Class 528 provides for all processes of preparing polymers
from reactants wherein at least one reactant is devoid of ethylenic
unsaturation. In addition, Class 528 provides for processes of removing
contaminates or undesirable materials from a polymer, for processes
of physically treating polymer-material, or for processes of chemically
modifying a polymer without the addition of any extraneous material.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
Listed below are rules to be followed in (1) placing patents
into Class 528 and in (2) determining the appropriate subclasses
to be searched in Class 528.
A. Classification in Class 528, subclasses 1-425 is on the
basis of the reactants utilized. Some general rules to be followed
in determining such reactants are as follows:
Process claim recites preparing an intermediate which is then
reacted in a further step in preparing an additional intermediate
A + BC (Intermediate)
C (Intermediate) + D solid final product.
In this case, the reactants are A, B, and D. If reactant D is
first appearing in the schedule array, there is no necessary cross-referencing
to A, B, or to the intermediate C; however, if A or B is first appearing
then a cross-reference should be placed in the subclass providing
for C.
B. Process claim starts with intermediate C (i.e., no positive
preparation step claimed for intermediate C). Reaction calls for
C (Intermediate) + D solid final product. In this case,
reactants are C and D and classification is on the basis of the
first reactant appearing in the schedule array. See (M) for classification
of an intermediate condensation product.
C. Patentee claims polymer C. Examiner or searcher must look
to the disclosure to see reactants utilized.
D. A liquid polymer which is exposed to an after treatment
step is classified as a reactant.
E. When the claims and disclosures are silent as to whether
the polymer treated is a liquid or solid, the polymeric material
is to be regarded as a liquid and therefore as a reactant.
F. When the claims are silent as to whether the polymer prepared
is a solid or liquid and the disclosure is alternative, disclosing
both solid and liquid materials, original classification is on the
basis of general rules of schedule hierarchy and the alternative
species is mandatorily cross-referenced.
G. When the claims are drawn to alternative claimed subject
matter involving solid and liquid polymers, original classification
is appropriate on the basis of general rules of schedule hierarchy
and the alternative species is mandatorily cross-referenced.
H. Where there are generic claims presented (i.e., alternative)as
well as species claims such species claims will generally control
for classification purposes over the generic presented claims.
I. Markush claims of A or B are regarded as individual species
and classification is appropriate on the basis of general rules
of schedule hierarchy.
J. Claims which are drawn to an intermediate condensation
product as a reactant wherein applicant alleges indefinite structure
for the condensation product, are classified on the basis of the
reactants utilized in preparing the intermediate condensation product.
Urea-formaldehyde, phenol-formaldehyde, and methylol melamine
are considered as being indefinite materials and are classified
as urea + formaldehyde, phenol + formaldehyde,
and melamine + formaldehyde.
The reaction of a urea-formaldehyde condensation material + melamine
product to yield product is C is classified on the basis of either
urea, formaldehyde, or melamine, depending upon which is the first-appearing reactant
provided in the schedule array.
If, however, the intermediate condensation product is of such
definiteness as to be definable by applicant as a chemical compound,
e.g., ester, polyester, polyether, polyamide, etc., such intermediate
will be viewed as a compound and classified accordingly. An example
of the aforementioned concept is as follows: Applicant starts with
a (C) polyester prepared by reacting A + B. (C)polyester + isocyanate
(D)--- polymer (E). Reactants are C and D and claim is cross-referenced
to A and B if desired. If applicant identifies the final reactant
product only in terms of the reactants necessary to produce such reactant
product (e.g., urea-formaldehyde, etc.) classification is to be
made on the basis of the reactants recited.
K. In all cases where doubt exists as to whether a material
that is present during a reaction is a reactant or a nonreactant
(i.e., specified material) such doubt has been resolved by looking
at the material as if it were a reactant.
L. Applicants" statements as to functions of materials (e.g.,
catalyst, reactant, solvent, etc.) are to be taken literally and
to be followed. An exception to the preceding rule is in those
subclasses where specified rules are enumerated. If the Examiner
has any doubts as to statements of functions, such doubts can be
resolved by adequate cross- referencing. A specific exception to
the rule enumerated above regarding applicants" statements
is the question as to whether a material is a solid resin for the
particular chemical modification subclasses which are provided in
the schedule. In those cases where the claims are silent, the Examiner
may resolve the question by looking at the total disclosure of the
patent.
M. Classification into subclasses 1-425 is primarily on the
basis of reactant utilized. It is possible, however, that polymeric
products which may be identical in structure may be prepared from
different reactants, and that these reactant may not be claimed
or disclosed in the patent being classified. In those instances
where a product is claimed which the Examiner believes may be formed
from reactants which are not disclosed in the patent at hand, an
optional cross-reference into the nonclaimed or disclosed reactant
area may be highly desirable and appropriate.
The following rules apply in classifying a claim into Class
528 in those subclasses of the schedule which provide for processes
(i.e., in specified material areas).
A. Patents that claim a product and process, wherein both
the product and the process are specifically provided for in the
schedule, are classified in the process area and cross-referenced
to the product area.
B. Patents that claim both a provided for product and a process
of polymerizing, and wherein the product is claimed in process terms,
are classified on the basis of the process and cross-referenced
to the first-appearing reactant in the schedule utilized in preparing
the polymer.
C. Patents that claim a product solely in process terms are
classified on the basis of the process, when said process is provided
in the schedule and cross-referenced to the first-appearing reactant
in the schedule utilized in preparing the polymer.
D. Patents that claim a product in process terms, and wherein
the process is not provided, are classified on the basis of the
first-appearing reactant in the schedule utilized in preparing the
polymer.
E. Patents that claim a polymerizable composition or the
preparation of a polymerizable composition are classified on the
basis of the first-appearing reactant in the schedule that is part
of the polymerizable composition.
F. Patents that claim a polymer only are classified on the
basis of the first-appearing reactant in the schedule that has been
used in preparing the polymer.
G. Patents that claim merely vulcanizing, curing, or cross-linking
or a polymer proper for this area, without the presence of a specified
vulcanizing, curing, or cross-linking agent, or the amount of the
chemical agent or the vulcanized, cured, or cross-linked product
of such a reaction are classified on the basis of the first-appearing reactant
in the schedule that has been polymerized in the preparing the polymer.
H. Patents that claim a polymer which is the result of a degradation
of a polymer proper for this area, and wherein the degradation has
been effected in the absence of any chemical agent, are classified
on the basis of the initial first-appearing reactant in the schedule
that has been polymerized in preparing the previously formed polymer
that is degraded.
I. This class provides for a composition of a polymer proper
for this class admixed with a broadly claimed nonreactant not identifiable
by a chemical atom or amount; or for a process of preparing a composition wherein
the nonreactant material is not identified by a chemical atom or
amount and wherein the process of forming the composition recites
no process condition other than mere polymerizing. (See Class 523,
section I of the Class Definition, for a discussion of nonreactant materials
and designated nonreactant materials.)
Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers,
subclasses 242+ for products resulting from, or involving a polymer
proper for this class reacted with an ethylenically unsaturated
reactant.
SECTION IV - GLOSSARY
REACTANT
A reactant for purposes of this Class is a material which occurs
in a polymer as a repeating unit and is present in at least three
units. As used herein, reactant is meant to exclude catalyst residues,
chain transfer agents, etc.
WITH
For purposes of this class, the term "with" under
a specific reactant subclass requires the presence of the specific
reactant with a different reactant which meets the parameters set
forth by the "with" definition.
CONTAINS
For purposes of this class, the term "contains" under
a specific reactant subclass includes the term "with" and merely
requires the presence of the "contains" material. The
required moiety, element, etc., may be in the specific reactant
or in an additional reactant.
This subclass is indented under Class 520, subclass 1. Subject matter involving polymers derived from a plant-containing
material of unknown constitution or processes of polymerizing; polymerizable
compositions containing a plant material of unknown composition
or processes of preparing.
(1)
Note. The types of plant materials which are proper for this
subclass are those whose composition and constitution are not sufficiently
determined to enable their classification in the later subclasses on
the basis of a particular reactant(s).
(2)
Note. Types of materials included herein are nut shell liquors
and essential oils. This subclass includes cashew nut shell liquor
containing unseparated anacardic acid or Cardanol.
(3)
Note. This subclass includes derivatives of plant materials
which are undefinable as to chemical identity.
(4)
Note. Materials which are substantially known as to chemical
composition are excluded from this subclass or indents hereunder
and are classified below in the schedule on the basis of the first
specific reactant which is part of the chemical composition. If
in any claim, any doubt exists as to whether a composition is of sufficient
chemical identity so as to be classified as a specific reactant,
then such doubt is to be resolved by classifying the claim as an
original in this area and cross-referenced to the appropriate reactant
subclass.
(5)
Note. A chemical agent for purposes of this subclass is material
which is added to solid polymer and causes or is present during
a process wherein a chemical change of the solid polymer is effected.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein material derived from a cashew plant
and a sulfur-containing material are reactants.
This subclass is indented under Class 520, subclass
1. Subject matter involving polymer products derived from a
boron-containing reactant wherein at least one atom of boron is bonded
directly to a hydrogen or carbon atom or processes of polymerizing;
polymerizable compositions containing as a reactant a compound of
boron wherein boron is directly bonded to an atom of hydrogen or
carbon or processes of preparing.
for processes of preparing a polymer not involving
a chemical modification of the polymer, by the addition of a material
thereto, and for chemically modifying material other than the polymer.
Subclasses 480+ also provide for processes of admixing
with a broadly claimed nonreactant material.
Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubber,
subclass 239 for a polymer derived from a boron-containing ethylenic reactant
as sole monomer, or for a boron-containing interpolymer wherein
all of the reactants used in preparing the polymer are ethylenically
unsaturated.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter wherein the boron-containing reactant having
a or bond also contains at least one atom of oxygen directly
bonded to the boron atom of the or containing moiety.
This subclass is indented under Class 520, subclass
1. Subject matter involving polymer products derived from a
heavy metal or aluminum-containing reactant wherein at least one atom
of a heavy metal or aluminum is bonded directly to an atom of hydrogen
or carbon or processes of polymerizing; polymerizable compositions
containing as a reactant a compound of a heavy metal or aluminum
wherein the heavy metal or aluminum atom is directly bonded to a
hydrogen or carbon atom or processes of preparing.
(1)
Note. Heavy metal denotes a metal atom having a specific gravity
greater than four.
for processes of preparing a polymer not involving
a chemical modification of the polymer, by the addition of a material
thereto, and for chemically modifying material other than the polymer.
Subclasses 480+ also provide for processes of admixing
with a broadly claimed nonreactant material.
Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers,
subclasses 240+ for a polymer derived from a metal-containing ethylenic
reactant as sole monomer or for a metal-containing interpolymer wherein
all of the reactants used in preparing the polymer are ethylenically
unsaturated.
This subclass is indented under Class 520, subclass
1. Subject matter involving polymer products derived from a
silicon-containing reactant wherein at least one atom of silicon
is bonded directly to an atom of hydrogen or carbon or processes
of polymerizing; polymerizable compositions containing as a reactant
a compound of silicon wherein a silicon atom is directly bonded
to a hydrogen or carbon atom or processes of preparing.
for processes of preparing a polymer not involving
a chemical modification of the polymer, by the addition of a material
thereto, and for chemically modifying material other than the polymer.
Subclasses 480+ also provide for processes of admixing
with a broadly claimed nonreactant material.
Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubber,
subclass 279 for a polymer derived from a silicon-containing
ethylenic reactant as sole monomer or for a silicon-containing inter-polymer
wherein all of the reactants used in preparing the polymer are ethylenically
unsaturated.
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein a R3SiH or R3Si-CR3 reactant is polymerized
in the presence of a specified material.
(1)
Note. Silicones or polysiloxanes defined by the formula RnSiO
wherein R is C or H are considered to be polymers and are proper
for this area.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Subject matter wherein the metal atom is a Group VIII metal
atom (i.e., Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt, Rh).
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Subject matter wherein the specified material contains a
Group IIIA metal atom in elemental or compound form, i.e., Al, Ga,
In, Ti.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Subject matter wherein the specified material contains a
Group IVB metal atom in elemental or compound form, i.e., Ti, Zr,
Hf.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Subject matter wherein the specified material contains a
Group IVA metal atom in elemental or compound form, i.e., Ge, Sn,
Pb.
This subclass is indented under subclass 12. Subject matter wherein the specified material contains a
compound having at least one -O-O (peroxy) group.
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein a polymer has been derived from at
least one or containing material and at least one reactant which
is an organic compound and which organic compound is devoid of any
silicon atom.
(1)
Note. This subclass, for example, would include the reaction
between two or containing reactants and at least one organic silicon-free
reactant.
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter wherein at least one silicon-free organic
reactant contains a carboxylic acid group or is a derivative thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 26. Subject matter wherein said silicon-free reactant is a fatty
acid glycerol ester, a fatty acid or salt derived from a naturally
occurring glyceride, tall oil, or a fatty acid derived from tall
oil.
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein at least one or containing reactant
having a polyvalent atom which is other than carbon, oxygen, or
nitrogen (e.g., sulfur, phosphorus, etc.).
Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers,
subclass 279 for a polymer derived from an ethylenically unsaturated
silicon-containing reactant as sole monomer or for a silicon-containing interpolymer
wherein all of the reactants used in preparing the polymer are ethylenically
unsaturated.
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter wherein a containing compound possessing
at least two silicon atoms is reacted with a silicon compound containing
a single silicon atom.
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter wherein at least two silicon atoms of a
containing compound are joined by a single carbon atom, by a carbon
chain, or by a chain composed only of carbon and oxygen atoms.
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter wherein a containing compound with at least
two silicon atoms contains a carbon-to-halogen bond and which carbon atom
is not double bonded to an oxygen atom.
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter wherein a containing compound possesses
at least two silicon atoms with at least one silicon atom as ring
member of a nonhetero-cyclic ring (e.g., cyclic trisiloxane, etc.).
for a nitrogen-containing and -Si-C- containing
reactant wherein the nitrogen atom exists solely therein either as
a carboxylic acid amide or as a carboxylic acid nitrile, (-C=N).
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein a containing material is reacted
with at least one silicon compound which is devoid of any bond
(e.g., SiCl4, Si(OR)4, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein a containing compound contains at
least one fused or bridged ring system or contains at least one
ring composed solely of carbon atoms which is nonaromatic.
(1)
Note. A bridged or fused ring system for purposes of this
subclass requires that a given ring system be attached at two different
nuclear atoms of its system to an atom or chain of atoms which,
taken together with the two nuclear atoms, forms an additional ring
structure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein the containing reactant contains
at least one carboxylic acid group or is a derivative thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein the containing compound possesses
a carbon-to-halogen bond and which carbon atom bonded to the halogen
atom is other than as a carbonyl carbon atom (e.g., halo).
This subclass is indented under Class 520, subclass
1. Subject matter involving polymers derived from a reactant
containing a -N=C=X group wherein X is a chalcogen
atom (i.e., O, S, Se, or Te) or processes of polymerizing; polymerizable
compositions containing as a reactant a compound having the general
formula R-N=C=X wherein X is a chalcogen or processes
of preparing a polymerizable composition.
(1)
Note. This subclass also provides for those functional derivatives
of isocyanates which are generally known as blocked, masked, or
hidden isocyanates. These materials are those which revert on heating
to the -N=C=X group (e.g., urethanes or ureides
of phenols, alkanols, lactams, oximes, etc.)
(2)
Note. Where a -N=C=X group is produced by
an in situ reaction or a decomposition reaction (other than blocked, masked,
or hidden isocyanates), those patents have been placed as originals
in subclasses which provide for the compound prior to its decomposition
or on the basis of the reactants undergoing the in situ reaction
(e.g., adiponitrile, carbonates, or oxalates).
(3)
Note. Polonium is excluded from this subclass as being a chalcogen.
(4)
Note. As used throughout this subclass any reference to X
(e.g., -XH-C-XH, etc.) connotes oxygen, sulfur, selenium, or tellurium.
for processes of preparing a polymer not involving
a chemical modification of the polymer, by the addition of a material
thereto, and for chemically modifying material other than the polymer.
Subclasses 480+ also provide for processes of admixing
with a broadly claimed nonreactant material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Subject matter wherein at least one material having a -N=C=X
group which has been rendered inert by conversion to an inactive
group (e.g., blocked, masked, or hidden) is utilized as a reactant.
(1)
Note. The reaction process usually involves heating the reactant
which thereby reverts to a -N=C=X-containing reactant.
(2)
Note. The -N=C=X group which has been rendered
inert is usually in the form of a urethan group
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Subject matter wherein a -N=C=X-containing reactant,
wherein X is a chalcogen atom, i.e., O, S, Se, or Te, is polymerized
in the presence of a specified material.
(1)
Note. For purposes of this subclass, a compound having a single
-C-XH, -C-NH2-C-NHR,
or (X is chalcogen) is always considered to be a nonreactant. Similarly,
a compound having a single group is considered as a nonreactant except
where the compound is a fatty acid or salt derived from a naturally occurring
glyceride, tall oil, or a fatty acid derived from tall oil, in which
case, if the compound is a reactant it is considered proper for
Class 528, subclass 74.5.
(2)
Note. For purposes of this subclass a compound having two
or more or (X is chalcogen) or combination of functional groups
is always considered to be a reactant.
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Subject matter wherein the specified material contains a
compound having a single C-XH, C-NH2,
C-NH-, or group (X is chalcogen).
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Subject matter wherein the specified material contains a
compound having at least one -O-O- group (i.e., peroxide, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Subject matter wherein the organic nitrogen-containing compound
possesses at least one trivalent nitrogen atom which is bonded to three
atoms of carbon i.e., (C )3N
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Subject matter wherein the nitrogen compound whose nitrogen
atom is bonded to three atoms of carbon, contains a fused- or bridged-ring system
(e.g., triethylene diamine, etc.).
(1)
Note. A bridged or fused ring system for purposes of this
subclass requires that a ring system be attached at two different atoms
of its nuclear skeleton to an atom or chain of atoms which, when
taken together with the nuclear atoms, forms an additional ring
structure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 55. Subject matter wherein the specified material contains at
least one atom of Group IA or Group IIA metal atom.
(1)
Note. Group IA metal atoms are limited to Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs,
Fr. Group IIA metal atoms are limited to Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra.
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Subject matter wherein the -N=C=X (X is
chalcogen) reactant contains at least two groups.
(1)
Note. Patents for the most part herein are drawn to the after
treatment of a liquid prepolymer having terminal -N=C=X
groups.
(2)
Note. The addition of materials to a prepolymer intermediate
characterized by terms such as chain extenders, chain-lengthening
material, cross-linking or curing agents, is not sufficient absent
an amount of a material of chemical identity of added material (chemical
identity is identical to what is required of a specified material).
(3)
Note. For purposes of this subclass a carboxylic acid anhydride
is considered as having two free carboxylic acid groups.
through 85, for products and processes where a
prepolymer is inherently prepared in an ongoing polymerization reaction
and is subsequently modified, but where no intent has been made
to recognize or identify the prepolymer intermediate.
This subclass is indented under subclass 59. Subject matter wherein a material containing at least one
-N=C=X (X is chalcogen) group and two or more
groups is reacted with a material which contains a compound having
three or more -XH, NH, -NH2, C=NH
or groups or contains a compound having a combination of three
or more of these groups.
(1)
Note. In all cases each of the functional derivatives -XH,
NH, -NH2, C=NH, must be directly
bonded to a carbon atom. It is permissible, however, for these
functional derivatives to be bonded to different carbon atoms or
to the same carbon atom. A compound having three functional derivatives
bonded to a single carbon atom meets the requirement of this subclass.
An anhydride formed from two carboxylic acids is considered for
purposes of this subclass as having two groups.
This subclass is indented under subclass 59. Subject matter wherein a material containing at least one
-N=C=X (X is chalcogen) group and two or more
groups is reacted with a compound which contains two nitrogen atoms
as -NH, -NH2, or =NH groups or
a combination thereof.
(1)
Note. In all cases each of the functional derivatives (i.e.,
-NH, =NH, or -NH2) must be directly bonded to different
carbon atoms or to the same carbon atom. A single compound having
two functional groups bonded to a single carbon atom meets the requirements
of this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter wherein the reactant which contains two -NH, =NH,
or -NH2 groups also contains a heterocyclic ring.
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