This is the generic class for producing metals, alloys or metal
containing compositions in a solid or compact state from powdered
or particulate material with or without heating.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
The order of superiority among various metal, alloy, and metal
stock areas and methods of manufacture involving them is as follows:
(1) Class 419, Powder Metallurgy Processes.
(2) Class 148, Metal Treatment, subclasses 22+, compositions
for treatment of solid metal.
(3) Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, subclasses 300, 301, and 303+,
gaseous, liquid, or solid treating compositions for liquid metal
or charges, and subclass 302, welding rod defined by composition.
(4) Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, subclasses 228+, consolidated
metal powder compositions and subclasses 255+, loose metal
particulate mixtures.
(5) Class 420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, claimed as
products.
(6) Class 148, Metal Treatment, subclasses 95-122, 240-287,
and 500-714, in the schedule order, providing for certain processes
of treating solid or semi-solid metal by modifying or maintaining
the internal physical structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical
property of metal, processes of reactive coating of metal or processes
of chemical-heat removing (e.g., flame-cutting, etc.) or burning
of metal. However, if metal casting, metal fusion bonding, machining,
or working is involved, there is a requirement of significant heat
treatment as described in section III, A, of the Class 148 definition.
(7) Class 148, Metal Treatment, subclasses 33+ barrier layer
stock material and subclasses 400+, stock.
(8) Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, subclasses 331+, processes
of making solid particulate alloys directly from liquid metal and
subclasses 343+, processes of producing or purifying alloys
in powder form.
(9) Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, subclasses 10.1+ and 10.67,
processes of making alloys electrothermic, electromagnetic, or electrostatic
processes.
(10) Class 420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, processes
of manufacture.
(11) Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, subclasses 330+, processes
of making metal and processes of treating liquid metals and liquid
alloys and consolidating metalliferous material.
(12) Class 204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, processes.
(13) Class 164, Metal Founding, subclasses 1+, processes.
(14) Class 266, Metallurgical Apparatus, subclasses 44+,
processes of operating metallurgical apparatus.
This list is not complete and may be added to as the proper
relationship of other areas is determined.
See References to Other Classes, below, for additional information
about lines with the following types of classes:
Metal Working, appropriate subclasses for processes for manufacturing
specific articles provided for in Class 29 by processes not involving
powder metallurgy steps. (process class)
Machine Element or
Mechanism, appropriate subclasses, for machine elements defined
by structure and/or function, which may have been made
by a Class 419 process. (article or product class)
Specialized Metallurgical
Processes, Compositions for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder
Compositions, and Loose Metal Particulate Mixtures,
subclasses 331+ and 343+ for processes of making metal
powders and subclasses 746+ for consolidating metalliferous material
that is used in metallurgical processes. (process class)
Specialized Metallurgical
Processes, Compositions for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder
Compositions, and Loose Metal Particulate Mixtures,
subclasses 303+ for consolidated furnace charges (e.g., briquettes,
etc.) containing a free metal which are used as charges in Class
75 processes and for compositions which may contain metal powder
which are used as fluxes in smelting and treating metalliferous
ores, subclasses 228+ for consolidated metal powder compositions
which may have been prepared by a Class 419 process, and subclasses
255+ for loose powder compositions containing a free metal.
(compound, composition and material class.)
Single-Crystal, Oriented-Crystal,
and Epitaxy Growth Processes; Non-Coating Apparatus Therefor, for processes for growing therein-defined single-crystal
of all types of materials, including metal, and not including a
Class 419 method step. See Class 117 for guidance in placement
of single-crystal related art.(process class)
Single-Crystal, Oriented-Crystal,
and Epitaxy Growth Processes; Non-Coating Apparatus Therefor, for non-coating apparatus for growing therein-defined
single-crystal of all types of materials, including inorganic or
organic. Coating apparatus are generally located in Class 118.
(apparatus class)
Internal-Combustion
Engines, appropriate subclasses for such elements of internal
combustion engines as are provided for in that class, defined by
structure/function, which may have been made by a Class
419 process. (article or product class)
Surgery, appropriate subclasses, for surgical devices and
instruments defined by structure/functions which may have
been made by a Class 419 process. (article or product class)
Metal Treatment, particularly
subclass 514 for processes of pre-treatment or post-treatment
of a previously sintered or compacted consolidated powder metal
starting material to modify or maintain the internal physical structure
(i.e., microstructure) or chemical properties of metal and wherein
there is no actual step of sintering or compacting of the powdered
metal recited. However, Class 419 takes as original pre-treatment
or post-treatment operations as long as the sintering or compacting
operation is present. See, also, Class 148, subclass 513 for treatment
of loose metal powder by a Class 148 operation. (process class)
Metal Treatment, particularly
subclass 513 for processes of treating loose metal particles
(e.g., powder, etc.) to modify or maintain the internal physical
structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical property of metal and
lacking a sintering or compacting operation. (compound, composition
and material class)
Boring or Penetrating
the Earth, appropriate subclasses, especialy
subclasses 327+ , for earth boring or penetrating elements or devices defined
by structure/function, which may have been made by a Class
419 process. (article or product class)
Brakes, appropriate subclasses, especially
subclasses 218 through 265, for braking apparatus or elements defined by structure/function,
which may have been made by Class 419 process. (article or product
class)
Clutches
and Power-Stop Control, appropriate subclasses, especially
subclasses 106.1 through 115, for clutch and power-stop control apparatus or elements
provided for in Class 122, defined by structure/function,
which may have been made by a Class 419 process. (article or product class)
Electricity: Circuit
Makers and Breakers, appropriate subclasses, for electrical circuit makers
and breakers defined by structure/function, which may have
been made by a Class 419 process. (apparatus class)
Wire Fabrics and Structure, appropriate subclasses, for wire fabrics defined
by structure which may have been made by a Class 419 process. (apparatus
class)
Valves and Valve Actuation, appropriate subclasses, for valve apparatus provided
for in Class 251, which may have been made by a Class 419 process.
(apparatus class)
Compositions,
subclass 62.55 for magnetic compositions containing a free metal
or alloy which may be in a particulate state, subclass 500 for electrically
conductive or emissive compositions which may include a free metal in
a powder state. (compound, composition and material class)
Plastic and Nonmetallic
Article Shaping or Treating: Processes,
subclass .5 for processes of making nuclear fuel elements or
charges not involving powder metallurgy, but powder metallurgy processes
for making such products are in this class (419), appropriate subclasses;
subclasses 109+ for processes of forming articles by uniting
randomly associated particles not including free metal particles.
(article or product class)
Bearings, appropriate subclasses, for bearing or bearing guides
defined by structure/function which may have been made
by a Class 419 process. (apparatus class)
Cutters, for Shaping, appropriate subclasses, for shaping cutters tools
defined by structure/function which may have been made
by a Class 419 process. (apparatus class)
Rotary Kinetic Fluid
Motors or Pumps, appropriate subclasses for elements of rotary kinetic fluid
motors or pumps provided for in Class 415, defined by structure/functions
which may have been produced by a Class 419 process. (apparatus
class)
Fluid Reaction Surfaces,
(i.e., Impellers), appropriate subclasses, for elements of fluid reaction
impellers provided for in Class 416, defined by structure/functions,
which may have been made by a Class 419 process. (apparatus class)
Stock Material or
Miscellaneous Articles,
subclass 539.5 for stock material having a metal continuous phase
interengaged with a nonmetal continuous phase, subclasses 546+ for
miscellaneous stock material containing particles of free metal,
and subclass 570 for composite powders which may comprise a free
metal. (compound, composition and material class)
Prothesis (i.e., Artificial
Body Members), Parts Thereof, or Aids and Accessories Therefor, appropriate subclasses for artificial body members
defined by a structure which may be made by a Class 419 process.
(article or product classe)
SECTION IV - GLOSSARY
The meaning to be given to the various "art" terms appearing
in this class, but which have not been included in the Glossary
below, is the same as that generally accepted or in common usage.
However, certain terms employed in this class, which are included
below, have been assigned definitions tailored to meet the needs
of this class and therefore those may be more restricted or less
limited or even altogether different from those in common usage.
COMPACTING
Forming of particulate material into a body or shape
by the application of pressure to the particulate material without
heating.
CONSOLIDATION
Forming of particulate material into a unitary body without
heating. This may or may not include the application of pressure
to the particulate material (e.g., slip casting).
SINTERING
The term sintering includes the union of finely divided material
or powder by the action of heat with or without pressure. The heat
must result from a positive application of heat at some point in
the process. Heat resulting from the application of pressure alone
is not considered to be a positive application of heat in these
subclasses. Some, but not all, of the ingredients may melt. A
chemical reaction such as reduction may occur during sintering.
FUGITIVE MATERIAL
A material which is incorporated in the powder admixture
which is wholly destroyed or separated from the other materials
in a subsequent step prior to or during the consolidation or sintering
operation.
POWER METALLURGY PROCESSES WITH HEATING OR SINTERING:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes for producing metals, metalloys or metal containing composition
in a solid state from powdered or particulate material including
a heating or sintering operation, i.e., without melting all of the
ingredients.
(1)
Note. The term sintering includes the union of finely divided
material or powder by the action of heat with or without pressure.
The heat must result from a positive application of heat at some
point in the process. Heat resulting from the application of pressure
alone is not considered to be a positive application of heat in
these subclasses. Some, but not all of the ingredients may melt.
A chemical reaction such as reduction may occur during sintering.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes which produce a product having one dimension, its length,
considerably greater than its other dimensions, but wherein the
process does not establish a finite limit for the length.
This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Processes which produce a product having a shape which is basically cylindrical
with the length considerably greater than its diameter.
Metal Working,
subclass 419.1 , for processes of working a mass of fibered materials
which (1) have been previously formed into a body or (2) which do
not ultimately form a body as a result of the working step.
Plastic and Nonmetallic
Article Shaping or Treating: Processes,
subclasses 171.1+ for processes of making indefinite length articles
or preforms which may comprise a metallic conductor, not involving
powder metallurgy.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes involving arranging one or more distinct powder material
layers or portions in contact with one or more distinct layers or
portions of powder or solid material and uniting the layers or portions
by sintering, or processes under subclass 1 which produces an article
which includes an internal hollow space or processes under subclass
1 which involve making a porous article and infiltrating (i.e.,
impregnating) it.
(1)
Note. Layers or portions of powder material are considered
distinct if they differ with regard to chemical composition, particle
size or degree of physical compaction, if they constitute individual preformed
layers.
(2)
Note. Processes herein included are those involving two or
more distinct layers as in (1) Note above, in which one or more
powder layers are united with one or more solid layers by a sintering
step.
(3)
Note. Processes for impregnating a sintered article by immersion
or diffusion are excluded herefrom and are provided for in subclass
27.
Etching a Substrate:
Processes, for the use of etching in removing one substance
from another or for removing a portion of a substance (work) not
otherwise provided for.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Processes which produce a product in which two contiguous layers or
portions are both formed from material which was originally in powder
form.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Processes in which at least one of the contiguous layers or portions
is not compacted during the processing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Process which produce a product in which one of the contiguous layers or
portions is not produced from particulate material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes which have in the resulting product a free metal and various materials,
such as elemental carbon, metal borides, carbides, nitrides, oxides
or silicides, or mixtures of same.
(1)
Note. This is the generic place for the sintering of mixtures
composed of (1) a free metal or a substance which changes chemically
to release a free metal (e.g., a metal hydride which decomposes)
and (2) nonmetallic materials such as those stated in the indented
subclass definitions.
(2)
Note. For the purpose of this classification, elemental silicon
is considered to be a metal.
Abrasive Tool Making
Process, Material, or Composition,
subclass 309 for abrasive tool making processes, amterials,
and compositions comprising a free metal and metal oxides.
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Processes in which the nonmetal is carbon in its elemental form, i.e.,
not in the form of a carbon compound.
(1)
Note. The carbon may be in the form of, e.g., graphite, diamond,
etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Processes in which the nonmetal includes a mixture of different carbides or
a complex phase which includes carbon combined with a metal and
at least one more element which may be a metal or a nonmetal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Processes wherein the oxide contained in the final product is a binary
compound of oxygen and a rare earth element.
(1)
Note. For the purpose of this classification the term "rare
earth" includes elements with atomic numbers 57-71 and 87+,
i.e., lanthanum, cerium, praesodymium, neodymium, promethium, sam erium,
europium, adolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium,
lutecium, francium, radium, actinium, thorium, pratinium, uranium, neptunium,
plutonium, americium, curium, berkelium, californium, einsteinium,
fermium, mendeleyium, noblium and lawrencium.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes in which one or more dimensions of or the configuration
of the contour of the powder particles is recited in the claims.
This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Processes in which the shape of the particles is basically cylindrical
with the length considerably greater than the diameter thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes in which the lowering of the temperature of the hot sintered
product is regulated in some positive fashion.
(1)
Note. Cooling at a stated rate or in a stated atmosphere
are examples of controlled cooling within the definition of this
subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes in which there is an additional positive step following
the sintering operation other than controlled cooling.
This subclass is indented under subclass 26. Processes in which the interstices between the sintered particles
are at least partially filled by an additional liquid or solid material
which was not present during or prior to the sintering step.
This subclass is indented under subclass 26. Processes in which the sintered compact undergoes an additional mechanical
treatment.
(1)
Note. The working step may comprise, e.g., mechining, assembling,
forging, peening, rolling or other shaping, cutting, etc.
(2)
Note. If the product is heated and held at such a temperature
for an extended period of time, the presumption shall be that any
pressing operating is a working step under this subclass definition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes which include preliminary significant treatment, preparation
or manufacture of the powder or particulate material, prior to any
compacting or sintering.
(1)
Note. Processes here provide for which in addition include
such subsequent operations as provided for below are classified
here and cross-referenced to the subclasses below.
Metal Treatment, particularly
subclass 513 for processes of treating loose metal particles
(e.g., powder, etc.) to modify or maintain the internal physical
structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical properties of the metal
and lacking a sintering or compacting operation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Processes in which the powders of different chemical constitution
or physical characteristics are mechanically mixed together.
(1)
Note. The mixing may be performed by, e.g., tumbling, ball
milling, etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Processes in which preliminary operation includes comminution, disintegration,
abrasion or other mechanical method of producing a number of smaller
solid masses by the division of a larger solid mass or masses.
Solid Material Comminution
or Disintegration,
subclass 3 for processs involving mechanical comminution or disintegration
preceded by solidifying, consolidating, shaping and/or
sintering steps provided no chemical change is involved, and see
section 2 of the main class definition of Class 241 for the lines
between Class 241 and the chemical classes when a chemical change
is involved.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Processes in which the mixture which is consolidated is at least in
part the product of a chemical reaction between other starting materials.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Processes in which at least some particles of powder or particulate
material become covered by a layer of some other material, other
than a fugitive material.
Metal Treatment, particularly
subclass 514 for processes of pre-treatment or post-treatment
of a previously sintered or compacted consolidated powder metal
starting material to modify or maintain the internal physical structure
(i.e., microstructure) or chemical properties of metal combined
with a coating operation and wherein there is no actual sintering
or compacting operation present.
Electrolysis: Processes,
Compositions Used Therein, and Methods of Preparing the Compositions,
subclasses 80+ for electrolytic coating processes not claimed
in combination with a specific sintering operation.
for processes which use a fugitive liquid carrier
vehicle to make a slurry. If the admixture uses a carrier vehicle and
the produced preform is subjected to additional mechanical compaction, the
patent is placed here (in subclass 36).
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Consolidating of powder prior to sintering: Processes which include consolidating a mass of the powder at some
stage prior to sintering the particles therein.
(1)
Note. To be classified here the claimed process must recite
the pressing or shaping in a significant manner, e.g., a specific
pressure, pressure on all faces, pressure in increments, etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Specific pressure or lack of pressure recited: Processes which recite a specific pressure during the compaction step
or which recite that no nonambient pressure is imposed during the
compaction step, i.e., the quantity of pressure employed during
the consolidation step is recited in the claims.
(1)
Note. A compacting reciting the use of ambient atmospheric
pressure, which amounts to compacting by gravitation, is classified
herein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Processes wherein the compaction is effected by forcing the powder through
a restricted orifice under pressure.
(1)
Note. Extrusion processes as here contemplated are sometimes
referred as die expressing or aquirting.
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Processes wherein the powder is compacted uniformly in all directions
in a preformed flexible mold immersed in a fluid in a pressure vessel,
or wherein the compaction is performed on a hydraulic or hydrostatic press.
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Processes wherein the compaction is effected by a generally cylindrical member,
the roller, moving across the surface of the powder while revolving
about an axis or repeatedly turning over.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Sintering which includes a chemical reaction: Processes which include a chemical reaction which is effected by the
conditions present during the sintering step.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes wherein more than one metallic element is present in the
powder being treated and the conditions present during the sintering
step cause an alloy to form from those metals.
(1)
Note. For the definition of alloy see (1) Note in the definition
of class (75), subclass 122.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes wherein it is recited that some portion but not all of the
material melts during the sintering operation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes in which the particles are sintered by a combination of
elevated temperature and pressure applied thereto at the same time.
for processes in which the material to be sintered
is pressed to shape prior to heating to effect sintering, and 31
for processes in which the sintered articles is pressed after heating.
Electric Heating,
subclass 149 , for apparatus for briquetting powder metal involving
bonding of the metal particles by means of heat generated by an
electric current.
Plastic Article or Earthenware
Shaping or Treating: Apparatus,
subclass 78 for apparatus for forming articles by uniting associated
particles of metallic elements, alloys or amalgams.
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Processes in which heat and pressure are simultaneously applied during
the sintering step, and the pressure is applied uniformly from all
directions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Processes in which the pressure is applied by a generally cylindrical
member, the roller, moving across the surface of the powder while
revolving about an axis or repeatedly turning over.
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Processes wherein the pressure is applied from more than one direction, but
amounts to less than from all directions as is true in isostatic
pressing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Processes in which the applied heat is produced by any method which
employs electrical energy, other than radiant energy.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes which include a plurality of discrete heating steps, at
least one of which must be a sintering step.
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Processes wherein at least two of the discrete heating steps are recited
as occurring at specifically different temperatures.
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Additional operation between heating steps: Processes wherein at least one operation or step other than a heating
step is performed between two of the heating steps.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes in which the material is sintered while in a provided environment which
may be a liquid, solid, or a vacuum gas to produce a desired condition
during the sintering operation.
(1)
Note. Processes in which one of the material being treated
decomposes or reacts to produce a material which becomes the desired
environment are included in this and indented subclasses (e.g.,
a metal hydride, etc.).
(2)
Note. See Class 148, Metal Treatment, appropriate subclasses,
for metal heat treatment in general in special environments.
Metal Treatment, particularly
subclass 514 for processes of pre-treatment or post-treatment
of a previously sintered or compacted consolidated powder metal
starting material to modify or maintain the internal physical structure
(i.e., microstructure) or chemical properties of metal combined
with treatment in a controlled atmosphere and wherein there is no actual
sintering or compacting operation present.
This subclass is indented under subclass 57. Hydrogen or hydrogen plus nitrogen (N257): Processes in which the special atmosphere comprises hydrogen with
or without nitrogen being present.
This subclass is indented under subclass 57. Hydrocarbon or derivative (e.g., ch4,
etc.): Processes herein the special atmosphere contains hydrocarbons or substances
derived from hydrocarbons other than hydrogen.
(1)
Note. The atmosphere may comprise, e.g., methane (CH4)
gas, etc.
FORMING ARTICLES BY UNITING RANDOMLY ASSOCIATED METAL PARTICLES:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes for making articles by uniting powders or particulate materials
including a free metal without the use of heat.
Plastic and Nonmetallic
Article Shaping or Treating: Processes,
subclasses 109+ for similar processes performed on materials not
containing free metal particles.
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Processes which include preliminary significant treatment, preparation or
manufacture of the powder or particular material, prior to any compacting
or consolidation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Processes wherein during the pre-treatment at least one component
of the powder undergoes a chemical change.
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Processes in which at least some particles of powder or particulate
material become covered by a layer of some other material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Process which include the incorporation in the powder of a material
having the function of causing particles of the powder to adhere
to each other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 66. Processes wherein the compaction is effected by forcing the powder through
a restricted orifice under pressure.
(1)
Note. Extrusion processes as here contemplated are sometimes
referred to as die expressing or squirting.
This subclass is indented under subclass 66. Processes wherein the powders is compacted or shaped by pressure exerted
uniformly in all directions on a preformed flexible mold immersed
in a fluid in a pressure vessel, or wherein the compaction is performed
on a hydraulic or hydrostatic press.
This subclass is indented under subclass 66. Processes wherein the compaction is effected by a generally cylindrical member,
the roller, moving across the surface of the powder while revolving
about the axis or repeatedly turning over.
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