(1) Processes for molding, casting, or shaping of nonmetallic
materials to produce articles.
(2) Liquid or melt comminuting of materials other than glass
or metal.
(3) Uniting or compacting of bulk or randomly assembled particles.
(4) Furnace Lining or repair.
(5) Melt shaping in the absence of a mold or shaping surface,
e.g., spheroidizing of particles.
(6) Working or treatment of nonmetallic materials not otherwise
provided for.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF CLASS SUBJECT MATTER
(1) This is a generic class for processes for molding, casting
or the plastic shaping, not provided for in any other class, of
miscellaneous nonmetallic materials to make or reproduce articles
of a definite shape, or the shaping and embossing of sheets of miscellaneous
nonmetallic materials, not otherwise provided for.
The common property of plasticity renders molding operations
of chief importance in this class.
Where there exists an art class that can properly include all
operations preliminary to a broad molding step, such operations,
unless otherwise specified will be classified in such class. Where
significant molding steps are combined with any other operations,
the patents claiming such combinations, unless otherwise provided
for will be included in this class and cross-referenced into the other
class or classes involved. Note the lines between this class and
other classes as set out below.
Where there is no class which could include such operations,
the entire preparation of the material is included in this class,
but only those are included in which the preliminary operations
are performed for the purpose of preparing the material for molding.
See the search notes below and the references to other classes
for the shaping of specific materials, e.g., paper, sugar, tobacco,
etc.
This class will take processes under the class definition, and
where not otherwise specifically provided for, in which normally
liquid materials are encapsulated. In general, this class will
provide for processes in which the covering, encompassing or encasing
material is formed or shaped from material in a fluent state.
(2) This is the generic class for processes, not elsewhere provided
for, for shaping of material by a comminution or disintegration
thereof from a molten or liquid state, wherein the cohesive nature
of the material, per se, especially in the comminuted state during
solidification thereof influences the shape or configuration of
the discrete particles or elements formed. See subclass 5 and the
notes thereto for the lines with other classes. For liquid comminution
of glass or other vitreous materials and for comminution of liquid
metal, see References to Other Classes, below.
(3) The uniting of bulk assembled particulate material either
autogenously (see specific references to glass particles and metal
particles below) or with added binder or adhesive in a mold or on
a shaping surface are included herein, except those processes in
which the mold constitutes nothing more than a depository and the
particulate material charge is not disclosed to be shaped by said mold
or depository prior to heating but changes its bulk shape only on
fusion or melting to assume the configuration of said depository.
See Lines With Other Classes below, with regard to mold filling
or charging.
This class has been made the generic home for methods of compacting
and briquetting bulk deposited or handled powdered or particulate
matter usually predicated on the production of an interfacial bond
between the individual particles. However, see References to Other Classes
below for classes that take (1) agglomerating from finely divided
solid nonmetallic, inorganic elements, e.g., carbon, wherein no
binder, per se, is employed; (2) compacting by mechanical interlock
such as results from a baling operation; and (3) mechanical forming
of a distilland combined with a thermolytic distilling operation.
This class (264) will accommodate such subject matter only
where the resulting compact tends to hold its shape as the result
of an interfacial bond between adjacent particles of the mass.
Since powder, granules and dust are not characterized by projecting
portions which could facilitate a bonding by mechanical interlock,
a disclosure or claim restricted to such types of particulate material
is regarded as evidence that the product is rendered self-sustaining
by interfacial bonding.
With regard to glass particle uniting, in particular, a patent
reciting placing of glass particles other than glass fibers or mineral
wool in their final position in a mold, followed by autogenous uniting
or sintering or fusion in the configuration or shape imparted by
said mold, will be classified in this class (264) whether or not
said particles are disclosed to maintain their individual identities to
any degree. See References to Other Classes, below, for for processes
including a glass working step as therein defined, and for the line
where glass fibers or mineral wool are placed onto a mold surface
which fibers or mineral wool particles are heated on or subsequent
to contact with the surface to fuse the particles with each other.
4) This class will be considered generic to processes for furnace
lining formation or repair. (See Subclass References to the Current
Class, below.)
5) This class will take shaping of molten materials where
no mold or molding surface, per se, is employed, e. g., spheroidizing
or rounding of particles, see this class, subclass 15 and the notes
thereto.
6) This class will take treatment of nonmetallic materials
not otherwise provided for. See the notes to Lines With Other Classes, "Treatment
of Shaped Articles," and Subclass References to the Current
Class, below. Patents disclosing working, mulling or kneading, per
se, of plastic materials will go to this class except where specific
materials are recited.
Unless otherwise provided for, the recitation in a claim of
a significant molding step will bring a patent to this class. Significant
molding operations include named injection molding, centrifugal
casting, slush casting, casting of fluids on a forming surface to
form a sheet or web, "spinning" into a specifically
named bath as set out below, evaporative or solvent extractive "spinning" and combinations
of two or more broad molding or shaping steps and other combinations
as set out herein.
Such terms as "molding", "casting" (used
generically) "extruding", "sheeting" and "forming" are
considered to be merely broad or nominal operations for purposes
of this class.
The intent must also be considered. If, for example, "extruding" is
for discharging material from a chamber in chunks or gobs rather
than for shaping, this is not enough for this class.
The production of "shapes" merely suitable
for handling or bulk shipping, e.g., "sheets" or "sheeting" of
no particular structure will not be considered significant molding
in a, per se, operation. Also, where articles identified by name
only are produced, a process will not be considered significant
for this class unless there are included limitations and/or
modifications unique to molding or shaping said named article.
This class will take combinations of broad molding plus preliminary
physical or mechanical treatment wherein said treatment is disclosed
to perfect the molding.
Patents reciting physical or mechanical treatment subsequent
to a broad molding step, e.g., extruding or "spinning" plus
stretching, casting with removal of solvent from the cast liquid
and heating subsequent to removal of a molded article from the mold
to complete cure or to vulcanize, will be placed in this class.
Nominal return to ambient temperature is not considered to be an
after treatment or a subsequent treatment within the scope outlined
here.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
GENERAL LINES
A process including a Class 264 molding step, combined with
a separate assembly step, which assembly, if claimed, per se, would
be proper for Class 29, is classified in Class 29.
Processes of forming single-crystals combined with simultaneous
shaping are provided for in Class 117, except for the molding of
non-semiconductor metal materials which are found in Class 164,
subclasses 122.1+, also see Class 117 definitions.
A. LINES WITH THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION CLASSES
(As employed in this section, the term "composition" is intended
to include both mixtures of ingredients and compounds, per se, e.g.,
Classes 106, 208, 252, 423, 424, 520, 585, etc.)
1) Patents limited to process claims reciting a broad or nominal
molding step only.
a) Where a composition, per se, is molded and there is no
disclosure as to a chemical reaction being present, the patent will
go to this class (264).
b) Where a chemical reaction, mixing or blending of ingredients
to form a composition of matter is recited to take place in a mold
or during the molding or shaping step, the patent will go to the
composition class, even if temperature and pressure conditions are
set out.
c) Similarly, where a chemical reaction, mixing or blending
of ingredients to form a composition is recited to take place prior
to the nominal shaping or molding step, the patent will go to the
composition class.
2) Patents containing both composition claims and process
claims reciting nominal molding only.
a) Patents containing both claims to a composition and also
claims reciting broad or nominal molding of said composition will
go with the composition class.
b)Patents containing both claims to a composition and claims
reciting broad or nominal molding of said composition wherein there
is a chemical reaction, blending or mixing of ingredients of said
composition during or prior to the molding step, will go to the
composition class, even if temperature or pressure conditions are
set out.
c) Where patents contain both claims to a composition and
claims reciting a nominal or broad molding of said composition,
per se, and there is no disclosure of any chemical reaction taking
place, and specific temperature and/or pressure conditions
are set out, the patent will go to this class (264).
3) When there is doubt that a chemical reaction, mixing or
blending of ingredients takes place, the burden of proof shall rest
with this class.
4) When there is a significant molding step in a claim reciting
a process for preparation of a composition even where a chemical
reaction is set out, the patent will go to this class (264).
5) This class will take patents reciting the "spinning", e.g.,
the extruding of a settable material through a shaping orifice into
a coagulating bath provided said bath is named or described or at
least one ingredient of said bath is set out. Patents claiming only
a specific setting bath composition will be classified herein in
an appropriate subclass according to the disclosed utility thereof, provided
the only disclosed utility for said setting bath composition is
for such a purpose. See the notes and search notes to this class
(264), subclass 78 with regard to incorporation of a dyeing agent
or color producing reactant in the setting bath.
The recitation of "acidic" bath, per se,
will not be considered sufficient but setting out of a particular
pH or pH range of said "acidic" bath will be deemed
significant for this purpose.
6) Where a claim recites treatment, per se, of articles which
involves a chemical reaction, e.g., vulcanization or polymerization
to final cure, and also includes a particular manipulative or handling
step or specific shape retaining or supporting step, the patent
will be placed in this class; see subclasses 236 and 347 of this
class (264) in particular.
7) Where the treatment, per se, of compositions is a working,
kneading or mulling, see the line set out in this class (264) subclass
349.
8) The process of preparing a ceramic or concrete block which
includes mixing ingredients, shaping broadly and removal from molds
of the shaped bodies followed by firing to fuse or sinter the composition
or treatment with steam will go with the appropriate composition,
e.g., Class 106, even though a particular temperature or pressure
nominally applied is recited. However, the recitation of particular
molding conditions or conditions of firing other than temperature
or pressure such as, for example, use of an inert atmosphere, would
place such process in this class (264). Firing a preform in a controlled
atmosphere is appropriate subject matter for this class (264).
Class 106, Compositions: Coating or Plastic, subclasses 39+ takes
ceramic compositions, per se, and processes for preparation thereof
including firing at specific temperatures for specific time periods.
However, this class (264) takes processes of firing a preform under
certain conditions, see the line as set out in the notes and search notes
to subclasses 603+ of this class (264).
9) See Class 252, Compositions, subclasses 62.51+ and notes
thereto for magnetic compositions and methods for preparation thereof
which do not include a significant molding step.
10) The line between Class 423, Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds,
subclasses 445+ and this class for processes including
both molding and carbonizing is as follows: (a) where significant
molding occurs prior to a step or steps of carbonizing which make
carbon as provided for in Class 423, the process is placed in Class 423,
subclasses 445+ unless the process is recited to produce
an article of sufficient structure to be classified in a class providing
for the structurally defined article (e.g., 428, etc.) in which
latter case the process is placed in this class (e.g., molding a
fiber with enlarged portions on the ends); and (b) where the molding
takes place after carbonizing the line as set forth above in (1)
to (6) will apply.
B. MOLD CHARGING OR FILLING
In general, the combination of a mold filling step plus a significant
molding step will bring a patent to this class. However, the mere
recitation of filling, per se, of a container or a mold with an
incidentally hardenable or settable fluent material will not be
sufficient to bring a patent into this class, unless the container
or mold is set out to have a particular shape or configuration so
as to impart said shape or configuration to the enclosed material, particularly
when said container or mold is subsequently removed or stripped
from the enclosed material. See the definitions and search notes
of Class 141, Fluent Material Handling, With Receiver or Receiver
Coacting Means, particularly in the Class Definition, section III, (3)
and Class 222, Dispensing, sections 8 and 14.
C. GLASS MANUFACTURING
Other than bonding of glass particulate material under conditions
as set out above in the definitions on particle uniting, any working
of glass type materials in the plastic state including liquid comminuting
thereof, pore forming, reshaping, autogenous bonding of glass particles,
etc., will be classifiable in Class 65, Glass Manufacturing, and
reference is made to the definitions of Class 65 for the line between
this class and Class 65.
In general, the following will apply:
A patent disclosing working or treating of named materials
for both this class and Class 65 will be classified in this class
unless the only claimed species is glass or the only specific example
relates to glass in which case the patent will go to Class 65.
A patent claiming a combined process for this class and Class 65
will be classified in Class 65.
Class 65 will take formation of filaments and fibers from
molten vitreous materials, e.g., glass. However, this class (264)
will take processes directed to formation of filaments from siliceous
materials in solution, e.g., silicates by precipitation from said
solution or evaporation of solvent therefrom.
D. ADHESIVE BONDING
Class 156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,
is the residual home for uniting preforms. This class (264) provides
for uniting plural preforms under at least one of the following
circumstances:
1) At least one of the preforms is reduced to a fluent state
in a mold or confined molding space.
2) Joining preforms and simultaneously reshaping the joint
by plastic flow.
3) Preforms are united by bonding material in which:
a) the preforms are spaced apart and fluent bonding material
is thereafter introduced between them, or
b) fluent bonding material is shaped or retained between spaced
preforms by a mold element, or
c) fluent bonding material is shaped and retained between
preforms by a preform and has means to maintain a predetermined
space between the preforms or
d) the preforms are of porous material, e.g., batts, mats or
woven fabric united in a mold and fluent bonding material is used
in quantity sufficient to fill the mold cavity and interstices of
the porous material.
4) This class (264) provides for uniting running length preforms
united in a die under the limitations of A, B, and C above except
that if running length strands or webs are bonded and sheathed in
a die by a coating operation, i.e., the bonding material is applied
at hydrostatic pressure, the method is provided for in Class 156, Adhesive
Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture.
5) Class 156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical
Manufacture, provides for: (a) uniting preforms where one preforms
is forced into another preform, as long as both preforms are unaltered
in shape other than that which results from displacement of material
due to the insertion of the preform. (b) stretching or drawing a
self sustaining sheet into contact with a preform body and uniting
the contacting surfaces. (c) all tire building processes which include
a step of "building" or bringing preformed tire
components into assembled relationship.
E. METAL WORKING OR SHAPING
The general line between this class and the metal working
or shaping classes will be as follows;
1) Where the claims recite deformation of materials broadly,
the disclosure setting out both metals and nonmetals, the patent
will go to the appropriate metal working class.
2) Where the claims are limited to deformation of metals only,
the patent will go to the appropriate metal working class.
3) Where the claims are limited to deformation or shaping
of nonmetals only within the class definition, the patent will go
to this class (264).
4) Where there is a claim drawn to a metal and an equally
comprehensive and mutually exclusive claim drawn to a nonmetal only,
the patent will go to the appropriate metal working class.
5) Where deformation of both a metal and a nonmetal are included
in the same claim, the patent will go to the appropriate metal working
class, e.g., Class 29, Metal Working, depending on the claim as
set out, with plural diverse operations generally going to Class
29.
6) Where the claim is broad or nondefinitive as to material,
the patent will go to the appropriate metal working class, as stated
above, and this will include disclosures of deforming: (A) A laminate
of a metal with a nonmetal; (B) A "composite material" such
as a metal - nonmetal article or workpiece except where by disclosure
only the nonmetal component is deformed or shaped.
7) Where a process as set out above and not otherwise coming
to this class is concerned and which involves plural diverse operations,
the patent will go to Class 29 or a successor class except where
subordinate classes could provide for certain diverse operations.
8) Where a patent recites casting or shaping of metal mold
together with the use of said mold in shaping materials, e.g., synthetic
resins, the combination will be considered classifiable in this
class (264).
F. COATING
1) Coating, per se, Processes of coating, per se, are classified
in Class 427, Coating Processes, if not more specifically provided
for elsewhere. Two species of coating, per se, are provided for
in this class (264). (1) Furnace lining formation or repair by
a coating process is provided for in Class 264, subclass 30. (2)
The formation of pipe coating by troweling is provided for in Class
264, appropriate subclasses.
2) Coating and Shaping Distinguished Processes of coating,
per se, may be distinguished from processes of shaping, per se,
by application of the following guides:
a) The claimed process of applying a fluent material to a self-sustaining
body supported by a disclosure that upon setting of the fluent material
the self-sustaining body is to be separated (e.g., stripped) therefrom
to form from said fluent material an article intended for subsequent use,
is considered shaping and not coating. In the absence of any clear
disclosure of separating the process constitutes coating, per se.
A claimed process directed to contacting a base with a fluent material
but supported by a disclosure of both stripping and nonstripping
is originally classified as directed to a process of coating, per
se, and is cross-referenced to this class (264). Contacting a base
with a fluent material combined with the claimed step of stripping
is a shaping process.
b) The process of applying a fluent material to a self-sustaining
base in which the extent of lateral displacement of the fluent material
is determined by a dam or retaining wall is considered shaping and
not coating. The retaining wall may either unite with the fluent
material to form a composite article or may be independent of the
article formed. The application of fluent material to a base uniting
therewith to form a layered article which base is of such configuration
that it could serve as a retaining wall but does not actually so
function, is considered a process of coating and not shaping.
c) The line with regard to shaping a layer of material about
an indefinite length preform as it advances through a shaping orifice
is as follows: Class 264 provides for advancing a preform through
an orifice and simultaneously and positively forcing shaping material through
said orifice so as to shape the material around the preform as it
issues from the orifice. Class 427 provides for drawing a preform
through a coating material and then through a shaping orifice to
shape the coating material adhering to the preform.
d) Where a patent contains a claim for a process, of Class
264 and an equally comprehensive claim of Class 427 the patent shall
be assigned to Class 427 and cross referenced to Class 264.
3) Coating and Shaping Combined.
a) Processes including shaping or molding followed by a significant
coating procedure where the mere fact of molding or shaping a body
is claimed are construed as processes of coating previously shaped
bodies and are classified as processes of coating, per se.
b) Processes of forming pipe coatings combined with troweling
are included in this class (264).
c) See this class (264), subclass 129, Note (1), for a discussion
of shaping and coating combinations not included in a) or b).
4) Coating and Firing Combined Processes including the combination
of firing and coating, regardless of the sequence of the respective
steps, are classified in Class 427.
G. ARTICLES
This class does not take patents having article claims. Specific
articles are classified with the respective arts to which they apply.
Articles of specific configuration or structure produced by methods
of this class, of plastic materials within the class definition,
and of no particular art used or form which would be otherwise classified, e.g.,
stock materials, are provided for in Class 428 Stock Material or
Miscellaneous Articles. Articles of no significant structure, identifiable
otherwise by the chemical structure, identifiable otherwise by the
chemical structure or composition thereof, per se, are classifiable
with the compound or composition. Composite articles produced by
the methods of this class may be analogous in structure to those
produced by coating or laminating procedures and Class 428, Stock
Material or Miscellaneous Articles, is pertinent thereto.
H. TREATMENT OF SHAPED ARTICLES
This class will take miscellaneous treatments, per se, of shaped
nonmetallic articles unless said treatment is otherwise provided
for in a proper functional art class. See this class (264) subclass
340 and the notes and search notes thereto and to the indented subclasses.
I. FOR PROCESSES OF MOLDING OR SHAPING OTHER SPECIFIC ARTICLES
OR MATERIALS IN CLASSES NOT SET OUT ABOVE, MISCELLANEOUS SEARCH
NOTES, AND INDEX TO CLASSES REFERRED TO ABOVE:
See References to Other Classes, below.
J. HAZARDOUS OR TOXIC WASTE CONTAINMENT
See References to Other Classes, below.
K. CLATHRATES AND INTERCALATES
Clathrates and intercalates (inclusion compounds), per se,
are classified hierarchically and subject to the limitations set
forth in the compound (element) classes based both on the encapsulant
and encapsulate. For example, a clathrate of urea and hydrogen
peroxide is classified in Class 564, subclass 32, urea and an organic
compound in Class 564, subclass 1.5, dextran and iodine in Class 536,
subclass 112, etc. Where a patent does not state that a material
is either a clathrate or an intercalate, the assumption is made
that the material is either a coated or encapsulated product classified
in Class 428, subclasses 402+.
SECTION III - SUBCLASS REFERENCES TO THE CURRENT CLASS
for processes under the class definition which include
a step of twining, braiding, plying or twisting multiple elements
about each other or the step of textile fabric formation.
340+ and 349, see the notes for treatment
of nonmetallic materials not otherwise provided for. See particularly
the notes to subclass 349 for patents disclosing working, mulling
or kneading, per se, of plastic materials will go to this class
except where specific materials are recited.
Boot and Shoe Making, for the making of shoes from preformed sheets or
blanks and processes of making shoes involving one or more of the
following operations recited broadly; molding, casting, vulcanizing.
Textiles: Fiber Preparation,
subclasses 144+ as the generic home for bringing fibers together either
with relation to each other or with some other material.
Chemistry: Analytical and Physical Processes,
subclasses 313+ take agglomerating from finely divided solid nonmetallic,
inorganic elements, e.g., carbon, wherein no binder, per se, is
employed.
Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, for processes of drying of organic and inorganic
plastic materials, per se. Generally the combination of forming
by a Class 264 operation and drying is classified in Class 264 except where
a filament is formed by a spinning operation which is not significantly
claimed and the product dried in a significantly claimed manner,
which operation is provided for in Class 34.
Fuel and Related Compositions,
subclasses 550+ for a solid fuel consolidation or shaping process
which goes beyond mere molding of a starting composition, especially
subclasses 596+ for a process which includes pressing using
a specified condition or technique.
Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), for various molding processes there provided for and see the
notes to
subclass 31 of Class 264 for the line between these classes.
Package Making,
subclasses 452+ for processes of shaping preformed material to
form a receptacle and subsequently filling. This class (264) provides
for processes wherein a cover material, i.e., primary encompassing
or encasing material, is shaped from a material in a fluent or nonpreformed
plastic state preliminarily to or simultaneously with a packaging
operation; where a laminating step, e.g., cut seaming, is included
in any stage of this indicated procedure, the process is provided
for in Class 156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture.
The formation of cover adjuncts, as defined in that class (53),
by a molding operation is provided for Class 53, subclasses 410+ (in
particular, see subclass 423).
Textiles: Spinning, Twisting, and Twining,
subclass 362 for twining and twisting of filaments and fibers,
per se. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
Refrigeration, for processes involving solidifying a fluid by cooling
and molding which are peculiar to forming an ice (H2O or CO2) product
and utilizing a liquid as the raw material. See this class,
subclass 604 for other molding processes including a step of
cooling the molded material to below 0°C.
Glass Manufacturing, for liquid comminution of glass or other vitreous
materials, and for processes including a glass working step as therein
defined, and Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class in Class
65 for the line where glass fibers or mineral wool are placed onto
a mold surface which fibers or mineral wool particles are heated
on or subsequent to contact with the surface to fuse the particles with
each other.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures,
subclasses 331+ for comminution of liquid metal.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, for pertinent subclass (es) as determined by schedule
rewiew.
Cutting, for processes of, per se, cutting, severing, or
incising. Cutting of a material with reshaping flow of the material
is provided for in this class (264); although a disclosure of an inherent
flow of material in the act of cutting, is not considered sufficient
shaping for inclusion in this class. See the notes to Class 83, Class
Definition, B, Cutting of green ceramic, earthenware, or cemetitious
preformed material, with or without reshaping the material, is provided
for in this class (264).
Presses,
subclasses 35+ for processes for compressing various materials
there provided for to form compacts of smaller volume. The shaping
of materials to produce articles by molecular flow is generically
in this class (264) where the materials are nonmetallic. Class
100 takes compacting by mechanical interlock, such as a bailing
operation.
Tobacco, appropriate subclasses, for shaping tobacco products and
see especially
subclasses 77+ for processes for molding or otherwise forming
tobacco in the manufacture of cigarettes and cigars.
Woodworking,
subclass 358 for processes for impressing, indenting or raising-in-relief
for ornamentation of wood materials, and subclasses 349 and 381
for processes for bending wood.
Paper Making and Fiber Liberation, for processes of forming an interfelted fibrous
product by deposition from a liquid suspension and also processes
of fiber liberation. Shaping or reshaping of a fibrous water laid
product which is still wet from the forming operation is provided
for in Class 162, while rewetting a dried product before reshaping
or shaping dry to form a noncommercial product is in Class 264. Processes
wherein destruction of the product of a Class 162 forming operations
are found in Class 264. Chemically liberating, purifying or recovering
fibers followed by a Class 264 shaping operation is found in Class
264.
Metal Founding,
subclass 6 for processes of making mold, generally of sand,
to be used in a metal casting operation and subclasses 47+ for metal
casting operation. Class 164, subclasses 91+ provide for
processes of casting metal around a nonmetallic body. That class
(164) also provides for a Class 264 operation followed by a Class
164 step.
Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, processes involving an application of electrical
or wave energy to effect a chemical reaction, per se, and also processes
involving electrophoresis.
Etching a Substrate: Processes, Lines With Other Classes, Chemical Manufactures,
Part A, paragraph 2 for detailed line between this Class 264 and
Class 216.
Agitating,
subclasses 69+ for the method of working and kneading of rubber
or heavy plastic. Such working or kneading combined with shaping
or treating steps is provided for in Class 264.
Road Structure, Process, or Apparatus,
subclasses 72+ for a road making process which may include a molding
step. See Class 264, subclass 31 for the line between Classes 264 and
404.
Drug, Bio-Affecting and Body Treating Compositions,
subclasses 1.11+ , 2+, 40+, and 400+ for
class defined compositions and methods comprising shaped or special
form structures. Also note discussion in the class definition for Class
264 in Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Lines
With the Chemical Composition Classes" above.
Food or Edible Material: Processes, Compositions,
and Products, appropriate subclasses, especially
subclasses 276+ , 279+, 297, 337, 414, and 512+ for
processes involving the molding or shaping edible material.
Manufacturing Container or Tube From Paper; or
Other Manufacturing From a Sheet or Web, for combined operations in the manufacture of an article
of commerce from paper or other sheet or web material and particularly
subclasses 395+ for bending of a sheet or web without thinning
or thickening flow of the material.
Superconductor Technology: Apparatus, Material,
Process,
subclasses 300+ for processes of producing high temperature (Tc > 30 K)
superconductors; particularly subclass 401 for shock processing,
subclass 412 for laser ablative removal, subclass 425 for shaping
particulate by spraying, dropping, or slinging of solution, suspension,
or melt; or subclasses 490+ for shaping, consolidating,
or sintering processes.
Hazardous or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment,
subclasses 249+ for the containment of hazardous or toxic waste
by molding or shaping.
SECTION V - GLOSSARY
BATT
A term of art for a web or sheet of material generally formed
by random interfelting of mass deposited discrete fibers or from
tangled or matted filaments, e.g., cotton batting.
BENDING
Distorting or deforming of a workpiece or self sustaining
body by curving or moving a portion thereof through its entire thickness
relative to another portion during which the thickness thereof remains
substantially the same and no significant plastic flow occurs.
CASTING
A process of molding or forming wherein impressions are
made with fluent or molten materials as by pouring into a mold with
hardening or setting of said material in said mold.
EXTRUDANT
A shaped body of material formed by forcing a supply of
said material through a confining orifice whereby the cross-sectional
area of the extruded portion corresponds to the dimensions of the
orifice.
FIBER
A discrete particle, generally bulk or mass handled because
of its small size, wherein the particle has a length considerably
greater than its breadth or cross-sectional diameter.
INDEFINITE LENGTH WORK
A self sustaining body, which because of its relatively large
length is handled at a point intermediate of its ends, and includes
single or one piece bodies formed in a continuous manner.
PREFORM
An article or stock material or bland which is self sustaining
and which may be subjected to a shaping or reshaping operation.
RESHAPING
A process in which a self sustaining body or a preform is
subjected to a deforming, e.g., by plastic flow, bending, stretching,
twisting, corrugating, so as to alter its overall shape.
SPINNING
A molding operation for forming of continuous or indefinite
length articles, generally filaments, by extrusion through an appropriately
sized orifice. Some types of spinning are spinning into a reactive
bath, melt spinning, evaporative spinning or solvent-extractive
spinning.
TREATMENT
A physical, chemical or mechanical step applied to molding
material or an article or preform, (see conditioning).
SHAPING OR TREATING RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL (E.G., FISSIONABLE OR
FERTILE, ETC.):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes directed to molding or treating articles having
a composition including a radioactive ingredient.
(1)
Note. Included herein for example are fissionable and fertile
ingredients, inclusive of nuclear reactor fuel, breeder or blanket
materials. See the glossary in the definitions of Class 376, Induced Nuclear
Reactions: Processes, Systems, and Elements, for definitions of
these terms.
(2)
Note. See the definitions of this class for the line between
this class and such composition Classes as 106, Compositions: Coating
or Plastic and 252, Compositions.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures,
subclass 235 for a consolidated metal particle composition containing
oxide of an Activide.
Induced Nuclear Reactions: Processes, Systems,
and Elements,
subclasses 409+ for nuclear fuel component structures including
radioactive materials; and subclasses 900+ for cross-reference
art collections of particular materials or material shapes for fission
reactors.
Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, appropriate subclasses, especially
subclasses 411+ for a composite web or sheet characterized merely by
the composition of the layers, in which one of the layers may be
a radioactive material.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes directed to forming articles capable of producing
an optical effect other than mere transparency or planar reflection.
(1)
Note. The effect may be of (a) substantially total divergence,
convergence or internal reflection of light rays passing through
or directed at said articles, or (b) transmitting or reflecting
light rays vibrating in one plane only, e.g., polarized light, said
articles having a desired contour, shape, internal molecular arrangement,
or of a specific composition necessary to bring about said optical effects.
(2)
Note. This subclass provides for a process in which a nonoptical
article is molded against an optical article.
for a process of preliminary softening of a workpiece
and then applying heat and/or pressure to the workpiece
to form a curvilinear article which has the shape of a lens.
Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, appropriate subclasses for a stock material product or
article having light-transmitting properties; especially
subclass 34 for a product having spaced, gas-enclosing, light-transmissive
sheets sealed at their edges; subclass 38 for an article having
a light-transmissive or translucent mass with an opaque border or
frame; and subclasses 426+ for a nonstructural composite
web or sheet including a layer comprising glass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1. Processes directed to shaping or treating an optical article
which is composed solely of nonresinous material.
(1)
Note. The application of a nonresinous coating to an optical
article is not provided for here. Such subject matter is provided
for in subclasses below.
(2)
Note. Attention is directed to the definition of Class 520,
Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, for the distinction between
the terms "resinous" and "nonresinous."
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.21. Processes wherein the nonresinous material contains a halogen,
atomic numbers 9, 17, 35, 53, and 85 listed on the periodic table.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1. Processes directed to shaping or treating an optical fiber,
waveguide, or preform.
(1)
Note. Optical fibers are considered light guidance systems
that are generally cylindrical in shape. The fibers rely upon modal
transmission to transmit light along their axial length.
(2)
Note. A waveguide is considered a thin dielectric guide film
of high refractive index formed adjacent to a substrate or support
region of lower refractive index. The thin-film relies upon modal
transmission to transmit light along its length.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.24. Processes including joining at least two optical fibers,
waveguides, or preforms by producing, shaping, or treating an interface
element or producing, shaping, or treating coverings or clads surrounding
the optical fiber, waveguide, or preform joining site.
(1)
Note. The interchange of light radiation between optical
fibers or waveguide structures having a mechanical interconnection
(coupler or connector) at the end of or between structures by a
process of this class is properly classified in this subclass.
(2)
Note. Shaping and treating processes including joining or
connecting optical fibers, waveguides, or preforms by fusion (e.g.,
forming optical fiber bundle) are proper for this subclass. Processes
of forming a cable or fiber bundle without fiber or waveguide joining,
connecting, coupling, or fusing are found below.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.25. Processes wherein the optical product formed has an optical
component which focuses transmitting light waves, joined directly
to at least one light transmitting fiber.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.24. Processes wherein plasma, electric, electromagnetic, particulate,
or wave energy is used to treat or shape the optical fiber, waveguide,
or preform.
(1)
Note. The wave energy used may be light, sonic, supersonic,
ultrasonic, gamma rays, infrared rays, X-rays, etc. Particulate
energy includes charged particles and atomic emissions, such as alpha
rays, beta rays, and neutrons.
(2)
Note. The energy must be applied as such directly to the
work. Conversion or electrical energy to heat and the application
of the heat to the work is excluded from this subclass and is provided
for in appropriate subclasses below.
for a process of molding wherein magnetic or electrostatic
field or force is utilized to maintain a preform in a selected position
during molding, and see (1) Note above.
Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,
subclasses 272.2+ for a laminating process including direct application
of electrical or radiant energy to the work, and see the SEARCH
CLASS notes thereunder.
Distillation: Processes, Thermolytic,
subclasses 5+ for a thermolytic distillation process combined
with a shaping operation in which electrical energy is applied to
the work; and subclass 19 for a thermolytic distillation process
in which electrical energy is applied to the work.
Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy,
subclasses 155+ , 157.15+, and 164 for processes of effecting
a chemical reaction by using electrical or wave energy. The line
stated in the class definition of Class 204, above the definition "Notes" therein,
for claims defining a Class 204 operation combined with an operation
for another class is to be followed for classification of claims
defining both Class 204 and Class 264 operations.
Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, particularly Class 522 for a process of preparing
or treating a synthetic resin or natural rubber involving a chemical reaction
brought about by application of wave energy.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.24. Processes wherein at least two optical fibers or waveguides
are incorporated into an assembly (a) that provides tensile strength
and external protection or (b) are adjacent one another to guide
light collectively.
(1)
Note. Extrusion processes involving forming a cable or fiber
bundle are properly classified here. Extrusion processes involving
a single (individual) optical fiber or waveguide are classified
below.
(2)
Note. Processes of forming or treating cables or fiber bundles
wherein optical fibers or waveguides are (a) embedded in a matrix,
(b) placed in separate preformed grooves or cavities, (c) sheathed, or
(d) fastened adjacent one to another are proper for this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.24. Processes wherein the optical fiber, waveguide, or preform
is formed or treated by causing a positive force or pressure to
push glass through a die (e.g., core, clad, or sheath, etc.).
(1)
Note. Coextrusion processes involving treating or forming
optical fibers, waveguides, or fiber preforms are properly classified
here.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1. Processes directed to (a) aligning or orienting the molecular
or structural composition of a plastic material to produce an article
or coated article that allows light to pass therethrough in a single
plane or (b) a holographic article, or otherwise testing said article.
Optical Systems and Elements,
subclasses 1+ for holographic systems or elements, per se, subclasses
3+ for particular recording medium, and subclasses 383+ for
polarizers, per se, or use of polarized light.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.31. Processes wherein the light polarizing article or holographic
article is used as a medium to record data or information.
(1)
Note. An optical recording medium in the form of tape, card,
or disc is included in this subclass.
(2)
Note. An optical recording medium combined with the capability
of reproducing recorded information or optical memory medium, per
se, is properly classified in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.31. Processes wherein the light polarizing article or holographic
article is (a) in the form of a film or sheet or (b) a layered product
having said film or sheet as one of the layers.
(1)
Note. For classification in this subclass a sheet or film
will be considered a portion of material of finite length, whose width
is greater than its thickness and which may be of any geometric
shape (e.g., triangle, circle, etc.).
for processes wherein the light polarizing or holographic
article in the form of a sheet or film is used as an optical recording
or reproducing medium.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.34. Processes wherein a composition of the film or sheet contains
halogen or is coated or treated with a halogen containing material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1. Processes wherein plasma, electric, electromagnetic, particulate,
or wave energy is used to treat or shape the optical article.
(1)
Note. The energy used may be light, sonic, supersonic, ultrasonic,
gamma rays, infrared rays, X-rays, etc. Particulate energy includes
charged particles and atomic emissions, such as alpha rays, beta
rays, and neutrons. The mere use of magnetic force employed to
maintain a preform in a selected position is not provided for here,
for which see subclasses 275+ below.
(2)
Note. The energy must be applied as such directly to the
work. Conversion of electrical energy to heat and the application
of the heat to the work is excluded from this subclass and is provided
for in appropriate subclasses below.
for a process of molding wherein magnetic or electrostatic
field or force is utilized to maintain a preform in a selected position
during molding, and see (1) Note above.
Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,
subclasses 272.2+ for a laminating process including direct application
of electrical or radiant energy to the work, and see the SEARCH
CLASS notes thereunder.
Distillation: Processes, Thermolytic,
subclasses 5+ for a thermolytic distillation process combined
with a shaping operation in which electrical energy is applied to
the work; and subclass 19 for a thermolytic distillation process
in which electrical energy is applied to the work.
Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, appropriate subclasses for processes effecting a
chemical reaction by utilizing electrical or wave energy. The line
stated in the Class 204 definition for claims defining a Class 204
operation combined with an operation for another class is to be
followed for classification of claims defining both Class 204 and
Class 264 operations.
Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, particularly Class 522 for a process of preparing
or treating a synthetic resin or natural rubber involving a chemical reaction
brought about by application of wave energy.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1. Processes directed to the shaping or treating of an optical
article which is continuous or of indefinite length.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1. Processes directed to shaping or treating an optical article
including incorporation of an optical preform into the final optical
article.
(1)
Note. This and the indented subclasses provide for molding
a lens in two different sections where the first section has the
second molded against it as well as processes in which the second
section completely covers the first.
(2)
Note. Chemical treatment of an optical preform to alter optical
properties of part of the preform are not provided for herein, and
are found in subclass 2.6.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.7. Process directed to forming an optical article having multiple
nonrandom areas of uniform refractive properties which differ from
each other.
(1)
Note. This subclass provides for the forming of bifocals
in particular and multifocal lenses in general.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1. Processes in which rotating motion is imparted to the material
being shaped or to the mold or mold-shaping surface.
for processes which pertain to agitating by plural
sequential rotations in reverse directions; however, such patents
should be crossed herein where applicable, depending on the time
of duration of said rotation periods in one direction.
Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating:
Apparatus,
subclasses 425+ for a molding machine utilizing mold motion to
distribute or compact a fluent material in a mold.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1. Processes in which the volume or morphology of the mold
cavity is altered during the molding process or in which some expedient
is utilized which is claimed or disclosed as compensating for the
shrinkage of the material to be shaped.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2.2. Processes in which materials or conditions are chosen such
that the adherence of the molding material to the mold is facilitated
or a specific method of release of the optical article or the use
of a named release agent is claimed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2.2. Processes directed to the reshaping of a preform into an
optical article or the treatment of such preform.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1. Processes which include the step of producing (a) a shaping
or molding device either as a, per se, operation by a method within
the definitions of this class, or (b) in combination with a step
of employing said shaping or molding device in the production of
a molded product by a process classifiable in this class, in which latter
instance the molding or shaping device may be formed by methods
provided for elsewhere.
(1)
Note. Patents reciting merely the application or formation
of mold linings on molding surfaces are not within the scope of
this subclass and are classified on some other bases.
(2)
Note. Patents reciting processes for manufacturing or assembling
molds not specifically provided for herein are classified in various
other classes depending on the specific manufacturing step employed,
e.g., Class 29, Metal Working; Class 156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous
Chemical Manufacture, etc.
Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein,
and Methods of Preparing the Compositions,
subclasses 69 and 70 for processes of electroforming printing
plates, molds and the like.
EXPLOSIVE OR PROPELLANT ARTICLE SHAPING OR TREATING:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes in which the material which is shaped or molded
is disclosed to have utility as an explosive or a propellant.
Explosive and Thermic Compositions or Charges,
subclasses 2+ for explosive compositions shapes, nominal container
shapes therefore etc. Also see "SEARCH CLASS",
under subclass 2 of that class for related fields of search for
shaped inflammable compositions. For explosive compositions, per
se, search appropriate subclasses of that class.
Colloid Systems and Wetting Agents; Subcombinations
Thereof; Processes of Making, Stabilizing, Breaking, or Inhibiting,
subclasses 98+ for colloid systems of continuous or semicontinuous
solid phase with discontinuous liquid phase (gels, pastes, flocs,
coagulates) or agents for such systems or making or stabilizing
such systems or agents, when generically claimed or when there is
no hierarchically superior provision in the USPC for the specifically
claimed art.
This subclass is indented under subclass 3.4. Subject matter wherein the particulate material if formed
directly from a liquid state commonly referred to as liquid comminution
and solidification.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes wherein a material which is normally liquid at
ambient temperature and pressure is encapsulated, i.e., packaged
or contained, in shaped discrete receptacles e.g., microspheres.
(1)
Note. The classification of a patent reciting the encapsulation
of a core material with no reference to the core being a solid or
liquid, the assumption is made that the core is solid and therefore classified
in Class 427, subclasses 213.3+ as an original with a suggested cross
to this class, subclass.
(2)
Note. This class, subclass 4.1 provides for processes of
producing a composition by way of encapsulating (shaping operation)
a liquid core where elsewhere not provided for. The liquid core
may be homogeneous or heterogeneous.
(3)
Note. A patent reciting a coated or encapsulated material
with claimed utility(ies) is classified with the composition classes.
A similar patent with (a) multiply disclosed utilities or (b) undisclosed utility
is classified in Class 428, subclasses 402+. However,
in the latter two cases (a) and (b) above, when the coating or encapsulating
material stabilizes a compound against physical or chemical degradation,
then classification is appropriate for and subject to the limitations set
forth in one of the compound (element) classes. The order of superiority of
the composition classes are listed below under "SEARCH
CLASS". Those classes with an asterisk are not composition
classes but deemed appropriate for further search.
(4)
Note. Clathrates and intercalates (inclusion compounds),
per se, are classified hierarchically and subject to the limitations
set forth in the compound (element) classes based both on the encapsulant
and encapsulate. See the main definition for Class 264, section
II, LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS, subsection K, CLATHRATES
AND INTERCALATES, for examples.
Bleaching and Dyeing; Fluid Treatment and Chemical
Modification of Textiles and Fibers,
subclass 526 for a dye in specified form other than mere powder.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, for pertinent subclass (es) as determined by schedule
rewiew.
Compositions: Coating or Plastic, for a filler or pigment for a coating composition which
may include size or structure of the constituent particles or fibers
which recitation does not serve to exclude from Class 106. See especially
subclass 21 (invisible inks), 36, 235, 241, 251, 253+,
266, 272, 275, 276, 280, 281+, 400+, 400+, 636,
734, and 816 (coated material) in Class 106. See also V, above
in definition.
Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,
subclass 81 for melting of a solid material in an airtight
cavity and subclasses 145+ for encapsulating, when combined
with a laminating step.
Plastic Article or Earthware Shaping or Treating:
Apparatus,
subclass 5 for apparatus encapsulating normally liquid material
in discrete, simultaneously formed containers.*
Stock Materials or Miscellaneous Articles,
subclass 320.6 and subclass 321.5 for composite (e.g., layered, etc.)
stock material involving a microencapsulated liquid and subclasses
402.2+ for coated particles or microscopic size. *Not
a composition class.
Synthetic Resins or Natural Resins, see, for example, Class 523,
subclass 161 invisible ink composition and subclasses 200+ for
a composition containing product in the form of surface-coating,
impregnated, encapsulated, or surface-modified material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter wherein a medium in the form of an emulsion
or dispersion is used to affect encapsulation of the liquid. The
medium may contain one or more polymers, polymer precursors, monomers
or other encapsulating materials, e.g., gelatin, wax, etc.
(1)
Note. Liposomes are formed of mesomorphic walls (i.e., a
state of matter intermediate between crystalline solid and normal
isotropic liquid) and are classified here based on their solid characteristics.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter wherein solid-walled microparticles are subjected
to a significant chemical or physical after-treatment, e.g., heating,
formaldenhyde crosslinking, etc., the recitation of "hardening
the formed microcapsule" is sufficient for placement here.
(1)
Note. Techniques utilized for merely recovering the microencapsulated
product are not the type of after-treatment considered, e.g., filtering,
precipitating, centrifuging, evaporating, distilling, sieving, etc.
Drying techniques also not considered as after-treatment are spray drying,
freeze drying (lyophilization), drum drying, etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4.3. Subject matter wherein the microencapsulation process produces
a multilayered shell completely surrounding the liquid core.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4.3. Subject matter wherein the microencapsulation process produces
a wall derived from a synthetic polymer which was prepared either
prior to or during the process.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4.1. Subject matter wherein solid wall formation is obtained
by solidifying molten material by cooling below the melting point
or range of the material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4.1. Subject matter wherein solid-walled material is obtained
by physically removing a constituent of the colloidal emulsion or
dispersion, e.g., evaporation, distillation, extraction, precipitation,
etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4.1. Subject matter wherein the solid-walled microcapsule is
obtained by the polymerization of one or more reactants contained
in the colloidal emulsion or dispersion system.
(1)
Note. A patent which claims an in situ-generated polymer
which subsequently reacts with a material, e.g., a crosslinking
agent contained in the liquid core, is not classified here but in
subclass 4.3.
FORMATION OF SOLID PARTICULATE MATERIAL DIRECTLY FROM MOLTEN
OR LIQUID MASS (E.G., LIQUID COMMINUTING):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes wherein a material in the liquid state is comminuted
to form discrete particles and solidified in its comminuted form.
(1)
Note. Where the purpose of the comminution is to effect a
material separation rather than to produce a desired size product,
the patent is not included herein, but will be found in the appropriate
separation class, e.g., Class 159, Concentrating Evaporators, and
Class 201, Distillation: Processes, Thermolytic, subclasses 7+.
(2)
Note. To be classified in this subclass the material must
be subdivided from an original liquid mass and then the subdivided
particles solidified with no substantial change in shape or size.
Thus, precipitation of a powder, etc., from a solution is not provided
for in this class in that an original liquid mass is not comminuted.
Coagulation of droplets formed by comminution can be found in this
or an indented subclass.
(3)
Note. The compound and composition classes are superior to
Class 264 in regard to liquid comminution and solidification unless
otherwise noted where: A. The product is formed and comminution
is recited only broadly, as by name only; B. The reactants are comminuted merely
to enhance a chemical reaction C. The final product size and shape
is not controlled or limited by the size and shape of the comminuted
liquid particles (see (2) Note above) or, D. The product is a stable
colloid or catalyst composition.
Metal Working,
subclass 1.22 for apparatus and methods for making bullets and
shot usually involving a plurality of metal working operations and
subclasses 4.51+ for the production of metal shreds by
a cutting operation.
Glass Manufacturing,
subclasses 376+ for processes of glass fiber or filament making;
subclasses 21.1+ for self-supporting particle making from glass
or glasslike materials.
Chemistry: Fertilizers,
subclasses 64.01+ for other processes of preparing fertilizer commercial
forms and also fertilizer forms as articles of manufacture.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures,
subclasses 331+ for production of free metal in particulate form
or production of alloy or metallic composition in particulate form
by comminuting directly from liquid metal. Patents which claim only
a process of comminuting and solidifying a liquid metal to form
discrete particles are classified as originals in Class 75. Patents
in which the claims are broad or nondefinitive as to material and
the disclosure states that materials other than metal are processed
by the invention will go as originals to Class 264. Patents having
claims to forming solid particulate metal and claims to forming
solid particulate nonmetal or patents having generic claims with
a disclosure to forming solid particulate metal and to forming solid
particulate nonmetal will go as originals to Class 264 and a cross-reference
will be placed in Class 75.
Metal Founding, appropriate subclasses for processes of forming particulate
metallic particles by means of a shaping surface and
subclass 272 for metal revolving or tumbling type shaping apparatus.
Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
subclass 87 for a product with a pile or nap type surface and
including particles, subclasses 143+ for a stock material
product in the form of a single or plural layer web or sheet which has
a textured surface comprising particulate matter, subclasses 323+ for
a composite web or sheet including a component having structurally defined
particles, subclasses 402+ and 570 for structurally defined
or coated particles and subclasses 546+ for metallic stock
comprising metal particles.
Colloid Systems and Wetting Agents; Subcombinations
Thereof; Processes of Making, Stabilizing, Breaking, or Inhibiting,
subclasses 1+ for continuous gas or vapor phase colloid system (e.g.,
smoke, fog, aerosol, cloud, mist), subclasses 31+ for colloid
systems of colloid-sized solid or semisolid phase dispersed in primarily organic
continuous liquid phase, subclasses 38+ for colloid systems
of colloid-sized bituminous, coal, or Carbon phase dispersed in
aqueous continuous liquid phase, subclasses 77+ for colloid
systems of colloid-sized solid phase dispersed in aqueous continuous
liquid phase; or agents for such systems or making or stabilizing
such systems or agents; in each instance, when generically claimed
or when there is no hierarchically superior provision in the USPC
for the specifically claimed art.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Processes wherein the formed discrete particles are mass
or bulk assembled and bonded to each other to form a unitary article.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures,
subclasses 228+ for a consolidated metal powder composition.
Powder Metallurgy Processes, appropriate subclasses for producing metals or alloys
or metallic compositions in a solid or compact state from powdered or
particulate material with or without heating.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Processes wherein the liquid or molten material is comminuted
by means of centrifugal force or a revolving or rotating forming
surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Processes wherein the particles are formed by agitation
or vibration of the liquid or molten mass to fling or shake off
said particles.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Processes wherein some form of direct electrical energy
is employed to comminute the liquid or molten mass into particles.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Processes in which the particles are formed by impinging
with or directing a jet or blast of a gas into contact with the
liquid or molten material.
for processes of liquid comminuting in which the
material is sprayed, per se, through particle forming orifices by
employing a relatively large pressure head of liquid.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Processes wherein the particles are formed by flowing or
allowing the liquid material to fall through a forming orifice.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes directed to the reshaping of solid, irregular
or nonspherical particulate matter wherein said irregularities are
diminished or the particles are caused to become more spherical
or rounded in shape without loss of material therefrom and by means
other than use of a mold or shaping surface therefor and in which the
individual and separate identities of the particles is maintained.
(1)
Note. Patents in this subclass are generally directed to
those processes in which heat is employed to soften the particles so
as to permit the internal cohesive forces of the particles to effect
said reshaping as defined.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures,
subclass 342 , for spheroidizing or rounding of existing solid metal
particles. Patents having claims to spheroidizing or rounding of
solid metal particles and claims to spheroidizing or rounding of
solid, nonmetal particles or patents having generic claims with
a disclosure to spheroidizing or rounding of solid, metal particles
and to spheroidizing or rounding of solid, nonmetallic particles
will go as originals to Class 264 and a cross-reference will be
placed in Class 75.
Distillation: Processes, Thermolytic,
subclasses 5+ for a thermolytic distillation process including
the step of shaping solid carbonaceous material without using a
mold.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes wherein articles are formed which conform to the
contour of the human mouth or which simulate a tooth.
Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein,
and Methods of Preparing the Compositions,
subclass 67 for electroforming methods of producing dentures.
Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating:
Apparatus,
subclass 2 for shaping apparatus utilizing an anatomical body
or portion thereof as a shaping surface.
appropriate subclasses indented thereunder for processes
of forming composite articles, per se, in which material is shaped
and united to a preformed self-sustaining body.
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Processes wherein the tooth or portion thereof is formed
so as to provide a color or tone differential across the member.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes directed to molding or treating articles having
a composition including a luminescent, phosphorescent, or fluorescent
ingredient.
Coating Processes,
subclasses 157+ for processes of coating utilizing fluorescent
or phosphorescent coating.
(2)
Note. The energy must be applied as such to the work. Conversion of
electrical energy to heat and the application of the heat to the
work is excluded from this subclass and is provided for in appropriate
subclasses below.
(3)
Note. The laser ablation of a Class 264 material in the absence of
an added reactive chemical is proper for Class 264. When a reactive
chemical is used in the laser ablation the subject matter is proper
for etching Class 216.
WITH STEP OF COOLING TO A TEMPERATURE OF ZERO DEGREES C.
OR BELOW:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes which include subjecting the molding material
or product to a cooling, freezing or refrigeration step which lowers
the temperature of the material or product to at least O°C
or 32°F.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes wherein a carbonaceous material is subjected to
a heat treatment in a substantially nonoxidizing atmosphere to produce a
product containing elemental carbon.
Fuel and Related Compositions,
subclass 599 for a process of making a consolidated fuel solids
composition which includes a step of carbonizing using a specified
condition or technique.
Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds,
subclasses 445+ for elemental carbon, per se, and its manufacturing
processes involving a chemical reaction. For the line between 423
subclasses 445+ and this class concerning combined processes
of molding and carbonizing, see the class definitions of this class,
section II. A. 10).
Catalyst, Solid Sorbent, or Support Therefor:
Product or Process of Making, for a composition comprising a catalyst or sorbent,
per se, which may be activated carbon. Activated carbon is proper
for Class 502, rather than Class 423.
This subclass is indented under subclass 29.1. Processes directed to making articles in which the length
is relatively much greater than the width and thickness.
This subclass is indented under subclass 29.1. Processes including the step of tumbling or otherwise agitating
a mass of fine discrete particles to cause adherence of the particles
to one another thereby producing larger sized particles prior to
carbonizing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 29.1. Processes which prepare an article by carbonizing and then
subsequently add a carbonizable material (e.g., by impregnating)
and recarbonize.
This subclass is indented under subclass 29.1. Processes wherein one step of carbonization takes place
in a specifically recited atmosphere other than vacuum or air.
(1)
Note. The recitations inert, nonoxidizing, or the like shall
be considered sufficient to place the patent in this subclass.
(2)
Note. One step of carbonizing may occur in an oxidizing atmosphere
as long as the process also includes a step of carbonizing under
nonoxidizing conditions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 29.1. Processes wherein the carbonizing step is carried out by
(1) varying the temperature over a given time span or by (2) heating
the article to two or more distinct temperatures.
(1)
Note. Heating the article to cure binder or dry is not considered
carbonizing unless positively disclosed that such occurs under those
conditions.
(2)
Note. Heating to a temperature to cause a change in crystalline
form of the carbon (e.g., graphitizing) is considered a step of
carbonizing for this subclass.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes which are directed to (1) maintaining, restoring,
or rebuilding a damaged, defective, or worn furnace lining or (2)
forming an original interior layer on the furnace wall which remains
in place during furnace use.
(1)
Note. This is the residual home for furnace lining formation
or repair not elsewhere provided for. In general, however, the
combination of building a furnace and applying a lining to the interior
thereof is classified in the class providing for the particular
method of building the furnace. For classes which provide for furnaces
and furnace lining, see the notes below.
Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),
subclasses 741.1+ and 745.01+ for processes of assembling
or in situ erection of a building involving more than repair by
a process for Class 264.
Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures,
subclass 301 for reactive furnace linings.
Compositions,
subclasses 500+ for furnace lining composition or linings defined
only in terms of their composition when the composition is electrically
conductive.
Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing,
Preserving, or Sterilizing, appropriate subclasses for furnaces for carrying
out chemical reactions.
Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, appropriate subclasses, particularly Class 523,
subclass 141 for a composition containing a synthetic resin
or natural rubber having utility for a metallurgical furnace or
oven apparatus or to processes of preparing said composition.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes directed to the formation in situ of an erected
structure or a part thereof.
(1)
Note. Included here are only processes for forming those
structures which are not intended to be moved or transported after
the final molding step. For example, forming a prefabricated wall
is not included here but placed in appropriate subclasses below,
while forming a wall or portion thereof in its final intended position
is included here. Forming parts by a molding operation and uniting
in situ by a second molding operation is also included here.
Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),
subclasses 745.01+ for particular processes of forming or assembling
an in situ structure. The line between Class 264 and Class 52 is:
Class 52 takes (1) forming in situ erected building structures by
uniting preformed modules, e.g., bricks, cinder blocks, etc., and (2)
other processes involving molding when combined with a building
formation step which is more than a mere perfecting step for the
molding such as (a) forming elements by molding, and joining the
molded elements together, or to another element, by nonmolding means
and (b) uniting a mold form with the surface of the molded body
and permitting the form to remain as a portion of the building construction.
Class 264 takes process of molding, per se, including forming building
structures in situ when such processes include only molding steps.
For example, processes for embedding elements such as reinforcements in
the molded product or molding structural elements and then uniting the
elements by a molding operation are within the scope of this class.
Road Structure, Process, or Apparatus,
subclasses 72+ for processes of building roads. The line between Classes
264 and 404, is as follows: Class 404, provides for processes of forming
roads except that Class 264 provides for such road making processes
which include only the steps of molding monolithic uniform composition
structure and/or compacting, treating, stressing or surface
working the material to perfect the molding or curing of the molded
body.
Hydraulic and Earth Engineering, appropriate subclasses for processes of earthworking, e.g.,
digging, filling, etc., combined with molding, especially
subclass 222 for a method of casting a structure in a marine
environment; and subclasses 233+ for a method of casting
a pile or pier in situ.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Processes in which the structure formed includes either
an arched or domed portion or a portion which is vertically cylindrical.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Processes in which at least a portion of the mold is removed
from the structure and repositioned and used to form a second portion
of the structure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Processes in which a preform member or a portion thereof
becomes embedded in or united to the molded material and remains
to form a structural part of the product.
(1)
Note. Embedded elements which serve solely as reinforcement
and have no other structural purpose are not considered proper for
this subclass but are placed according to the molding operations.
Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), for processes in which structural elements which
make up an exterior portion of the final construction are used to retain
the molding material and remain in place after the molding operation.
Pipes or tubes embedded in the molding material are considered proper
for Class 264.
REPAIRING OR RESTORING CONSUMER USED ARTICLES FOR REUSE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes wherein a worn, damaged, or consumer used article
is renewed or reconditioned for reuse in a capacity similar to
that of the original article, without substantially altering or
destroying the overall configuration of the original article.
for processes involving reuse
of articles or article forming material in which flash, trim, or
product rejects are recycled and put through an overall mixing and/or
reshaping, and see subclass 37.1 notes thereto.
Resilient Tires and Wheels,
subclass 367 for devices, e.g., patches applied to a tire surface
for covering a puncture or blowout, wherein the claims involve a
superficial fixing of the tire and do not involve a substantial removal
of the material of the tire to permit rebuilding.
Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
subclass 63 for a product in which a hole or depression has
been patched and subclass 912 (a cross-reference art collection)
for a product having a puncture healing layer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.1. Processes wherein the article to be renewed or reconditioned
contains randomly dispersed pores or voids and contains no textile.
(1)
Note. Acceptable for this subclass are composite-structured
articles wherein one article section may be porous while another
article section is nonporous.
(2)
Note. Utilizing putty to repair wooden articles for reuse
is properly classified in this subclass since wood is considered
to be inherently porous.
(3)
Note. Renewal and reconditioning of fabric and cloth material
(e.g., textiles, etc.) are excluded from placement in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.1. Processes wherein the article which is to be renewed or
reconditioned is a spherical or nonhollow columnar shaped body.
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.1. Processes wherein the article which is to be renewed or
reconditioned has sound reproducing grooves on its surface.
Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein,
and Methods of Preparing the Compositions,
subclass 68 for electroforming methods of producing sound records.
Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, appropriate subclasses, particularly Class 523,
subclass 174 for a composition containing a synthetic resin
or natural rubber having utility as a phonograph record molding
composition or to processes of preparing said composition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.1. Processes wherein the article to be renewed or reconditioned
is toroidal in shape (i.e., doughnut shaped).
(1)
Note. A toroidal shape is comprised of a figure having a surface
generated when rotated about an axis lying in the same plane therewith,
but not intersecting or containing, an axis in its own plane.
(2)
Note. The majority of the art in this subclass relates to
processes for repairing or restoring vehicle tires, but the subclass
is not so limited.
Resilient Tires and Wheels,
subclass 367 for devices, e.g., patches applied to a tire surface
for covering a puncture or blowout, wherein the claims involve a
superficial fixing of the tire and do not involve a substantial removal
of the material of the tire to permit rebuilding.
Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous chemical Manufacture,
subclasses 94+ , for processes which are (a) combined with the
step of recovering material utilized in a previous laminating procedure
and/or (b) directed to restoring or rebuilding a damaged
or defective article or material by a laminating procedure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.1. Processes wherein the article to be renewed or reconditioned
has an intentionally constructed nonrandom void or opening therethrough
or has a nonrandom inner or concave surface or cavity.
(1)
Note. The mere presence of a chip or crack in an article is
not considered sufficient to render the article hollow for the purposes
of this subclass, unless the overall macrostructure of the entire
article meets this subclass definition. See search notes below.
for repairing or restoring cracks or chips in articles
containing inorganic material for reuse, especially subclass 36.21
for repairing or restoring cracks or chips in nonhollow or noncontainer-
type glass articles.
for repairing or restoring cracks or chips in articles
containing polymeric material or treating cracks or chips in nonhollow
or noncontainer-type articles of polymeric material.
Pipes and Tubular Conduits, especially
subclass 97 for processes and apparatus for repairing leaks
in pipes and hose for reuse when no molding step is present.
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.15. Processes, wherein the article to be reconditioned or renewed
is a self supporting open ended hollow conduit (e.g., hose, etc.).
(1)
Note. Repairing or reconditioning pipe joints utilizing a
molding operation is properly classified here.
(2)
Note. Repairing or reconditioning of concrete or hydro-set
pipes or tubes is properly classified as original in this subclass
with crosses below as deemed suitable.
Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,
subclass 154.1 for subterranean or submarine pipe or cable laying, retrieving,
manipulating, or treating; and subclass 188 for an apparatus or method
for enabling personnel to work on a section of submerged pipeline.
Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating:
Apparatus,
subclasses 11+ for a product or preform repair or restoring means
comprising a molding apparatus for shaping or reshaping nonmetals.
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.16. Processes wherein a positive or negative pressure is internally
applied to renewing or reconditioning material through the medium
of a liquid or gas in direct or indirect contact therewith to shape
or maintain a desired configuration.
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.1. Processes wherein the article to be renewed or reconditioned
contains inorganic material.
(1)
Note. Processes of repairing or restoring an article containing
inorganic material, as well as organic material present as bonding
agents, solvents, fillers, etc., are properly classified herein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.18. Processes wherein the inorganic material containing article
is a clad (sheathed) usually metallic strand or a collection of
clad strands or rods.
(1)
Note. Class 264 excludes any metal working, casting or welding
operations.
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.18. Processes wherein the article to be renewed or reconditioned
contains or is treated with an aqueous fluent inorganic composition
that solidifies (e.g.,cures, sets, etc.).
(1)
Note. Processes of repairing or restoring an article containing
inorganic hydro-settable material, as well as organic material present
as bonding agents, solvents, fillers, etc., are properly classified herein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.1. Processes wherein the reconditioning or renewing of the
article includes a polymerization, cross-linking, curing, or hardening
operation.
(1)
Note. Claimed subject matter which includes one of the terms
in the following list is properly classified herein: a. cross-linking
b. curing c. addition polymerization d. condensation polymerization
e. block or graft polymerization f. hardening This list is not
intended to be exhaustive and is not limited to the above examples.
RECYCLING OF RECLAIMED OR PURIFIED PROCESS MATERIAL (NOT RECYCLED
CONSUMER USED ARTICLES):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes in which process materials (e.g., flash, trim,
defective products, molding materials from which products are formed, treating
materials utilized in the molding process, etc.) which were previously
employed in a molding operation, whether from batch or continuous
process, are recycled or reused in the same or a different molding
operation.
(1)
Note. Recycling of consumer used articles (e.g., scrap articles
or worn materials, used tires, materials employed in commerce, etc.)
or articles intended for consumer use are not considered proper under
this subclass. However, recycling of defective or improperly molded
articles (e.g., virgin material, etc.) will be considered proper
for this subclass.
(2)
Note. Merely recycling reclaimed "as is" process
material as hereinabove set forth is sufficient for placement in
this subclass. It is not essential
that a step of purification, reclamation, or separation of the desired
process material be present for a process to be proper for this subclass.
Thus, recycling of a desired polymeric process material does not require separation from a solvent
thereof to be proper in this subclass.
(3)
Note. Recycling of heat exchange agents, per se, that directly contact shaped articles or process
materials is considered proper under this subclass. However, recycling
of heat exchange agents that do not directly contact shaped
articles or process materials (e.g., cycling of liquid coolant through
hollow mold walls, etc.) are not proper for this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.1. Processes wherein a liquid process material is recycled
or recovered by changing to a gaseous state and back to a reusable
liquid state.
(1)
Note. A liquid is considered to be a state of matter which
exhibits a characteristic readiness to flow, little or no tendency
to disperse, and relatively high incompressibility.
(2)
Note. A gas is considered to have a very low density and viscosity,
relatively great expansion and contraction with changes in pressure
and temperature, and to be readily diffusive, with a tendency to
expand indefinitely, with molecules in free movement.
(3)
Note. Liquid process materials found here are vaporized,
condensed, and reused in a molding process.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.1. Processes wherein the reclaimed or process material is a
gas, (e.g., vapor, cloud, fog, haze, or mist, etc.) under standard
conditions.
(1)
Note. A gas is considered to have a very low density and viscosity,
relatively great expansion and contraction with changes in pressure
and temperature, to be readily diffusive, with a tendency to expand
indefinitely, with molecules in free movement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.14. Processes wherein the gaseous process material is used to
form pores or voids in molded or shaped articles.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.14. Processes wherein the gaseous material is from a blow molding
process.
(1)
Note. Blow molding is considered an operation wherein a positive
or negative pressure is applied through the medium of a liquid or
gas in direct contact with a work-piece to form or maintain a desired configuration.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.14. Processes wherein the gaseous material is a heat exchange
agent that directly contacts a molded article.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.1. Processes wherein the reclaimed or purified process material
is liquid.
(1)
Note. A liquid is considered to be a state of matter which
exhibits a characteristic readiness to flow, little or no tendency
to disperse, and relatively high incompressibility.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.18. Processes wherein the liquid process material is from an
aqueous fluent inorganic composition that solidifies (e.g., cures,
sets, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.18. Processes wherein an extrudant-receiving liquid bath process
material is recovered for recycling or reuse.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.2. Processes wherein a step is included which involves utilizing
a filtering apparatus which is used to separate a recyclable liquid
process material (e.g., using filters, screens, sieves, etc.).
(1)
Note. A filter is considered to be an article or mass of material
made of closely spaced or intimately arranged intermeshed or unconnected
fibers, elements, strands, or particles that collectively act as
a barrier to physically retain at least one constituent of a fluid mixture
on its surfaces or in the spaces between the fibers, elements, strands,
or particles while permitting passage of the remaining constituents.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.18. Processes wherein the reclaimed liquid process material
is recycled into or is reused in a blow molding operation.
(1)
Note. Blow molding is considered an operation wherein a positive
or negative pressure is applied through the medium of a liquid or
gas in direct contact with a work-piece to form or maintain a desired configuration.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.18. Processes wherein the reclaimed
liquid process material is recycled into or is reused in an extrusion
molding operation.
(1)
Note. Extrusion molding is considered an operation wherein
an article is shaped or formed by forcing a supply of the article
forming material through a confining and shaping orifice.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.18. Processes wherein the reclaimed liquid process material
is recycled into or is reused in an injection molding operation.
(1)
Note. Injection molding is considered an operation wherein
pressure is applied to a molding material so as to force said material
from a source removed from a closed mold cavity into said cavity wherein
the material assumes the shape of the interior of the closed cavity.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.1. Processes wherein the reclaimed or purified process material
is in the form of surplus fiber or filament.
(1)
Note. A fiber or filament is generally considered a relatively
slender, flexible element of macroscopic size having a length substantially
greater than its width.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.1. Processes wherein the reclaimed or purified process material
is surplus small bits of matter having definite shape, relatively
great density, low internal heat content, and great cohesion of its
molecules, which typically can be poured like a fluid when handled
(e.g., granule, bead, powder, pellet, flake, particle, granulate,
grain, etc.).
(1)
Note. Solid particulates generally are distinguished from
filamentary particles in that their shape and length-to-diameter
ratio are such that in the dry state the particulates will not hold
together as a massive article without the application of pressure
or heat.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.1. Processes wherein the reclaimed or purified process material
is surplus process material which may, for example, have been stamped, excised,
or rejected.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.3. Processes wherein the reclaimed surplus process material
is recycled or is reused in a blow molding operation.
(1)
Note. Blow molding is considered an operation wherein a positive
or negative pressure is applied through the medium of a liquid or
gas in direct contact with a work-piece to form or maintain a desired configuration.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.3. Processes wherein the reclaimed
surplus process material is recycled or is reused in an extrusion
molding operation.
(1)
Note. Extrusion molding is considered an operation wherein
an article is shaped or formed by forcing a supply of the article
forming material through a confining and shaping orifice.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.3. Processes wherein the reclaimed
surplus process material is recycled or is reused in an injection
molding operation.
(1)
Note. Injection molding is considered an operation wherein
pressure is applied to a molding material so as to force said material
from a source removed from a closed mold cavity into said cavity wherein
the material assumes the shape of the interior of the closed cavity.
WITH STEP OF CLEANING, POLISHING, OR PRECONDITIONING APPARATUS
FOR USE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes which include a step of cleaning or polishing
or otherwise mechanically or physically treating the apparatus or
a working surface thereof in order to restore, maintain or bring
said apparatus to a desired or necessary operating condition.
(1)
Note. Preheating a mold or maintaining a mold at a temperature
sufficiently high to shape thermoplastic material is deemed to be
a common expedient in the art and patents reciting these steps will be
classified on other steps.
(2)
Note. Included herein are patents reciting a step of precooling
a mold to return it to operating temperature and the use of intermittently
applied purging compositions as well as physical and solvent removal
of contaminants, incrustations and/or surfaces of molds,
per se.
(3)
Note. The use of mold lubricants applied, per se, or incorporated
in the molding composition is provided for elsewhere, see the search
notes below.
for processes which include the step of preventing
equipment fouling accumulations and deposits in formation of continuous
or indefinite length articles, which may include e.g., addition of
an ingredient to spinning composition or bath or spinnerette of
a particular structure or composition.
Metal Founding,
subclass 121 for preconditioning processes for metal casting
apparatus and subclass 158 for apparatus of that class with cleaning means.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes include the step of sampling, audibly or chemically
testing or inspecting, or otherwise physically or mechanically determining
some variable condition in a shaped article, molding material, the
mold or shaping surface.
(1)
Note. Included herein are processes for determining imperfections
or for determining completeness of a reaction or manipulation as
well as determinations of undesired variations which activate correction
mechanisms. Recitations of optimum or desired temperatures of pressures
or proportions of ingredients are considered nominal only and are classified
with the disclosed process on some other basis.
This subclass is indented under subclass 40.1. Processes wherein the movement or shape of a molding material
is controlled by direct contact of a fluid.
This subclass is indented under subclass 40.1. Processes wherein the weight or volume of the molding material
is measured.
(1)
Note. Operations of a container to a desired capacity or
maintaining the molding material at a desired capacity is considered
to be proper for this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 40.1. Processes wherein either the position of a mold part to
form a shaping cavity or pressure of a mold part on the molding
material is controlled.
(1)
Note. Controlling the relative position of a doctor blade
with respect to the molding material is included in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 40.1. Processes wherein the movement of the molding material or
a substrate supporting the molding material in a continuous process
is controlled.
(1)
Note. A continuous process for this subclass is either (1)
set up for repetitive operations or (2) wherein an endless flow
of molding material leaves the molding cavity.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes including the step of forming pores or voids in
an article or material, said pore forming being effected internally
by occluding or incorporating void forming or void producing elements
or ingredients randomly throughout the plastic article forming material.
(1)
Note. Where particulate material is united leaving spaces
between the individual particles, the patent does not go here, but
to subclass 109.
(2)
Note. Processes wherein an article or material is mechanically
performed to form voids are provided for in subclass 138.
(3)
Note. Pore forming when not combined with significant molding
is provided for in various classes and the general lines between
those classes and Class 264 is followed even though the step of
forming pores is recited.
(4)
Note. Included within the scope of this and indented subclasses
is enlarging voids already present in a material by expanding gases
contained therein.
Hazardous or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment,
subclass 255 for the forming of pores or voids in the production
of a material containing hazardous or toxic waste for purposes of
containment.
This subclass is indented under subclass 45.1. Processes wherein a mold part is inflatable or expandable,
or an inflatable form is used as a base on which foaming material
solidifies.
(1)
Note. Generally the inflatable or expandable feature is to
facilitate insertion or removal of a plural layered of multipart
article which is formed in a mold.
This subclass is indented under subclass 45.1. Processes wherein particles, fibers, or batts are incorporated
within the foamed mass in a random distribution.
This subclass is indented under subclass 45.1. Processes wherein the material to be foamed is in the form
of beads or particles which unite when expanded.
This subclass is indented under subclass 45.1. Processes wherein: (1) The surface of a preformed material
is treated so as to form a foam or, (2) Wherein a foam from a single
foamable material is formed and the density of the foam at its exterior
surface is different from the density of the foam in the interior
thereof.
(1)
Note. Processes involving the preparation of different density
foams found herein generally involve the collapsing or prevention
of the expansion of foaming material in a closed mold.
This subclass is indented under subclass 45.5. Processes wherein the surface foam layer is produced by
exposing the preformed base material to a treating agent.
This subclass is indented under subclass 45.1. Processes wherein foaming is caused in a rotational mold
or in which the feedstock is forced into the mold by centrifugal
force.
This subclass is indented under subclass 45.1. Processes wherein a continuous, running or indefinite length
body is formed by an uninterrupted molding step or a sequential
series of steps is preformed in a continuous manner.
(1)
Note. The final article produced need not be of indefinite
length, as for example, wherein the continuous, running or indefinite
length body is cut into predetermined length pieces.
(2)
Note. Extrusion is generally assumed to produce an indefinite
length product.
This subclass is indented under subclass 46.2. Processes wherein shaping takes place between a pair of
coating continuously moving surfaces and at least one of the surfaces
is generally cylindrical and revolves about the longitudinal axis
of the cylinder with rolling motion relative to the material shaped.
(1)
Note. Included herein, for example, is shaping between a
pair of rolls, a roll and an endless belt or by a calender.
This subclass is indented under subclass 45.1. Processes in which a molding material remains united with
a preform or solidified layer to constitute a composite article,
one of whose layers is porous.
(1)
Note. Solidified layer includes any collection of material
given form by a shape defining means and possessing at least a minimal
degree of cohesiveness, for example, layers formed by slush molding,
spraying or layup on a mold or more generally any material that
would be a preform, but for the fact that it remains in the mold
in which it is formed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 46.1. Processes wherein two distinct preformed bodies or solidified
layers with opposing surfaces are positioned in a spaced relationship
with each other and a porous material at least partially fills the
space between them, said porous material acting to unite the preforms
or solidified layers and being contained at least in part by said
preforms or solidified layers.
This subclass is indented under subclass 46.4. Processes wherein foam material is deposited in a recess
or cavity in a preform or solidified layers such that the preform
or solidified layer forms the surface of a fully or partially foam filled
article.
(1)
Note. This subclass includes filling hollow articles with
foam and making foam filled or plugged articles.
This subclass is indented under subclass 46.4. Processes wherein a metal part or a material which lends
strength or rigidity to the final article is covered with foam.
This subclass is indented under subclass 46.5. Processes wherein the surface to be coated or filled is
subjected to deformation caused by heat and a pressure differential.
This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Processes wherein the exterior or outside surface of a porous
body is subjected to a chemical or physical treatment.
This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Processes in which the voids are formed by subjecting embedded
solids to a treatment which changes the physical dimension or state of
the solids and causes the space the solids previously occupied to
be left as voids.
(1)
Note. If the occluded solid is removed by changing it to
a gas the process is here if the void is produced by the solid, rather
than by the expansion of the gas. See subclass 51 for processes
in which a generated gas forms the voids.
This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Processes in which a pore forming gas is introduced or forced
by mechanical means into a plastic material before the molding and
solidification operation.
(1)
Note. Operations including shaping and solidification of
a froth, per se, with no pore forming steps are classified below on
manipulative molding steps and cross-referenced here when pertinent.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Processes wherein the expansion of the porous material is
inhibited by the presence of a chemical or mechanical means other
than mere confines of the mold, per se.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Processes in which the voids are formed by a liquid to gas
change of state, i.e., vaporization of a liquid incorporated into
the molding material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Processes in which the voids are formed by the generation
of gas by a chemical reaction of gas producing reactants or agents
incorporated in the molding material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Processes in which the chemical blowing to produce the pores
is effected in two or more stages or in which the expansion takes
place by means of varying expansion space.
TREATMENT OF MATERIAL BY VIBRATING, JARRING, OR AGITATING DURING
SHAPING:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes which include the step of applying or effecting
an oscillation or to and fro movement to the article forming material
in a mold, or to the molding surface, or applying a sudden impact
to the mold.
(1)
Note. For agglomerating of particles by agitating or tumbling,
see this class, subclass 117 and the notes thereto.
(2)
Note. Tamping, per se, is considered a form of pressure application
only and is excluded from this subclass.
(3)
Note. Processes including a sliding movement between a reciprocating
mold and a concrete surface to give a trowelling effect are included
herein.
(4)
Note. Patents claiming "rapid" or "high frequency" vibration,
per se, with no disclosure as to the particular frequencies employed
will be placed herein. To complete a search, however, see this class
subclasses 442+ and the definition and notes thereto,
and see (3) Note above with reference to the use of sonic or supersonic
wave energy in the process.
This subclass is indented under subclass 69. Processes wherein the treated article is one formed in a
continuous manner or is of a running or indefinite length.
This subclass is indented under subclass 69. Processes in which the mold and its contents are vibrated
or in which there is a reciprocal motion between a moving mold surface
and the material therein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 71. Processes wherein said mold vibration or reciprocation is
discontinuous; of varying intensity or the vibrations are of different
character, one from the other.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes wherein a random, haphazard coloring effect is
obtained as a result of and during a shaping operation.
(1)
Note. The color pattern of the product produced by this subclass
is random usually because at least one of the components is rendered
fluent by the shaping operation and there is random or uncontrolled
flow of the coloring agent. Processes in which controlled pattern multicolored
articles are made by compositing or molding plural materials may be
found in subclasses 245+.
Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,
subclass 63 for processes of manually arranging differently
colored or shaped discrete elements to form a design.
Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, appropriate subclasses, for a stock material product in
the form of a single or plural layer web or sheet which may have
a random variegated color, especially
subclasses 141+ for a textured or rough surface of variegated color.
This subclass is indented under subclass 73. Processes wherein the variegated coloring occurs only in
the surface portion of the article; i.e., does not extend entirely
through the article.
This subclass is indented under subclass 73. Processes wherein the variegated coloring is produced by
forcing differently colored materials through a shaping orifice.
This subclass is indented under subclass 73. Processes wherein the variegated coloring is produced by
sheeting differently colored materials between coacting rollers.
This subclass is indented under subclass 73. Processes wherein the molding operation which produces the
random variegated coloring effect involves the application of pressure to
the differently colored materials in a confined space.
WITH INCORPORATING DYE SUSCEPTIBLE MATERIAL OR DYEING WORKPIECE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes which include the
step of (1) dyeing an article or workpiece or (2) incorporating
a dye susceptible ingredient in the molding material.
(1)
Note. The dye susceptible ingredient incorporated into the
molding material is not in itself a colored ingredient or a dye, per
se, but is capable of subsequent treatment or reaction to form a
colored body, (e.g., vat or leuco dyes, mordants, etc.).
(2)
Note. This subclass includes processes in which a dye susceptible
material is incorporated into a spinning solution which is then
spun or extruded into a coagulating bath which contains a reactant
for the dye susceptible material to produce the color, even if the
reactant is the only specific ingredient of the bath which is named.
Bleaching and Dyeing; Fluid Treatment and Chemical
Modification of Textiles and Fibers, particularly
subclasses 154 , 489 and 497 and see the notes and search notes
thereto. See also the main definitions to this Class 264, section
II, A 2. For weighting or mordanting of materials classified therein,
see Class 8, subclass 443. Processes which include a nominal or broadly
recited molding step combined with the step of dyeing the formed
or coagulated filament are provided for in Class 8.
WITH APPLICATION OR BARRIER FOR VOLATILE COMPONENT MATERIAL
TO MOLDED ARTICLE SURFACE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes wherein the escape of a volatile component of
a molded article composition through the surface of the article
is prevented, minimized or slowed by the application of a relatively
impermeable layer to said surface.
FLAME CONTACT OR RESHAPING BY HEAT DECOMPOSITION OF WORK:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes wherein at least a portion of a preform is (1)
subjected to direct contact by an open flame or (2) contacted by
a heat which chemically decomposes a surface portion to shape the
preform.
Bleaching and Dyeing; Fluid Treatment and Chemical
Modification of Textiles and Fibers,
subclass 140 for processes of singeing or carbonizing of textiles.
GAS OR VAPOR DEPOSITION OF ARTICLE FORMING MATERIAL ONTO MOLD
SURFACE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes wherein material employed in forming an article
is applied to a shaping surface in a gaseous or vapor state.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes in which a workpiece or molding material is subjected
to treatment with an applied gas or vapor, which gas or vapor reacts chemically
with at least the surface of the workpiece.
(1)
Note. Processes in which steam generated by heating wet concrete
would not bring a patent here. To be placed in this subclass steam
or vapor must be added from an external source or be created from
water other than that in the concrete.
Compositions: Coating or Plastic, appropriate subclasses for reactive steam treatment
of inorganic materials when combined with a broadly recited molding
step.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes wherein material is consolidated by an explosive
force or detonation which produces a large sudden compacting pressure
on said material.
UTILIZING SPECIAL INERT GASEOUS ATMOSPHERE OR FLUSHING
MOLD WITH INERT LIQUID:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes wherein (1) a named nonreactive gas is used as
the environment for the shaping, working, or treating operation
on a material or (2) the ambient atmosphere of a mold is replaced
by a nonreactive liquid.
(1)
Note. To be placed in this subclass as an original patent
the invention claimed must specify a particular inert atmosphere
such as, for example, nitrogen or carbon dioxide. The term "inert" alone in
a claim is not sufficient to place the patent in this subclass.
Also air and steam have been excluded from this subclass even though
they may be claimed as inert materials.
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