U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Information Products Division |
U.S. Patent Classification System - Classification Definitions
as of June 30, 2000
Patents classified in a subclass may be accessed by either clicking on
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( please note that patents for some subclasses may not be available )
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Classification Index
Explanation of Data web page.
(definitions have been obtained from the
Patents ASSIST CD-ROM which
is produced by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Electronic Products Branch)
Class 606
SURGERY
Class Definition:
SUBCLASSES
Subclass:
1
INSTRUMENTS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter of Class 128, including devices or appliance
for use in operative surgery upon the body or in preparation
for operative surgery, together with devices designed to
assist in operative surgery.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
2 for light application to the body.
20 for cryogenic application to the body.
27 for heat application to the body.
32 for electrical application to the body.
53 for orthopedic instruments.
119 for obstetrical instruments.
127 for concretion removal.
135 for mammalian sterilization instruments.
139 for suture ligature, elastic band or clip appliers.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
128, Surgery, 830 and 842+ for female and male birth control
devices.
600, Surgery, 33 for reproduction and fertilization
techniques, subclass 36 for blood vessel or graft preparation
and subclass 37 for internal organ support or slings.
604, Surgery, 11 for means to insert fibrous or resident
packing receptor or medicament into a body orifice.
Subclass:
2
Light application:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein the instrument has combined therewith means for
applying light or analogous rays to the body.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
607, Surgery: Light, Thermal, and Electrical Application, 88
for other light applying devices which are limited to
therapeutic use.
Subclass:
2.5
Lithotripsy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter
for fragmenting a calculus or stone (e.g., kidney stone,
bladder stone, etc.) by use of light energy applied thereto.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
128 for subject matter relating to fragmenting a calculus or
stone by use of mechanical energy.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, 600 for inductive heating, subclasses
678+ for microwave heating, and subclasses 764+ for
capacitive dielectric heating.
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, subclass 1
for a process of disintegrating solid material by means
other than mechanical energy.
250, Radiant Energy, 492.1 for irradiation of objects.
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, 578 for
incandescent filament lamp structure.
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and
Elements, appropriate subclasses for an optical combination
or subcombination, per se (e.g., lens, mirror, ocular,
etc.).
362, Illumination, appropriate subclasses for lighting means,
or supports.
372, Coherent Light Generators, appropriate subclasses for a
laser, per se.
385, Optical Waveguides, appropriate subclasses for a device
for conducting light energy, per se.
600, Surgery, 101 and, in particular, subclasses 160+, 179+,
191, 200, 224, and 249 for an illuminated endoscope used to
view body stones
601, Surgery: Kinesitherapy, subclass 4 for massaging means
to crush body stones by the application of external force.
604, Surgery, 20 for medicating, irrigating, or aspirating
material other than a calculus from the body combined with
light application.
Subclass:
3
With particular wavelength:
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter
wherein the light or analogous rays are of a wavelength
particularly adapted to effect a surgical procedure.
Subclass:
4
Ophthalmic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter
designed to be used upon the eye.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
107 for means for inserting or removing eye lens material.
166 for corneal cutter or guide therefor.
Subclass:
5
Recurving or reshaping of the eye:
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter
designed to remove portions of the eye to effect an
alteration of the curvature or shape thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
107 for means for inserting or removing eye lens material.
166 for corneal cutter or guide therefor.
Subclass:
6
Cataracts or glaucoma:
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter
designed to be used in the treatment of opacity of the eye
lens or capsule or to heat intravocular pressure.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
107 for means to manipulate the natural eye lens.
Subclass:
7
Angioplasty:
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter
designed to be used in the removal of blood vessel
obstructions.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
159 for blood vessel, duct, test cutters, scraper or
abrader.
200 for mechanical embolic traps or filters in general.
Subclass:
8
Anastomosis:
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter
having means used in the joining together of various tissues
of the body.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
151 for various devices used to join body tissue together.
Subclass:
9
Dermatological:
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter
designed to be used in treatment of the skin by removing
hair, lesions or other extraneous matter from the skin.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
131 for removal of skin or material therefrom, in particular
subclasses 133 for the physical removal of hair by tweezers
and other devices and subclass 134 for the removal of hair by
the application of wax or adhesives.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
604, Surgery, 289 for treating material applied to or
removed from external body surface or certaneous layer of
skin.
607, Surgery: Light, Thermal, and Electrical Application, 88
for chambers and cabinets used to irradiate some portion of
the body with light rays.
Subclass:
10
Systems:
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter
for supplying light or analogous rays to light applicators by
means in combination with conventional applicators or by
means limited to a surgical purpose.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
13 for methods and systems combined with particular light
applicator structure.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, 121.6 for methods and systems
employing lasers.
372, Coherent Light Generators, appropriate subclasses, for
systems directed to lasers.
Subclass:
11
Beam energy control or monitoring:
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter
including means for controlling or monitoring the output
power of the light or analogous rays.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, 121.6 for beam energy control systems
for lasers; 121.6+, for laser monitoring.
372, Coherent Light Generators, 9 for particular beam
control devices.
Subclass:
12
Condition responsive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11. Subject matter
wherein a sensed condition of the output power or treatment
area is used to control the output power of the light or
analogous rays.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, 121.6 for condition responsive laser
control systems.
Subclass:
13
Applicators:
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter
including particular applicator structure or light
application means in combination with such structure.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
10 for methods and systems including the light applicator
without any particular applicator structure.
Subclass:
14
Placed in body:
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Subject matter
wherein the applicator is devised for placement within the
body.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
170 for cutting devices used in microsurgery.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
600, Surgery, 101 for endoscopes, per se.
Subclass:
15
With optical fiber:
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Subject matter
wherein the applicator includes flexible, optically
transparent fiber material for directing a light or analogous
rays along a restricted path.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
17 for other light applicators utilizing optical fibers.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
385, Optical Waveguides, appropriate subclasses for
particular structural features relating to optical fibers.
607, Surgery: Light, Thermal, and Electrical Application, 88
for other light applicators utilizing optical fibers.
Subclass:
16
With optical fiber:
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Methods and
apparatus wherein the applicator includes flexible, optically
transparent fiber material for directing a light or analogous
rays along a restricted path.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
15 for other light applicators utilizing optical fibers.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
385, Optical Waveguides, appropriate subclasses for
particular structural features relating to optical fibers.
607, Surgery: Light, Thermal, and Electrical Application,
subclass 92 for other light applicators utilizing optical
fibers.
Subclass:
17
With beam shaping or redirecting (e.g., lens):
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Subject matter
including devices for shaping, such as focusing, or altering
the path of the light or analogous rays.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, 121.12, for particular beam shaping
devices.
Subclass:
18
Mirror:
This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Subject matter
including a surface which will reflect light or analogous
rays.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, 121.12 for beam shaping with a
mirror.
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements,
838 for particular mirror structure and means for supporting
and moving mirrors.
Subclass:
19
Articulated arm:
This subclass is indented under subclass 18. Subject matter
including a plurality of light transmitting conduits,
rotatably connected, having reflective surfaces at the
intersection of the conduits.
Subclass:
20
Cryogenic application:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein the instrument has combined therewith means for
cooling contacted body tissue to extremely low temperatures.
(1) Note. Cryogenics is the study, production, and
utilization of extremely low temperatures. To precisely
define the cryogenic range is difficult since the literature
ambiguously defines the upper limit to be from 220 degrees to
400 R (-240 to -60 F). For the purposes of this class, the
cryogenic temperature range will be construed to vary between
absolute zero and about 400 R.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
62, Refrigeration, appropriate subclasses, for cooling means,
particularly subclass 293 for hand manipulable tools.
607, Surgery: Light, Thermal, and Electrical Application, 96
for noncryogenic instruments for cooling the body which are
limited to therapeutic use.
Subclass:
21
Internal application:
This subclass is indented under subclass 20. Subject matter
designed for application within the natural orifices of the
body.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
607, Surgery: Light, Thermal, and Electrical Application,
subclass 113 for noncryogenic internal cooling applicators.
Subclass:
22
With coolant supply:
This subclass is indented under subclass 20. Subject matter
including means for providing a cooling fluid to the tissue
contacting means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
607, Surgery: Light, Thermal, and Electrical Application,
104 for other noncryogenic instruments having means for
supplying a cooling fluid.
Subclass:
23
Tip or other cooling concentration means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Methods and
apparatus wherein a projecting extremity or other
concentrated area of the instrument is cooled.
Subclass:
24
With heating means (e.g., defroster):
This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Subject matter
wherein the instrument includes means for warming a
previously cooled tip or other concentrated area to effect
removal of the instrument from the body.
Subclass:
25
Self-contained coolant supply:
This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Subject matter,
wherein the instrument has combined therewith means to
provide a fluid supply to the cooling concentration means.
(1) Note. This subclass is limited to the application of
energy internally to a body. Lithotripsy fragmentation by
the application of energy from an external source is found in
Class 601, Surgery: Kinesitherapy, subclass 4.
Subclass:
26
With hand manipulable coolant control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Subject matter
which includes manually moved input means on the instrument
to regulate the supply of cooling fluid to the cooling
concentration means.
Subclass:
27
Heat application:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein the instrument has means for converting energy which
provides means for warming localized body tissue with a hot
object or warmed material.
(1) Note. This subclass does not include instruments which
cause a heating of the body by direct passage of electricity
or electrical energy through the body. Such instruments are
located in subclasses 32+.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
192 for dilators in which the dilation is produced by an
inflatable member which may be inflated by a hot or cold
fluid.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
30, Cutlery, subclass 140, for cutting instruments of general
utility combined with a heater.
219, Electric Heating, 221, for heating tools or instruments
of general utility.
607, Surgery: Light, Thermal, and Electrical Application, 96
for other instruments for heating the body which are limited
to therapeutic use; and subclass 113 for internal thermal
applicators.
Subclass:
28
Tip or other heat concentration means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Subject matter
wherein only the extremity or other localized area of the
instrument is heated.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, 229, for hand-manipulative tools or
instruments with a heated tip or other heat concentration
area.
Subclass:
29
Tip in electrical circuit:
This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Subject matter
wherein the localized area is contained within an electrical
circuit and is either fashioned from a highly resistive
material or is a protruding portion of an element which is
fashioned from a highly resistive material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, 233, for hand-manipulative tools or
instruments having a heated tip in an electrical circuit.
Subclass:
30
Self-contained power supply:
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Subject matter
wherein the instrument contains its own power supply for the
electrical heater.
Subclass:
31
With thermal control means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Subject matter
including means for regulating the temperature of the heated
tip.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, appropriate subclasses for various
temperature regulating means, particularly subclass 241 for
such means combined with a heated tool or instrument.
Subclass:
32
Electrical application:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein the instrument has means thereon for applying
electricity or electrical energy from the instrument to the
body.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
231, Whips and Whip Apparatus, 2, for electrical shocking
devices such as cattle prods.
463, Amusement Devices: Games, subclass 47.3 for a striking
type of weapon for use on a human being which includes an
electric shock feature (e.g., an electric prod used by
police, etc.).
Subclass:
33
Electromagnetic wave irradiation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Subject matter
wherein the instrument has means for applying electrical
energy to the body in the form of a field of electromagnetic
wave radiation.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
127 for focused energy used to fragment concretions.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, 600 for inductive heating, subclasses
678+ for microwave heating, and subclasses 764+ for
capacitive dielectric heating.
600, Surgery, 9, for magnetic field applied to the body for
therapeutic purposes.
601, Surgery: Kinesitherapy, 15 for kinesitherapy devices
utilizing electric wave energy.
607, Surgery: Light, Thermal, and Electrical Application,
154 for similar high frequency radiation devices.
Subclass:
34
Systems:
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Subject matter
for supplying electricity to electrical applicators by means
in combination with conventional applicators or by means
limited to a surgical purpose.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
41 for methods and systems including particular applicator
structure.
Subclass:
35
Ground electrode monitoring:
This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Subject matter
including means for monitoring the return circuit path from
the body.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
32 for ground electrodes, per se.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
128, Surgery, subclass 908, for other patient protection
devices.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,
appropriate subclasses, for other safety and protection
systems.
Subclass:
36
Depilation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Subject matter
designed to remove hair from the body.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
43 for depilatory methods and systems including particular
applicator structure.
133 for tweezers used to remove hair from the body.
134 for hair removal involving waxes or adhesives.
Subclass:
37
Combined cutting-coagulation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Subject matter
designed to effect both cutting and coagulation of localized
portions of body tissue.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
45 and 49, for methods and systems for cutting and
coagulation including particular applicator structure.
110 for the removal of tonsils, adenoids or polyps including
cutting and hemostasis.
Subclass:
38
With feedback control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Subject matter
including feedback circuitry to regulate the output of a
cutting or coagulation system based upon a sensed condition
of the circuit's output or a sensed treatment area
condition.
Subclass:
39
Cutting:
This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Subject matter
designed to effect only cutting of localized portions of the
body.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
37 for other methods and systems for cutting.
45 for methods and systems for cutting including particular
applicator structure.
167 for cutting, punching and piercing devices.
Subclass:
40
Coagulation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Subject matter
designed to effect only coagulation of localized portions of
body tissue.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
37 for other methods and systems for coagulation.
49 for methods and systems for coagulation including
particular applicator structure.
111 for hemostasis devices used to remove tonsils, adenoids
or polyps.
Subclass:
41
Applicators:
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Subject matter
including particular applicator structure or electrical
application means in combination with such structure.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
34 for methods and systems including an electrical
applicator without any particular applicator structure.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, subclass 234, for heating tools or
instruments having the work in an electrical circuit.
Subclass:
42
With switching or power control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter
wherein the applicator includes means for switching between
cut and coagulation outputs and means for controlling the
output power of the instrument.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
31 for applicators with thermal control means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, appropriate
subclasses, for switching devices.
Subclass:
43
Depilation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter
designed to remove hair from the body.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
36 for methods and systems of depilation including an
electrical applicator without any particular applicator
structure.
133 for mechanical means for removing hair from the skin.
Subclass:
44
By needle:
This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Subject matter
wherein the depilation means is an elongated needle-like
structure pointed at one and which is inserted into a hair
follicle to remove the hair therefrom.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
222 for suturing needles.
Subclass:
45
Cutting:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter
designed to operate by cutting localized portions of the
body.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
37 and 39+, for cutting methods and systems including an
electrical applicator without any particular applicator
structure.
167 for surgical cutting instruments.
Subclass:
46
Endoscopic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Subject matter
wherein the cutting device is enclosed in a tubular speculum
designed to be inserted into a natural body orifice.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
170 for microsurgical cutting devices.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
600, Surgery, 101 for endoscopes for diagnostic purposes.
Subclass:
47
With formable electrode:
This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Subject matter
wherein the electrode of the cutting device is formed into
its working shape outside of the tubular speculum through
which it is inserted into the body.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
108 for means to manipulate or use a conduit which is
inserted in the body.
Subclass:
48
Bipolar electrodes:
This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Subject matter
wherein the cutting device includes plural electrodes adapted
to be connected to opposite poles of a power supply.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
50 for other bipolar electrode applicators.
Subclass:
49
Coagulation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter
designed to coagulate tissue in localized portions of the
body.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
37 and 40, for coagulation methods and systems including an
electrical applicator without any particular applicator
structure.
111 for hemostasis involving tonsil, adenoid or polyp
removal.
Subclass:
50
Bipolar electrodes:
This subclass is indented under subclass 49. Subject matter
wherein the coagulation devices includes plural electrodes
adapted to be connected to opposite poles of a power supply.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
48 for other bipolar electrode applicators.
Subclass:
51
With forceps or tweezers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Subject matter
provided with pivoted arms or pincer-like, nonpivoted members
for carrying contact elements for grasping parts of the
body.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
43 and 52, for other electrical forceps or tweezers.
210 for mechanical structure of forceps or tweezers.
Subclass:
52
With forceps or tweezers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 49. Subject matter
provided with pivoted arms of pincer-like, nonpivoted members
for carrying contact elements for grasping parts of the
body.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
43 and 51, electrical forceps or tweezers.
210 for mechanical structure of forceps or tweezers.
Subclass:
53
Orthopedic instrumentation:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter where significance is attributed to means
designed for particular use in, or in the preparation for, a
surgical procedure on bone structure including means for
permanent or temporary attachment to a bone, or portion
thereof, to correct a deformity, fracture, unwanted or
diseased condition.
(1) Note. For purposes of this class, the term "fracture"
will include both accidental and purposeful disassociation of
bone tissue, e.g., bone tissue surgically separated by
osteotomy.
(2) Note. Patents claiming opening of a skull for the
purpose of gaining entry into the skull are not considered
for placement here since there is no preparation for a
surgical procedure on bone structure (the skull) but is
merely cutting into a bone structure to perform a surgical
procedure on structure beneath the skull. Patents of this
type are properly classified in this class subclasses 167+,
particularly subclasses 172+ for cutting devices having dura
guards.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
623, Prosthesis (i.e., Artificial Body Members), Parts
Thereof, or Aids and Accessories Therefor, 16, for bone or
joint prosthesis.
Subclass:
54
External fixation means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Subject matter
wherein a positioning means which remains external to the
body, is applied or connected to at least one bone fragment
to maintain that bone fragment in a desired position during
healing.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
72 for transcutaneous pins and screws used to connect an
external fixator with a bone.
Subclass:
55
Movable by patient:
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Subject matter
wherein the external bone fixation means is capable of
limited movement, by the wearer thereof, to exercise a bone
joint about which the fixation means is attached.
Subclass:
56
Ring frame:
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Subject matter
wherein the external fixation means is a brace which
surrounds in whole or in part that portion of the body to
which it is applied.
(1) Note. The frame members are typically, generally
circular or U-shaped and designed for application about a
person's limb or pelvis.
Subclass:
57
Compression or distraction mechanism:
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Subject matter
wherein the external fixation means causes a pressing
together or a separation of the bone fragments to which the
means is applied so as to adjust and maintain the bone
fragments in a desired positional relationship during a
substantial portion of the healing process, i.e., the
compression or distraction mechanism remains as part of the
external fixator during the whole period of treatment.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
105 for compression or distractions devices which do not
remain as part of the fixator during the period of
treatment.
Subclass:
58
Cyclable or incrementable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 57. Subject matter
having additional means to permit reorientation of the
positional relationship between the bone fragments during the
healing process e.g., as in a bone-lengthening treatment
regimen.
Subclass:
59
Pin connector:
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Subject matter
which provides the joining means between the external fixator
structure and an elongated transcutaneous fastener element
which is secured in a bone fragment to be fixated.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
72 for transcutaneous fasteners.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
403, Joints and Connections, appropriate subclasses, for rod
joints in general.
Subclass:
60
Internal fixation means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Subject matter
wherein a means is adapted to be implanted within the body in
direct contact with a bone or bone fragment for the purpose
of reinforcement of said bone or bone fragment during the
healing process or for positioning a plurality of bones or
bone fragments relative to one another.
Subclass:
61
Spinal positioner or stabilizer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 60. Subject matter
wherein the internal fixation means is particularly adapted
for positioning vertebrae.
Subclass:
62
Intramedullary fixator:
This subclass is indented under subclass 60. Subject matter
wherein the internal fixation means is adapted for placement
within a medullary canal of a long bone.
Subclass:
63
Expanding in diameter or length:
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Subject matter
wherein the internal fixation means can be enlarged in width
or along the greatest dimension.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
68 for expanding femoral nail means.
Subclass:
64
Cross fastened:
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Subject matter
wherein the internal fixation means is fixed relative to the
medullary canal by means of a cross member which extends
generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the canal.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
98 for cross-pinning drill guides.
Subclass:
65
Femoral screw:
This subclass is indented under subclass 60. Subject matter
wherein the internal fixation means is a cylindrical rod
incised with one or more helical or advancing spiral threads
adapted to be screwed into and thereby reinforce the neck
portion of a femur.
Subclass:
66
Anti-rotation or keeper means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Subject matter
wherein the femoral screw is prevented from turning or
spinning along its longitudinal axis while in place.
Subclass:
67
Femoral nail:
This subclass is indented under subclass 60. Subject matter
wherein the internal fixation means is a slim, pointed piece
of metal adapted to be driven into and thereby reinforce the
neck portion of a femur.
Subclass:
68
Expanding:
This subclass is indented under subclass 67. Subject matter
wherein the nail can be enlarged in width or along its
greatest dimension.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
63 expanding screw fixation means.
Subclass:
69
Cortical plate:
This subclass is indented under subclass 60. Subject matter
wherein the internal fixation means is an elongated element
which is applied to a fractured bone on its exterior surface
and fastened thereto so as to hold the disassociated portions
in alignment during healing.
(1) Note. The plate may be implanted on a permanent bases
or removed upon healing of the break in the bone.
Subclass:
70
Multi-element or coated plate:
This subclass is indented under subclass 69. Subject matter
wherein the cortical plate is composed of a plurality of
elements or a plate to which significance is attributed to
the coating composition applied thereto.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
76 for specialized coatings and materials for internal
fixation devices.
Subclass:
71
Having separable and distinct plate elements:
This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter
wherein the plural elements are separate individual pieces
prior to assembly to a bone.
Subclass:
72
Orthopedic fastener:
This subclass is indented under subclass 60. Subject matter
comprising fastener elements which are applied internally or
transcutaneously to hold bone fragments in alignment or to
connect an external fixation means with bone fragments to be
aligned.
(1) Note. The fastener elements in this subclass are
nonthreaded elements such as pins and wires which are placed
through the bone elements to pin them together.
(2) Note. This subclass also contains elongated pin
elements which have their own drilling head contained on the
fastener.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
73 for fastener elements having their own drill head which
also cuts screw threads into the bone to self anchor itself
in the bone.
Subclass:
73
Threaded fastener element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 72. Subject matter
wherein the fastener is either a single elongated means
having helical threads thereon or a fastener consisting of
externally threaded elongated element formed from a pin, rod
or wire having a head at one end and designed to be inserted
through bone portions and secured by a mating element having
a threaded opening which is tightened by the application of
torque.
(1) Note. The fasteners in this subclass include single
screw elements which are applied into bones and paired
elements, such as nuts and bolts, which are fastened to bones
to hold them in place.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
59 for fixation elements used in conjunction with a pin or
screw.
65 femoral screws.
Subclass:
74
Bone cerclage device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 72. Subject matter
wherein the fastener element is an element which encircles
one or more bone portions and applies a force to said bone
portions to hold those encircled portions together.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
139 for elastic band appliers.
Subclass:
75
Staple or similar driven fastener:
This subclass is indented under subclass 72. Subject matter
wherein the fastener element is a generally U-shaped loop of
material with pointed ends, a clip-like fastener element, or
a generally elongated element, adapted to be driven into, or
about, one or more bone portions to hold such portions
together or to attach soft tissue to a bone portion.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
139 for clip appliers
151 for surgical clip, clamp or bands.
157 for occluding clip, clamp or bands.
219 for staples used as suture elements.
221 for approximating clips or serrefines.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
227, Elongated-Member-Driving Apparatus, appropriate
subclasses for staplers in general.
Subclass:
76
Specialized coating or material:
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Subject matter
wherein the bone attaching element has been impregnated or
treated with material which reduces trauma, infection or
corrosion during a process of healing.
(1) Note. The bone attaching element can be implanted or
placed between broken bone elements or have a fixator
specially coated to join the elements of the broken bone.
Subclass:
77
Absorbable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 76. Subject matter
wherein the particular coating, implanted material or portion
thereof is assimilated by the body.
Subclass:
78
Shape memory material:
This subclass is indented under subclass 76. Subject matter
wherein the bone attaching element is composed of material
which has been plastically deformed to a desired shape prior
to being implanted into the body and upon heat application,
either from the body or from external sources, the fixation
element is caused to assume its original shape prior to being
plastically deformed.
Subclass:
79
Orthopedic cutting instruments:
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Subject matter
wherein significance is attributed to a cutting means
particularly adapted to cut into bone or associated softer
bone like tissues of the body.
(1) Note. Associated softer bone includes cartilage
tissue.
(2) Note. See (2) note under subclass 53 which excludes
skull cutting devices from placement here.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
110 for means to remove tonsils, cartilage, adenoids or
polyp by cutting.
119 for obstetrical instruments having cutting means.
131 for cutting device for removing skin.
135 for cutters used in animal sterilization.
163 for cutting devices used to debeak or dehorn animals.
172 for skull cutting devices.
174 for cutting devices which disclose use in the cutting of
bone.
176 for saw type cutting means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
433, Dentistry, for similar cutting devices for cutting or
drilling teeth.
Subclass:
80
Reamer or drill:
This subclass is indented under subclass 79. Subject matter
wherein the cutting is accomplished by means which either has
at least one cutting edge arranged on the periphery along the
length of a thin, elongated member or a means which has at
least one cutting edge at its end(s) for enlarging or
originating a hole in bone tissue.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
408, Cutting by Use of Rotating Axially Moving Tool,
appropriate subclasses for reamers or drills of general
utility.
Subclass:
81
Acetabular:
This subclass is indented under subclass 80. Subject matter
wherein the cutting tool has a concave or convex
substantially hemispherical configuration adapted to shape a
bone socket in a bone head, e.g., hip or jaw articulation.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
623, Prosthesis (i.e., Artificial Body Members), Parts
Thereof, or Aids and Accessories Therefor, appropriate
subclasses, for artificial or replacement joints.
Subclass:
82
Saw type tool:
This subclass is indented under subclass 79. Subject matter
wherein the cutting means is a series of narrow sharp tooth
like elements arranged substantially in single file along at
least one edge of a thin generally planar member of circular
or elongated shape.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
176 for saws of general utility used to cut the body.
Subclass:
83
Rongeur, resector or nipper:
This subclass is indented under subclass 79. Subject matter
wherein the bone or associated soft tissue is cut by a
crushing, gnawing, chipping or cutting action.
(1) Note. The devices in this subclass are termed bone
forceps, bone nippers and rongeurs (crushing devices) for use
in cutting through thin boney structure (ribs) or cartilage
material for either complete removal thereof or for
separation for further surgery.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
176 for shear or scissors like cutters.
205 for forceps structure, particularly subclass 211 for
forceps jaw structure.
Subclass:
84
Osteotome or scraper:
This subclass is indented under subclass 79. Subject matter
wherein a portion of a bone or associated cartilage is
removed by a sharpened blade, chisel or a means having
tooth-like projections which wear the bone or cartilage dawn
by friction.
(1) Note. The devices of this subclass include cutting
blades on a handle, chisels or osteotomes and abraders which
are either manually moved in a push-pull fashion, or by a
motor drive means, or by having the head of the handle
impacted by a hammer-like device.
Subclass:
85
Rasp or file:
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Subject matter
wherein tissue is operatively removed by cutting means having
formed prominences which are distinct raised points or
ridges; such cutting means being typically used to smooth or
slightly modify the shape of a bone or cartilage surface.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, 76.1 for files.
Subclass:
86
Means for use in bone reparation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Subject matter
wherein means is provided to assist in the removal, repair or
replacement of bone tissue.
(1) Note. Devices used in the manipulation, removal, or
placement of an internal fixation means or bone prosthesis
are classified in this and indented subclasses.
(2) Note. Devices for use in bone grafting are classified
in this and indented subclasses.
Subclass:
87
Osteotomy jig or fixture:
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter
wherein the means to assist in bone reparation is a guide or
gauge for aligning a cutting means of a desired orientation
for severing or partially severing a bone at one or more
desired location so that the severed portions may be
reoriented or a prosthetic member fitted thereto to effect
the repair of the bone.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
80 82 and 96+, for guide or gauge members for use with a
reamer or drill, saws or nail guides.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
408, Cutting by Use of Rotating Axially Moving Tool, 72 for
drill jigs.
Subclass:
88
Knee or knee joint:
This subclass is indented under subclass 87. Subject matter
wherein the jig or fixture member is used primarily on a
joint between two long bones for purposes of altering or
replacing the joint surfaces.
Subclass:
89
Femoral head:
This subclass is indented under subclass 87. Subject matter
wherein the jig or fixture member is designed to be used on
the proximal portion of a femur for purposes of altering or
replacing the femoral portion of the hip joint.
Subclass:
90
Joint distractor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter
wherein the reparation means includes a spreading means which
functions to separate or separate and hold adjacent, jointed
bones in a desired special relationship to permit access
thereto or for purposes of adjusting the tension in the
ligaments which connect the joint.
Subclass:
91
Acetabular cup positioner:
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter
wherein the reparation means is used to assist in aligning a
prosthetic hip socket relative to a pelvis for proper receipt
of the associated femoral head which may be natural or
prosthetic.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
80 for reamers or drills for shaping a socket or bone head.
Subclass:
92
Device for the application of bone cement:
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter
wherein the assisting means aids in the application or
distribution of a glue-like material or luting agent to a
bone surface or into a cavity in a bone.
(1) Note. Patents in this subclass disclose tube or disk
shaped materials which actually become part of a prosthesis
when filled with cement and are used to distribute the cement
to a uniform thickness on a bone surface.
(2) Note. Bone cement, per se, is not classifiable here.
(3) Note. The term "cement" is considered to include any
hardenable material which is used as a luting or grouting
agent, but the material is not required to form an adhesive
bond with bone tissue.
Subclass:
93
Applicator:
This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Subject matter
wherein the assisting means is one which is used to apply or
to mix and apply cement to a bone.
Subclass:
94
Pressurized cement placement:
This subclass is indented under subclass 93. Subject matter
wherein the applicator means exerts a force upon the cement
as it is applied to the bone.
(1) Note. Typically a seal is formed between the bone and
the applicator so that the pressurized cement is forced into
the relatively porous cancellous bone tissue which either
underlies or surrounds a prosthetic member.
Subclass:
95
Intramedullary plug or centering means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Subject matter
wherein the assisting means is a medullary canal occluding
means which controls the placement of bone cement in the
canal of wherein the assisting means is insertable within a
medullary canal and positions an implantable means in the
canal such that the bone cement is distributed in a desired
or predetermined pattern within said canal about the
implantable means.
(1) Note. The plugs are typically placed in the femur
during hip replacement to prevent bone cement within the
medullary canal from migrating toward the knee.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
623, Prosthesis, (i.e., Artificial Body Members), Parts
Thereof, or Aids and Accessories Therefor, appropriate
subclasses, for prosthetic devices having self-centering
means, e.g., finger joints.
Subclass:
96
Drill or pin guide:
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter
wherein the assisting means directs the path of an elongated,
end cutting, rotary cutting means or directs the path of a
thin elongated pin or wire into the bone.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
80 for drills or reamers for cutting into bone or for drills
and reamers having means thereon to guide them during their
operation.
Subclass:
97
X-ray positioned:
This subclass is indented under subclass 96. Subject matter
which include an image producing system to position the
drill, pin or wire directing means.
(1) Note. The system typically includes a video display in
real time of pin, wire or drill movement, however, still
images are also included.
Subclass:
98
Cross-pinning drill guide:
This subclass is indented under subclass 96. Subject matter
in which the drill, pin or wire is guided generally in a
transverse direction with respect to an opposing member with
which it is to cooperatively engage.
Subclass:
99
Prosthesis insertor or extractor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter
comprising force transferal means specifically adapted to
place or remove a bone repairing means through forceful
contact or collision in which momentum is transferred from
the force transferral means to the reparation means.
(1) Note. Patents in this subclass includes devices for
removing or inserting, nails, pins, intramedullary and
femoral head prosthesis means.
Subclass:
100
Restrained movable mass (e.g., slide hammer):
This subclass is indented under subclass 99. Subject matter
wherein the insertion or removing means comprises a rod which
has a means extending therefrom for attaching to said rod the
reparation means and a sliding weight which is moved along
said rod to impact upon a corporating anvil-like member to
provide a force for inserting or removing the reparation
means.
Subclass:
101
Nail or plate bender:
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter
comprising deflection or plastic deformation means
particularly adapted for changing the configuration of a nail
or plate to a prescribed configuration or to a configuration
which substantially conforms to some particular bone
structure.
(1) Note. The benders in this subclass are used to alter
the shape of bone plates, intramedullary nails, screws, or
cortical plates to adapt a device of generally correct shape
to fit a specific application site.
Subclass:
102
Gauging or measuring devices:
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter
wherein a physical characteristic of the bone repair means or
a characteristic of the bone itself is subjected to
assessment to determine how the reparation process should be
altered to effect a proper repair.
Subclass:
103
Wiring aid:
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter
wherein the bone repair means is particularly adapted for the
application of or tensioning of a slender, flexible,
string-like piece of material about bone.
(1) Note. "Wiring" is an art term that includes, but is not
limited, materially, to the use of metallic wire.
Subclass:
104
Screw or pin placement or removal means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter
wherein means is provided for inserting or extracting an
elongated element having helical threads or a thin elongated
element having a nail like shape.
(1) Note. This subclass accepts `screwdrivers' and similar
or analogous devices which are particularly adapted for use
in an orthopedic environment.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
73 for threaded fastener elements, per se.
96 for pin or drill guide means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
81, Tools, 436 for screwdrivers.
Subclass:
105
Bone compression or distraction:
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter
wherein removable means is provided to pull together or move
apart bone portions during the application of a cortical
plate.
(1) Note. The bone compression or distraction means is
removed after the application of the bone plate is complete.
Subclass:
105.5
Cast removal implement:
This subclass is indented under subclass 105. Subject matter
which provides a means for disengaging a plaster of Paris or
the like immobilization splint from a body portion.
(1) Note. Casts typically have one or more layers of padding
between the rigid cast shell and the body portion being
treated which become adhered to the shell and make cast
removal difficult without some form of prying device;
vibratory cast "saws" are not proper for this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
30, Cutlery, appropriate subclasses for circular saws and
cast cutters, per se.
602, Surgery, subclass 9 for cast removal devices which are
embedded within the wall of the splint.
Subclass:
106
Means for removing foreign objects from the throat or
connected passageways (e.g., probang):
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein an instrument means is used to remove foreign
materials from those tubes or cavities which connect a mouth
with a stomach or a mouth with nasal passages.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
127 for devices used to remove kidney stones.
Subclass:
107
Means for removing, inserting or aiding in the removal or
insertion of eye lens material:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein means is provided to take out of, put into, or put
onto an eye, a natural or an artificial material intended to
replace or augment that portion of an eye which focuses light
to create an image, or means to assist in such action.
(1) Note. This subclass contains devices for use in
assisting in placing artificial or natural lens material into
or on the eye as well as means for removing lens material
from the eye. Means for installing contact lenses would also
be found in this subclass.
(2) Note. This subclass is intended for means used to
manipulate a whole or substantially whole natural lens or a
substitute therefor and does not include a device which
comminutes a natural lens prior to removal thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
166 for corneal cutters and guides for corneal cutters.
170 for devices which comminute a tissue structure prior to
the removal thereof from the body.
Subclass:
108
Means for inserting or removing conduit within body:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein means are provided for placing or extracting a
generally tubular like structure, having a bore or hole
therethrough, into a body.
(1) Note. Patents in this and the indented subclass
disclose means for inserting or removing endotracheal tubes,
ear drum vents, bladder drains, vascular grafts, alimentary
canal tubes, and other generally tubular members into the
body.
(2) Note. Patents in which material is removed from or
introduced into the body for the purpose of treating the body
are found in Class 604, Surgery. Patents in this subclass
are limited to means for placing or removing conduits from
the body without means to introduce or remove material from
the body. In other words, the use or purpose of the conduit
is not at issue; merely the means for inserting or removing
the conduit prior to or subsequent to use are being
entertained.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
130 for stereotaxic devices.
159 for means for removing an obstruction from a blood
vessel, teat or a duct.
191 for dilators.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
604, Surgery, 93.01 for conduits having means for
introducing or removing material from the body including body
fluids.
Subclass:
109
Ear vent or drain:
This subclass is indented under subclass 108. Subject matter
wherein the conduit is placed such that it penetrates the
tympanic membrane in an organ of hearing.
(1) Note. Patents in this subclass are limited to devices
which place conduits into the ear and do not claim the
passage of material into or out of the conduit. Conduits
placed in the body for the purpose of introducing or removing
material are properly classifiable in Class 604, Surgery.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
185 for devices for puncturing having similar structure to
the devices in this subclass which puncture the middle ear
structure for insertion of a vent or drain.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
604, Surgery, subclass 244 for body inserted tubular conduit
structure.
Subclass:
110
Means for removing tonsils, adenoids or polyps:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein means is provided for extracting nonosseous tissue
from the body.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
79 for cutting devices for cutting soft tissues associated
with bones.
Subclass:
111
With hemostasis:
This subclass is indented under subclass 110. Subject matter
wherein means is provided to substantially stop the flow of
blood, from the site where the soft tissue was removed from
the body.
Subclass:
112
By pressure application:
This subclass is indented under subclass 111. Subject matter
wherein the blood flow is substantially stopped by
compressing the tissue to such a degree that the tissue
separates and the walls of the blood vessels in the tissue of
the region adjacent the site of separation become
self-adherently closed so that there is little or no bleeding
from the site after removal is effected.
Subclass:
113
By wire loop or snare:
This subclass is indented under subclass 110. Subject matter
wherein a filament or chain encircles the nonosseous tissue
and removes said tissue by severing or cutting.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
79 for similar loop or snare devices for removing
cartilage.
Subclass:
114
With collecting means for removed material:
This subclass is indented under subclass 110. Subject matter
having additional means which receives, contains or holds the
nonosseous tissue when cut from the body.
Subclass:
115
By vacuum application:
This subclass is indented under subclass 114. Subject matter
wherein the collecting means or the excised nonosseous tissue
is subjected to negative pressure to effect containment of
the excised tissue.
Subclass:
116
Means for marking animals:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein cutting, punching, piercing, tattooing or other means
are applied to an animal's flesh to permanently identify or
distinguish said animal from animals belonging to another or
other animals in a herd, flock, etc.
(1) Note. This subclass contains patents which notch, cut,
tattoo or pierce an animals flesh, usually the ear, to
permanently mark the animal so that it can be distinguished
from other animals.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
117 for devices for applying tags to animals.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, 300 for animal
markers.
Subclass:
117
Means for applying animal identification device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein means is provided to place or insert upon or within
an animal a tag or tag-like element to identify or
distinguish said animal.
(1) Note. The applicators in this subclass apply
identification tags to animals and do not permanently mark
the skin of an animal or make any imprint upon the skin of an
animal other than the point(s) of attachment for the
identification device.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
116 for animal marking devices which place markings upon the
animal's skin.
188 for earlobe piercing devices which insert a "trainer"
earring at the time of piercing.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, 400.1 for a method of applying a tag.
63, Jewelry, 12 for earrings.
119, Animal Husbandry, subclass 858, for a collar having or
adapted to support an ID tag, subclasses 834+ for a hog ring
and subclass 866 for a nose ring, per se.
227, Elongated-Member-Driving Apparatus, appropriate
subclasses for apparatus for applying a tag to work by a
member, e.g., staple.
Subclass:
118
Means for circumcision:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein means are provided to remove or assist in the removal
of the prepuce from a male.
(1) Note. Although some texts include operative procedures
to be performed on a female in the definition of the term
"circumcision", such procedures and means therefor are not
included in the subject matter of this subclass; patents
directed to clitoridectomy or preputium clitoridectomy and
similar procedures, excluded above, are properly classifiable
in subclass 119.
Subclass:
119
Obstetric or gynecological instruments:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein the instruments are specifically adapted for use in
childbirth or for treatment of a female's reproductive
organs.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
600, Surgery, 185, 201, and 211+ for specula used to examine
the interior of maturally occurring orifices of the body.
Subclass:
120
Umbilical clamp:
This subclass is indented under subclass 119. Subject matter
comprising pressure means to close off the umbilical artery
during or shortly after childbirth.
(1) Note. Surgical clamp which disclose or claim cutting of
umbilical cord in addition to clamping said cord are properly
classified in this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
146 for devices which apply occluding clips.
157 for other occluding clips, clamps, and bands which are
applied to analogous body conduits.
Subclass:
121
Parturition assistance device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 119. Subject matter
wherein the instrument is used to aid in delivering or
removing a fetus from a viviparous animal.
Subclass:
122
Fetus extractor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter
wherein the delivery aiding means is placed in contact with
the fetus, or a portion thereof, so that a tractive force may
be applied to the fetus to effect an easier extraction from
the birth canal.
Subclass:
123
With vacuum or suction application:
This subclass is indented under subclass 122. Subject matter
wherein the fetus extractor includes a negative pressure
means applied to the fetus or a pressure differential means
applied to the perineal area of a female to assist in the
removal of the fetus from the birth canal.
Subclass:
124
With mechanical means for applying tension (e.g., gearing
reels, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 122. Subject matter
wherein the fetus extraction means has mechanical force
multiplying means for increasing the tractive force that the
extraction means exerts on the fetus to effect its removal
from the birth canal.
Subclass:
125
Means for rupturing the amniotic membrane:
This subclass is indented under subclass 119. Subject matter
wherein means is provided for surgically severing,
scratching, or cutting the thin inner membranous layer of the
placental sac which contains the fetus and amniotic fluid.
Subclass:
126
Embryotome:
This subclass is indented under subclass 119. Subject matter
wherein means is provided with which to cut or sever parts
from a fetus so as to dismember or dissect same and thus
facilitate its withdrawal through the birth canal.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
604, Surgery, appropriate subclasses, for devices which
aspirate the severed fetal tissue through a suction tube.
Subclass:
127
Means for concretion removal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein means is provided for extracting or easing the
natural passage of a calculus or "stone" (any solid mass
formed by coalescence or cohesion) from a body organ or
associated excretory duct.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
601, Surgery: Kinesitherapy, 4 for massaging devices used
to crush body stones by the application of a force external
to the body.
Subclass:
128
With fragmenting means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 127. Subject matter
wherein the concretion removal means has associated therewith
an additional means which divides, breaks or disintegrates
the solid mass or stone while inside the body.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
601, Surgery: Kinesitherapy, 4 for a shock wave
lithotripter wherein the shock waves are applied from a
location outside the body.
Subclass:
129
Electrode guide means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein an instrument is provided to direct in the
application or removal of an electrical conductor connection
with a specified segment of internal body tissue.
Subclass:
130
Stereotaxic device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein a means is provided for use in surgery for directing
the tip of a delicate instrument (e.g., a needle or an
electrode) in three planes with the ability to reach or
return to a predetermined point or region of a body through a
relatively small access opening.
(1) Note. Included in this subclasses are means for
treating internal tumors, neural disorders, etc., which have
been located by other means e.g., CT Scanners, tomography,
and other devices used to "target" a particular portion of
e.g., the brain.
Subclass:
131
Means for removal of skin or material therefrom:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein extraction means is provided for treating the
external covering or integument of the body to excise a
portion of the covering or integument or, alternately, to
extricate unwanted hair, external tissue (e.g., polyps,
moles, warts, etc.), foreign substances, or parasites
imbedded in or upon said external covering or integument.
(1) Note. This subclass takes tweezers claiming parasite or
splinter removal from the skin as well as skin abrasion
devices.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
9 for means using light to remove hair, lesions, or other
extraneous matter from the skin.
36 and 43, for electrical hair removal means.
133 for mechanical or chemical hair removal means.
210 for similar tweezer structure.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
132, Toilet, 73 for toilet devices for manicuring the nails
and for removing corns and other callosities by abrasion.
Subclass:
132
By means for skin graft preparation (e.g., dermatome):
This subclass is indented under subclass 131. Subject matter
wherein the skin removal means is a cutter which is used to
flay a portion of the skin to cut skin segments therefrom, or
a further means which is used to cut, alter or process
previously removed skin segments prior to the use in
transplantation to another portion of the body.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
174 for cutting devices of general utility.
Subclass:
133
Physical removal of hair or hair plugs from skin:
This subclass is indented under subclass 131. Subject matter
wherein the material extracted or removed from the skin is a
naturally occurring fine, generally cylindrical filament
growing from the skin or a piece of flesh, generally
cylindrical, containing said naturally occurring filament.
(1) Note. This subclass contains depilatory devices,
eyebrow pluckers, as well as tweezers specifically claiming
hair removal functions and cutters designed to remove hair
plugs for transplantation.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
9 for means using light to remove hair, lesions, or other
extraneous matter from the skin.
36 and 43, for hair removal by electrolysis.
210 for similar tweezer structure.
Subclass:
134
By application of wax or adhesive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 133. Subject matter
wherein the hair is removed from the skin by applying a
material composed of warmed lipids which substantially
solidify at body temperature and entrap the hair, or a
material to which the hair adheres.
Subclass:
135
Means for or to assist in mammalian sterilization:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein means are provided to aid in rendering or to render
an animal incapable of producing offspring.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
140 for elastic band appliers.
151 for bands, per se.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
128, Surgery, 842, for male reproductive tract shields a
birth control device.
Subclass:
136
By crushing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter
wherein the means to render an animal incapable of producing
offspring is a means which applies pressure with sufficient
force to destroy or deform that part of the body which is
applied.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
81, Tools, 300 for tool-jaws positioned by relatively
movable plural handles (e.g., pliers).
Subclass:
137
By severing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter
wherein the means applied to an animal to render said animal
incapable of producing offspring is a cutter which severs
that part of the body to which it is applied.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
174 for cutting devices of general utility.
Subclass:
138
Means for removing suture, clip, staple or ligature:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein means is provided to extract a wound closure means
which had been placed to join the wound, made either by an
accidental occurrence or by a surgical procedure, when the
closure means device is no longer deemed desirable for
continued treatment.
Subclass:
139
Suture, ligature, elastic band or clip applier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
comprising means for (1) engaging a thread-like material in
opposed edges of a wound or incision for the purpose of
joining said edges; (2) forming an isolated tissue mass by
compressively encircling and knotting a thread-like material
between the tissue mass and the body or a body organ; (3)
engaging a ring-like thin, elongated, generally flat, strip
of material, which material has the capability of returning
to its original shape upon being deformed or stretched, about
some portion of the body or a body organ; or (4) engaging a
deformable fastener device which grips and holds tightly or
positions the engaged tissue.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
151 for clips, clamps or bands, per se.
157 for occluding clips, clamps or bands, per se.
228 for sutures or ligatures, per se.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
132, Toilet, 323 for thread holding and guiding of dental
floss holders.
227, Elongate-Member-Driving Apparatus, appropriate
subclasses for surgical staplers.
623, Prosthesis (i.e., Artificial Body Members), Parts
Thereof, or Aids and Accessories Therefor, subclass 1 for
arterial prosthesis.
Subclass:
140
Elastic band applier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 139. Subject matter
comprising means for the application of a ring-like strip of
resilient material around a portion of body tissue.
(1) Note. The term band is extended to include any
generally circular, loop or ring-like member which is
unitarily formed without interruption. A joined or knotted
ring-like member is considered to be a ligature whether it is
resilient or not.
Subclass:
141
Band applied to reproductive organ:
This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Subject matter
wherein the elastic band is applied to a male or female
reproductive organ or a portion thereof.
(1) Note. The patents in this subclass do not claim birth
control by the application of the elastic band to a
reproductive organ. For patents claiming birth control
functions see search note below.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
128, Surgery, 830 for female reproductive tract birth
control devices and subclasses 842+ for male reproductive
tract birth control devices.
Subclass:
142
Clip applier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 139. Subject matter
wherein the applicator engages a deformable fastener means
which when deformed grips and holds tightly about or
positions the engaged tissue.
(1) Note. The deformable clips applied by an instrument
classifiable in this subclass are limited to those clips
which do not intentionally pierce the tissue (work) to which
they are applied. Instruments which apply deformable
fastener elements which are intended to pierce the tissue
(work) to which they are applied are not classifiable in this
subclass since the fastener is considered to be a staple; see
search note below.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
227, Elongated-Member-Driving Apparatus, appropriate
subclasses for surgical staplers.
Subclass:
143
Clip fed from supply:
This subclass is indented under subclass 142. Subject matter
wherein the clip applier carries its own source of fastener
means which are sequentially deliverable, one at a time, from
the source of supply to the instruments application zone.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
227, Elongated-Member-Driving Apparatus, appropriate
subclasses for similar staple feed means in surgical
staplers.
Subclass:
144
Mechanical suture or ligature applier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 139. Subject matter
comprising means based on the use of levers or inclined
planes which is contrived and devised to manipulate or
contort a thread-like filament around or through body tissue
so as to form a compressive constraint to isolate a tissue
mass or to form unlocked stitches or interlacings between
tissue masses which are being joined, approximated, or
otherwise connected.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
81, Tools, 300 for pliers of general utility.
112, Sewing, 169 for similar devices which form a locked
stitch.
223, Apparel Apparatus, subclass 104 for awls carrying a
thread supply in the handle.
Subclass:
145
Shuttle action by suture passing device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Subject matter
wherein the filament manipulating means includes a
filament-attached or filament-engaged transport means which
carries the filament through the tissue masses being joined
as the transport means is moved from a first position to a
second position and is then returned to the first position to
complete the movement required to form a lace or stitch and
also ready the applier for further lace or stitch placement.
Subclass:
146
Spool feeds suture to needle:
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Subject matter
wherein the filament manipulating means includes an
elongated, pointed, slender, either straight or curved tissue
piercing member which has operatively associated therewith a
supply of filament that is disposed on a reel in such fashion
as to be dispensable from said piercing member to form
stitches or lacings between the pierced tissue masses being
connected.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
112, Sewing, 169 for similar devices which form a locked
stitch.
Subclass:
147
Means for clamping needle to handle:
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Subject matter
wherein the applier includes at least one manually graspable
lever having a member mounting means for disconnectably
attaching in either substantially parallel or generally
perpendicular orientation thereto an elongated, pointed,
either straight or curved, slender tissue piercing member
which is used to manipulate the filament when placing the
stitches or laces used to connect the tissue masses.
Subclass:
148
Suturing or ligating aid or guide:
This subclass is indented under subclass 139. Subject matter
comprising means for assisting in the placement or directing
the path of a suture or ligature during its application.
(1) Note. Forceps or tweezers especially adapted to tie or
guide a suturing or ligating device are classifiable in this
subclass.
Subclass:
149
Eversion device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 148. Subject matter
wherein the suturing or ligating aid or guide is particularly
adapted to be applied to opposed ends of hollow body organs
for the purpose of invaginating the end portions thereof and
abuting same in order to allow them to be joined by suturing
or ligation.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
151 for clips, clamp, connectors or bands, per se.
Subclass:
150
Alignment device (e.g., approximators):
This subclass is indented under subclass 148. Subject matter
wherein the suturing aid or ligating guide is a holding or
clamping means for registering the tubular end portions of
hollow body organs in close approximation relative to one
another during anastomotic surgery.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
151 for surgical clips, clamps, connectors or bands, per
se.
Subclass:
151
Surgical mesh, connector, clip, clamp or band:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
comprising elements or devices which are adapted to be
applied during a surgical procedure of joining portions of
body tissue either by: (1) the application of a fenestrated
surgical mat or net-like support means; (2) use of a
cooperatively interengaging holding means; (3) an element
which binds or interdigitates and fastens together or (4) an
element which encircles and grips a portion of tissue.
(1) Note. This subclass does not provide for wound or
incision closing elements, such would be properly
classifiable in the subclasses noted in the search this class
note below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
213 for sutureless closures.
222 for surgical needles.
228 for sutures or ligators.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
128, Surgery, subclass 831 for fallopian occludes.
Subclass:
152
Connector for nerve endings:
This subclass is indented under subclass 151. Subject matter
wherein a surgical support means is adapted to encircle or
align distinct end portions of a severed fiber bundle tissue
which forms a part of system for conveying electrical
impulses between a brain or spinal cord and other parts of
the body so that a fiber bundle or portions of different
fiber bundles are held in close approximation to augment the
healing thereof.
Subclass:
153
Connector for hollow body organs:
This subclass is indented under subclass 151. Subject matter
wherein the connector consists of at least one element which
is applied to an interrupted tubular organ or between two
organs of the body to permit fluid communication
therebetween.
(1) Note. This subclass contains patents which claim
anastomosis devices being applied to body organs or blood
vessels to connect them and to allow for their normal
function.
Subclass:
154
Bioabsorbable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 153. Subject matter
wherein the connector element is composed of disintegratable
material which the body is capable of absorbing.
Subclass:
155
Connector is single element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 153. Subject matter
wherein the connector element is of a unitary structure.
Subclass:
156
Removable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 155. Subject matter
wherein the single element connector can be moved out from
within the hollow body organ in which it had been placed.
Subclass:
157
Occluding clip, clamp or band:
This subclass is indented under subclass 151. Subject matter
wherein a hollow body organ is closed or sealed off by the
application of a clip, clamp or band thereto.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
120 for a clamp applied to an umbilical cord and including
clamps which hold the umbilical cord during and cutting
thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
251, Valves and Valve Actuation, 4 for stopping the flow of
liquid through flexible tubular conduits.
Subclass:
158
Artery or vein:
This subclass is indented under subclass 157. Subject matter
wherein the occluded hollow body organ is part of a blood
vascular system.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
122 for an umbilical cord clamp.
Subclass:
159
Blood vessel, duct or teat cutter, scraper or abrader:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
comprising means for removing an obstruction in, or for
enlarging the orifice of a vascular conduit, connective duct
or milk duct passageway by cutting, by rubbing with a sharp
surface or by eroding a surface by the application of
friction.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
84 for bone scrappers.
108 for means to insert or remove a conduit from within the
body.
160 for curettes.
161 for optic, otic or oral scrappers.
162 for means used to clean the eye, ear or nose.
170 for cutting means carried within a elongated probe-like
member.
Subclass:
160
Curette:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
comprising means for removing tissue from a female
reproductive organ by scrapping or abrading said tissue.
(1) Note. Patents in this subclass are restricted to use in
the female reproductive system.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
84 for bone scrapper or abrading.
131 for removal of skin by scrapping or abrading.
159 for removal of material from blood vessels, or ducts of
a teat by cutting, scrapping, or abrading.
161 for eye, ear or mouth scrapper.
162 for eye, ear or nose cleaning devices.
Subclass:
161
Optic, otic or oral scrapper or abrader:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
comprising means for removing extraneous material from the
surface of an organ of vision, an organ by hearing or from
various portions of an animal's mouth by rubbing a surface of
any one of those organs with a sharpened element.
Subclass:
162
Means for cleaning eye, ear or nose:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
comprising means for removing foreign material from an organ
of sight, hearing or smell.
(1) Note. Patents in this subclass disclose hair, wire,
swab, vegetable fiber, celluloid, rubber in the form of a
brush, spoon or loop for removing material from the eye, ear
or nose.
Subclass:
163
Means for debeaking or dehorning animals:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
comprising a device for removing a bird's bill or a boney,
often curved and pointed, hollow, paired growth on the upper
head portion of mammals.
Subclass:
164
By electrical or thermal application:
This subclass is indented under subclass 163. Subject matter
wherein the beak or horn is removed by the application of
electricity or heat thereto.
Subclass:
165
Means for removal of animal tail:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
comprising a device for cutting off the hindmost part of an
animal which forms a distinct, trailing, flexible caudal
extension of the animals spinal column.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
174 for similar cutlery devices having a sharing action
during cutting.
Subclass:
166
Corneal cutter or guide for corneal cutter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
comprising cutting means or a means to direct the path of a
cutting means used in a surgical procedure upon the anterior,
external transparent layer of an eye.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
170 for cutting means covered by an elongated probe-like
member.
172 for means to limit cutter depth of penetration.
180 for rotating cutters.
Subclass:
167
Cutting, puncturing or piercing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
comprising means for use in severing, perforating or
penetrating the body or a specific portion thereof.
(1) Note. Patents claiming the cutting of bone, bone-like
material or cartilage are classified in subclasses 79+.
(2) Note. Patents claiming cutting of body joints are also
classifiable in subclasses 79+, orthopedic cutting
instruments.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
79 for cutting means specific to orthopedic use.
116 for punching, cutting or piercing means to mark
animals.
117 for means to apply identification tags of punching or
piercing.
118 for circumcision devices.
125 for cutting devices for rupturing amniotic membranes.
131 for skin removal means including cutting.
135 for cutting means used to sterilize animals.
138 for cutting of sutures, ligatures, slaps and clips.
159 for cutting devices inserted into a vessel or duct to
enlarge it.
163 for debeaking or dehorning an animal by cutting.
165 for cutting of animal tails.
166 for cutting of the cornea.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
27, Undertaking, 24.1 for trocars for treating a corpse.
30, Cutlery, appropriate subclasses for cutting implements
adapted to dehorn animals but having general utility, for
cutting structures associated with surgery; such as plastic
casts and external stitches but not a part of the body, and
mere knives although referred to as surgical knives.
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, 327 for earth boring
bit or bit element.
Subclass:
168
Cutter drive reversed to clean material therefrom:
This subclass is indented under subclass 167. Subject matter
comprising means to change the direction of cutter movement
to remove material cut from cutter surface.
(1) Note. Patents in this subclass include probe-like
cutters having the cutter located on their distal end with a
drive means which can be reversed to unclog the cutter of the
material removed from the body member being cut.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
79 for bone or cartilage cutter having material removal
means.
114 for collecting means for removed tonsil, adenoid or
polyp masses.
170 for other probe-like cutters having suction means to
remove cut material from the cutlery area.
Subclass:
169
Cutter having vibratory drive means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 167. Subject matter
having a cutter moving means which moves to and fro quickly
and repeatedly to impart motion thereto.
(1) Note. Vibratory drive means includes both subsonic an
ultrasonic means to drive the cutter.
(2) Note. Many of the patents in this subclass disclose the
use of vibrating drive means for microsurgery of the eye.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
166 for cutting devices used to cut a guide or cutter in
removal or cutting of the cornea.
Subclass:
170
Cutter carried on elongated probe-like member:
This subclass is indented under subclass 167. Subject matter
comprising a cutting means which is supported by an elongated
tube-like member which member permits surgical procedures to
be undertaken in relatively confined areas.
(1) Note. Patents in this subclass are designed to be used
in areas of the body having difficult access such as the eye,
nasal passages, urinary tract, and in various microsurgical
procedures.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
79 for patents claiming microsurgical procedures and
instrumentation for operation in the cutting of bone or
cartilage.
169 for microsurgical instruments having vibrating drive
means.
Subclass:
171
Reciprocating or oscillating cutter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 170. Subject matter
wherein the cutting means is rotatably reciprocated about a
fixed point or is moved alternatively backward and forward in
a linear direction along its longitudinal axis.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
177 for reciprocating saws.
Subclass:
172
Means to limit cutter penetration depth (e.g., dura guard):
This subclass is indented under subclass 167. Subject matter
comprising a stop or guard which limits the advance or
movement of a cutting device to prevent cutting too deeply
into the body portion being cut.
Subclass:
173
By disconnecting cutter drive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 172. Subject matter
wherein the advance or movement of the cutting means is
stopped by a means which interrupts or disables the drive
train between the cutting means and a driving force
therefor.
Subclass:
174
Shear type (e.g., scissors, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 167. Subject matter
wherein the cutting is accomplished by the action of two
cutting blades which when moved toward each other about a
fixed pivot point cooperate to effect a cut.
(1) Note. Patents in this subclass are limited to
scissors-type cutters which typically begin their cut at the
edge of a surface and continue their cutting action into the
interior of the surface as desired.
(2) Note. Punching devices which disclose a (1) punch and a
cooperating die or a (2) punch and a cooperating anvil
surface are not considered shears since their cut is made for
the purpose of making a generally circular type of incision
in a surface, usually at some distance from a peripheral edge
of that surface.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
184 for punching devices of the type referred to in note
(2), above.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
30, Cutlery, 194, for shears.
Subclass:
175
Snout cutter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 174. Subject matter
wherein the shears cut a portion of a projecting nose, jaws
or anterior part of an animals' muzzle.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
116 for shears used in cutting marks on animals.
163 for shear type cutters for removing of animal beaks or
horns.
165 for shears used in removing tails from an animal.
Subclass:
176
Saw type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 166. Subject matter
wherein the cutter is a thin blade or disc with a sharpened,
toothed edge.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
82 for bone cutting saws.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
30, Cutlery, 166.3 for a saw, generally.
Subclass:
177
Reciprocating:
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Subject matter
wherein the saw is alternately moved backward and forward in
a linear motion which is generally parallel to the toothed
edge.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
171 for elongated probe-like members having a reciprocating
cutter.
Subclass:
178
Oscillating:
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Subject matter
wherein the cutter is rotatably reciprocated about a fixed
point along its longitudinal axis.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
171 for oscillated cutters carried by an elongated
probe-like instrument used in microsurgery.
Subclass:
179
Cylindrical:
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Subject matter
wherein the saw is circular or disc-like in shape.
Subclass:
180
Rotary cutter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 167. Subject matter
wherein the periphery of the cutter exhibits at least one
cutting edge which moves such that the path of every point in
its motion, about a fixed axis, is a circle or a circular
arc.
Subclass:
181
Lancet:
This subclass is indented under subclass 167. Subject matter
comprising an instrument having 1) a short, wide,
double-edged pointed blade which cuts laterally as the
instrument is advanced longitudinally or 2) a blade which can
repeatedly produce an incision of specific length or an
incision of specific length and specific depth in body
tissue.
Subclass:
182
Spring driven or biased into cutting position:
This subclass is indented under subclass 181. Subject matter
wherein the lancet blade is actuated from a checked or
inoperative position when released to an operative position
by an energy storing resilient means.
Subclass:
183
Plural cutting blades:
This subclass is indented under subclass 182. Subject matter
wherein the lancet carries at least two blades which act in
unison upon release.
Subclass:
184
Punch:
This subclass is indented under subclass 167. Subject matter
wherein the cutter has a continuous, closed, usually
circular, cutting edge which cooperates with (1) a die
element which receives the closed circular cutting edge, (2)
a solid anvil-like surface element to effect a cut, or (3) no
other element to effect or cut.
(1) Note. A punch removes material from the surface it is
passed through. Patents in this subclass disclose the
punching of arteries for the purpose of making a by-pass
connection as well as nose punches which punch out a hole for
placing a ring in an animal's nose.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
133 for a punch used to remove a hair plug for
transplantation to another part of the scalp.
Subclass:
185
Puncturing or piercing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 167. Subject matter
wherein the cutter is a sharp, pointed instrument which
penetrates a portion of the body to make a hole therein
without removing any of the tissue through which the cutter
passes.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
117 for devices which remove tissue or pierce without the
removal of tissue while applying an identification tag to an
animal.
184 for punching devices which remove tissue by cutting or
punching out a circular shape from the tissue it is used
upon.
Subclass:
186
Multiple puncturing elements (e.g., tattoo, scarifier,
etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 185. Subject matter
comprising two or more puncturing or piercing elements which
act in unison.
Subclass:
187
Hair or artificial hair injector or anchor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 185. Subject matter
wherein the puncturing or piercing means inserts a hair
follicle transplant or a synthetic fibrous material which
simulates a hair into the skin or inserts the means required
to hold a toupee or a wig-like contrivance onto the body,
typically the skull.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
131 for devices for removing hair from the skin.
Subclass:
188
Earlobe piercing means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 185. Subject matter
wherein the puncturing or piercing device is used to pierce
the soft, fleshy, tissue at lowermost portion of an external
ear.
(1) Note. The patents in this subclass typically disclose
concomitant piercing and placement of an ornamented earing in
the perforation.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
117 for identification tags inserted in an animal's ear.
Subclass:
189
Acupuncture means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 185. Subject matter
wherein the puncturing or piercing device consists of one or
more needle-like instruments which are pushed into the body
at one or more predetermined locations to provide a body
treatment.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
41 for electrical applicators.
129 for electrode placement means.
204 for accupressure devices.
Subclass:
190
Blunt dissectors:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
comprising means to separate layers of tissue or tissue from
other material without cutting either tissue or material
during the separation process.
(1) Note. Patents in this subclass disclose an
obturator-like device which is passed through layers of
tissue to separate them without cutting also disclosed are
blunt ended rods that are passed through blood vessels to
separate arteriosclerotic material from a vessel wall.
(2) Note. Separation of tissue layers or arteriosclerotic
material may also be accomplished by the introduction of a
fluid through the blunt dissector.
Subclass:
191
Internal pressure applicator (e.g., dilator):
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
comprising means which are inserted in a natural body orifice
or organ to expand said orifice or organ.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
604, Surgery, 48 for means inserted into natural body
orifices to permit the introduction or removal material for
therapeutic purposes; subclasses 93.01+, for means for intro
or removing material from the body of a conduit, hollow or
implant reservoir and subclasses 104+, for means for
expanding a body ori or canal.
Subclass:
192
Inflatable or expandable by fluid:
This subclass is indented under subclass 191. Subject matter
wherein the body inserted means is distended to expanded by
the application or absorption of a fluid therein while
disposed in the natural body orifice for the purpose of
retaining the dilator therein, dilating the body orifice, or
sealing the body orifice.
(1) Note. Dilators may be inflated by the introduction of a
fluid such as air, water, etc., or expanded by the absorption
of body fluids to dilate the body part in which it is
inserted.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
193 for dilators inflatable within the female reproductive
system.
194 for dilators inflatable within the vascular system.
198 for mechanically (nonfluid) expanded dilators.
Subclass:
193
Inserted in female reproductive system:
This subclass is indented under subclass 192. Subject matter
wherein the dilator is inflated upon being placed in a
female's vagina, uterus or fallopian tubes.
(1) Note. See (1) Note to subclass 192, above.
(2) Note. See search this class notes to subclass 192
above.
Subclass:
194
Inserted in vascular system:
This subclass is indented under subclass 192. Subject matter
wherein the dilator is inflated upon being introduced into
the blood circulatory system.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
604, Surgery, subclass 507 for means whereby material is
introduced or removed from the body by means placed within a
blood vessel, subclass 96.01 for inflatable catheters; and
sub 104+ and 509, for body orifice dilators.
An alternative electronic search for U.S. patents, based upon
a modifica of the European Patent Office Classification for
portions of the subject matter of this subclass may also be
found in Class 604, Cross-Refer Art Collections 907 - 921.
(There are no definitions associated with these
Cross-Reference Art Col. The most available disclosure as to
the types of documents contained herein in is given in any
notes associated with the titles.
Subclass:
195
Detachable from inflation means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Subject matter
wherein the dilator is separable, upon inflation, from the
fluid supply means which causes its expansion.
(1) Note. The patents in this subclass generally disclose
blood vessel occlusion means which are to remain in the
vessel which they occlude.
Subclass:
196
Nose or throat:
This subclass is indented under subclass 192. Subject matter
wherein the dilator is placed in the body in either that
portion of a digestive system between a mouth and esophagus
or in the nostril region.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
199 for noninflative nasal dilators.
Subclass:
197
Rectal or anal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 191. Subject matter
wherein the dilator expands either (1) a large intestine
portion of the body extending from a segmoid flexure to an
anal canal or (2) expands an external opening of a alimentary
canal.
Subclass:
198
Expanding dilator (e.g., expanding arm, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 191. Subject matter
wherein the dilator is enlarged, usually radially, either by
the application of a mechanical force, or by the expansion of
the material of which it is composed which expands upon
introduction into the natural body orifice.
(1) Note. Self-expanding dilators which usually are
compressed spring devices which expand upon placement in a
body cavity are not considered to be expanded by the
application of a mechanical force since no external
mechanical force is applied to expand the device. Similarly,
devices composed of material which expands by means of its
chemical composition or body temperature are not classifiable
in this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
192 for expandable dilators which are expanded by the
application of fluid pressure.
202 for nasal dilators which are inserted in a compressed
state and expand upon placement in the nostrils without the
application of a mechanical force being applied thereto.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
604, Surgery, 104 for devices to expand body orifices for
the purpose of introducing or removing material therefrom.
Subclass:
199
Nasal dilator:
This subclass is indented under subclass 191. Subject matter
wherein the dilation device is placed in a nostril to expand
said nostril or a connecting passageway.
Subclass:
200
With emboli trap or filter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 191. Subject matter
wherein the dilator is introduced into the vascular system
for the purpose of removing occlusive or floating thrombotic
material.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
159 for blood vessel scraping devices.
192 for inflated balloon type devices which function to trap
thrombotic material.
Subclass:
201
External pressure applicator:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein structural means is applied to an external portion of
the body to provide a compressive force to restrict or to
stop the flow of blood from or through said body portion or
to provide treatment for pain or disease by means of force
application to one or more predetermined portions of the
body.
Subclass:
202
Pneumatic cuff:
This subclass is indented under subclass 201. Subject matter
wherein the pressure applicator comprises a flexible or
elastic, fluid or tight, inflatable chamber which is intended
to be positioned in a deflated state, to encircle a body
portion and is then inflated to apply the compressive force
to the body position.
(1) Note. Patents in this subclass disclose pneumatic
tourniquets used to stop blood flow through a body portion to
prevent bleeding therefrom as well as pneumatic tourniquets
with at least one associated gage used to stop or restrict
blood flow through a body portion for purposes of measuring
blood pressure therein.
Subclass:
203
Tourniquet:
This subclass is indented under subclass 201. Subject matter
wherein the pressure applying member is a releasably
constrictable band or strap-like means which totally
encircles the body portion and which is applied by
effectively shortening the band or stretching the band to
produce the force to temporarily arrest the flow of blood in
that portion of the body.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
202 for inflatable cuffs which may stop blood flow or are
used for the taking of blood pressure.
Subclass:
204
Accupressure device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 201. Structure for
applying the compressive force to predetermined points on the
body to provide a body treatment without puncturing the skin
at those points to which the compressive forces have been
applied.
Subclass:
204.15
Head:
This subclass is indented under subclass 201. Subject matter
which provides a means for exerting a force on the uppermost
or cranial portion of the body to correct a deformity,
disorder, or abnormality thereof.
Subclass:
204.25
Eye:
This subclass is indented under subclass 204.15. Subject
matter which provides a means for producing a strain upon the
muscles which focus the lens or which direct the eye's line
of sight so as to treat visual disorder or abnormality of the
eye.
(1) Note. This subclass includes devices such as moving
targets which the patient follows with one or both eyes to
exercise or strengthen defective muscles.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
25 for devices wherein the eye is forcibly exercised.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
351, Optics: Eye Examining, Vision Testing and Correcting,
subclass 203 for eye examining and testing instruments
combined with eye exercising or training.
Subclass:
204.35
Wrinkle remover:
This subclass is indented under subclass 204.15. Subject
matter comprising means for eradicating facial age lines at
least on a temporary basis.
Subclass:
204.45
Nose shaper:
This subclass is indented under subclass 204.15. Subject
matter comprising means for changing the appearance or
proportions of the nostrils or a facial portion adjacent
thereto.
(1) Note. The nose shapers may also, as a secondary
function, enhance or relieve breathing.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
199 for nasal dilators.
Subclass:
204.55
Horn bender:
This subclass is indented under subclass 204.15. Subject
matter comprising a means for changing the natural path of
growth or "training" the shape of an animal's horn or
antler.
Subclass:
205
Forceps:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
provided with pivoted arms carrying cooperating, contacting
members for grasping parts of the body, articles within the
body, or devices associated with body treatment.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
120 for forcep-like devices used to clamp the umbilical
cord.
148 for forceps which are specific for tying sutures or
ligatures, or for assisting in guiding suturing means.
157 for occluding, clip, clamp or bands.
203 for clamp tourniquets.
210 for hinged tweezers.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
81, Tools, 300 for pliers and subclasses 318+, for pliers
having locking means.
433, Dentistry, subclass 159 for pliers.
Subclass:
206
Jaws biased to open or closed position:
This subclass is indented under subclass 205. Subject matter
wherein the pivoted cooperating members are urged by
resilient means either into a closed or open position from
which position the forceps may be manually shifted to the
alternate position.
Subclass:
207
Jaw structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 205. Subject matter
wherein significance is attributed to the structure of the
cooperating contacting members which provide means for
grasping the body or diverse structure.
Subclass:
208
Hinge or latch structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 205. Subject matter
wherein significance is attributed to either the structure
about which the jaws pivot or to the closure means which
locks the jaws in a closed or contacting position for the
continued application of a grasping force by the jaws.
Subclass:
209
Tubular member stripper:
This subclass is indented under subclass 205. Subject matter
wherein the cooperating members are moved along a tube-like
device or generally tubular portion of the body to remove
material contained therein.
(1) Note. Devices in this subclass disclose forceps having
roller elements for jaws which are passed along a cows' teat
to remove material therefor or passed along a tube to remove
material therefrom.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
604, Surgery, 151 for peristaltic pumps in dosing devices.
Subclass:
210
Tweezers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
comprising a small pincer-like instrument having resiliently
hinged, cooperating jaw members particularly adapted or
suited to be used for plucking or handling small objects.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
131 for tweezer-like devices which are specifically designed
to remove embedded materials, such as slivers, from human
skin.
133 for tweezers which are designed to remove hair from
human skin.
Subclass:
211
Combined with another device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 210. Subject matter
in combination with a diverse feature or a device that is not
provided for in the preceding subclasses.
(1) Note. Patents in this subclass disclose tweezers
combined with mirrors, magnifying lenses, pins, etc.
Subclass:
212
Hoof crack repair:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein means are provided for coaptating cracks in that
portion of an animals' foot covered by a horny protective
covering.
Subclass:
213
Sutureless closure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein means are provided for joining a wound or incision's
edges or lips without stitching said lips or edges together.
(1) Note. Patents claiming means to apply sutureless
closures are provided for in this and indented subclasses.
(2) Note. Patents for applying surgical staples to class
wounds are properly classifiable in Class 227, subclasses
175.1+.
Subclass:
214
Chemical bonding material applied to wound edges:
This subclass is indented under subclass 213. Subject matter
wherein the lips or edges of a wound or incision are joined
by the application of a substance produced by a chemical
process thereto or thereover.
Subclass:
215
Material placed on opposed sides of incision or wound:
This subclass is indented under subclass 213. Subject matter
wherein structural means are placed on opposite sides of the
edges of a wound or incision for bringing the edges into
coaptation.
Subclass:
216
Means to draw opposed sides of incision into apposition:
This subclass is indented under subclass 215. Subject matter
wherein the material placed upon opposed sides of the wound
or incision is manually moved or drawn together by a means
which forces the edges of said wound or incision into
coaptation.
(1) Note. Patents in this subclass have at least one
manually actuated means to bring wound edges in opposition;
adhesive strip, placed upon opposite sides of a wound, which
are joined by elastic bands, which bands pull the adhesive
strip together to close the edges of the wound are considered
to be selfmoving means which do so because of their own
composition since they are not means physically moved by a
person to chew the wound together, such devices are not
properly classifiable in this subclass but in subclass 215
above.
Subclass:
217
Sliding fastener:
This subclass is indented under subclass 216. Subject matter
wherein the means for coaptation is an actuator member which
can at least engage an interlock as it slides along the
material placed upon opposite sides of the wound to fasten
together said material and thereby bring the wound into
apposition, or to alternatively, to separate said material
upon sliding said actuator member in the opposite direction
to deactuate the interlock.
(1) Note. Patents in this subclass provide structure which
resembles a zipper, in action, if not by structure also.
Subclass:
218
Screw, rack and pinion or pawl and racket:
This subclass is indented under subclass 216. Subject matter
wherein the means to manually move or draw the edges of the
wound into coaptation is a screw, rack and pinion, or a pawl
and racket which moves the material on either side of the
wound at least partially together; thus, moving the edges of
the wound into apposition.
Subclass:
219
Staple fastener:
This subclass is indented under subclass 215. Subject matter
wherein the edges of the wound are joined in juxtaposition by
the application of a deformable, tissue-piercing device that
is formed from metal or another material which has legs with
pointed ends which pierce the tissue adjacent the wound and
are deformed to draw and fasten the wound edges together in
juxtaposition or apposition.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
75 staple or similar driven fastener, for staples which are
particularly adapted for use in orthopedic surgery.
157 occluding clip, clamp, or band.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
227, Elongated-Member-Driving Apparatus, 175 for surgical
staplers and subclass 902 for staplers, per se.
411, Expanded, Threaded, Driven, Headed, Tool-Deformed, or
Locked-Threaded Fastener, various subclasses, for nonsurgical
staples and staple-like structure.
Subclass:
220
With retaining means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 219. Subject matter
wherein the legs of the staple pass through a mating member,
after having passed through the tissue, which locks the
staple in place upon its application to the wound.
Subclass:
221
Approximating clip or serrefine:
This subclass is indented under subclass 215. Subject matter
wherein the means to hold the edges of the wound in
apposition is either (1) a flat, planar member having pointed
pin-like hooks on opposite sides thereof or (2) a loop-like
member provided with pointed pin-like hooks on each end
thereof which project therefrom or (3) a substantially
U-shaped wound spanning member having pointed pin-like barbs
projecting from near the end of each leg of the U-shaped
member so as to engage the tissue on opposed portions of the
wound and to draw the edges thereof into coaptation.
Subclass:
222
Suturing needle:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
comprising a thin pointed means designed to be engageable
with and to carry a sewing filament through soft body tissue
without prior preparation of the penetration points.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
148 suturing aid or guide for devices used in combination
with a needle to help place the sewing filament as desired.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
206, Special Receptacle or Package, subclass 234 for pocket
container for diverse tools; subclasses 365+, for hypodermic
needles; and subclass 380 for needles.
604, Surgery, 264 for body inserted tubular conduits.
Subclass:
223
Needle tip or body structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 222. Subject matter
wherein significance is attributed to the shape or
composition of the pointed end of the needle or its body.
Subclass:
224
Filament attachment:
This subclass is indented under subclass 222. Subject matter
provided with means for adfixing a suture to the needle.
Subclass:
225
Tied, hooked, wedged or grasped:
This subclass is indented under subclass 224. Subject matter
wherein the means for adfixing the suture is either a means
which permits the suture to be (1) passed through a loop or
eye in the needle and knotted thereon; or (2) attached
through a loop or bight which is held by a curved, bent means
which engages said loop or; (3) to be pushed, crowded or
forced into a limited space; or (4) to be held or seized
firmly in the unpointed end of the needle by a resilient
means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
226 for sutures which are affixed to a needle by metal
deformation such as swaging.
Subclass:
226
Deformed:
This subclass is indented under subclass 224. Subject matter
wherein the suture is adfixed to the needle by the
application of force or pressure to the end of the needle
into which the suture is inserted such that the end becomes
altered in shape so as to hold the suture tightly within the
altered shape of the needle end.
(1) Note. Patents in this subclass disclose form plastic
deformation by swaging or by the application of force to that
portion of the needle which holds the end of the suture.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
224 for suture attachment to a needle by nondeformation of
the end in which the suture is inserted.
Subclass:
227
Pull out or frangible:
This subclass is indented under subclass 224. Subject matter
wherein the suture is affixed to, but is readily separable
from the needle upon application of a prescribed tensile
force whereby: (1) the tension upon the suture causes the
suture to be dislodged from the holding portion of the
needle; or (2) the tension upon the suture causes a weakened
or reduced cross-sectional area of the suture, adjacent to
the holding portion of the needle, to break so that the
majority of the suture filament becomes disassociated from
the needle.
Subclass:
228
Suture or ligature:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
comprising prepared threads, cords or filaments used to close
a wound or to tie bind or constrict a portion of a body
organ.
(1) Note. This subclass and its indented subclasses include
suture making processes not provided for elsewhere.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
8, Bleaching and Dyeing; Fluid Treatment and Chemical
Modification of Textiles and Fibers, subclass 94.11 for the
treatment or preparation of these elements.
57, Textiles: Spinning, Twisting, and Twining, 210 for
twisted strands of general application.
206, Special Receptacle or Package, subclass 63.3 for
packaged ligatures.
422, Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting,
Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing, 1 for processes of
sterilizing sutures and ligatures.
426, Food or Edible Material: Processes, Compositions, and
Products, subclass 140 for animal derived edible casing.
Subclass:
229
Collagen containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 228. Subject matter
wherein the sutures contains at least one component derived
from natural or chemically processed material found in animal
connective tissue, skin, bone or intestine.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
604, Surgery, subclass 368 for absorbent pads containing
collagen.
Subclass:
230
Absorbable in body:
This subclass is indented under subclass 228. Subject matter
wherein the suture is composed of material which the body can
assimilate naturally.
Subclass:
231
Organic material containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 228. Subject matter
wherein the suture has at least one component which is, or
contains, or is related to products derived through chemical
interaction of carbon containing compounds.
Subclass:
232
Suture retaining means (e.g., buttons):
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
wherein means is provided to restrain, hold or otherwise
maintain a suture in place upon the body.
Subclass:
233
Suture supported from engagement with incision (e.g., suture
bridge):
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
comprising a lifting means which lifts a suture above a wound
thus changing the angle and the forces applied by said suture
to the tissue to help to prevent cutting and scarring.
Subclass:
234
Oral pacifier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
comprising a device designed for use by humans for biting
upon to relieve gum irritation or inflammation or to serve to
calm or to relieve stress or tension.
(1) Note. Tension or stress relief devices to protect the
teeth from grinding or clenching are classifiable in this
subclass.
(2) Note. Devices used orally to satisfy a craving for
cigarettes or other tobacco products are classifiable in this
subclass.
Subclass:
235
Teething devices:
This subclass is indented under subclass 234. Subject matter
wherein the pacifier is structured as a means upon which a
baby can bite to aid in the development of teeth as they grow
through the gums.
Subclass:
236
Nipple attachment or structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 234. Subject matter
wherein significance is attributed to the structure of a
teat-like protuberance or to the means for attaching said
protuberance to a base upon which it is carried.
Subclass:
237
Chiropractic or osteopathic implement:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
comprising means for restoring or tending to restore a
portion of the body to its normal position or to a more
proper position.
Subclass:
238
Percussive prod:
This subclass is indented under subclass 237. Subject matter
comprising means for applying pressure at a desirable angle
to particular bony structure so as to rearrange the
orientation of the structure with respect to the remainder of
the skeletal system.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
201 for external press applicators.
Subclass:
239
Motorized pummelling device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 238. Subject matter
which includes a prime mover to operate the prodding device.
Subclass:
240
Positioner for recumbent user:
This subclass is indented under subclass 237. Subject matter
comprising a formed element for straightening the spine by
either having a patient lay supine upon the element or by
impressing the element upon a prone patient's back.
Subclass:
241
Extension appliance:
This subclass is indented under subclass 237. Subject matter
comprising means for elongating the skeletal system or a
portion thereof by means of a tractive force so that the
affected bones or bone fragments are moved to a substantially
natural orientation.
Subclass:
242
Couch:
This subclass is indented under subclass 241. Subject matter
in which the reorientation is accomplished on a table, bed,
or similar supportive structure.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
5, Beds, 600 for beds for invalids, subclasses 630+ for a
table designed to serve as a support for an animal during
surgical operations, especially subclass 652 for a device
attached to or combined with a table comprising a mere body
support for surgical operations.
108, Horizontally Supported Planar Surfaces, 1 for a
tiltable horizontally supported surface.
297, Chairs and Seats, appropriate subclasses for a chair or
couch whose component parts may be manipulated to change the
relative position of the parts of the body of an occupant.
Subclass:
243
With intermediate gap:
This subclass is indented under subclass 242. Subject matter
in which the supportive structure is divided by an
intermediate space into which the patient's body is allowed
to sag.
Subclass:
244
With pivot to pedestal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 242. Subject matter
in which the structure is hinged to a prominence in such
fashion that the structure may be rotated from horizontal to
vertical or vice versa to provide body-weight traction to a
patient secured to the structure.
Subclass:
245
With intermediate pivot:
This subclass is indented under subclass 237. Subject matter
in which two support structures are hinged together in such
fashion as to act upon a patient's body by bending it.
Information Products Division -- Contacts
Questions regarding this report should be directed to:
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Information Products Division
PK3- Suite 441
Washington, DC 20231
tel: (703) 306-2600
FAX: (703) 306-2737
email: oeip@uspto.gov
Last Modified: 6 October 2000