishing, Trapping, and Vermin Destroying, 124 for
process and apparatus the primary object of which is to destroy or kill vermin without trapping them (particularly see subclasses 125+ for apparatus for creating or involving fumes or smoke when such fumes are used for destroying vermin and not for general disinfecting or similar purposes, subclass 132.1 for devices or processes under subclass 124 for destroying invertebrate animals, i.e., insects), cross-reference art collection 900 for apparatus for dispersing i.e., spraying, a liquid mass or jet of droplets used to destroy insects.
47, Plant Husbandry, subclass 2 for methods and devices for preventing the freezing of trees and plants and their fruit not elsewhere provided for (such as misting).
73, Measuring and Testing, 28.01 for measuring solid content of gas (e.g., particle).
102, Ammunition and Explosives, subclass 334 for apparatus for and methods of smoke generating (i.e., causing vapor, cloud, etc., to be formed by a burning), subclasses 335+ for pyrotechnics apparatus and corresponding methods designed to produce smoke, light, heat, and/or noise (e.g., fireworks display, amusement, flash photo, signal), subclasses 367+ for apparatus for or methods of using an explosion to cause a liquid, solid, or gas to be scattered or spread about in the form of a mist, vapor, particles, or gas (e.g., noxious or incapacitating, plant, insect, animal, foliage, biological warfare/chemical warfare).
109, Safes, Bank Protection, or a Related Device, 29 for devices of the Class combined with means for releasing, generating and/or distributing gas, smoke, vapors and/or liquids either manually, automatically upon attack, or automatically in case of fire, which fluent material is normally, but not necessarily, toxic, noncombustible, or incapacitating and may normally, but not necessarily, be used to repel attacks and/or put out, prevent, or impede the action of a fire, and this includes devices relating to jails, where the purposes of this subclass are also present.
126, Stoves and Furnaces, subclass 59.5 for portable devices for generating heat or smoke for protecting orchards from frost (e.g., smudge pots).
141, Fluent Material Handling, With Receiver or Receiver Coacting Means, subclass 3 for processes in which an aerosol type dispenser type receiver is filled by steps involving manipulation of the dispenser as an incident to or aid to refilling or filling the supply chamber (i.e., the material to be dispensed, powder or liquid, is dissolved in or carried by a vaporizing propellant which forms the charge of the dispenser).
148, Metal Treatment, appropriate subclasses for compositions employed in the treatment of solid metal such as for soldering, fluxing, heat treating, tempering, or otherwise
modifying solid metal.
149, Explosive and Thermic Compositions or Charges, appropriate subclasses for explosive and thermic compositions and methods of preparing or treating such compositions, where the latter are used to produce usable heat or flame or by-products resulting from the use of such compositions (e.g. smoke flares). See various subclasses based on active composition for explosive or thermic compositions which may be gels or pastes or may be intended to yield smoke as result of combustion (particularly 29, 37+, and 78+), subclasses 17+ for compositions containing particulate material dispersed substantially entirely within a solidified or matrix medium and which are characterized by dispersed phase within a continuous phase, subclass 108.4 for smoke affecting composition (e.g., coloring), subclass 108.8 for compositions containing a stability or viscosity agent (e.g., gelling, thickening, thinning, liquefying, etc., agent, a stabilizer or unstabilizer (activator), a burning rate modifier), cross-reference art collection 110+ for compositions or processes reciting or disclosing a reference to a particular size or dimension of the particles of at least one of the ingredients or the size or dimension of all or part of the composition in particulate form, cross-reference art collection 117 for smoke generating or weather modifying composition with a resin, and cross-reference art collection 118 for composition containing a resin dissolved in the continuous phase of a gel.
162, Paper Making and Fiber Liberation; see 63 for processes wherein the fibrous material is forcibly and directly contacted with a (reactive or nonreactive) gas, vapor, or mist during digestion or chemical treatment for some purpose other than drying.
205, Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein, and Methods of Preparing the Compositions, subclass 74 for the reproduction or formation of powder, flakes, or colloid-sized particles by electrodeposition in which the deposit does not remain with the base upon which deposition is made and compositions therefor.
222, Dispensing, 394 for dispensers in which the material is caused to discharge from the container by fluids under pressure that directly contact the material to be dispensed, subclass 635 for pressurized aerosol container.
239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, 1 for processes (particularly see subclass 2.1+ for processes including spraying or dispersing and intended for weather control or modification including fog clearing or making, snow making, rain making (i.e., either (a) to wet a surface or (b) to precipitate moisture from the atmosphere), subclasses 8+ for processes of mixing a gas with the material to be dispersed), and subclasses 14.1+ for apparatus for weather control, such as snow making.
252, Compositions, for all those compositions for which there is no provision elsewhere in the USPCS; including those compositions (or appropriate methods) which are claimed as specifically intended for a special use or function, but which, if only generically claimed, would be proper for Class 516, provided that subject matter is hierarchically superior within Class 252.
261, Gas and Liquid Contact Apparatus,