U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
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U.S. Patent Classification System - Classification Definitions
as of June 30, 2000
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Class 148
METAL TREATMENT
Class Definition:
A. This is the generic class in the art of treating metal to
modify or maintain the internal physical structure (i.e.,
microstructure) or chemical properties of metal. Most
process subject matter under this class relates to treating
solid or semisolid metal with heat, without melting a
substantial portion thereof, and also includes the
combination of significant heating and working not provided
for in other metal working classes. However, casting or
casting and working of molten metal, if combined with
significant heat treatment to change the microstructure of
the solid metal resulting therefrom is acceptable in this
class. Cooling of metal to produce microstructure change is
proper for this class.
B. This class includes processes of treating metal to
intentionally develop, improve, modify, or preserve the
magnetic properties of a free metal or alloy, occurring alone
or mixed with one or more components.
C. This class includes processes of reactive coating of metal
wherein an externally supplied carburizing or nitriding agent
is combined with the metal substrate to produce a carburized
or nitridized or carbonitrided coating thereon or a uniformly
carburized, nitrided, or carbonitrided metal alloy containing
a metal element from said substrate.
D. This class includes processes of reactive coating of metal
wherein an externally supplied agent combines with the metal
substrate to produce a coating thereon which contains at
least one element from said metal substrate (e.g., oxidizing,
boronizing, etc.).
E. This class includes processes of chemical-heat removing
(e.g., flame cutting, etc.) or burning (i.e., oxidizing) to
remove a portion of a metal workpiece.
F. This class includes: (1) elemental metal, alloy or
metallic composition which is a product of a process under
section A, above; (2) elemental metal, alloy, or metallic
composition or multi-layered products under section B or C
above; (3) elemental metal, alloy, or metallic composition
which is the product of a significant Class 164 metal
founding step; (4) elemental metal, alloy, or metallic
composition which is the product of the dispersion of
particulate matter in molten metal which particulate matter
retains its identification in the final state; and (5)
elemental metal, alloy, or metallic composition which
contains an amorphous or shape memory property.
G. This class includes compositions employed in the treatment
of solid metal and processes for preparing the same when not
otherwise classifiable.
H. This class includes electrically conductive semiconductor
stock which is essentially homogeneous and has at least two
contiguous layers differing in the number of unbound
electrons and/or differing in energy gap levels which exhibit
a junction between layers (e.g., P-N type, etc.).
For amplification of A-H, see Subclass References to the
Current Class, below.
RULES OF PATENT PLACEMENT
Patents have been placed in this class employing the
so-called "genus-species" rule. Following this rule as
between a generic subclass and its indents, a species
unprovided in any indented subclass is specifically
classified in the generic subclass. Thus, a patent
containing claims to both a provided species and an
unprovided species is placed as original in the generic
subclass as the first (i.e., highest) appearing subclass and
cross-referenced to the indented subclass having the provided
species. A patent containing claims only for species having
provided subclasses is placed as original in the first (i.e.,
highest) appearing provided subclass and cross-referenced to
the other (i.e., lower) appearing subclasses.
Following the "genus-species" rule, all mandatory original
and cross-references only appear in the highest subclasses
providing therefor. The claims identify the mandatory
original and cross-references. However, if the claims are
all generic, the specification is used to determine mandatory
placement of the disclosed species, only if related to
features in the claim language.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
A. METAL CASTING, METAL FUSION BONDING, MACHINING, OR WORKING
CLASSES
For purposes of distinguishing over the metal casting, metal
fusion bonding, machining, or working classes, significant
heat treatment must be present to be proper for Class 148.
Significant heat treatment occurs when temperature or heating
or cooling rate is provided in a nonworking, noncasting,
nonfusion-bonding, or nonmachining related step or when
microstructure description is utilized in the claim to
describe the result of the heating or cooling treatment of
solid or semisolid metal. Working at a specified temperature
without mention of microstructure is not significant heat
treatment for Class 148. The mere use of the term "ageing"
or "tempering" will be considered significant heat treatment.
Except for "workhardening", the use of the term "hardening"
will be considered significant heat treatment. "Quenching"
will be considered significant heat treatment lacking an
indication that it means simply returning to a convenient
working temperature. "Stress-relief-annealing" will remain
in the metal working classes. Working metal in the
"superplastic" state or during "dynamic-recrystallization"
remains in the working classes unless a temperature is
provided. "Ion implantation" of a metal substrate will be a
sufficient indication of microstructural change to place
classification in Class 148. High frequency vibration of
solid metal for purposes of changing the microstructure
thereof is sufficient to take a combination thereof with the
above operations to Class 148 as an original. When combined
with working, "annealing", per se, will remain in the metal
working classes. However, annealing at a specified
temperature goes in Class 148. Merely, heating or cooling a
metal to a working temperature is not significant heat
treatment. In summary, the presence in any step of a
significant heat treatment as hereinabove described is
sufficient to place the classification in Class 148.
B. CHEMICAL PROCESSES OF MANUFACTURING METALS OR ALLOYS,
METALLIC COMPOSITIONS AND METALLIC STOCK CLASSES IN ORDER OF
SUPERIORITY.
Historically, placement of originals among the classes for
chemical processes of manufacturing metals or alloys,
metallic compositions classes and metallic stock classes did
not depend upon the most comprehensive claims and did not
follow superiority of statutory categories of invention
(i.e., process of using, product or manufacture, process of
making, apparatus for performing a process and material).
Within these metallurgical processes, metallic composition
and metallic stock classes, placement depends upon complex
lines established through experience. To simplify placement,
the following hierarchy containing the essence of historical
placement for these classes was previously established to
settle conflicts between the classes listed thereunder with
the first listed or higher class controlling placement, if
claims are present therefor and regardless of statutory
category. If a class other than those listed hereinunder is
involved, consideration of the other class is based upon
relevant lines, comprehensiveness, and superiority of
statutory categories of invention only with respect to the
other class. Having determined the controlling class,
placement of the original goes by the hierarchy within the
class and not according to the following list.
The superiority among the various metal, alloy, and metal
stock areas, and chemical methods of manufacturing them, is
provided in order under the search class notes as follows:
Class 419, Powder Metallurgy, appropriate subclasses for
processes of treating metal powder utilizing a sintering or
compacting operation and including post-treatment operations
if combined with the sintering or compacting operation. If
the starting material is preconsolidated, and there is no
actual sintering or consolidating step present, placement
goes as original to Class 148, subclass 514 provided
hierarchically hereinbelow.
Class 148, Metal Treatment, subclasses 22-30 for compositions
for treatment of solid metal.
Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and
Loose Metal Particulate Mixtures, subclasses 300, 301, and
303+ for gaseous, liquid, or solid treating compositions for
liquid metal or charges, and subclass 302 welding rod defined
by composition.
Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions and
Loose Metal Particulate Mixtures, subclasses 228-250,
consolidated metal powder compositions and subclasses
252-255, loose metal particulate mixtures.
Class 420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, claimed as
products.
Class 148, Metal Treatment, subclasses 95-122, 194-287, and
500-714 providing for processes of modifying or maintaining
the internal physical structure (i.e., microstructure) or
chemical properties of metal, processes of reactive coating
of metal and processes of chemical-heat removing (e.g.,
flame-cutting) or burning of metal. However, if metal
casting, fusion bonding, machining or working is involved,
there is a requirement of significant heat treatment as
described in "A. Metal Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc."
above.
Class 148, Metal Treatment, subclasses 33-33.6, barrier layer
stock material and subclasses 300-337 and 400-442, stock.
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.
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 by electrothermic,
electromagnetic, or electrostatic processes.
Class 420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, for processes of
manufacture.
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.
205, Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein, and
Methods of Preparing the Compositions, particularly for
processes of electrocoating of metal. At this time, Class
205 is a subdivision of Class 204 and therefore all notes
concerning Class 204 should be consulted when determining the
relationship to Class 148.
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, processes.
Combinations of reactive coating of metal and electrocoating
of metal go to Class 204 as original. See C, Chemical
Coating, Cleaning, Etching And Manufacturing Classes, below
for the line between Class 148 and Class 204. If metal
casting, fusion bonding, machining, or working is included
see "A. Metal Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc." above to
determine if this is proper for Class 148.
164, Metal Founding, subclasses 1+, processes. See the line
between Class 164 and Class 148 under A, Metal Casting, Metal
Fusion Bonding, Machining, Or Working Classes, above.
266, Metallurgical Apparatus, subclasses 44+, processes of
operating metallurgical apparatus.
C. CHEMICAL COATING, CLEANING, ETCHING AND MANUFACTURING
CLASSES.
If there is a combination of chemical coating, cleaning,
etching or chemical treating of metal and metal casting,
fusion bonding, machining, or working with significant heat
treatment in any step of metal to modify or maintain the
internal physical structure (i.e., microstructure) or
chemical property of metal, the combination goes in Class 148
as an original. To determine what constitutes significant
heat treatment refer to "A. Metal Casting, Metal Fusion
Bonding, etc." above. In the absence of casting, welding,
machining, or working, the combination of treating metal with
chemicals or chemical compositions and a separate step heat
treatment to modify or maintain the internal physical
structure or chemical property of metal, placement as an
original goes to Class 148 except as indicated in the
following lines. It is noted that heat treatment includes a
cooling of metal for Class 148 purposes. If chemical
heat-cutting (e.g., flame cutting) or burning (i.e.,
oxidizing), ion implantation, high frequency vibration to
change microstructure, carburizing, nitriding, or reactive
coating of metal is claimed, combinations with other classes
involving treating metal with chemicals or chemical
compositions will go to Class 148, subject to the following
exceptions.
Also see References to Other Classes, below, that reference
this section.
D. SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE MAKING AND SEMICONDUCTOR STOCK
Class 438 is the residual class for (a) multiple operations
(steps) for producing a semiconductor having a junction or
semiconductor device having a junction, usually between
P-type and N-type material or (b) an unit operation involving
semiconductor material, not elsewhere provided. Class 438,
subclasses 795+, provides for processes of heat treatment of
semiconductor material to change some characteristic thereof.
Since in certain instances semiconductor material could
include metallic compositions containing metal, placement
goes to Class 438 as original over Class 148 if during the
heat treatment there is either a change in the internal
physical structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical
properties since that is in essence a change in the property
of the semiconductor materials overall properties whether
those properties are expressed in terms of a change in
conductance or not. However, it is required that the metal
composition undergoing the heat treatment must be identified
or perceived as semiconductor material. If perceived, a
mandatory cross is made in Class 148.
Semiconductor stock in Class 148, subclasses 33-33.6, must be
essentially homogeneous and have at least two contiguous
layers differing in the number of unbound electrons and/or
differing in energy gap levels, which exhibit a junction
between the layers. Class 252, subclass 62.3, is the
location of compositions specialized and designed for use as
one layer which when combined with another such layer would
provide an interface exhibiting barrier layer properties
(e.g., as could exist in Class 148, subclasses 33-33.6,
stock, if the junction thereof were between P-type and N-type
semiconducting materials, etc.).
LINE WITH CLASS 29 AND CLASS 164
Combinations of casting and working are located in Class 29.
However, combinations of casting and heat treatment for
purposes of modifying or maintaining the internal physical
structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical properties of
metal go as original to Class 148. Combinations of casting
and metal fusion bonding, machining, or working go to Class
148, if there is significant heat treatment as defined
hereinabove. In continuous casting operations, wherein the
contiguous product is still connected to the casting surface,
a step involving significant heat treatment of the solid or
semi-solid metal which occurs outside or away from the
molding surface goes to Class 148. However, chemical heat
removing (e.g., flame-cutting, etc.) or burning (i.e.,
oxidation) of a continuously cast metal goes to Class 164, if
some of the continuously cast and contiguous product is
connected to the shaping surface. Cutting operations in the
mold go to Class 164. Combinations of reactive coating, ion
implantation or high frequency vibration to change
microstructure and casting go to Class 148 if they occur
outside the mold.
LINE WITH CLASS 204 AND CLASS 427
While the combination of etching and electrocoating or
sputter-coating or the combination of electrocoating or
sputter-coating and a Class 427 coating operation is proper
for Class 204, the inclusion of a post-treatment involving a
separate Class 148 operation to modify or maintain the
internal physical structure or chemical properties of metal
deposited by the Class 427 operation takes the overall
combination to Class 148 as original.
It is further noted that the other areas of Class 204, follow
a different line than the electrocoating or sputter-coating
with respect to Class 148. The presence in any step of an
operation proper for Class 148, if claimed independently, is
sufficient to take the noncoating Class 204 operation to
Class 148 as original. In the context of Class 204,
electrorefining to recover metal from solution is not
considered electrocoating even though an electrode is
plated.
LINE WITH CLASS 205 AND CLASS 204
See Class 205, Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used
Therein, and Methods of Preparing the Compositions,
particularly subclasses for processes of electrocoating of
metal. At this time, Class 205 is a subdivision of Class 204
and therefore all notes concerning Class 204 should be
consulted when determining the relationship to Class 148.
LINE WITH CLASS 427 AND CLASS 204
Class 148 provides for certain coating processes, per se, if
the substrate is metal. The species of coating, per se,
proper for Class 148 include carburizing, nitriding,
carbonitriding, or reactive coating of a metal substrate. If
there is a combination coating operation for Class 427 and a
Class 148 treatment of solid or semi-solid metal in a step
separate from the coating step to modify or maintain the
internal physical structure (i.e., microstructure) or
chemical properties of metal, the combination goes as
original to Class 148 whether or not the treatment is
preparatory to the Class 427 coating operation or is a
post-treatment of the coating or substrate or both. The line
to Class 204 must be followed as between Class 427, Class
204, and Class 148. Moreover, if metal casting, fusion
bonding, machining, or working is involved in the
combination, placement goes to Class 148 only if the heat
treatment is a significant heat treatment as defined in the
Class 148 definition, "A. Metal Casting, Metal Fusion
Bonding, etc., above." A combination of a metal working step
proper for one of the metal working classes and ion
implantation for coating purposes will be proper for Class
148. See particularly subclass 239 of Class 148 for ion
implantation of a metal substrate according to these
distinctions. See also the Class 427 definition "Search
Class" notes.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
22 see the notes for amplification of statement G of the
Class Definition.
33 see the notes for amplification of statement H of the
Class Definition.
95 see the notes for amplification of statement A in the
Class Definition, see the notes under subclass of this
class.
100 see the notes for amplification of statement B in the
Class Definition.
194 see the notes for amplification of statement E of the
Class Definition.
206 see the notes for amplification of statement C of the
Class Definition.
240 see the notes for amplification of statement D of the
Class Definition.
400 see the notes for amplification of statement F of the
Class Definition.
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, appropriate subclasses for processes
having combined operations involving metal working,
machining, metal fusion bonding, or casting class and
treating not provided for in the metal working, machining,
welding, or casting classes. Since Class 29 is a residual
metal treating class and Class 148 is also a residual metal
treating class, the relationship established makes Class 148
superior in all cases wherein significant heat treatment as
defined in "A. Metal Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc."
above, first paragraph, is included. However, Class 29 is
also a generic mechanical assembly class. See Notes to the
Class Definition, (2) Note of the Class 29 definition, (7)
Note under Class 29, subclass 592, and the Class 29, subclass
428, definition. Wherein Class 29 mechanical assembly is
involved, placement in Class 148 as original is proper over
Class 29, if significant heat treatment as described in "A.
Metal Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc." above is included.
In all other situations, mechanical assembly operations
remain in Class 29. The combination of reactive coating or
chemical heat removing (e.g., flame-cutting, etc.) or burning
(i.e., oxidizing) to remove a portion of a metal workpiece,
with a Class 29 metal working, machining, fusion bonding,
casting, or mechanical assembly operation goes as an original
to Class 148. (See Lines With Other Classes and Within This
Class, "Metal Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.," above.)
72, Metal Deforming, appropriate subclasses for processes of
deforming metal by working that involve the use of heat.
Class 148 is superior to Class 72, if significant heat
treatment is present before, after, or during the deforming
operation. Significant heat treatment is defined under the
first paragraph of "A. Metal Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding,
etc." above See Lines With Other Classes and Within This
Class, Relationship To Combination Classes, "With Heat
Treatment", paragraph (c) of the Class 72 definition. (See
Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Metal
Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.," above.)
117, Single-Crystal, Oriented-Crystal, and Epitaxy Growth
Processes; Non-Coating Apparatus Therefor, for processes and
non-coating apparatus for growing therein-defined
single-crystal of all types of materials, including metal,
alloy, or intermetallic single-crystal (except those proper
for the class of Metal Founding). Class 117 is proper for
metal, alloy, or intermetallic single-crystal growing in any
physical state, including solid phase recrystallization.
Class 117 is proper for metal, alloy, or intermetallic
single-crystal growing and such combined with perfecting
operations for the growing step, except that Class 148
provides for single-crystal growing combined with a
subsequent step of heat treatment (which herein includes
controlled cooling) when the purpose of the heat treatment
(or controlled cooling) is to modify the internal physical
structure or chemical property of a metal, alloy, or
intermetallic material. When the subsequent heat treatment
(or controlled cooling) merely operates on the
single-crystallinity, such as stress or strain annealing or
to remove point defects, the combined process is proper for
Class 117; when the subsequent heat treatment (or controlled
cooling) operates to effect significant metal, alloy, or
intermetallic material heat treatment (or controlled cooling)
purposes, such as solutionizing, homogenizing, or
precipitation hardening, then the combined process is proper
for Class 148. Class 117 provides for simultaneous or prior
perfecting operations combined with single-crystal growing.
See Class 117 definition, section C, (4) Note, for discussion
of perfecting operations. (See Lines With Other Classes and
Within This Class, "Chemical Coating, Cleaning, Etching,
etc.," above.)
134, Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, appropriate
subclasses for process of metal cleaning and pickling, per
se, Combinations with a Class 148 operation go as original to
Class 148. (See Lines With Other Classes and Within This
Class, "Chemical Coating, Cleaning, Etching, etc.," above.)
156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,
for adhesive bonding and chemical etching. Combinations of
adhesive bonding or chemical etching with treatment of metal
to modify or maintain the internal physical structure or
chemical properties of metal go as original in Class 148.
(See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class,
"Chemical Coating, Cleaning, Etching, etc.," above.)
164, Metal Founding, appropriate subclasses for processes of
casting molten metal. (See Lines With Other Classes and
Within This Class, above.)
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, appropriate
subclasses for processes of electrocoating or sputter-coating
that result in a metal layer being formed or in metal being
electrocoated by another material and combinations of
electrocoating or sputter-coating with other chemical
treating operations that (1) involve preparatory treatment of
metal substrates including heat-treatment which if claimed
alone would be proper for Class 148 and (2) post-treatment
solely of the electrocoated or sputter-coated layer including
heat-treatment which if claimed alone would be proper for
Class 148. However, if the subsequent treatment modifies the
original substrate or a combination of the original substrate
and the electrocoated or sputter-coated layer, placement goes
elsewhere.
Thus, Class 148 takes as original in combination with an
electrocoating or sputter-coating step only processes of
post-treating electrocoated or sputter-coated article or
stock having an original substrate which is post-treated and
having present therewith a nonelectrocoated or nonsputter
coated solid or semi-solid metal portion or layer to modify
the internal physical structure (i.e., microstructure) or
chemical properties of metal. In combinations, including
electrocoating or sputter-coating which have post-treatments,
that also include metal casting, fusion bonding, machining,
or working; it is necessary to have significant heat
treatment as defined in Class 148, Lines With Other Classes
and Within This Class, "A. Metal Casting, Metal Fusion
Bonding, etc." above before placement as original in Class
148. Combinations that involve reactive coating as defined
in Class 148, subclasses 240+, and a Class 204 electrocoating
or sputter-coating operation go to Class 204.
Carburizing or nitriding of metal operations as defined in
Class 148, subclasses 206+, if combined with a Class 204
operation go in Class 148 as original regardless of the order
of the treatment and whether or not the coating or substrate
is treated.
Since Class 148 is superior to Class 204, if claims are
present which independently are classifiable in both classes,
placement goes as original to Class 148.
(1) Note. Interdiffusion of the electrocoated or
sputter-coated layer occurring during the coating operation
or during the post-treatment operation is proper for Class
204 if limited to the interfacial region between the coating
and the substrate as a perfecting of the bond between the
coating and substrate. If the electrocoated or sputter-coated
layer is completely melted in the post-treatment operation to
perfect the bonding of the coating, this is proper for Class
204. If multiple electrocoated or sputter-coated regions are
interdiffused to the extent of completely alloying with loss
of layer identity, this is proper for Class 204. However, if
the coating is completely interdiffused into a metal
substrate to completely alloy, leaving no identifying layer
on the substrate, placement goes to Class 148. (See Lines
With Other Classes and Within This Class, above.)
205, Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein, and
Methods of Preparing the Compositions, particularly
subclasses for processes of electrocoating of metal. (See
Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, above.)
219, Electric Heating, appropriate subclasses for processes
of electric heating of metal for metal fusion bonding,
machining, or working of metal and for processes of heating
metal, per se. If the Class 219 metal fusion bonding or
working of metal is combined with significant heat treatment
of metal as hereinabove defined, placement goes to Class 148.
Lacking a step of metal fusion bonding, machining, or
working of metal, an electric heating to perform an operation
falling under the Class 148 definition will go to Class 148.
Class 219 includes processes utilizing an arc, plasma, laser,
or other electrically generated heat to cut metal. In
general, the combination of electric heat cutting and
chemical-heat removing or burning of metal will go to Class
148. However, an exception evolved in Class 219 wherein
there is a simultaneous chemical-heat removing or burning and
arc-cutting in which air or oxygen assisted the cutting (see
Class 219, subclass 69.1, (1) Note. Surface melting of a
solid or semi-solid metal workpiece for purposes other than
metal fusion bonding, and consistent with the Class 148
definition, are provided for in Class 148, even if by
electric heating. (See Lines With Other Classes and Within
This Class, "Metal Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.,"
above.)
228, Metal Fusion Bonding, appropriate subclasses for
processes of metal fusion bonding or welding of metal. A
combination of metal fusion bonding with a separate step
involving significant heat treatment as hereinabove defined
will go to Class 148. Thus, a subsequent step of heat
treating to perfect the solid fusion bond left by the fusion
bonding step as, for example, by diffusion or by tempering
goes to Class 148. However, nominal annealing with no
mention of the annealing temperature remains with Class 228.
Combinations of metal fusion bonding and a separate step of
surface melting of metal which is distinct and nonpreparatory
to the fusion bonding step go to Class 148. Combinations of
reactive coating of metal or chemical-heat removing (i.e.,
flame-cutting) or burning of metal with metal fusion bonding
go to Class 148. Combinations of high frequency vibration in
a separate step for purposes of changing microstructure and
metal fusion bonding go to Class 148. (See Lines With Other
Classes and Within This Class, "Metal Casting, Metal Fusion
Bonding, etc.," above.)
427, Coating Processes, for processes of coating, per se.
(See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class and
Within This Class, above.)
445, Electric Lamp or Space Discharge Component or Device
Manufacturing, appropriate subclasses for processes of
producing an assembled electric lamp or space discharge
device wherein final manufacturing steps involve Class 148
heating or Class 148 coating treatment of solid metal
electrodes or filaments within the completely assembled
device, in which case a cross-reference is placed in Class
148. However, any Class 148 treatment of a metal electrode,
per se, goes as an original in Class 148, regardless of
intended use in an electric lamp or space discharge device.
Thus, carburizing, decarburizing, or hardening of a metal
electrode or metal filament, per se, goes in Class 148 as
original. (See Lines With Other Classes and Within This
Class, "Metal Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.," above.)
502, Catalyst, Solid Sorbent, or Support Therefor: Product or
Process of Making, for processes of treating metal for
purposes of enhancing it's catalytic function or to make it
more durable for catalytic operation even if a class 148
operation is involved. However, if heat treatment is
involved to modify or maintain the microstructure or chemical
properties of solid or semi-solid metal, a cross-reference to
Class 148 is mandatory. (See Lines With Other Classes and
Within This Class, "Chemical Coating, Cleaning, Etching,
etc.," above.)
508, Solid Anti-Friction Devices, Materials Thereof,
Lubricant or Separant Compositions for Moving Solid Surfaces
and Miscellaneous Mineral Oil Compositions, subclasses
100-109 for inter alia materials used to make solid
anti-friction devices or articles, which material contain a
lubricant as a permanent part thereof, whether by permanent
coating, impregnation into the interstices thereof, or by
being part of the composition.
GLOSSARY:
AGING OR AGEING
Also termed precipitation hardening or strengthening. A
process whereby the hardness/strength of a metal alloy may be
increased by subjecting a supersaturated solid solution to
elevated temperature to precipitate out a secondary phase
containing the solute. Aging may also be manifested as a
spontaneous increase in hardness at room temperature. Aging
for a longer time than that corresponding to maximum hardness
at the particular temperature is termed overageing. Aging
after or during straining is known as strain aging. Maraging
steels are a specific group of high nickel (i.e., greater
than ten percent Nickel), low carbon martensitic steels which
can be fabricated while in a comparatively ductile
martensitic condition and later strengthened by aging
treatment.
AMORPHOUS
A term signifying a lack of regular crystalline order, much
like the absence of long-range crystalline order in glass.
ANNEALING
A single thermal heat treatment wherein the heating of a
metal workpiece to a temperature results in improved
formability.
AUSTEMPERING
A procedure that involves preliminary quenching of austenized
metal to a temperature in the lower bainite range, usually in
a molten salt bath, holding at this temperature until
transformation is complete, and quenching or air cooling to
room temperature. If desired, a lower hardness level may be
produced by including an additional tempering step.
AUSTENIZING
A process of heating to an elevated temperature within the
austenitic range.
BLUEING
A process of forming a protective oxide coating on ferrous
metal.
CARBURIZING
A process wherein a metal substrate is treated with an
externally supplied source of carbon resulting in the
carburization of the metal by chemical reaction or
diffusion.
CASE HARDENING
A term most often applied to carburizing or nitriding
processes which result in a hardened surface on the
workpiece.
MALLEABLEIZING
A process applied to cast irons whereby the combined carbon
in the as-cast microstructure is graphitized to form temper
carbon. When combined with decarburization of the surface,
the resulting product is termed white-heart malleable iron.
MARTEMPERING
A process which involves preliminary quenching of austenized
metal to a temperature just above the Ms temperature and
holding until the temperature is equalized throughout the
metal, followed by air cooling through the martensite
transformation range and subsequent reheating to produce
tempered martensite of the desired strength level.
NITRIDING
A process wherein a metal substrate is treated with an
externally supplied source of nitrogen resulting in an
increased nitrogen content of the metal by chemical reaction
or diffusion.
NORMALIZING
A process of heating the metal above it's critical
temperature range and cooling in air thereby establishing a
fine uniform grain size and improving microstructural
uniformity.
PATENTING
A continuous process consisting of heating the metal to a
temperature well above the upper critical temperature, then
rapidly cooling through the critical temperature at a
comparatively rapid rate to a predetermined elevated
temperature, the cooling step being commonly effected in a
fused metallic bath.
PRECIPITATION HARDENING
See definition for ageing above.
RECRYSTALLIZATION
A thermal treatment of previously worked metal to effect an
equiaxed microstructure through the nucleation of strain free
grains and the gradual consumption of the worked matrix by
the growth of these grains.
SOLUTION TREATING
A process whereby an alloy system possessing decreasing
solute solidity with temperature is treated to dissolve said
solute in the parent phase. Subsequent quenching results in
solute supersaturation and thus places the metal alloy in a
condition for age hardening. Also applied to heating a
multi-phase metal alloy to an elevated temperature to
dissolve one or more phases.
STRESS RELIEVING OR STRESS RELIEF ANNEALING
The heating of metal to a comparatively low temperature to
relieve microstructural strain induced by working.
TEMPERING
Involves the heating of previously quenched or normalized
metal alloy to an elevated temperature, and then cooling
under suitable conditions to obtain the desired mechanical
properties.
SUBCLASSES
Subclass:
22
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Compositions employed in the treatment of solid metal and
processes for preparing same when not otherwise
classifiable.
(1) Note. In this subclass are collected, for example,
compositions specialized for use in masking areas of metal
surface to protect said areas during the metal treatment,
e.g., the use of protective paint on localized areas during
carburizing or nitriding treatments.
(2) Note. The rules for determining Class placement of the
Original Reference (OR) for claimed chemical compositions are
set forth in the Class Definition of Class 252 in the SECTION
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS, subsection
COMPOSITION CLASS SUPERIORITY, which includes a hierarchical
ORDER OF SUPERIORITY FOR COMPOSITION CLASSES.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
106, Compositions: Coating or Plastic, for coating or
plastic compositions in general.
427, Coating Processes, subclass 259 for a coating process
including utilizing a masking coating.
510, Cleaning Compositions for Solid Surfaces, Auxiliary
Compositions Therefor, or Processes of Preparing the
Compositions, subclasses 245+ for metal cleaning
compositions, particularly subclasses 258+ and 269+ for
pickling compositions.
Subclass:
23
Compositions which contain a substance which facilitates
uniting by fusion in such processes as welding, soldering and
coating.
(1) Note. This subclass and indented subclasses 24 to 26,
also take methods of fluxing using a particular composition,
even when that method is designated as a method of soldering,
brazing or welding.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for Use
Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, appropriate subclasses for
fluxing compositions specialized for use in metallurgical
processes.
228, Metal Fusion Bonding, subclasses 214+ for methods of
soldering, brazing or welding which include, but are not
restricted to, the step of fluxing by the use of a particular
composition.
Subclass:
24
The composition as applied contains metal particles.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for Use
Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, subclasses 252+ for a loose
mixture of metal particles and nonmetal particles which may
be fluxing agents. Where such a mixture is claimed, and the
mixture is disclosed of use only for fluxing of solid metal
and only in combination with a vehicle, that is, a binder,
slurrying agent, etc., the patent is placed here and
cross-referenced in Class 75, subclasses 252+.
106, Compositions: Coating or Plastic, subclass 1.05 for
metal-depositing compositions which may contain metal
particles, a flux and a vehicle.
228, Metal Fusion Bonding, subclass 56 for comparison with
this subclass (24).
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclass 558
and 560+ for metallic stock material which often contains
fluxing ingredients.
Subclass:
25
The composition contains an oil or fat.
Subclass:
26
Composed wholly of inorganic substances when applied to the
metal.
Subclass:
27
Compositions for treating solid metal when in a heated
condition.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
13.1 for heat treatment processes utilizing special
compositions.
subclasses 27+ for heat treating compositions applied to
the surface of the metal work in the nature of a granular
deposit or coating.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
252, Compositions, for heat exchange and related
compositions, per se. This and indented subclasses of Class
148 provide for patents directed to metal heat treating
compositions where, in addition to the heat exchange function
the composition, or any of its constituents, reacts
chemically, with the metal or any of its alloy constituents
to form coatings, metal compounds, etc., or to case harden
the work.
Subclass:
28
The composition is in a liquid condition when brought into
contact with the hot metal.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
18 and 20.6, for processes of heat treating while contacting
the metal with a liquid.
Subclass:
29
The liquid composition contains an oil or fat.
Subclass:
30
The composition contains available carbon, which it gives up
to the heated metal.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
19 for processes of heat treating ferrous alloys for heat
treating while contacting the metal with a carbonaceous
solid.
Subclass:
33
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Electrically semiconductive stock which is essentially
homogeneous and has at least two contiguous layers differing
in the number of unbound electrons and/or differing in energy
gap levels, which exhibit a junction between the layers.
(1) Note. A semiconductive material is an electronic
conductor whose resistivity at room temperature is in the
range 10[supscrpt]-2 [end supscrpt]to 10[supscrpt]-9 [end
supscrpt]ohm-cm (which is between metals and insulators), in
which the electric charge carrier concentration increases
with increasing temperatures over some temperature range.
Certain semiconductive material possess two types of
carriers, namely negative electrons and positive holes. The
essential difference between a semiconductor and a metal is
that the number of free electrons in the former is very
small, the energy band being either entirely full or entirely
empty, except for a few electrons and holes created by
thermal excitation (intrinsic semiconductor) or by the
presence of impurities. By energy gap is meant the energy
range between the bottom of the conduction band and the top
of the valence band. The vacant energy levels in the valence
band are defined as holes.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
117, Single-Crystal, Oriented-Crystal and Epitaxy Growth
Processes: Non-Coating Apparatus Therefor, particularly
subclasses 22+ for liquid phase single crystallization
techniques of the melt-pull type which produce adjoining
crystals of different composition (i.e., junction formation),
subclasses 56+ for liquid phase epitaxial growth techniques
involving a change in a growth-influencing parameter (e.g.,
multilayer or junction or superlattice formation), subclasses
89+ for chemical vapor deposition techniques of forming a
single crystal involving a change in a growth-influencing
parameter (e.g., multilayer or junction or superlattice
formation), and subclass 105 for vapor deposition techniques
of forming a single crystal involving a change in a
growth-influencing parameter (e.g., multilayer or junction or
superlattice formation).
136, Batteries: Thermoelectric and Photoelectric, subclass
236.1 for thermoelectric compositions wherein at least two
elements of a battery are claimed; particularly subclasses
238 and 239 for semiconductive materials.
252, Compositions, subclass 62.3 for compositions
specialized and designed for use as one member of two whose
interface exhibits barrier layer properties, e.g., either
P-type or N-type.
257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g., Transistors,
Solid-State Diodes), appropriate subclasses for an active
solid-state devices many of which include a barrier layer.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclasses
615+ for a metallic composite defined in terms of the
composition of its components, especially subclass 620 for
such composite having a semiconductor component, but no P-N
junction.
438, Semiconductor Device Manufacturing: Process, for methods
of making semiconductor structures possessing a barrier
layer; see the search notes therein.
Subclass:
33.1
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Stock which has
two contiguous layers of semiconductive material doped to
degeneracy.
(1) Note. The term "degenerate" indicates a sufficiently
high concentration of carriers so that the material acts
essentially like a conductor rather than a semiconductor.
(2) Note. The contiguous degenerate doped layers exhibit a
junction width on the order of 200 angstroms.
Subclass:
33.2
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Stock in which
at least one layer contains voids, dislocations, grain
boundaries or channel openings.
(1) Note. The structural characteristics referred to in
this subclass may be present in the semiconductive material
by design prior to formation of contiguous layers or
subsequent to the formation thereof.
Subclass:
33.3
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Stock combined
with a nonsemiconductive coating.
Subclass:
33.4
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Stock in which
the material in at least two contiguous layers, which are
considered the semiconductors, is of different compositions.
Subclass:
33.5
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Stock comprising
three or more contiguous layers of semiconductive material.
Subclass:
33.6
This subclass is indented under subclass 33.5. Stock
including at least one alloyed layer of semiconductive
material having named impurities.
Subclass:
95
PROCESS OF MODIFYING OR MAINTAINING INTERNAL PHYSICAL
STRUCTURE (I.E., MICROSTRUCTURE) OR CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF
METAL, PROCESS OF REACTIVE COATING OF METAL AND PROCESS OF
CHEMICAL-HEAT REMOVING (E.G., FLAME-CUTTING, ETC.) OR BURNING
OF METAL:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter which relates to (1) a process of modifying or
maintaining the internal physical structure (i.e.,
microstructure) or chemical properties of metal not elsewhere
provided, (2) a process of reactive coating of metal, and (3)
a process of chemical-heat removing (e.g., flame-cutting,
etc.) or burning (i.e., oxidizing) of a portion of a metal
workpiece.
(1) Note. Most subject matter herein will relate to
processes of treating solid or semisolid metal with heat
without melting a substantial portion thereof and will also
include the combination of significant heating and working
not provided for in the other metal working classes.
However, casting or casting and working of molten metal, if
combined with heat treatment to change the microstructure of
a solid metal resulting therefrom, is acceptable to this
class.
(2) Note. For purposes of distinguishing over the metal
working classes, significant heat treatment occurs when the
temperature or heating or cooling rate is provided for in a
nonworking treating step or when microstructure description
is utilized in the claim. Working at a specified temperature
is not a significant heat treatment without mention of
microstructure. The mere use of the term "ageing" or
"tempering" will be considered significant heat treatment.
Except for "work hardening", the use of the term "hardening"
will be considered significant heat treatment. "Quenching"
will be considered significant heat treatment lacking an
indication that it means simply returning to a convenient
working temperature. "Stress-relief-annealing" will remain
in the metal working classes. Working metal in the
"superplastic" state or during "dynamic-recrystallization"
remains in the working classes unless a temperature is
provided. "Ion implantation" will be a sufficient indication
of microstructural change to place classification in Class
148. When combined with working, "annealing", per se, will
remain in the metal working classes. However, annealing at a
specified temperature goes in Class 148. Merely, heating or
cooling a metal to a working temperature is not significant
heat treatment. However, the presence in any step of a
significant heat treatment as hereinabove described is
sufficient to place the classification in Class 148.
(3) Note. The presence of carburizing, nitriding, or
reactive coating is sufficient to place the classification in
Class 148, even if a metal working step is present.
Subclass:
96
Superconductive metal or alloy (i.e., superconductive Tc at
or below 30 deg. K):
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Process wherein
a metal or an alloy of metal that develops zero resistance to
electrical current flowing therethrough at or below 30 deg.
Kelvin is the metal being treated.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, subclass 599 for processes of producing
superconductor without microstructural change or alloying
(e.g., by diffusion) and having superconductive Tc at or
below 30 deg. K.
505, Superconductor Technology: Apparatus, Material,
Process, appropriate subclasses for a process of treating
metal or metal alloy that becomes superconducting above 30
deg. Kelvin and for cross-reference art collections relating
to superconducting technology.
Subclass:
97
Particle (e.g., ion, neutron, etc.) bombardment or
electromagnetic wave energy (e.g., laser, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 96. Process wherein
a superconducting precursor or superconducting metal is
subjected (1) to particle (e.g., ion, neutron, etc.)
bombardment for purposes other than implantation or (2) to
electromagnetic wave energy (e.g., laser, etc.).
Subclass:
98
Producing or treating an A3B (e.g., Nb[subscrpt]3[end
subscrpt]Sn, V[subscrpt]3[end subscrpt]Ga, Nb[subscrpt]3[end
subscrpt]Al, etc.) superconducting alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 96. Process wherein
an intermetallic superconducting alloy having three parts of
metal A to one part of metal B present, often identified as
an A3B (e.g., Nb3Sn, V3Ga, Nb3Al, etc.), and said to have an
A-15 crystal structure is produced or treated.
(1) Note. This subclass accepts implantation of another
metal or element into the A3B structure.
Subclass:
99
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Treating in
extraterrestrial environment (e.g., space, moon, etc.) or
zero gravity environment: Process wherein a metal or metal
alloy is treated at any stage in an environment outside of
the atmospheric mantel surrounding earth (e.g., space, moon,
etc.) or in a zero gravity environment.
Subclass:
100
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Processes which
include developing, improving, modifying, or preserving the
magnetic properties of a free metal or alloy, occurring alone
or mixed with one or more other components.
(1) Note. Most of the patents in subclasses 100 through 122
relate to the production of stock material such as billets,
rods, dust cores, powder, etc., having magnetic properties
which are different from those of the starting material.
(2) Note. Subclasses 100 through 122 take all types of
processes of the type defined therein except those restricted
to changing the magnetic properties of a metal, and wherein
such change is effected by:
(a) electrolysis, provided for in Class 205, Electrolysis:
Processes, Compositions Used Therein and Methods of Preparing
the Compositions.
(b) casting a metal and treatment of the metal before
removal from a mold, provided for in Class 164, Metal
Founding.
(c) Class 335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches,
Magnets, and Electromagnets, subclasses 209+ for magnets and
electromagnets in general especially subclass 284 for patents
relating to magnetizing or demagnetizing, also Class 336,
Inductor Devices, appropriate subclasses.
(d) the formation of a coating on a metal base provided for
in subclasses 240+ of this class or Class 427, Coating
Processes, appropriate subclasses, respectively, depending on
whether the coating is accomplished with or without a
chemical reaction with the metal base.
(3) Note. The material being treated must contain a free
metal or alloy component which is intentionally included
therein. Treatment of such material, except as indicated in
(2) Note, will result in classification in Class 148 unless
there is a clear indication that such treatment has no effect
upon the internal structure of the metal. This factor is of
particular importance in connection with subclass 104.
(4) Note. Processes reciting some step in addition to heat
treatment and/or working are classified in this subclass,
rather than in one of subclasses 120, 121 or 122, e.g.,
combined processes reciting heat treatment and/or working
combined with any of the steps of manipulation, pickling,
impregnating, etching, winding, broad magnetizing, etc., are
placed in this subclass and cross-referenced to the
appropriate one of subclasses 120 to 122. However, some
operations which amount to no more than that of "providing"
the material, such as a broad casting of the metal or the
mere alloying of specified metals making up the material
whose magnetic properties are to be altered, are not
sufficient, by themselves, to place a combined process in
this subclass. In such cases classification will be in the
appropriate indented subclass.
(5) Note. Processes of producing metal powder, of the type
classifiable in Class 420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions,
accompanied by broad treatment in a magnetic field, not
carried out simultaneously with another operation, are
classified in Class 148 subclass 100 and in indented subclass
108 when such treatment is significantly recited. Where the
material has permanent magnet properties, such processes are
classified in subclasses 101+.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 300+ for magnetic stock resulting from processes
of subclasses 100 through 122, not recited in terms of
significant external structure. A claim reciting a
particular orientation of crystals relates to internal
structure and belongs in subclasses 300+.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, subclass 602.1, for (1) methods of
manufacturing magnets or parts thereof, having metallic
material as an active magnetic component which, in addition
to the manufacturing steps, recite no procedure other than
broad treatment in a magnetic field, for intentionally
modifying the magnetic properties of the work, or (2) methods
of manufacturing magnets from nonmetallic materials which
recite some step in addition to one or more of the following:
making the composition, molding, heat treatment,
magnetizing. Processes restricted to any or all of the four
named operations are classified in Class 252, Compositions,
subclasses 62.51+, unless the molding is recited
significantly in which case the process is classified in
Class 264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or
Treating: Processes, subclasses 427+.
75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for Use
Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, subclasses 343+ for processes
of preparing free metals or alloys, or mixtures thereof in
powder form, where the process does not modify any inherent
magnetic properties that may be present in the material or
where the magnetic properties of the material produced are
due entirely to the size and/or shape of the particles.
252, Compositions, subclass 62.51 for processes of preparing
magnetic compositions and the compositions resulting
therefrom as well as such processes combined with heat
treating, magnetizing and broad molding, taken singly or in
combination, except where a metallic component is
intentionally present in the composition and the magnetic
properties of such component are modified by some step of the
process, in which case the process belongs in Class 148,
Metal Treatment, subclasses 100+.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 296+ for magnets or
electromagnets with significant structural details.
336, Inductor Devices, appropriate subclasses for inductor
devices with significant structural details.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclass
267 for demagnetizing methods and apparatus.
420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, appropriate subclasses
for alloys designated as "magnetic" or "permanent magnet"
where no more specific designation of their magnetic
properties is set forth.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclass 611
for metallic stock material having magnetic properties
coordinated with its shape.
Subclass:
101
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Processes
carried out with material intended for use as a permanent
magnet.
(1) Note. Processes conforming to the above definition,
including broad treatment in a magnetic field or broad
magnetizing, not carried out simultaneously with another
operation, are placed in this subclass. Such processes
including a specific step of treatment in a magnetic field or
of magnetizing, are placed in subclass 103 unless age
hardening is included, in which case the patent is placed in
subclass 102 and cross-referenced in subclass 103.
(2) Note. This subclass and the indented subclasses 102 and
103 take processes of treating magnetic material under the
definition thereof, wherein the material at some stage of the
process is in comminuted form.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 300+ for permanent magnetic material resulting
from processes classifiable in subclasses 101 to 103, not
recited in terms of significant external structure.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, subclass 607 and 608 for processes of
manufacturing permanent magnets not coming within the
definitions of Class 148, subclasses 101 to 103, or Class
252, Compositions, subclasses 62.51+. The line involving
these three classes is stated in (3) Note and in the search
note to Class 29 under the definition of subclass 100 of
Class 148.
252, Compositions, subclass 62.51 for processes as described
in the search note to Class 252 under the definition of
subclass 100 of Class 148, where the products are permanently
magnetic.
Subclass:
102
This subclass is indented under subclass 101. Processes which
include age hardening.
Subclass:
103
This subclass is indented under subclass 101. Processes,
including a significant treatment in a magnetic field.
(1) Note. The processes of this subclass include at least
one step of magnetizing or other treatment in a magnetic
field, e.g., making the material magnetically anisotropic.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
108 for methods of modifying the magnetic properties of a
metal not capable of use as a permanent magnet, and not
classifiable in subclasses 104 or 105, involving the
significant application of a magnetic field to the work.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 284 for devices for magnetizing
or demagnetizing magnets or electromagnets.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclass
267 for demagnetizing methods and apparatus.
Subclass:
104
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Processes in
which comminuted metallic material, the particles of which
are usually separated from each other by electrically
insulating material, is compacted into self-sustaining form,
or in which a previously produced dust core is subjected to a
treatment not classifiable elsewhere.
(1) Note. For the line involving Classes 29, 148 and 252
relative to methods of producing magnetic material or stock,
see (3) Note and the search notes following the definition of
subclass 100 of this class.
(2) Note. To be classified in this subclass, a process must
recite a treatment in addition to that of compacting, which
alters or preserves the magnetic properties of the material.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
513 for processes of heat treating particulate metal not
involving altering the magnetic properties thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
252, Compositions, subclass 62.51 for processes of making
magnetic compositions, including the steps of magnetizing
and/or broad molding, even though a metallic component is
intentionally included in the composition providing the
composition is not subjected to a heat treatment which alters
the internal structure of such component. See the search
note to Class 252 under Class 148, subclass 100.
336, Inductor Devices, subclass 223 and 234 for dust cores
recited in terms of significant structure.
Subclass:
105
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Processes
wherein the material is in particulate form at the time its
magnetic properties are altered, as well as at the end of the
process.
(1) Note. The products of processes of this subclass are in
the form of powder, granules, flakes, lumps, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
513 for processes of heat treating particulate metal not
involving altering the magnetic properties thereof.
Subclass:
108
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Processes
including the significant application of a magnetic field to
the work.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
100 for combined processes not classifiable in subclasses
101 through 105, reciting a broad step of magnetizing which
is not performed simultaneously with another operation.
103 for processes involving the significant application of a
magnetic field to permanent magnet material.
Subclass:
110
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Processes,
restricted to the treatment of steel having at least 0.4%
silicon.
(1) Note. A process reciting "silicon steel", and not
specifying the silicon content, will be placed in this
subclass if it comes within the definition of subclass 100.
(2) Note. The patents of this subclass embrace a larger
combination of steps than those which are classified in
indented subclasses 111 to 113, e.g., many of the patents of
this subclass recite coating, pickling, or manipulation in
addition to working and/or heat treatment. However, some
operations which amount to no more than that of "providing"
the material, such as a broad casting of the metal or the
mere alloying of specified metals making up the material
whose magnetic properties are to be altered, are not
sufficient, by themselves, to place a combined process in
this subclass. In such cases, classification will be in the
appropriate indented subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 120+ for processes not classifiable in
subclasses 100 to 108 for altering the magnetic properties of
metallic material other than silicon steel.
subclasses 579+ for processes of treating silicon steels
which do not alter the magnetic properties of the material.
Subclass:
111
This subclass is indented under subclass 110. Processes
restricted to working or working and heat treatment.
Subclass:
112
This subclass is indented under subclass 110. Processes
restricted to heating and/or cooling.
Subclass:
113
This subclass is indented under subclass 112. Processes
wherein in the work is in contact with a special composition
or atmosphere which does not form a reactive coating with the
base, and wherein the work is not subjected to a mechanically
applied force.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
110 for processes wherein silicon steel is subjected to a
substantial force, as by clamping, while in contact with a
special material or composition without effecting any change
in shape or dimensions.
subclasses 240+ for processes wherein the only treatment
employed, to alter the magnetic properties of a metallic
material, is a reactive coating of a metal base.
subclasses 625+ for other heat treating of ferrous metal
with special compositions.
Subclass:
120
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Processes
restricted to working, or working and heat treatment.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
111 for processes of the type defined above when the
material being treated is a silicon steel.
Subclass:
121
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Processes
restricted to heating and/or cooling.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
112 for processes of the type defined above when the
material being treated is a silicon steel.
Subclass:
122
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Processes
wherein the work is in contact with a special composition or
atmosphere which does not form a reactive coating with the
base and wherein the work is not subjected to a mechanically
applied force.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
100 for processes wherein the work is subjected to a
substantial force, as by clamping, while in contact with a
special material or composition.
subclasses 240+ for processes wherein the only treatment
employed, to alter the magnetic properties of a metallic
material, is a reactive coating of a metal base.
Subclass:
194
Chemical-heat removing (e.g., flame-cutting, etc.) or burning
of metal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Process which is
directed to utilizing chemically generated heat to remove or
sever a portion from a solid or semisolid metal workpiece by
localized burning (i.e., oxidization) or by localized melting
(e.g., flame-cutting, etc.).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
164, Metal Founding, particularly subclass 460, wherein there
is flame-cutting of a cast product while a continuous portion
of the cast product is still associated with the casting mold
and see (2) Note thereunder.
166, Wells, particularly subclass 297 for a process of in
situ chemical-heat cutting of metal structures in the earth.
219, Electric Heating, appropriate subclasses for the
utilization of arc, plasma, laser or other electrically
generated heat cutting and particularly subclass 69.1 for
oxygen assisted arc cutting, per se.
(1) Note. In general, heat cutting and chemical-heat
removing or burning of metal will go to Class 148. A special
line evolved in Class 219 wherein arc-cutting in air or with
Oxygen assisted arc-cutting (see Class 219, subclass 69.1,
(1) Note) remained in Class 219 regardless of the oxidation
reaction involved.
Subclass:
195
Control responsive to sensed condition of workpiece:
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Process
including sensing or determining a variable condition of a
metal workpiece and controlling the process in response to
the sensed or determined condition.
Subclass:
196
Program or pattern control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Process wherein
a template or program generated function controls a cutting
action by causing a chemical-heating means to move in
response to the template or program.
Subclass:
197
Utilizing fluid contact other than flame:
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Process wherein
an auxiliary gas or liquid, utilized for purposes other than
chemical generation of heat, is brought into contact with a
workpiece for any reason; such as, for collecting or
ensnaring solid refuse or waste material produced by the
removing or burning process or for quenching or cooling
operations.
Subclass:
198
With solid additive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Process wherein
a solid treating agent is utilized on a workpiece or within a
flame to assist removing material from or burning of a
workpiece.
Subclass:
199
Metal powder:
This subclass is indented under subclass 198. Process wherein
a solid agent is in the form of free metal powder.
Subclass:
200
Of edge or corner (e.g., deburring, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Process wherein
an edge or corner of a workpiece is subjected to
chemical-heat removing or burning, per se, of all or a
portion of an existing edge or corner of a workpiece.
Subclass:
201
Cylindrical workpiece:
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Process wherein
a workpiece is of circular cross-section (e.g., rod, roll,
tube, etc.).
Subclass:
202
Scarfing (e.g., desurfacing, planing, gouging, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Process wherein
a surface of a metal workpiece is subjected to chemical-heat
to remove shards or small protuberances therefrom in a
desurfacing, planing, or gouging operation.
Subclass:
203
Simultaneous removing or burning of multiple sides of
workpiece:
This subclass is indented under subclass 202. Process wherein
a removing or burning heat concurrently impinges plural faces
of a workpiece.
Subclass:
204
Flame piercing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Process wherein
a metal workpiece is subjected to chemical-heat to form an
aperture or opening by completely burning away a portion that
initially resided at the location of an aperture or opening
without actually providing plural pieces.
Subclass:
205
Plural nozzles or plural work-contacting jets:
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Process wherein
plural nozzles or plural gaseous jets contact a workpiece for
purposes of chemical-heat cutting or other treatment
thereof.
(1) Note. This subclass excludes gaseous jets either as
surrounding or combining gaseous streams which mix or combine
in a single nozzle or which result in only one gaseous stream
that contacts the workpiece.
Subclass:
206
Carburizing or nitriding using externally supplied carbon or
nitrogen source:
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Process wherein
a metal substrate or workpiece is treated with an externally
supplied source of carbon or nitrogen or both resulting in
the carburization or nitriding of a metal by chemical
reaction or diffusion.
(1) Note. Carburizing or nitriding most often results in a
chemical reaction forming a metal compound. However, if
there is a positive indication of merely diffusion into the
metal substrate without a chemical reaction (e.g., carbide or
nitride formation, etc.) placement is proper hereinunder if
from an external supply of carbon or nitrogen.
(2) Note. Carburizing or nitriding combined with a step of
melting a metal surface is proper hereinunder.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
278 for processes of reactive coating wherein a carbide
coating is obtained by reaction of a noncarbon containing
external reactive agent (e.g., metal, etc.) which deposits on
a metal alloy base and carbon in the alloy base out-diffuses
or reacts with the agent to form a metal carbide coating on
said base.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for Use
Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, etc.,
appropriate subclasses for processes of reacting a carbon or
nitrogen source with a molten mass of metal to increase the
carbon or nitrogen content of the metal.
423, Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, appropriate subclasses
for processes of producing a metal carbide or metal nitride
(i.e., not a coated metal), per se, by reacting a metal with
a source of carbon or nitrogen.
427, Coating Processes, appropriate subclasses for processes,
per se, of depositing a carbide or nitride on a metal or
metal alloy base wherein the base does not supply the source
of the carbon or nitrogen or the metal which forms the
carbide or nitride (e.g., chemical vapor deposition of a
metal carbide on a metal base).
(1) Note. A metal layer on a metal oxide layer if
completely reacted with an external source of carbon to
provide a metal carbide layer on the metal oxide layer goes
as original to Class 427 since no metal layer remains
adjacent the metal carbide layer and there was no metal
substrate directly carburized. To simplify the line remember
that, if coating is involved, the carburized or nitridized
reaction product must remain adjacent or contiguous with a
metal substrate for the process to remain in Class 148. This
will apply whether or not the metal substrate remaining after
reaction was the source of the metal in the reacted layer.
Also, if no metal substrate remains with the product,
placement goes to Class 427 even if the reaction product was
produced from a metal substrate.
Subclass:
207
Carburizing or nitriding uniformly throughout the entire mass
(i.e., internal carburizing):
This subclass is indented under subclass 206. Process in
which carburizing or nitridizing is not limited to the
surface of a metal or metal alloy and which occurs throughout
the entire metal substrate.
(1) Note. This is not to be confused with carburizing or
nitriding which produces a case or layer of increased carbon
or nitrogen content on the external surface of a metal or
metal alloy substrate.
Subclass:
208
With decarburizing or denitriding:
This subclass is indented under subclass 206. Process which
includes at some stage in the process a procedure for
elimination or reduction of the carbon content or the
nitrogen content of a metal substrate by chemical or
physical-chemical procedures and does not include mechanical
procedures (e.g., grinding) for removal of the carbon or
nitrogen containing metal.
Subclass:
209
Utilizing particulate fluid bed:
This subclass is indented under subclass 206. Process in
which a particulate fluid bed is utilized at any stage in a
process of treating a metal or metal alloy for purposes of
heat transfer or carburization or nitridization or both.
Subclass:
210
Of selected surface area (e.g., zone, top only, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 206. Process wherein
only a partial area (e.g., zone, etc.) or portion (e.g., top
only, etc.) of a workpiece surface is subjected to
carburization or nitridization.
(1) Note. During carburizing or nitridizing, penetration of
carbon or nitrogen into the metal substrate or reaction
therewith creates what is often referred to as a gradient
referring to variation in composition with depth. This
should not be confused with the zone or portion of the
surface referred to in this subclass.
Subclass:
211
With working, machining, or cutting:
This subclass is indented under subclass 210. Process which
includes a step of deforming a solid metal or mechanically
cutting or grinding away of portions of a solid metal to
produce a desired shape or form.
Subclass:
212
Nitriding:
This subclass is indented under subclass 210. Process which
involves exposing a metal substrate or workpiece to an
external reactive agent containing nitrogen that causes
formation of a nitrogen enriched layer by reacting with the
metal substrate or workpiece at any stage in the process.
Subclass:
213
Utilizing attached protective shield, mask or coating:
This subclass is indented under subclass 210. Process wherein
a portion of a workpiece is covered with a temporary
protective shield, mask or coating that prohibits the
carburizing or nitridizing action in an area to which it is
attached and which is not intended to remain a part of the
final product and acts in transitory manner to achieve the
carburizing or nitridizing of a selective surface area.
Subclass:
214
With noncarburizing or non-nitriding coating:
This subclass is indented under subclass 213. Process which
includes a coating step other than carburizing or nitriding.
Subclass:
215
Measuring, sensing, or testing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 206. Process which
includes a recited step of measuring, sensing, or testing at
any stage in the process.
Subclass:
216
Of gas composition (e.g., carbon content, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 215. Process which
includes a step of measuring, sensing, or testing of the
composition of a gaseous environment or of input or exhaust
gases of the process.
Subclass:
217
With noncarburizing or non-nitriding reactive coating (e.g.,
oxidizing, siliconizing, boronizing, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 206. Process which
includes a distinct and separate operation involving coating
of a metal or metal alloy substrate with a material that
reacts with the metal to provide a coating thereon containing
the reaction product of the metal with an externally supplied
reactant other than a carburizing or nitriding reactant.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
240 through 297, for processes of reactive coating of metal
not involving carburizing or nitriding.
Subclass:
218
Combined carburizing and nitriding (e.g., carbonitriding,
nitrocarburizing, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 206. Process wherein
a carburizing and a nitriding reaction occurs in the same
process.
Subclass:
219
With working, machining, cutting, or post-carburizing and
post-nitriding heating or quenching:
This subclass is indented under subclass 218. Process which
includes either (1) a step of deforming solid metal or
mechanically cutting or grinding away of portions of solid
metal to produce a desired shape or form, or (2) a
post-carburizing or post-nitriding heating or sudden cooling
(i.e., quenching) operation.
Subclass:
220
With producing or treating of workpiece having plural
noncarburized or non-nitrided layers or mechanically engaged
article or stock:
This subclass is indented under subclass 206. Process which
includes producing or treating of (1) a workpiece having
plural noncarburized or non-nitrided layers, or (2)
mechanically engaged article or mechanically engaged stock.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
516 for noncarburizing or non-nitriding processes of
producing or treating of layered, bonded, welded, or
mechanically engaged stock or article.
Subclass:
221
With casting or solidifying from melt:
This subclass is indented under subclass 206. Process wherein
a metal or metal alloy is cast or a total mass (i.e., not
just a portion or coating) of metal is solidified from a
melted state.
(1) Note. Coating from a melt is excluded from this
subclass even though the coating is solidified.
Subclass:
222
Utilizing ionized gas (e.g., plasma, etc.) or electron arc or
beam:
This subclass is indented under subclass 206. Process which
uses at any process stage an ionized gas (e.g., plasma, etc.)
or an electron arc or beam.
Subclass:
223
Including use of vacuum:
This subclass is indented under subclass 206. Process which
includes use of a vacuum at any stage in the process.
Subclass:
224
Utilizing wave energy (e.g., laser, etc.) or electric heating
with work as conductor:
Process under 206 which uses wave energy (e.g., laser, etc.)
or electric heating with a metal workpiece as a conductor by
passing a current of electricity through the workpiece to
cause heating thereof at any stage in the process.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
222 for a process which uses ionized gas (e.g., plasma,
etc.) or an electron arc or beam.
Subclass:
225
Iron (Fe) or iron base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 206. Process wherein
a metal workpiece undergoing carburizing or nitriding is iron
or an iron alloy containing greater than 50 percent iron.
Subclass:
226
With working, machining, or cutting:
This subclass is indented under subclass 225. Process which
includes a step of deforming the solid metal or mechanically
cutting or grinding away of portions of the solid metal to
produce a desired shape or form.
Subclass:
227
Utilizing fused agent or media:
This subclass is indented under subclass 225. Process wherein
an agent or media in the melted or molten state is utilized
at any stage in the process for any purpose.
Subclass:
228
Nitriding:
This subclass is indented under subclass 227. Process which
involves exposing a metal substrate or workpiece to an
external reactive agent containing nitrogen that causes
formation of a nitrogen enriched layer by reacting with the
metal substrate or workpiece at any stage in the process.
Subclass:
229
With post-carburizing quenching:
This subclass is indented under subclass 227. Process which
includes a post-carburizing sudden cooling (i.e., quenching)
operation.
Subclass:
230
Nitriding:
Process under 225 which involves exposing a metal substrate
or workpiece to an external reactive agent containing
nitrogen that causes formation of a nitrogen enriched layer
by reacting with the metal substrate or workpiece.
Subclass:
231
Utilizing nitrogen containing agent other than ammonia or
elemental nitrogen:
This subclass is indented under subclass 230. Process wherein
a nitrogen containing agent other than ammonia or elemental
nitrogen is utilized.
Subclass:
232
With post-nitriding heating or quenching:
This subclass is indented under subclass 230. Process which
includes a post-nitriding heating or sudden cooling (i.e.,
quenching) operation.
Subclass:
233
With post carburizing heating or quenching:
This subclass is indented under subclass 225. Process which
includes a post-carburizing heating or sudden cooling (i.e.,
quenching) operation.
Subclass:
234
Utilizing agent containing cyano (CN) radical or halogen (X)
radical or metal carbonate:
This subclass is indented under subclass 225. Process which
utilizes at any stage an agent containing a cyano (CN)
radical or halogen (X=Fluorine, Chlorine, Bromine or Iodine)
radical or a metal carbonate.
Subclass:
235
Utilizing hydrocarbon, oil or oxygenated hydrocarbon (e.g.,
alcohol, furan, carbohydrate, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 225. Process wherein
hydrocarbon, oil or oxygenated hydrocarbon (e.g., alcohol,
furan, carbohydrate, etc.) is utilized at any stage in the
process.
Subclass:
236
Utilizing solid carbonaceous material containing free carbon,
coal, peat, or coke:
This subclass is indented under subclass 225. Process wherein
a solid carbonaceous material containing free carbon, coal,
peat, or coke is utilized at any stage in the process.
Subclass:
237
Refractory metal (i.e., Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, W) or
refractory base alloy:
Process under 206 wherein a metal workpiece undergoing
carburizing or nitridizing is a refractory metal (i.e., Ti,
V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, W) or alloy thereof containing
greater than 50 percent of any one of the refractory metals.
Subclass:
238
Nitriding:
This subclass is indented under subclass 206. Process which
involves exposing a metal substrate or workpiece to an
external reactive agent containing nitrogen that causes
formation of a nitrogen enriched layer by reacting with the
metal substrate or workpiece at any stage in the process.
Subclass:
239
With ion implantation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Process wherein
an ionic species is directed at a substrate with sufficient
energy to be deposited within the microstructure or
interstitial spaces of a metal substrate.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 206+ for ion implantation of carbon or nitrogen
which combines with the metal or metal substrate to form a
coating thereon or to affect a composition change
throughout.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, appropriate
subclasses for processes of coating a substrate utilizing
ionic bombardment and sputtering from a target wherein the
sputtered material becomes deposited on a metal substrate to
form a coating thereon.
(1) Note. There is no intent to take sputter coating in
this particular subclass of Class 148.
250, Radiant Energy, subclass 492.3 for processes of, per
se, ion or electron beam irradiation.
427, Coating Processes, appropriate subclasses for processes
of ion implanting, per se, or ion plating of the near surface
region of substrates in general to provide a coating
thereon.
(1) Note. There is no intent to take ion plating in this
subclass of Class 148.
(2) Note. Class 427 will take simultaneous ion implantation
and diffusion as proper for Class 427 if coating is present.
However, inclusion of a separate step which by itself would
be classifiable in Class 148 is enough to place the
combination in Class 148. Moreover, a combination of a metal
working step proper for one of the metal working classes and
ion implantation for coating purposes will be proper for this
subclass. Ion implantation throughout a metal substrate is
not merely coating for Class 427 and since microstructural
change is involved, placement will be considered proper for
Class 148.
438, Semiconductor Device Manufacturing: Process, appropriate
subclasses for ion implantation of a semiconductor substrate
(e.g., for gettering, amorphousizing, or doping of
semiconductor material to alter electrical characteristics,
etc.).
Subclass:
240
Processes of coating utilizing a reactive composition which
reacts with metal substrate or composition therefore:
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Processes
involving forming a layer of a coating on an elemental or
alloyed metal substrate by applying thereto a material which
reacts with the metal substrate to form a layer in whole or
part thereon distinct from the metal, per se, to a
composition which reacts with a metal substrate to form a
coating thereon and to processes of preparing said reactive
coating compositions.
(1) Note. This subclass also includes compositions and
processes of preparing same and methods of use which are not
specifically provided elsewhere and which perfect the
reactive coating processes. The perfecting of the reactive
coating process may be either prior or subsequent to the
coating process. Included herein are subcombinations where
the reactive coating step is not claimed, per se, or wherein
the composition or treatment involves a prior reacted metal
substrate. In all instances there must be disclosure
consistent with a coating process proper for this subclass.
(2) Note. Coating for purposes of this subclass is
consistent with the definition of coating as elaborated in
Class 427, Coating Processes.
(3) Note. Each of the subclasses under subclass 240 also
provides for compositions. In those instances where the
process of coating is not claimed or wherein a composition is
claimed which is not coextensive with the coating process it
is incumbent for proper placement to analyze the claim from
the perspective of the step which allows the claim to be
proper in subclass 240.
(4) Note. Unless specifically noted as, for instance, that
the material is reactive (subclasses 252, 254, and 256) or
nonreactive (subclass 248) the material in the coating
composition may or may not be reactive with the metal
substrate. There must be, however, at least one material in
the composition which reacts with the base. For instance, a
composition containing a nonreactive dicarboxylic acid and a
reactive inorganic phosphorus material is classified in
subclasses 253+.
(5) Note. Included herein are processes of coating a
nonmetallic material with a metal or alloy coating and
subsequently forming a base supplied reacted coating
thereon.
(6) Note. This and the indented subclasses do not include
case hardening, i.e., carburizing or nitriding processes and
compositions therefore.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
206 through 238, for carburizing, nitriding, or both (e.g.,
carbonitriding) using an externally supplied source of carbon
or nitrogen.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
106, Compositions: Coating or Plastic, appropriate subclass
for a coating composition which does not react with a metal
substrate to form a coating thereon and wherein the metal
substrate does not supply an ingredient of the formed
coating.
134, Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, appropriate
subclass for processes of cleaning a metal surface.
204, Chemistry, Electrical and Wave Energy, subclasses 471+
for electrophoretic or electro-osmotic coating and subclasses
192.12+ for glow discharge sputter deposition. Plural
coating processes wherein a Class 148 process precedes or is
subsequent to a Class 204 process are proper in Class 204. A
process involving electrophoresis, electro-osmosis, or
cathode sputtering and wherein a chemical reaction between a
metal substrate and a reactive coating material is involved
is proper in Class 204.
205, Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein, and
Methods of Preparing the Compositions, subclasses 67+ for
electroforming and subclasses 80+ for electrolytic coating.
Plural coating processes wherein a Class 148 process precedes
or is subsequent to a Class 205 process are proper in Class
205. A process involving electrolysis and wherein a chemical
reaction between a metal substrate and a reactive coating
material is involved is proper in Class 205.
252, Compositions, subclass 79.1 for compositions for
treating a metal substrate and wherein the disclosure is
silent as to a subsequent chemical reaction with a reactive
coating composition and which may react with a metal surface
and subclasses 387+ for anticorrosion compositions which may
react with a metal surface and which are added to a metal
surface indirectly as through a circulating system rather
than directly surface treating the metal with a composition.
427, Coating Processes, appropriate subclass for plural
coating, processes wherein none of the steps involves a
reaction of a metal or metal substrate with an exteriorly
applied chemically reactive coating material. All
combinations of plural coating methods, one of which is
applied by a Class 148 method, are provided for in Class 148.
Metals merely applied to a metal base unless otherwise
stated are not considered to result in a reaction and are
thus proper for Class 427. Nonmetals, e.g., C, B, Si, P,
etc., applied to a metal substrate are considered to result
in a chemical reaction unless otherwise stated are proper for
Class 148.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, appropriate
subclass for a coated metal product formed by a process of
this subclass, and in particular, subclass 472.1, 472.2 and
473.3.
445, Electrical Lamp or Space Discharge Component or Device
Manufacturing, subclasses 9+ for creating a deposition
layer within a space discharge device by reaction with a
gaseous material or aerosol and subclass 14 for coating on a
particular base material part or place.
510, Cleaning Compositions for Solid Surfaces, Auxiliary
Compositions Therefor, or Processes of Preparing the
Compositions, appropriate subclasses, particularly subclasses
245+ for compositions for cleaning a metal substrate and
wherein the disclosure is silent as to a subsequent chemical
reaction with a reactive coating composition and which may
react with a metal surface.
520, Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, appropriate
subclass for a coating composition containing a synthetic
resin or natural rubber and which composition does not react
with a metal substrate to form a coating thereon and wherein
the metal substrate does not supply an ingredient of the
formed coating.
Subclass:
241
Testing or electrical or wave energy utilized:
This subclass is indented under subclass 240. Subject matter
wherein a test, or electrical or wave energy is involved.
(1) Note. For purposes of this subclass the test or the use
of electrical or wave energy need not be part of the actual
coating process. It is sufficient if any part of the claim
involves a test, or involves electrical or wave energy.
Subclass:
242
Molten bath or molten surface utilized during reaction:
This subclass is indented under subclass 240. Subject matter
wherein the coating material is a solid at ambient
temperature but is in a partially or fully melted state or
wherein the normally solid metal substrate is in a partially
melted condition.
Subclass:
243
Liquid reactive coating composition utilized:
This subclass is indented under subclass 240. Subject matter
wherein a material which is in liquid form contacts a metal
substrate and reacts at the surface therewith to form a layer
on the substrate which is distinct from the substrate.
(1) Note. The material need not be liquid at ambient
conditions, it must, however, be liquid under the conditions
of use, e.g., molten, etc.
(2) Note. A liquid for purposes of the subclass can contain
solid materials, e.g., suspensions, slurries, dispersions,
etc. The material must, however, have a continuous phase
that allows it to flow readily and assume the form of its
container.
(3) Note. A solid reactant material which is to be
dissolved in a liquid dispersant is proper for this subclass,
additionally, a concentrate of a material which is to be
applied to a metal substrate upon further dilution or which
must be dissolved in a liquid for application is proper
herein.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
242 wherein a reactive solid material in molten form is
applied to a substrate.
Subclass:
244
Dye or organic pigment containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Subject matter
wherein the reactive liquid coating composition contains an
organic colorant, e.g., organic, dye, etc.
(1) Note. The organic colorant can be applied
simultaneously with the reactive coating material or can be
the reactive material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
8, Bleaching and Dyeing; Fluid Treatment and Chemical
Modification of Textiles and Fibers, in particular subclasses
506+, for processes of dyeing nontextile materials, and for
processes of dyeing previously modified metal surfaces
wherein the surface has been modified so as to be no longer
in a free metal or alloyed state, and no claim exists as to
the metal modification step.
Subclass:
245
Electrically insulating coating formed which is more than
mere oxide formation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Subject matter
wherein the reaction product of the metal substrate and the
reactive material is claimed or disclosed as being
electrically insulating and is more than the formation of an
oxide, per se.
(1) Note. Processes wherein a material reacts with a metal
substrate to provide a nonoxide coating are proper for this
subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 284+ for the formation of an oxide disclosed or
claimed as being electrically insulating.
Subclass:
246
Contains lubricant or oil or overcoat thereof:
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Subject matter
wherein the coating composition contains an oil, or a
material disclosed or claimed as a lubricant wherein the
reacted product's surface is overcoated with an oil or a
material disclosed or claimed as a lubricant.
(1) Note. In a reactive coating composition containing an
oil or lubricant material it is possible for the oil or
lubricant to be reactive with the metal substrate.
Subclass:
247
Contains an atom of hafnium, titanium or zirconium (excludes
activating composition):
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Subject matter
wherein the reactive liquid coating composition contains at
least one atom of hafnium, titanium or zirconium in either
elemental or compound form and wherein said materials are not
activators.
(1) Note. The hafnium, titanium or zirconium materials need
not be reactive with the substrate to be proper for placement
in this subclass.
Subclass:
248
Contains nonreactive organic liquid at ambient temperature
(e.g., solvent, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Subject matter
wherein the liquid reactive coating composition contains a
nonreactive organic material which is normally liquid at
ambient temperature (e.g., solvents, etc.).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
259 for a liquid organic material at ambient temperature
which is disclosed as being a reactant with the metal
substrate, and for solid organic materials at ambient
temperature which may or may not react with the metal
substrate.
Subclass:
249
Nonreactive halogenated hydrocarbon:
This subclass is indented under subclass 248. Subject matter
wherein the nonreactive liquid contains only atoms of carbon,
hydrogen and halogen or atoms of halogen and carbon.
(1) Note. Halogen for purposes of this subclass is limited
to fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine.
Subclass:
250
Contains organic phosphorus or organic chromium compound:
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Subject matter
wherein the liquid reactive coating composition contains at
least one atom of phosphorus or chromium as part of an
organic compound and which organic compound may or may not be
chemically reactive with the metal substrate.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 258+ for a liquid reactive coating composition
containing elemental chromium or an inorganic chromium
compound.
Subclass:
251
Contains solid synthetic polymer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Subject matter
wherein the liquid reactive coating composition contains a
solid synthetic polymer which may or may not be chemically
reactive with the metal substrate.
(1) Note. See Class 520 for a definition of the term "solid
synthetic polymer".
Subclass:
252
Contains dicarboxylic acid or salt thereof which reacts with
metal substrate:
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Subject matter
wherein the liquid reactive coating composition contains a
dicarboxylic acid compound or salt thereof which must be
chemically reactive with the metal substrate.
(1) Note. A dicarboxylic acid compound for purposes of this
subclass requires the presence of two carboxylic acid
groups.
A. A carboxylic acid denotes:
(A1) The C- C -OH structure wherein n is one or greater
and the C- atom is not double bonded to oxygen, sulfur,
selenium, or tellurium, or is not triple bonded to nitrogen.
(A2) The -C- C- C-OH structure wherein n is an integer,
e.g., oxalic acid when n=[supscrpt]1[end supscrpt]
B. The salt of a carboxylic acid denotes the structure:
(B1) C- C -O-X wherein n is one or more and the (C-C-O-)
group and the X component are held together primarily by
ionic forces; the carbon atom bonded to the -C- group is not
double bonded to oxygen, sulfur, or tellurium, or triple
bonded to nitrogen.
(B2) The structure Z- C -C-O-X wherein n is an integer, Z
is -C-OH or a derivative as defined in the (1) Note of this
subclass and wherein the X component and the (Z- C -O-)
component are held together primarily by ionic forces.
Subclass:
253
Contains phosphorus:
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Subject matter
wherein the liquid reactive coating composition containing
elemental phosphorus or an inorganic phosphorus compound is
applied to a metal substrate and reacts therewith.
(1) Note. In most instances the phosphorus material reacts
with the metal substrate. This is not a necessary criteria
for classification in this area. It is possible that a
composition containing a phosphorus atom will react with the
metal wherein the phosphorus atom itself does not react. In
subclasses 254, 256 and 257 the phosphorus must react.
Subclass:
254
Liquid composition applied prior to reaction of metal
substrate with phosphorus (e.g., cleaning, activating,
etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 253. Subject matter
wherein a liquid composition is applied to the metal
substrate prior to the application of the liquid reactive
composition containing a phosphorus atom in either an
elemental or compound form which is reactive with the metal
substrate.
(1) Note. This subclass takes liquid preparatory treatments
of the metal substrate prior to reaction with the metal
substrate. In certain instances, however, the step prior to
reaction with phosphorus can involve an additional reaction
with the substrate.
(2) Note. This subclass provides for processes and
compositions wherein the preliminary step of applying a
material to the substrate prior to reaction is claimed and no
claim provides for the subsequent reaction with phosphorus.
Subclass:
255
With additional coating composition containing an atom of
chromium, phosphorus or sulfur:
This subclass is indented under subclass 253. Subject matter
wherein the process involves two or more coating steps, at
least one step involves a coating composition containing a
phosphorus atom, and at least one of the two or more coating
steps requires a composition containing chromium or sulfur or
an additional phosphorus atom.
(1) Note. The requirement for this subclass is met as long
as one of the coating steps involves a liquid coating
composition containing phosphorus.
(2) Note. This subclass provides for processes and
compositions wherein the step of utilizing a coating
composition containing phosphorus, chromium, or sulfur is
claimed and no claim specifically provides for a preliminary
coating process of using a coating composition containing at
least one phosphorus atom. (It must be disclosed as a
preliminary treatment of the substrate.)
Subclass:
256
Specified liquid or gaseous coating composition applied after
reaction with phosphorus:
This subclass is indented under subclass 253. Subject matter
wherein a specified liquid or gaseous coating composition is
applied subsequent to the process of coating the metal
substrate with a liquid coating composition containing a
reactive phosphorus atom in either elemental or compound
form.
(1) Note. Specified for purpose of this subclass requires
that at least one chemical atom of the coating material be
identified in the claims. The term "organic" is not
sufficient to be considered as being specified.
(2) Note. This subclass provides for processes and
compositions wherein the actual step of chemically modifying
a base substrate with a phosphorus containing reactant is not
claimed and the claim itself is to the treating of a base
which has already been reacted with a phosphorus material.
Subclass:
257
Specified coating composition contains organic material:
This subclass is indented under subclass 256. Subject matter
wherein at least one of the atoms in the liquid or gaseous
coating composition is part of an organic compound.
Subclass:
258
Contains an atom of chromium:
This subclass is indented under subclass 253. Subject matter
wherein the liquid reactive coating composition contains at
least one atom of phosphorus and at least one atom of
chromium.
Subclass:
259
Contains organic additive other than for pH control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 253. Subject matter
wherein the liquid reactive coating composition contains at
least one phosphorus atom and at least one organic compound
and which organic compound is more than merely an agent for
controlling the acidity or basicity of the coating
composition.
(1) Note. The organic compound may or may not be a reactant
with the metal substrate.
Subclass:
260
Nitrogen-containing organic compound:
This subclass is indented under subclass 259. Subject matter
wherein the organic compound contains at least one nitrogen
atom.
Subclass:
261
Contains an atom of arsenic, boron or metal atom other than
alkali metal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 253. Subject matter
wherein the liquid reactive coating composition contains at
least one phosphorus atom and at least one atom of arsenic,
boron or of a metal atom other than alkali metal.
(1) Note. Excluded herefrom as alkali metals are lithium,
sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium and francium.
Subclass:
262
Contains an atom of iron or manganese or a group II metal
atom (Be, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Hg):
This subclass is indented under subclass 261. Subject matter
wherein the metal atom is iron or manganese or a group II
metal atom (i.e., Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Zn, Cd, Hg).
Subclass:
263
Contains an atom of calcium:
This subclass is indented under subclass 262. Subject matter
wherein the group II metal atom is calcium.
Subclass:
264
Contains an atom of chromium:
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Subject matter
wherein a reactive liquid composition containing elemental
chromium or inorganic chromium compound is applied to a metal
substrate.
(1) Note. The chromium in elemental form or as part of an
inorganic compound may or may not be reactive with the metal
substrate.
Subclass:
265
Post chromium treatment with specified material (other than
mere air drying):
This subclass is indented under subclass 264. Subject matter
wherein the process includes a treatment with a specified
composition subsequent to the treatment with the chromium
containing composition and wherein said specified composition
involves more than air, per se.
(1) Note. Specified, for purposes of this subclass,
requires at least one chemical atom of the material to be
identified in the claims. The term "organic" is not
sufficient to be considered as "specified".
(2) Note. This subclass provides for processes and
compositions wherein the actual step of chemically modifying
the substrate with a chromium containing composition is not
claimed and the claim is to the treating of a base which has
already been reacted with a composition containing chromium.
Subclass:
266
Contains an atom of sulfur, selenium or tellurium:
This subclass is indented under subclass 264. Subject matter
wherein the liquid reactive coating composition contains at
least one atom of chromium and at least one atom of sulfur,
selenium or tellurium.
Subclass:
267
Contains trivalent chromium ion or reducing agent or an
organic additive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 264. Subject matter
wherein the liquid reactive coating composition contains at
least one atom of chromium in trivalent form or contains a
material disclosed or claimed as a reducing agent or contains
an organic additive.
Subclass:
268
Contains an atom of boron, silicon or metal atom other than
alkali metal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 264. Subject matter
wherein the liquid reactive coating composition contains at
least one atom of chromium and at least one atom of boron,
silicon or of a metal atom other than an alkali metal atom.
(1) Note. Excluded herefrom as being alkali metals are Li,
Na, K, Ru, Cs and Fr.
Subclass:
269
Metal substrate contains elemental Ti, Zr, Hf, Cu, Ta, or Th
or alloy thereof:
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Subject matter
wherein a liquid composition is applied to a metal substrate
containing at least one elemental or alloyed form of Ti, Zr,
Hf, Cu, Ta or Th and reacts therewith.
(1) Note. This subclass provides for a metal substrate
containing any of the above elements regardless of the
amounts of those elements therein.
(2) Note. The particular elements enumerated above need not
be involved in the reaction process. It is sufficient for
purposes of the subclass if the particular element is present
in the substrate.
Subclass:
270
Contains an atom of sulfur, selenium or tellurium:
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Subject matter
wherein a reactive liquid composition containing an atom of
sulfur, selenium or tellurium is applied to a metal
substrate.
(1) Note. The sulfur, selenium or tellurium, required for
this subclass may or may not be reactive with the metal
substrate.
Subclass:
271
Contains organic sulfur compound:
This subclass is indented under subclass 270. Subject matter
wherein sulfur is in the form of an organic compound.
Subclass:
272
Coating or treating a metal oxide with a specified
composition:
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Subject matter
wherein the process includes a subsequent treatment of a
disclosed or claimed metal oxide layer with a specified
composition.
(1) Note. Specified for purposes of this subclass requires
that at least one chemical atom of the composition be
identified in the claims.
(2) Note. This subclass provides for processes and
composition wherein the actual step of producing the metal
oxide is not claimed and the claim itself is to treating the
metal oxide disclosed as formed by a process proper under
subclass 243 with a "specified" composition.
Subclass:
273
Contains an atom of arsenic or metal atom other than alkali
metal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Subject matter
wherein a reactive liquid composition containing an atom of
arsenic or a metal atom other than an alkali metal is applied
to a metal substrate and reacts therewith.
(1) Note. The arsenic or metal atom other than alkali metal
required for this subclass may or may not be reactive with
the metal substrate.
(2) Note. Excluded herefrom as being alkali metals are Li,
Na, K, Ru, Cs, and Fr.
Subclass:
274
Contains organic material:
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Subject matter
wherein a reactive liquid composition containing an organic
compound is applied to a metal substrate.
(1) Note. The organic compound required for this subclass
may or may not be reactive with the metal substrate.
Subclass:
275
Metal substrate contains elemental aluminum or magnesium or
alloy thereof:
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Subject matter
wherein a reactive liquid composition is applied to a metal
substrate containing at least one elemental or alloyed form
of aluminum or magnesium.
(1) Note. This subclass provides for a metal substrate
containing any of the above elements regardless of the
amounts of those elements therein.
(2) Note. The particular elements enumerated above need not
be involved in the reaction process. It is sufficient for
purposes of this subclass if the particular element is
present in the metal substrate.
Subclass:
276
Coating during or after metal oxide formation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 240. Subject matter
wherein a reactive composition is applied to a metal
substrate and reacts at the surface to form an oxide layer
and wherein concurrent with or subsequent to said oxide
formation an additional coating process is involved.
(1) Note. This subclass provides for processes and
compositions wherein the initial step of forming the metal
oxide is not claimed (it must be disclosed as formed by a
process proper under subclass 240) and the claim itself is to
the other coating steps required for this subclass and
compositions therefore.
Subclass:
277
Metal oxide formed after applied coating:
This subclass is indented under subclass 240. Subject matter
wherein a reactive material is applied to the surface of a
modified substrate and a reaction is caused thereby to
convert the previously formed surface into an oxide layer.
(1) Note. This subclass provides for processes and
compositions wherein the initial step of treating the
elemental metal or alloy containing substrate with a chemical
reactant is not claimed (it must be disclosed as a process
proper for subclass 240 and the claim is to the treating step
of forming the metal oxide and to compositions therefore.
Subclass:
278
Carbide formation, decarburization or carbonizing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 240. Subject matter
wherein a carbide is formed, decarburizing occurs, or a
carburizing reaction is involved.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
206 through 238, for carburizing, nitriding, or both (e.g.,
carbonitriding) using an external source of carbon or
nitrogen.
(1) Note. Thus, for this subclass the carbide formation or
carbonizing requires an external noncarbon or nonnitrogen
containing external reactant and the source of the carbon is
the substrate. Metallization of high carbon content alloy
substrate by vapor deposition of a metal without diffusion of
carbon to form a carbide containing coating thereon is an
example of the type reactive coating provided in this
subclass.
Subclass:
279
Contains an atom of boron or silicon that reacts with metal
substrate:
This subclass is indented under subclass 240. Subject matter
wherein a reactive material containing at least one atom of
boron or silicon is applied to the metal substrate and a
silicon or boron atom is disclosed or claimed.
Subclass:
280
Reactive material applied nonuniformly or reacted
selectively:
This subclass is indented under subclass 240. Subject matter
wherein the reaction with the metal substrate is of a
nonuniform nature.
(1) Note. Included herein, but not limited thereto, are
metal treatments utilizing a mask to shield a portion of the
metal surface and to expose a portion of the surface to be
treated or chemical treatments involving a single side of a
sheet material.
Subclass:
281
Metal substrate contains elemental Ti, Zr, Nb, Ag, Ta or W or
alloy thereof:
This subclass is indented under subclass 240. Subject matter
wherein the metal substrate contains elemental or an alloyed
form of titanium, zirconium, niobium, silver, tantalum or
tungsten.
(1) Note. This subclass provides for a metal substrate
containing any of the above elements regardless of the amount
of those elements therein.
(2) Note. The particular elements enumerated above need not
be involved in the reaction process. It is sufficient for
purposes of this subclass if the particular element is
present in the substrate.
Subclass:
282
Metal substrate contains elemental copper or alloy thereof:
This subclass is indented under subclass 240. Subject matter
wherein the metal substrate contains elemental copper or an
alloy thereof.
(1) Note. This subclass provides for a copper containing
substrate regardless of the amount of copper.
(2) Note. The copper need not be involved in the reaction
process. It is sufficient if copper is merely present in the
metal substrate.
Subclass:
283
Contains an atom of halogen, organic material or gaseous
sulfur:
This subclass is indented under subclass 240. Subject matter
wherein the material which reacts with the metal surface
contains at least one halogen atom (F, Cl, Br, I, At) or is
an organic material, or is gaseous sulfur.
(1) Note. See Class 260, Chemistry of Carbon Compounds for
a definition of the term "organic".
Subclass:
284
Coating composition applied forms oxide coating:
This subclass is indented under subclass 240. Subject matter
wherein an oxide of a metal is formed on a metal containing
substrate.
Subclass:
285
Oxide of aluminum, beryllium or magnesium formed:
This subclass is indented under subclass 284. Subject matter
wherein an oxide layer of aluminum, beryllium or magnesium is
formed on an aluminum, beryllium or magnesium containing
substrate.
(1) Note. This subclass provides for oxide formation,
regardless of the degree of oxide formation or the amount of
aluminum, beryllium, or magnesium in the metal containing
substrate.
Subclass:
286
Oxide of cobalt, chromium or nickel formed:
This subclass is indented under subclass 284. Subject matter
wherein an oxide layer of chromium, cobalt, or nickel is
formed on a chromium, cobalt or nickel containing substrate.
(1) Note. This subclass provides for oxide formation,
regardless of the degree of oxide formation, or the amount of
chromium, cobalt, or nickel in the metal containing
substrate.
Subclass:
287
Oxide of iron formed:
This subclass is indented under subclass 284. Subject matter
wherein an oxide layer of iron is formed on an iron
containing substrate.
(1) Note. This subclass provides for iron oxide formation
regardless of the degree of oxide formation or the amount of
iron in the metal containing substrate.
Subclass:
300
Magnetic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Stock material
for magnetic material which is claimed as resulting from a
Class 148 treatment, as having an internal structure which
resulted from a Class 148 treatment, which is claimed in
terms of a specified magnetic property, e.g., coercive force,
etc., or for coated magnetic material wherein the coating is
followed by a Class 148 treatment.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 100+ for processes of developing, improving,
modifying or preserving the magnetic properties of metallic
material by a Class 148 process.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
252, Compositions, subclass 62.51 for magnetic compositions
which do not contain a continuous phase of metal. The
recitation that metallic particles are present in a
nonmetallic (e.g., resinous) vehicle, matrix or binder will
be taken as meaning that no continuous phase of metal is
present.
420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, appropriate subclasses
for alloys or metallic compositions defined only as
"magnetic", "magnetized" or "permanent magnet", material even
though disclosed as resulting from a Class 148 treatment as
well as alloys or metallic compositions claimed, per se,
which are inherently magnetic.
427, Coating Processes, subclasses 127+ for coating
processes, per se, wherein the base or coating are magnetic
and wherein there is no separate step of modifying or
maintaining the internal physical structure (i.e.,
microstructure) or chemical properties of the metal.
Subclass:
301
Rare earth and transition metal containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Stock material
which contains both a rare earth metal and a transition
metal, e.g., Co[subscrpt]5[end subscrpt] Sm etc.
Subclass:
302
Boron containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 301. Stock material
which additionally contains boron.
Subclass:
303
Copper containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 301. Stock material
which additional contains copper.
Subclass:
304
Amorphous:
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Stock material
which has no regular crystal structure but rather has a
series of noncrystalline areas much like a glass.
(1) Note. The recitation that a material is "glassy" will
be taken as an indication of amorphous structure.
(2) Note. Amorphous Structure is usually created by cooling
certain alloys at extremely high rates of speed such that the
alloy can be cooled before having a chance to crystallize.
Subclass:
305
With inclusion:
This subclass is indented under subclass 304. Amorphous stock
material which internal structure interspersed within an
amorphous matrix.
(1) Note. These inclusions may be formed within the
amorphous matrix or caused to form by later treatment, e.g.,
precipitate, etc.
Subclass:
306
Iron base (i.e., ferrous):
This subclass is indented under subclass 306. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent iron.
Subclass:
307
Silicon containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 306. Stock material
which additionally contains silicon.
Subclass:
308
Specific crystallos:graphic orientations:
This subclass is indented under subclass 307. Stock material
wherein the material is defined as having its crystals
oriented in a particular manner, e.g., by Miller indices,
"cube on edge" etc.
(1) Note. A specification of random orientation is excluded
and placed in subclasses 307 or 309.
Subclass:
309
Containing over 1 percent aluminum:
This subclass is indented under subclass 307. Stock material
which additionally contains more than 1 percent aluminum.
Subclass:
310
Nickel containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 306. Stock material
which additionally contains nickel.
Subclass:
311
Cobalt containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 306. Stock material
which additionally contains cobalt.
Subclass:
312
Nickel base:
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent nickel.
Subclass:
313
Cobalt base:
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent cobalt.
Subclass:
314
Manganese base:
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent manganese.
Subclass:
315
No single metal over 500 percent:
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Stock material
which contains 50 percent or less of any single metal, i.e.,
no base metal.
Subclass:
316
Carburized or nitrided:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Stock material
wherein the surface of the material contains additional
carbon or nitrogen diffused therein.
(1) Note. So called "case hardened" material is presumed to
have carbon only diffused into the surface unless indicated
to the contrary.
Subclass:
317
Nitrided:
This subclass is indented under subclass 316. Stock material
wherein the surface of the material contains additional
nitrogen diffused therein.
(1) Note. This and the indented subclass contain patents to
so called "carbonitrided" material wherein both carbon and
nitrogen have been diffused into the surface.
Subclass:
318
Ferrous (i.e., iron base):
This subclass is indented under subclass 317. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent iron.
Subclass:
319
Ferrous (i.e., iron base):
This subclass is indented under subclass 316. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent iron.
Subclass:
320
Ferrous (i.e., iron base):
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent iron.
Subclass:
321
1.7 Percent or more carbon containing (e.g., cast iron):
This subclass is indented under subclass 320. Stock material
which additionally contains 1.7 percent or more carbon.
(1) Note. Most so called "cast iron" contains over 1.7
percent carbon. A patent claiming "cast iron" will be placed
in this or indented subclasses in the absence of a specific
disclosure that the carbon content is less than 1.7 percent.
Subclass:
322
Malleabilized:
This subclass is indented under subclass 321. Stock material
which is chill cast iron (see subclass 323 for definition)
which has been subsequently heat treated to allow the
combined carbon of the white chill cast iron to substantially
precipitate as fine globules of graphite in a matrix of iron
of much lower carbon contact (usually in the range of .4 to
.6 percent).
(1) Note. The terms "malleabilized" or "malleable iron"
will be taken as meaning a patent is proper for this subclass
in the absence of disclosure that the carbon content is less
than 1.7 percent or the disclosure that the heat treatment of
white cast iron is not intended.
Subclass:
323
Chill cast:
This subclass is indented under subclass 321. Stock material
which has been cast in such a manner that substantially all
the carbon in the iron is combined with the iron rather than
allowed to precipitate out as inclusions of free graphite
carbon.
(1) Note. The presence of combined carbon and absence of
free graphite causes the chill cast iron to have a white
rather than a grey appearance when fractured. The recitation
that a cast iron is "white" will be taken to mean that it has
been chill cast. So called "mottled iron" which contains
areas of white iron mixed with grey iron will also be
classified hereunder.
Subclass:
324
Six percent or more group IV, V or IV transition metal
containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 321. Stock material
which additionally contains one or more of the elements
titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum,
chromium, molybdenum or tungsten in a total amount of 6
percent or more.
Subclass:
325
Nine percent or more chromium containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 320. Stock material
which additionally contains 9 percent of more chromium.
(1) Note. This subclass contains most so called stainless
steels. The recitation that a stock material is "stainless
steel" will cause it to be placed in this or indented
subclasses unless it is clear that the material does not
contain 9 percent or more chromium.
Subclass:
326
Age or precipitation hardened or strengthened:
This subclass is indented under subclass 325. Stock material
which has been first heated to a relatively high temperature
to cause ingredients thereof to dissolve to form a solid
solution and then aged, or heated to a lower temperature for
an extended period of time whereby phases are precipitated
which increase the hardness, or strength of the material.
(1) Note. Often after the first high temperature heating
"solution treatment" the material is quenched to room
temperature before being heated to age or precipitate.
(2) Note. The aging, or precipitation may take place at
room temperature for some material, but there must be a
positive recitation of "aging", or "precipitation", or words
to that effect in the claims to place a material here.
(3) Note. "Solution" treated material which has not been
positively claimed as given an aging, or precipitation
treatment is excluded herefrom and placed in subclasses 325
or 327 as appropriate.
Subclass:
327
Eight percent for more total content of nickel and/or
manganese:
This subclass is indented under subclass 325. Stock material
which additionally contains a combined total of 8 percent or
more.
(1) Note. The stock material need not contain any nickel or
manganese at all if the content of the other element is 8
percent or more.
Subclass:
328
Age or precipitation hardened or strengthened:
This subclass is indented under subclass 320. Stock material
which has been first heated to a relatively high temperature
to cause ingredients thereof to dissolve to form a solid
solution and then aged, or heated to a lower temperature for
an extended period of time whereby phases are precipitated
which increase the hardness, or strength of the material.
(1) Note. Often after the first high temperature heating
"solution treatment" the material is quenched room
temperature before being heated to age, or precipitate.
(2) Note. The aging, or precipitation may take place at
room temperature for some material, but there must be a
positive recitation of "aging", or "precipitation", or words
to that effect in the claims to place a material here.
(3) Note. "Solution" treated material which has not been
positively claimed as given an aging, or precipitation
treatment is excluded herefrom and placed in appropriate
subclasses below.
Subclass:
329
Eight percent or more manganese containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 320. Stock material
which additionally contains 8 percent or more manganese.
Subclass:
330
Beryllium or boron containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 320. Stock material
which additionally contains beryllium or boron.
Subclass:
331
Rare earth metal containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 320. Stock material
which additionally contains scandium, yttrium or a lanthanide
metal.
Subclass:
332
Copper containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 320. Stock material
which additionally contains copper.
Subclass:
333
Chromium containing, but less than 9 percent:
This subclass is indented under subclass 320. Stock material
which additionally contains chromium in an amount of less
than 9 percent.
Subclass:
334
Molybdenum containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 333. Stock material
which additionally contains molybdenum.
Subclass:
335
Nickel containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 334. Stock material
which additionally contains nickel.
Subclass:
336
Nickel containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 320. Stock material
which additionally contains nickel.
Subclass:
337
Three percent or more manganese containing or containing
other transition metal in any amount:
This subclass is indented under subclass 320. Stock material
which additionally contains at least one of 3 percent or more
manganese or any amount of one or more other transition
metals not provided for above.
(1) Note. Transition metals are those elements with atomic
numbers 21 through 30, 39 through 48 and 57 through 80.
Subclass:
400
STOCK:
Elemental metal, alloys or metallic compositions which (a)
are the product of a process or this class (148) e.g., heat
treated, age hardened etc., (b) are claimed in terms of
specific magnetic properties, (c) are amorphous, (d) possess
the property of shape memory, (e) are the product of
significant Class 164, Metal Founding, step, e.g., chill
cast, directionally solidified etc., or (f) are the product
of the dispersion of particulate matter in molten metal which
particulate matter retains its identity in the final product,
e.g., dispersion strengthened.
(1) Note. An alloy or metallic composition defined solely
in terms of its elemental constituents is classified in Class
420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, whether or not such a
claim includes a recitation of physical or chemical
properties such as noncorrosiveness, hardness or ductility
which are inherent in the alloy or metallic composition.
(2) Note. As to (a) of this subclass definition the
recitation of chemical or physical properties which are the
result of a Class 148 process of treatment is proper for this
or indented subclasses. As to (e) of this subclass
definition a significant Class 164 step is one in which there
is a particular Class 164 manipulation intended to control
the internal structure of the product. The recitations
"chill cast" and "directionally solidified" are considered
to be significant Class 164 manipulations. As to (f) of this
subclass definition there must be a clear disclosure that the
particles remain as such in the product for placement
hereunder. Cases of doubt will be resolved by placement in
Class 420.
(3) Note. The order of superiority among various alloy,
metallic composition and metal stock areas and methods of
manufacture involving them is as follows:
1. Class 419, Powder Metallurgy Processes.
2. Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes,
Compositions for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder
Compositions, etc., subclasses 228+, consolidated metal
powder composition.
3. Class 420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, claimed as
products.
4. Class 148, Metal Treatment, subclasses 2 through 30 in
class schedule order, providing for methods of treatment of
solid metal.
5. Class 148, Metal Treatment, subclasses 400+, stock.
6. Class 420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, processes of
making including melting.
7. Class 164, Metal Founding.
This list is not complete but may be added to as the proper
relationship of other areas is determined. For a more
comprehensive discussion of other metallurgical areas and the
relationship among them see the definition, of Class 420,
Alloys or Metallic Compositions.
(4) Note. In general, no cross-references have been placed
in this, or indented subclasses based on disclosure from
Class 420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions. Thus a search
for unclaimed disclosure of stock for this and indented
subclasses should be made in the appropriate subclasses of
Class 420 based on the composition of the material. The only
exception of this rule is subclasses 402 to 404 of this class
which serve as digests for their subject matter disclosed in
Class 420 original patents. Also, in general no
cross-references have been placed in Class 420 from this and
indented subclasses based on disclosure of the composition of
the stock in this and indented subclasses. The only
exception to this rule is the cross-reference are collections
of Class 420, subclasses 901 to 903 which also serve as a
collection point for pertinent disclosure from this and
indented subclasses.
(5) Note. The rules for determining Class placement of the
Original Reference (OR) for claimed chemical compositions are
set forth in the Class Definition of Class 252 in the section
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS, subsection
COMPOSITION CLASS SUPERIORITY, which includes a hierarchical
ORDER OF SUPERIORITY FOR COMPOSITION CLASSES.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclass 411.1
and 615+ for nonmetallic and metallic composites,
respectively, defined in terms of the composition of their
components, and the main Class Definition of the class (428),
sections VI, B, VI, C4 and VI, C6, for the distinction
between stock materials for that class (428) and a "stock"
classified herein.
Subclass:
401
Radioactive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Stock material
which is claimed as being radioactive, containing an isotope
of an element which is radioactive, or containing an element
of which all the known isotopes are radioactive.
(1) Note. The elements of which all known isotopes are
radioactive are technetium, promethium, and all the elements
of atomic number 84 and higher.
Subclass:
402
Mechanical memory:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Stock material
which when shaped at a first temperature, and reshaped at a
different temperature resumes its first shape when returned
to the first temperature, or at some intermediate
temperature.
(1) Note. This subclass is placed in this class since this
"memory" of the first shape is believed to occur due to
changes of crystal form at different temperatures. However,
all metallic stock possessing mechanical memory is placed
hereunder no matter what the disclosed theory may be.
Subclass:
403
Amorphous, i.e., glassy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Stock material
which has no regular crystal structure, but rather has a
series of noncrystalline areas much like a glass.
(1) Note. This structure usually is created by cooling
certain alloys at extremely high rates of speed, such that
the alloy can be solidified and cooled before having a chance
to crystallize.
Subclass:
404
Directionally solidified:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Stock material
in which solidification of the alloy, or metallic composition
has been carried out along one plane only, usually resulting
in a "columnar" crystalline structure.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclass 611
for metallic stock material with preformed fibers which have
an orientation coordinate with the shape of the body.
Subclass:
405
Age or precipitation hardened or strengthened:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Stock material
which has been first heated to a relatively high temperature
to cause ingredients thereof to dissolve to form a solid
solution and then aged, or heated to a lower temperature for
an extended period of time whereby phases are precipitated
which increase the hardness, or strength, of the material.
(1) Note. Often after the first high temperature heating
"solution treatment" the material is quenched to room
temperature before being heated to age, or precipitate.
(2) Note. The aging, or precipitation may take place at
room temperature for some material, but there must be a
positive recitation of "aging", or "precipitation", or words
to that effect in the claims to place a material here.
(3) Note. "Solution" treated material which has not been
positively claimed as given an aging, or precipitation
treatment is excluded herefrom and placed in appropriate
subclasses below.
Subclass:
406
Magnesium base:
This subclass is indented under subclass 405. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent magnesium.
Subclass:
407
Refractory metal base:
This subclass is indented under subclass 405. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent by weight of a single metal
selected from titanium, vanadium, chromium, zirconium,
niobium, molybdenum, hafnium, tantalum, or tungsten.
Subclass:
408
Cobalt base:
This subclass is indented under subclass 405. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent of cobalt by weight.
Subclass:
409
Nickel base:
This subclass is indented under subclass 405. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent of nickel by weight.
Subclass:
410
Chromium containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 409. Stock material
which additionally contains chromium.
Subclass:
411
Copper base:
This subclass is indented under subclass 405. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent of copper by weight.
Subclass:
412
Tin containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 411. Stock material
which additionally contains tin.
Subclass:
413
Zinc containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 411. Stock material
which additionally contains zinc.
Subclass:
414
Nickel containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 411. Stock material
which additionally contains nickel.
Subclass:
415
Aluminum base:
This subclass is indented under subclass 405. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent of aluminum.
Subclass:
416
Copper containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 415. Stock material
which additionally contains copper.
Subclass:
417
Magnesium containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 416. Stock material
which additionally contains magnesium.
Subclass:
418
Vanadium, niobium or tantalum containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 417. Stock material
which additionally contains at least one of the metals
vanadium, niobium, or tantalum.
Subclass:
419
Containing over 50 percent metal, but no base metal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 405. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent of total metal by weight, but
wherein no single metal is present in an amount over 50
percent by weight.
Subclass:
420
Magnesium base:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent of magnesium.
Subclass:
421
Titanium, zirconium or hafnium base:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent of titanium, over 50 percent,
zirconium or over 50 percent hafnium by weight.
Subclass:
422
Vanadium, niobium or tantalum base:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent vanadium, over 50 percent
niobium, or over 50 percent tantalum by weight.
Subclass:
423
Chromium, molybdenum or tungsten base:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent of chromium, over 50 percent
of molybdenum, or over 50 percent of tungsten by weight.
Subclass:
424
Manganese base:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent of manganese by weight.
Subclass:
425
Cobalt base:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent of cobalt by weight.
Subclass:
426
Nickel base:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent of nickel by weight.
Subclass:
427
Chromium containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 426. Stock material
which additionally contains chromium.
Subclass:
428
Aluminum containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 427. Stock material
which additionally contains aluminum.
Subclass:
429
Aluminum containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 426. Stock material
which additionally contains aluminum.
Subclass:
430
Noble metal base:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent by weight of a single metal
selected from ruthenium, rhodium, paladium, osmium, iridium,
platinum, gold, or silver.
Subclass:
431
Silver base containing in situ formed oxides:
This subclass is indented under subclass 430. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent of silver by weight and
additionally contains metal oxides formed in the silver
containing the material by chemical reaction.
(1) Note. The oxide may be formed, e.g., by reaction of a
metal oxide with another to produce a different metal oxide,
e.g., AgO + Cd ---CdO + Ag, or by reaction of silver base
alloy with elemental oxygen to oxidize part of the alloy,
etc.
Subclass:
432
Copper base:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent of copper by weight.
Subclass:
433
Tin containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 432. Stock material
which additionally contains tin.
Subclass:
434
Zinc:
This subclass is indented under subclass 432. Stock material
which additionally contains zinc.
Subclass:
435
Nickel containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 432. Stock material
which additionally contains nickel.
Subclass:
436
Aluminum containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 432. Stock material
which additionally contains aluminum.
Subclass:
437
Aluminum base:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent of aluminum by weight.
Subclass:
438
Copper containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 437. Stock material
which additionally contains copper.
Subclass:
439
Magnesium containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 438. Stock material
which additionally contains magnesium.
Subclass:
440
Magnesium containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 437. Stock material
which additionally contains magnesium.
Subclass:
441
Zinc base:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent of zinc by weight.
Subclass:
442
Containing over 50 percent metal, but no base metal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Stock material
which contains over 50 percent of total metal by weight, but
wherein no single metal is present in an amount of over 50
percent by weight.
Subclass:
500
Utilizing disclosed mathematical formula or relationship:
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Process wherein
a mathematical formula or relationship containing variables
is disclosed and utilized in the claimed process.
(1) Note. The mere use of constants or percentages, per se,
does not meet the criteria for this subclass.
Subclass:
501
Nonferrous metal, nonferrous alloy or no-base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 500. Process wherein
the metal is a nonferrous metal, an alloy having greater than
50 percent of one of the nonferrous metals or an alloy having
no one metal present in an amount greater than 50 percent.
Subclass:
502
Aluminum (Al) or aluminum base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 501. Process wherein
aluminum or an alloy containing greater than 50 percent
aluminum is the nonferrous based metal.
Subclass:
503
Utilizing therein symbol for temperature:
This subclass is indented under subclass 500. Process which
utilizes, in a mathematical formula or relationship therein,
a symbol to represent temperature other than abbreviations
representing the temperature scale (e.g., C for centigrade,
etc.).
(1) Note. Utilization of a temperature or temperature range,
per se, is not proper hereinunder unless the temperature or
temperature range is part of the mathematical formula or
relationship.
Subclass:
504
With working step:
This subclass is indented under subclass 503. Process which
includes a working step.
Subclass:
505
Utilizing therein factors or percentages related to metal or
metal alloy composition (i.e., including carbon content):
This subclass is indented under subclass 500. Process wherein
a mathematical formula or relationship utilizes factors or
percentages related to a metal or alloy composition including
all materials whether metal or not (e.g., carbon content).
(1) Note. For this subclass, the mere use of percentages or
moles utilized to define a metal or metal alloy composition
is not sufficient by itself for placement herein. An actual
mathematical formula or relationship must be present which
includes as a part thereof factors or percentages related to
the composition.
Subclass:
506
With chromium (Cr) in the mathematical relationship:
This subclass is indented under subclass 505. Process wherein
a factor or percentage related to chromium (Cr) content is
utilized in a mathematical formula or relationship.
Subclass:
507
With titanium (Ti) in the mathematical relationship:
This subclass is indented under subclass 505. Process wherein
a factor or percentage related to titanium (Ti) content is
utilized in a formula or mathematical relationship.
Subclass:
508
With measuring, testing, or sensing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Process which
includes a step involving measuring, testing, or sensing of a
reaction condition.
(1) Note. The adjustment of a condition to a specified
level (e.g., temperature) is not proper hereinunder unless
there is an actual recitation in the claim of measuring,
testing or sensing.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
73, Measuring and Testing, appropriate subclasses for
processes of measuring or testing, per se.
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, appropriate
subclasses for processes of determining electrical properties
by electrical means, per se, even though nonelectrical values
are derived from the electrical values determined.
356, Optics: Measuring and Testing, appropriate subclasses
for processes which utilize visible light to measure optical
properties, per se, or for processes of testing visible light
for optical properties and which utilize visible light to
test for nonoptical properties, per se, when not elsewhere
provided.
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, appropriate subclasses
for thermal testing, per se, or the combination of thermal
testing and nonthermal testing, per se.
Subclass:
509
Magnetic or electrical property:
This subclass is indented under subclass 508. Process wherein
a magnetic or electrical property is measured, tested, or
sensed.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 100+ for processes which include the intent of
developing, modifying or preserving the magnetic properties,
per se, of a free metal or alloy.
(1) Note. In many cases of metal treatment, magnetic
properties are inherently changed. The mere use of magnetic
property changes to determine other microstructural changes
or to follow the course of the process is proper hereinunder
unless the emphasis and intent is consistent with subclasses
100+. If there is any doubt as to intent, hierarchy prevails
and a cross-reference to other parts of this class is
advisable.
Subclass:
510
Change in dimension (e.g., expansion, elongation, distortion,
etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 508. Process wherein
a change in dimension (e.g., expansion, elongation,
distortion, etc.) of a treated metal or alloy is measured,
tested or sensed.
Subclass:
511
Temperature:
This subclass is indented under subclass 508. Process wherein
there is an actual step of measuring, sensing, or testing of
temperature.
Subclass:
512
Surface melting (e.g., melt alloying etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Process wherein
only a surface of the solid or semisolid metal is melted
during the process.
(1) Note. Alloying a melted metal surface by application of
nonreactive alloying ingredients (e.g., other free metals,
etc.) which diffuse into the melted metal to form an alloyed
(i.e., not chemically reactive coating) surface composition
including the ingredients of the melted metal surface and the
infused ingredients is one of the species acceptable
hereinunder.
(2) Note. Some other species of surface melting involve
purposes of hardening or relieving stress.
(3) Note. Surface melting, per se, utilizing a heat source
for purposes of sealing or reflowing the metal to close pores
or remove cracks goes to the appropriate heating class. If
homogenizing, alloying, or other modifying of metal
microstructure (e.g., rehardening, diffusing, etc.) is
present, this subclass is proper.
(4) Note. There is no intent to take casting or melt
coating, per se, into this subclass which relates only to
melting of a solid metal substrate surface.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 206+ for processes of carburizing or nitridizing
a metal substrate from an external source of carbon or
nitrogen.
subclasses 240+ for processes of reactive coating a metal
substrate an externally supplied reactive ingredient as
defined thereunder.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for Use
Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, etc.,
particularly subclass 10.11 for processes of zone melting or
fractional crystallization wherein solid metal is traversed
by a melt zone causing migration of the impurities within the
metal resulting in purification of the metal or for processes
of refinining (e.g., smelting) molten metal zones by
selective crystallization and separation of the
crystallization phase from the melt to effect purification
(i.e., fractional crystallization) thereof.
228, Metal Fusion Bonding, appropriate subclasses for
processes of welding or joining of metal preforms by fusion
bonding wherein there may be surface melting.
(1) Note. The combination of metal fusion bonding, as in
Class 228 with processes acceptable under the Class 148
definition, is proper for Class 148. However, this subclass
specifically is excluding metal fusion bonding of the type
found in Class 228. See particularly subclasses 516+
hereinunder for the combination of metal fusion bonding with
processes acceptable under the Class 148 definition.
427, Coating Processes, appropriate subclasses for processes
including applying a melted metal coating, per se, to a solid
metal substrate.
(1) Note. The distinction for Class 427 is that the total
composition of the applied coating comes from an external
source as opposed to any portion thereof, except for the
interface therewith, coming from the metal substrate to which
the coating is applied. Also, in Class 148 coating, the metal
substrate is not in a molten condition when the coating is
applied. However, if a melted metal substrate has a
nonreactive coating or alloying material applied to it,
placement is proper in this subclass if the resultant coating
includes ingredients of the melted substrate and infused
alloying ingredient. Moreover, if coating of a solid
substrate by a Class 427 operation is involved in a combined
process, melting of the metal coating surface occurring
during a melting step separate from the coating operation
must also include melting of the substrate to be proper in
this subclass of Class 148.
Subclass:
513
Treating loose metal powder, particle or flake:
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Process wherein
(1) loose metal or metal alloy powder, particle or flake in a
solid or semisolid state is cooled or heat treated to modify
or maintain the internal physical structure (i.e.,
microstructure) or chemical properties and not elsewhere
provided or (2) solid or semisolid metal or metal alloy is
cooled or heat treated to modify or maintain the internal
physical structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical
properties and loose metal powder, particle or flake is
produced therefrom (e.g., comminuting).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for Use
Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, etc.,
appropriate subclasses for processes of producing or
purifying loose metal or metal alloy powder or for loose
metal powder compositions.
(1) Note. Class 75 takes purification of metal powder
compositions that involve washing or cleaning operations and
includes utilization of a vacuum, per se, therefor. However,
Class 148 takes heat-treatment of solid or semi-solid metal
powder involving chemical or physio-chemical operations to
alter the metal composition (e.g., decarburizing,
dehydrogenating, denitridizing, etc.).
502, Catalyst, Solid Sorbent or Support Therefor: Product or
Process of Making, particularly subclasses 300+ for process
of making metal catalysts. The line to other classes are
expressed in Class 502.
Subclass:
514
Treating consolidated metal powder, per se (i.e., no
sintering or compacting step present):
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Process wherein
a metal or metal alloy powder in a preconsolidated state is
treated and there is no sintering or no consolidating step
present.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for Use
Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, etc.,
subclasses 228+ for consolidated metal powder
compositions.
419, Powder Metallurgy Processes, appropriate subclasses for
processes of consolidating metal powder compositions having a
sintering or compacting step therein and which may
additionally have post-consolidating treatment therein.
(1) Note. If a sintering or compacting step is present,
placement goes to Class 419 even if there is a subsequent
treatment controlling the microstructure or chemical
properties. However, if in the recited process the starting
material is preconsolidated and no further sintering or
consolidating is included, Class 148 will control.
Subclass:
515
With explosive or exothermic agent:
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Process wherein
an explosive or exothermic chemical agent is utilized to
treat a metal article or stock.
(1) Note. Since the use of an explosive agent may be
considered to involve working, the metal working classes
provide for the use of an explosive agent. It is emphasized
here that the line between Class 148 and the metal working
classes requires that there be a separate step from the
explosion in which there is a change in the internal physical
structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical properties or
that the explosive force changes the microstructure without
deforming of the metal to be placed in this subclass.
(2) Note. The use of the exothermic agent must be to
produce heat for modifying or maintaining the internal
physical structure or chemical properties of the metal which
is in a separate step from the step of bonding by fusing or
welding which is provided for in the mechanical treating
classes.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, subclass 421.2 for a process using an
explosive agent to shape metal.
Subclass:
516
Producing or treating layered, bonded, welded, or
mechanically engaged article or stock as a final product:
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Process wherein
a layered, bonded, welded, or mechanically engaged (e.g.,
inserts, etc.) article or stock having at least one layer or
integral portion thereof made of metal or metal alloy is the
product of a process consistent with the class definition.
(1) Note. To remain in this subclass, it makes no
difference whether layered, bonded, welded, or mechanically
engaged article or mechanically engaged stock is the starting
material of the process. It is however essential that the
final product of the process be layered, bonded, welded, or
mechanically engaged.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 538+ particularly subclasses 582, 591, 596, 606,
615, 625, 703, or 708, if the layer is a treating agent
(e.g., protective annealing shield such as CaO, CaCO3, etc.)
which is intended as a temporary layer but not part of the
final product.
Subclass:
517
Subambient temperature:
This subclass is indented under subclass 516. Process wherein
any metal portion of the article or stock undergoing
treatment is actually cooled to a temperature identified as
either below ambient temperature or below 20 deg.C to control
the internal physical structure (i.e., microstructure) or
chemical properties thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
577 for processes of treating nonlayered metal or metal
alloy at subambient temperature.
Subclass:
518
With electrocoating (e.g., electroplating, anodizing,
sputtering, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 516. Process which
includes a step of electrocoating (e.g., electroplating,
anodizing, etc.) by application of an externally supplied
electrical current or by sputtering.
(1) Note. If during a post-treatment operation the
substrate becomes subjected to a Class 148 treatment that
goes beyond the mere interdiffusion at the interface to
perfect the coating, placement goes in this subclass whether
or not the coating layer is involved. However, an
electrocoating step must be present for this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
205, Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein, and
Methods of Preparing the Compositions, appropriate subclasses
for processes involving electrocoating of metal substrates
and which include Class 148 operations as herein defined
which are preparatory to the electrocoating or are
posttreatment operations limited to the coating layer or
involving diffusion affecting only the interface.
Electrorefining is not considered to be electrocoating in
Class 205 or for this subclass in Class 148.
Subclass:
519
Pipe or tube:
This subclass is indented under subclass 516. Process wherein
a pipe or tube is produced or treated.
Subclass:
520
With induction heating:
This subclass is indented under subclass 519. Process which
includes a step of heating the metal workpiece by utilizing a
magnetic field to induce a flow of electrons in the workpiece
that results in production of heat.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, appropriate subclasses for induction
heating, per se, of a metal or for working and induction
heating of metal which does not meet the criteria for
significant heating as described under the notes in subclass
95 of Class 148.
Subclass:
521
With metal fusion bonding:
This subclass is indented under subclass 519. Process which
includes a step of metal fusion bonding of metal.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, appropriate subclasses for processes
of fusion bonding of metal, per se, by electric heating
without a separate step involving significant heat treatment
as defined in the notes under subclass 95 of Class 148.
228, Metal Fusion Bonding, appropriate subclasses for
processes of welding metal, per se, without a separate step
involving significant heat treatment as defined in the notes
under subclass 95 of Class 148.
Subclass:
522
With casting or solidifying from melt:
This subclass is indented under subclass 516. Process wherein
a metal or metal alloy, article or stock is subjected to a
casting operation or a total metal mass (i.e., not just a
portion or coating) is solidified from a melted state.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
538 for casting or solidifying from a melted state
nonlayered, bonded, welded or mechanically engaged stock or
article. See the notes thereunder for locations of related
classes.
Subclass:
523
Of aluminum (Al) or aluminum alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 522. Process wherein
a metal or metal alloy being cast or solidified is aluminum
or an alloy containing greater than 50 percent aluminum.
Subclass:
524
With metal fusion bonding step utilizing electron arc or
beam:
This subclass is indented under subclass 516. Process which
utilizes an electron arc or beam for fusion bonding metal to
metal.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, appropriate subclasses for processes
of metal fusion bonding which use an electron arc or beam,
per se, without a separate significant heating step as
defined in the notes of subclass 95 of Class 148.
Subclass:
525
Utilizing wave energy (e.g., laser, electromagnetic wave
energy, etc.) plasma or electron arc or beam:
This subclass is indented under subclass 516. Process which
utilizes wave energy (e.g., laser, electromagnetic wave
energy, etc.), plasma or an electron arc or beam for (1)
modifying or maintaining the internal physical structure
(i.e., microstructure) or chemical properties of metal or a
metal alloy or (2) in a combined process that includes a step
of modifying or maintaining the internal physical structure
or chemical properties of metal or a metal alloy, the use of
electromagnetic wave energy, plasma, electron arc or beam for
any purpose.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
565 for processes of treating nonlayered metal with
electromagnetic wave energy or electron arc or beam.
Subclass:
526
Electric heating with work as electrical conductor (e.g.,
alternating current, induction, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 516. Process wherein
an electrical current passes through the workpiece or is made
to flow in a workpiece or through induction to cause the
heating thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 566+ for processes of electric heating with
nonlayered metal as an electrical conductor.
Subclass:
527
With metal next to or bonded to metal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 516. Process wherein
the article or stock being produced or treated has a metal
layer or part next to or bonded to an adjacent metal layer or
part.
Subclass:
528
With brazing or soldering:
This subclass is indented under subclass 527. Process wherein
a step of brazing or soldering is present or wherein brazed
or soldered article or stock is being treated.
Subclass:
529
Iron (Fe) or iron base alloy present:
This subclass is indented under subclass 527. Process wherein
at least one of the layers or parts is iron (Fe) or an iron
alloy containing greater than 50 percent iron.
Subclass:
530
Next to nonferrous metal or nonferrous base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 529. Process wherein
the iron or iron base alloy is next to a second layer or part
which is identifiable as a nonferrous metal or nonferrous
base metal alloy containing greater than 50 percent of any
one of the nonferrous metals.
Subclass:
531
Aluminum (Al) or aluminum base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 530. Process wherein
the nonferrous metal is aluminum(Al) or the nonferrous base
alloy has greater than 50 percent aluminum.
Subclass:
532
Copper (Cu) or copper base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 530. Process wherein
the nonferrous metal is copper (Cu) or the nonferrous base
alloy contains greater than 50 percent copper.
Subclass:
533
Zinc (Zn), zinc base alloy or unspecified galvanizing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 530. Process in
which the nonferrous metal is zinc (Zn) or the nonferrous
base alloy contains greater than 50 percent zinc or in which
there is a galvanizing step that does not specify the coating
metal.
Subclass:
534
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 529. Process in
which there is a metal deforming step.
Subclass:
535
Aluminum (Al) or aluminum base alloy present:
This subclass is indented under subclass 527. Process wherein
at least one of the layers or parts is aluminum(Al) or an
aluminum alloy containing greater than 50 percent aluminum.
Subclass:
536
Copper (Cu) or copper base alloy present:
This subclass is indented under subclass 527. Process wherein
at least one of the layers or parts is copper or copper alloy
containing greater than 50 percent copper.
Subclass:
537
With coating step:
This subclass is indented under subclass 516. Process which
includes a coating step.
Subclass:
538
With casting or solidifying from melt:
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Process which
includes a step of casting metal or solidifying a total metal
mass (i.e., not just a portion or coating) from a melted
condition.
(1) Note. Class 148 will take all processes of casting and
significant heating with working or casting and heating
wherein a change in microstructure occurs during a
post-casting operation. In Class 148, both electrical and
nonelectrical heating is acceptable. See the notes under the
Class 148 definition to determine what constitutes
significant heating for distinguishing over the other metal
working and heating classes.
(2) Note. Treating of a cast or solidified metal starting
material without an actual recitation of the casting or
solidifying step is improper for this subclass and the
subclasses indented hereinunder.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
221 for processes of casting combined with carburizing or
nitriding.
512 for processes of treating metal by melting only the
surface thereof.
subclasses 522+ for processes of producing or treating
layered, bonded, welded or mechanically engaged article or
stock as a final product when combined with a casting
operation.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, appropriate subclasses for a process
combining casting and working of metal.
164, Metal Founding, appropriate subclasses for a process of
casting, per se, of metal.
219, Electric Heating, appropriate subclasses for processes
of casting, per se, or casting and working involving
nonsignificant heat treating using electrical heating.
Subclass:
539
Centrifugal casting:
This subclass is indented under subclass 538. Process wherein
melted metal is cast from a rotating means by centrifugal
force (e.g., spin casting).
Subclass:
540
Iron (Fe) or iron base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 538. Process wherein
the metal being cast is iron (Fe) or an iron alloy containing
greater than 50 percent iron.
Subclass:
541
Continuous casting:
This subclass is indented under subclass 540. Process wherein
the metal being cast is continuously cast in an endless
manner without interruption from the casting apparatus.
Subclass:
542
Containing at least nine percent chromium (Cr) (e.g.,
stainless steel, etc.):
Process under 540 wherein the iron alloy contains at least
nine percent chromium (Cr) (e.g., stainless steel, etc.).
Subclass:
543
Containing at least 1.5 percent carbon:
This subclass is indented under subclass 540. Process wherein
the iron alloy contains at least 1.5 percent carbon.
Subclass:
544
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 543. Process which
involves a metal deforming step.
Subclass:
545
With tempering, ageing, solution treating (i.e., for
hardening), precipitation hardening or strengthening, or
quenching:
This subclass is indented under subclass 543. Process which
includes a step of tempering, ageing, solution treating
(i.e., for hardening), precipitation hardening or
precipitation strengthening, or quenching as a literally
expressed operation.
Subclass:
546
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 540. Process which
includes a metal deforming step.
Subclass:
547
With tempering, ageing, solution treating (i.e., for
hardening), precipitation hardening or strengthening, or
quenching:
This subclass is indented under subclass 546. Process which
involves a step of tempering, ageing, solution treating,
precipitation hardening or precipitation strengthening, or
quenching as a literally expressed operation.
Subclass:
548
With tempering, ageing, solution treating (i.e., for
hardening), precipitation hardening or strengthening, or
quenching:
This subclass is indented under subclass 540. Process which
involves a step of tempering, ageing, solution treating
(i.e., for hardening), precipitation hardening or
precipitation strengthening, or quenching as a literally
expressed operation.
Subclass:
549
Aluminum (Al) or aluminum base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 538. Process wherein
the metal being cast is aluminum(Al) or an aluminum alloy
containing greater than 50 percent aluminum.
Subclass:
550
With extruding or drawing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 549. Process wherein
there is a step of extruding or drawing of the aluminum or
aluminum alloy.
Subclass:
551
Continuous casting:
This subclass is indented under subclass 549. Process wherein
the metal being cast is continuously cast from the casting
apparatus in an endless manner without interruption.
Subclass:
552
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 549. Process which
involves a metal deforming step.
Subclass:
553
Copper (Cu) or copper base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 538. Process wherein
the metal being cast is copper (Cu) or a copper alloy
containing greater than 50 percent copper.
Subclass:
554
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 553. Process which
involves a metal deforming step.
Subclass:
555
Nickel(Ni) or nickel base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 538. Process wherein
the metal being cast is nickel(Ni) or a nickel alloy
containing greater than 50 percent nickel.
Subclass:
556
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 555. Process which
involves a metal deforming step.
Subclass:
557
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 538. Process which
involves a metal deforming step.
Subclass:
558
With vibration (e.g., mechanical, sound, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Process which
involves the use of mechanical vibration (e.g., high
frequency sound, etc.) to modify the microstructure of the
metal without deformation of the metal in the vibrating
operation.
Subclass:
559
Heating or cooling of solid metal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Process wherein
metal remaining in the solid or semisolid state (i.e.,
unmelted) throughout the entire process is subjected to a
heating or cooling operation.
Subclass:
560
Actinide or trans-actinide metal or alloy having greater than
50 percent actinide or trans-actinide metals:
This subclass is indented under subclass 559. Process wherein
the metal undergoing treatment is a metal or metal alloy
having greater than 50 percent of actinide or a
trans-actinide metal or greater than 50 percent of a
combination of different actinide and/or trans-actinide
metals in the alloy.
(1) Note. The actinide or trans-actinide metals include:
actinium (Ac); thorium (Th); protactinium (Pa); uranium (U);
neptunium (Np); plutonium (Pu); americium (Am); curium (Cm);
berkelium (Bk); californium (Cf); einsteinium (Es); fermium
(Fm); mendelevium (Md); nbelium (No); and lawrencium (Lr).
Subclass:
561
Passing through an amorphous state or treating or producing
an amorphous metal or alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 559. Process wherein
a metal or metal alloy having no regular crystalline
structure or periodicity (i.e., amorphous) in any amount is
produced or treated by a process under the class definition
or wherein a metal or metal alloy passes through a physical
state having no regular crystalline structure or periodicity
during the treatment of the metal or metal alloy.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
100 for a process of developing, improving, modifying, or
preserving the magnetic properties of an amorphous metal or
metal alloy.
403 for stock material which is in an amorphous state.
Subclass:
562
Treating single crystal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 559. Process wherein
a single crystal metal or metal alloy is the material being
treated.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
117, Single-Crystal, Oriented-Crystal, and Epitaxy Growth
Processes; Non-Coating Apparatus Therefor, for processes and
non-coating apparatus for growing therein-defined
single-crystal of all types of materials, including metal,
alloy, or intermetallic single-crystal (except those proper
for Class 164, subclass 122.2 ). Class 117 is proper for
metal, alloy, or intermetallic single-crystal growing in any
physical state, including solid phase recrystallization.
Class 117 is proper for metal, alloy, or intermetallic
single-crystal growing and such combined with perfecting
operations for the growing step, except that Class 148
provides for single-crystal growing combined with a
subsequent step of heat treatment (which herein includes
controlled cooling) when the purpose of the heat treatment
(or controlled cooling) is to modify the internal physical
structure or chemical property of a metal, alloy, or
intermetallic material. When the subsequent heat treatment
(or controlled cooling) merely operates on the
single-crystallinity, such as stress or strain annealing or
to remove point defects, the combined process is proper for
Class 117; when the subsequent heat treatment (or controlled
cooling) operates to effect significant metal, alloy, or
intermetallic material heat treatment (or controlled cooling)
purposes, such as solutionizing, homogenizing, or
precipitation hardening, then the combined process is proper
for Class 148. Class 117 provides for simultaneous or prior
perfecting operations combined with single-crystal growing.
See Class 117 definition, section C, (4) Note, for discussion
of perfecting operations.
Subclass:
563
Mechanical memory (e.g., shape, heat-recoverable, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 559. Process wherein
a metal or metal alloy having the ability when originally
shaped at a first temperature and reshaped at a second
temperature to undergo a reversible thermoelastic transition
and resume its original shape when returned to the first
temperature or an intermediate temperature is produced or
treated in a process under the Class 148 definition.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
402 for stock material exhibiting a mechanical memory
effect.
Subclass:
564
Superplastic (e.g., dynamic recrystallization, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 559. Process wherein
a metal or metal alloy possessing the characteristic of not
rupturing or "necking down" when extensively deformed is
produced or treated by a process under the class definition
and wherein, if metal working is part of the process, a
working temperature is provided as an indication of
significant heating.
(1) Note. The term "superplastic" or "dynamic
recrystallization hot working" is indicative of
microstructural change. However, if a metal working step is
present, placement goes to the metal working classes, unless
the operation provides a working temperature which in
combination with said terms will be sufficient criteria for
placement in Class 148. Moreover, a combination of (1) the
metal class working of "superplastic" metal or metal alloy at
a nonspecified temperature and (2) a Class 148 operation goes
in Class 148.
(2) Note. Superplastic deformation (1) is often induced by
heating and working a metal or metal alloy, possessing a very
fine grain structure, resulting in deformation exceeding 100
percent (i.e., based on elongation) and (2) is associated
with phase change or allotropic transformation during the
deformation.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
72, Metal Deforming, appropriate subclasses for a process of
working a metal undergoing dynamic-recrystallization or
plastic deformation, if no temperature is provided.
420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, subclass 902 for metal
alloys exhibiting superplastic behavior.
Subclass:
565
Utilizing wave energy (e.g., laser, electromagnetic, etc.),
plasma or electron arc or beam:
This subclass is indented under subclass 559. Process which
utilizes wave energy (e.g., laser, electromagnetic, etc.),
plasma or electron arc or beam for (1) modifying or
maintaining the internal physical structure (i.e.,
microstructure) or chemical properties of metal or metal
alloy or (2) in a combined process including a step of
modifying or maintaining the internal physical structure or
chemical properties of a metal or metal alloy, the use of
wave energy, plasma, electron arc, or beam for any purpose.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
512 for process of using wave energy wherein the surface of
the metal is melted as defined for the purposes thereunder.
525 for processes of utilizing electromagnetic wave energy
or electron arc or beam to treat layered metal workpieces or
articles.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, appropriate subclasses for process of
heating metal, per se, or for process of working metal that
utilizes nonsignificant heating of the metal as set forth
hereinabove in the line to the metal working classes.
Subclass:
566
Electric heating with work as conductor (e.g., alternating
current, induction, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 559. Process wherein
an electric current from an external source is passed through
a metal or metal alloy workpiece or is made to flow in a
metal or metal alloy workpiece through induction to cause
heating thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
526 for processes of electric heating wherein an electric
current is passed through a layered metal or metal alloy
workpiece or article.
Subclass:
567
Induction:
This subclass is indented under subclass 566. Process wherein
electricity is caused to pass through the workpiece by
inducing current flow through influence of an external
electrical field
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
509 for processes of measuring or testing of electrical or
magnetic properties utilizing induction therefor or
coincident with the heating of a metal workpiece for Class
148 purposes.
526 for processes of inductively heating a layered metal or
metal alloy workpiece or article.
Subclass:
568
Wire or filament:
This subclass is indented under subclass 567. Process wherein
the metal or metal alloy workpiece undergoing treatment is a
wire or filament.
Subclass:
569
Railway stock (e.g., rails, wheels, axles, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 567. Process wherein
the metal or metal alloy workpiece being treated is stock
including rails, wheels, axles, or other metal parts utilized
with a railway system.
Subclass:
570
Of hollow bodies (e.g., pipe, sphere, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 567. Process wherein
the metal or metal alloy workpiece being treated is hollow.
Subclass:
571
Inside only:
This subclass is indented under subclass 570. Process wherein
the hollow workpiece being treated is heated by induction
applied only from the inside thereof.
Subclass:
572
Rod, axle, shaft, or roller:
This subclass is indented under subclass 567. Process wherein
the metal or metal alloy workpiece undergoing treatment is a
rod, axle, shaft, or roller.
Subclass:
573
Gear, threaded article, drill or serrated work surface (e.g.,
saw blade, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 567. Process wherein
the metal or metal alloy workpiece undergoing treatment is a
gear, threaded article, drill or serrated work surface (e.g.,
saw blade, etc.).
Subclass:
574
And cooling with fluid contact:
This subclass is indented under subclass 567. Process which
includes a step of cooling the metal or metal alloy by
contacting the same with a fluid cooling agent or medium.
Subclass:
575
Iron (Fe) or iron base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 574. Process wherein
the metal or metal alloy workpiece undergoing treatment is
iron (Fe) or an iron alloy containing greater than 50 percent
iron.
Subclass:
576
Wire or filament:
This subclass is indented under subclass 566. Process wherein
the metal or metal alloy workpiece undergoing treatment is a
wire or filament.
Subclass:
577
Chilling to subambient temperature:
This subclass is indented under subclass 559. Process wherein
the metal is subjected to treatment at below ambient
temperature (i.e., below 20 deg.C).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
517 for processes using subambient temperature to treat a
layered workpiece or article.
Subclass:
578
Iron (Fe) or iron base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 577. Process wherein
the metal undergoing treatment is iron (Fe) or an iron alloy
containing greater than 50 percent iron.
Subclass:
579
Iron (Fe) or iron base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 559. Process wherein
the metal being treated is iron (Fe) or an iron alloy
containing greater than 50 percent iron.
Subclass:
580
Spring or spring material:
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process wherein
the metal being treated is described as a spring or spring
material (e.g., coils, leaf, etc.).
Subclass:
581
Railway stock (e.g., rails, wheels, axles, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process wherein
the metal being treated is indicated to be stock including
rails, wheels, axles, or other metal parts utilized with a
railway system.
Subclass:
582
Treating with specified agent (e.g., heat exchange agent,
protective agent, decarburizing agent, denitriding agent,
etc.) or vacuum:
Process under 581 wherein a vacuum or a treating agent (e.g.,
heat exchange agent, protective agent, decarburizing agent,
denitriding agent, etc.) specified as an element, compound or
composition other than air or water is utilized to treat the
iron or iron alloy.
Subclass:
583
Wheel:
This subclass is indented under subclass 581. Process wherein
the metal being treated is a wheel.
Subclass:
584
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 581. Process which
includes a step of deforming the metal.
Subclass:
585
With work handling:
This subclass is indented under subclass 581. Process wherein
a metal workpiece is manipulated for positioning or moving
about during any stage of the process.
Subclass:
586
Gear:
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process wherein
the metal undergoing treatment is a part, which is usually
toothed or spiraled and referred to as a gear, by which
motion is transmitted from one portion of machinery to
another.
Subclass:
587
Threaded article (e.g., screws, drill bits, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process wherein
the metal being treated contains a threaded portion (e.g.,
screws, drill bits, etc.).
Subclass:
588
Serrated work surface (e.g., saw blades, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process wherein
there is a serrated surface portion on the metal (e.g., saw
blades, etc.) being treated.
Subclass:
589
Ring:
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process wherein
the metal undergoing treatment is in the shape of an annular
band of limited length (i.e., ring).
Subclass:
590
Pipe or tube:
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process wherein
a hollow elongated cylinder (i.e., pipe or tube) is the metal
undergoing treatment.
Subclass:
591
Treating with specified agent (e.g., heat exchange agent,
protective agent, decarburizing agent, denitriding agent,
etc.) or vacuum:
This subclass is indented under subclass 590. Process wherein
a vacuum or treating agent (e.g., heat exchange agent,
protective agent, decarburizing agent, denitriding agent,
etc.) specified as an element, compound or composition other
than air or water is utilized to treat the iron or iron
alloy.
Subclass:
592
Nine percent or more chromium (Cr) (e.g., stainless steel,
etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 590. Process wherein
the pipe or tube is an iron alloy containing nine percent or
more chromium (Cr) (e.g., stainless steel, etc.).
Subclass:
593
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 590. Process which
includes metal deforming.
Subclass:
594
With work handling:
This subclass is indented under subclass 590. Process wherein
a metal workpiece is manipulated for positioning or moving
about during any stage of the process.
Subclass:
595
Wire, rod, or filament:
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process wherein
the workpiece undergoing treatment is a wire, rod, or
filament.
(1) Note. The diameter of the rod makes no difference to
this subclass.
Subclass:
596
Treating with specified agent (e.g., heat exchange agent,
protective agent, decarburizing agent, denitriding agent,
etc.) or vacuum:
This subclass is indented under subclass 595. Process wherein
a vacuum or a treating agent (e.g., heat exchange agent,
protective agent, decarburizing agent, denitriding agent,
etc.) specified as an element, compound, or composition other
than air or water is utilized to treat the wire, rod, or
filament.
Subclass:
597
Nine percent or more chromium (Cr) (e.g., stainless steel,
etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 595. Process wherein
the wire, rod, or filament is an iron alloy containing nine
percent or more chromium (Cr) (e.g., stainless steel, etc.).
Subclass:
598
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 595. Process which
includes metal deforming.
Subclass:
599
With working at or below 120 deg.C or unspecified cold
working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 598. Process wherein
there is a metal deforming operation that occurs from below
120 deg.C down to 20 deg.C or reciting a cold working at an
unspecified temperature.
Subclass:
600
With work handling:
This subclass is indented under subclass 595. Process wherein
the wire, rod, or filament is manipulated for positioning or
moving about at any stage of the process.
Subclass:
601
With coiling or treating of coiled strip:
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process which
includes a coiling step or treating of a coiled strip.
Subclass:
602
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 601. Process which
includes a metal deforming step in addition to the coiling
step.
Subclass:
603
With working at or below 120 deg.C or unspecified cold
working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 602. Process wherein
there is a metal deforming operation that occurs from or
below 120 deg.C down to 20 deg.C or reciting cold working at
an unspecified temperature.
Subclass:
604
Of stacked plural workpieces:
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process wherein
plural workpieces are vertically stacked, one above the
other.
(1) Note. Side-by-side or other arrangements for treating
plural workpieces are not provided in this subclass.
(2) Note. The presence of inserts or spacers between the
plural workpieces for facilitating the treatment is
acceptable for this subclass.
Subclass:
605
Nine percent or more chromium (Cr) (e.g., stainless steel,
etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process wherein
the Iron alloy undergoing treatment contains nine percent or
more chromium (Cr) (e.g., stainless steel, etc.).
Subclass:
606
Treating with specified agent (e.g., heat exchange agent,
protective agent, decarburizing agent, denitriding agent,
etc.) or vacuum:
This subclass is indented under subclass 605. Process wherein
a vacuum or treating agent (e.g., heat exchange agent,
protective agent, decarburizing agent, denitriding agent,
etc.) specified as an element, compound, or composition other
than air or water is utilized to treat the iron or iron
alloy.
Subclass:
607
Ageing, solution treating (i.e., for hardening),
precipitation strengthening or precipitation hardening:
This subclass is indented under subclass 605. Process which
includes operations designated as ageing, solution treating
(i.e., for hardening), precipitation strengthening or
precipitation hardening.
(1) Note. See the main lines for Class 148 to determine
placement herein, over the metal working classes, if metal
working is present. Specifically, the presence of the terms
ageing, solution treating, or precipitation strengthening or
precipitation hardening are sufficient for placement in Class
148, over the metal working classes.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
545 547, 548, or 622 for other Class 148 processes treating
iron alloys by ageing, solution treating, precipitation
strengthening or precipitation hardening.
Subclass:
608
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 607. Process which
includes a metal deforming step.
Subclass:
609
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 605. Process which
includes metal deforming.
Subclass:
610
With working at or below 120 deg.C or unspecified cold
working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 609. Process wherein
there is a metal deforming operation that occurs from below
120 deg.C down to 20 deg.C or cold working at an unspecified
temperature.
Subclass:
611
Austenitic phase structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 605. Process wherein
there is an Austenitic phase structure identified as present
in the iron alloy.
Subclass:
612
Starting material contains 1.7 percent or more carbon (e.g.,
cast iron, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process wherein
the iron alloy contains 1.7 percent or more carbon (e.g.,
cast iron, etc.).
Subclass:
613
Decarburizing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 612. Process which
includes a treatment that reduces the carbon content present
in the workpiece.
Subclass:
614
Starting material is spherulitic (i.e., spheroidal) or
vermicular (i.e., wormlike):
This subclass is indented under subclass 612. Process wherein
there is a spherulitic (i.e., spheroidal) or vermicular
(i.e., wormlike) carbon state present in the starting iron
alloy undergoing treatment.
Subclass:
615
Treating with specified agent (e.g., heat exchange agent,
protective agent, decarburizing agent, denitriding agent,
etc.) or vacuum:
This subclass is indented under subclass 612. Process wherein
a vacuum or treating agent (e.g., heat exchange agent,
protective agent, decarburizing agent, nitridizing agent,
etc.) is specified as an element, compound, or composition
other than air or water is utilized to treat the iron or iron
alloy.
Subclass:
616
Treating or producing white or malleable cast iron:
This subclass is indented under subclass 612. Process wherein
the iron alloy undergoing treatment is white or malleable
cast iron or wherein the product of the process is white or
malleable cast iron.
Subclass:
617
Producing malleable cast iron:
This subclass is indented under subclass 616. Process wherein
the product of the process is a malleable cast iron.
Subclass:
618
With spheroidal graphite production:
This subclass is indented under subclass 617. Process for
producing a malleable cast iron product, also includes the
production of spheroidal graphite.
Subclass:
619
Containing 10 percent or more manganese(Mn) (e.g., Hadfield
steel, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process wherein
the iron alloy undergoing treatment contains 10 percent or
more manganese(Mn) (e.g., Hadfield steel, etc.).
Subclass:
620
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 619. Process which
includes metal deforming.
Subclass:
621
Highly alloyed (i.e., greater than 10 percent alloying
elements):
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process wherein
the iron based alloy contains greater than a total of 10
percent alloying elements.
(1) Note. Steels of the types referred to as high speed
tool alloys, maraging alloys, and iron-based super alloys are
assumed to be highly alloyed for this subclass lacking an
indication to the contrary.
Subclass:
622
Ageing, solution treating (i.e., for hardening),
precipitation strengthening or precipitation hardening:
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process which
includes operations designated as ageing, solution treating
(i.e., for hardening), precipitation strengthening or
precipitation hardening.
(1) Note. See the main Class 148 lines to determine
placement herein over the metal working classes if metal
working is present. Specifically, the presence of the terms
ageing, solution treating, or precipitation strengthening or
precipitation hardening are sufficient for placement in Class
148 over the metal working classes.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
545 547, 548, or 607 for other Class 148 processes or
treating iron alloys by aging, solution treating, or
precipitation strengthening or precipitation hardening as a
literal expression.
Subclass:
623
Overageing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 622. Process which
defines the aging operation as "overageing".
Subclass:
624
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 622. Process which
includes metal deforming.
Subclass:
625
Treating with specified agent (e.g., heat exchange agent,
protective agent, decarburizing agent, denitriding agent,
etc.) or vacuum:
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process wherein
a vacuum or a treating agent (e.g., heat exchange agent,
protective agent, decarburizing agent, denitriding agent,
etc.) specified as an element, compound, or composition other
than air or water, per se, to treat the iron or iron alloy.
Subclass:
626
With preserving, recovering, separately treating or handling
of the specified treating agent:
This subclass is indented under subclass 625. Process which
includes preserving, recovering, separately treating or
manipulating for positioning or moving about of the specified
treating agent.
Subclass:
627
With localized or zone heating or cooling:
This subclass is indented under subclass 625. Process wherein
a heating or cooling operation is applied to a discontinuous
area of the metal workpiece to provide treatment limited to
one or several local areas or zones and not to other adjacent
areas.
Subclass:
628
Using vacuum:
This subclass is indented under subclass 625. Process which
involves the use of a vacuum at any stage of the process.
Subclass:
629
Decarburizing or denitriding:
This subclass is indented under subclass 625. Process which
includes a step decarburizing or denitriding.
Subclass:
630
Utilizing particulate fluid bed:
This subclass is indented under subclass 625. Process which
involves the use of a bed of particulate material in gaseous
suspension serving as the treating agent.
Subclass:
631
Fused treating agent:
This subclass is indented under subclass 625. Process wherein
the treating agent is fused.
Subclass:
632
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 631. Process which
includes metal deforming.
Subclass:
633
Gaseous agent:
This subclass is indented under subclass 625. Process which
includes the use of a specified gaseous agent other than air
or water.
Subclass:
634
Hydrogen:
This subclass is indented under subclass 633. Process wherein
the gaseous treating agent contains molecular hydrogen gas
and excluding air.
(1) Note. While water is excluded as a treating agent for
this subclass, the presence of molecular hydrogen, as may be
found in equilibrium in steam, is acceptable if the
specification discloses the use thereof for molecular
hydrogen content.
(2) Note. Although there is molecular hydrogen present in
air, the mere use of air is not intended as proper for this
subclass.
Subclass:
635
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 633. Process which
includes metal deforming.
Subclass:
636
Liquid agent:
This subclass is indented under subclass 625. Process wherein
the specified treating agent is a liquid other than liquid
air, per se, or water, per se.
Subclass:
637
And cooling or quenching:
This subclass is indented under subclass 636. Process which
includes a cooling or quenching operation.
Subclass:
638
Treating composition contains water:
Process under 637 wherein the treating agent composition
includes water, but is not water, per se.
Subclass:
639
Localized or zone heating or cooling:
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process wherein
a heating or cooling operation is applied to a discontinuous
area of the metal workpiece to provide treatment limited to
one or several local areas or zones and not to another
adjacent area.
Subclass:
640
Utilizing protective or insulating shielding from heat:
This subclass is indented under subclass 639. Process wherein
a mechanical barrier or shield is utilized to protect or
insulate the local area or zone of metal from heat.
Subclass:
641
Simultaneous heating and cooling treatment:
This subclass is indented under subclass 639. Process which
includes a step of simultaneous heating and cooling.
Subclass:
642
Heating with flame treatment:
This subclass is indented under subclass 639. Process which
involves use of a flame to heat a metal workpiece.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 194+ for a process of flame cutting or burning
of a metal workpiece.
Subclass:
643
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 639. Process which
involves metal deforming.
Subclass:
644
Cooling
This subclass is indented under subclass 639. Process which
includes cooling of metal.
Subclass:
645
With flattening, straightening or tensioning by external
force:
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process wherein
the metal workpiece is subjected to a flattening,
straightening, or tensioning operation which utilizes an
external force.
(1) Note. The tensioning applies external pulling force in
diverse directions to the metal workpiece without any actual
bending or plastic deformation of the workpiece during the
tensioning step.
Subclass:
646
With restraining of metal from expanding or contracting
during heating or cooling:
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process wherein
the expansion or contraction of the metal workpiece creates a
force which is opposed by a holding or confining means to
restrain the metal workpiece from expanding or contracting.
Subclass:
647
Die quenching:
This subclass is indented under subclass 646. Process wherein
the workpiece is restrained in a die while undergoing a rapid
cooling (i.e., quenching) operation.
Subclass:
648
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process which
includes metal deforming.
Subclass:
649
Forging:
This subclass is indented under subclass 648. Process which
includes a metal deforming operation by heating and hammering
(i.e., forging).
Subclass:
650
With working at or below 120 deg.C or unspecified cold
working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 648. Process wherein
there is a metal deforming operation that occurs at a
temperature from below 120 deg.C down to 20 deg.C or cold
working at an unspecified temperature.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
577 for processes of treating a metal or metal alloy at
temperatures below 20 deg.C.
Subclass:
651
Heating step follows cold working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 650. Process wherein
at least one heating operation follows a cold working
operation.
Subclass:
652
Separate cooling step follows cold working step:
This subclass is indented under subclass 651. Process wherein
there is a separate cooling operation performed subsequent to
the cold working step.
Subclass:
653
With additional nonworking heating step:
This subclass is indented under subclass 648. Process wherein
in addition to the step in which metal working occurs, there
is a separate step of heating for modifying the
microstructure of a metal workpiece.
Subclass:
654
Including cooling (e.g., quenching, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 648. Process which
includes, in addition to the metal working step, a separate
cooling operation (e.g., quenching, etc.).
Subclass:
655
With separate handling or treating of the air, water, or
unspecified fluid treating media:
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process wherein
air, water, or an unspecified fluid treating media is
subjected to a separate step of manipulation or treating
outside of the metal treating operation.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
625 for process of treating the metal workpiece with a
specified treating agent.
Subclass:
656
Work handling:
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process wherein
a metal workpiece is manipulated for positioning or moving
about at any stage in the process.
Subclass:
657
Continuous strip or sheet:
This subclass is indented under subclass 656. Process wherein
the workpiece is in the form of a continuous strip or sheet
of metal.
Subclass:
658
During cooling step:
This subclass is indented under subclass 656. Process wherein
the handling of the workpiece takes place during a cooling
step.
Subclass:
659
Including spheroidizing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process which
involves production of spheroidal microstructural
components.
Subclass:
660
Including cooling (e.g., quenching, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 579. Process which
includes a cooling step (e.g., quenching, etc.).
Subclass:
661
Strip, sheet, or plate:
This subclass is indented under subclass 660. Process wherein
the metal workpiece is in the form of a strip, sheet, or
plate.
Subclass:
662
Heating step follows cooling step:
This subclass is indented under subclass 660. Process in
which a heating step follows a cooling step.
Subclass:
663
Tempering:
This subclass is indented under subclass 662. Process which
includes a tempering heat treatment at any stage whereby a
crystal structure such as martensite is transformed to
carbides residing in austenite.
Subclass:
664
Multiple cooling steps:
This subclass is indented under subclass 660. Process wherein
there are multiple cooling steps.
Subclass:
665
Beryllium (Be) or beryllium base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 559. Process wherein
the metal being treated is beryllium(Be) or a beryllium alloy
containing greater than 50 percent beryllium.
Subclass:
666
Magnesium (Mg) or magnesium base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 559. Process wherein
the metal being treated is magnesium (Mg) or a magnesium
alloy containing greater than 50 percent magnesium.
Subclass:
667
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 666. Process wherein
there is a step of metal deforming.
Subclass:
668
Refractory metal (i.e., titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr),
hafnium (Hf), vanadium (V), niobium (Nb), columbium (Cb),
tantalum (Ta), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W)),
or alloy base thereof:
This subclass is indented under subclass 559. Process wherein
the metal being treated is titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr),
hafnium (Hf), vanadium (V), niobium (Nb), columbium (Cb),
tantalum (Ta), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W),
or an alloy thereof containing greater than 50 percent of one
of said metals.
Subclass:
669
Titanium (Ti) or titanium base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 668. Process wherein
the metal being treated is titanium (Ti) or titanium alloy
containing greater than 50 percent titanium.
Subclass:
670
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 669. Process which
includes a step of metal deforming.
Subclass:
671
With ageing, solution treating (i.e., for hardening),
precipitation hardening or strengthening:
This subclass is indented under subclass 670. Process which
includes a step of ageing, solution treating (i.e., for
hardening), precipitation hardening or precipitation
strengthening as a literally expressed condition.
(1) Note. See the main definition for this class (148),
Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "A. Metal
Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.," to determine placement
over the metal working classes, if metal working is present.
Specifically, the presence of the terms aging, solution
treating, for precipitation strengthening or precipitation
hardening are sufficient for placement in Class 148 over the
metal working classes.
Subclass:
672
Zirconium (Zr) or zirconium base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 668. Process wherein
the metal being treated is zirconium (Zr) or a zirconium
alloy containing greater than 50 percent zirconium.
Subclass:
673
Tungsten (W) or tungsten base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 668. Process wherein
the metal being treated is tungsten (W) or a tungsten alloy
containing greater than 50 percent tungsten.
Subclass:
674
Cobalt (Co) or cobalt base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 559. Process wherein
the metal being treated is cobalt(Co) or a cobalt alloy
containing greater 50 percent cobalt.
Subclass:
675
Nickel (Ni) or nickel base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 559. Process wherein
the metal being treated is nickel(Ni) or a nickel alloy
containing greater than 50 percent nickel.
Subclass:
676
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 675. Process which
includes a metal deforming step.
Subclass:
677
With ageing, solution treating (i.e., for hardening), or
precipitation hardening or strengthening:
This subclass is indented under subclass 676. Process which
includes a step of ageing, solution treating (i.e., for
hardening), or precipitation hardening or precipitation
strengthening as a literal expression.
(1) Note. See the main definition for this class (148),
Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "A. Metal
Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.," to determine placement
over the metal working classes, if metal working is present.
Specifically, the presence of the terms ageing, solution
treating, or precipitation strengthening or precipitation
hardening are sufficient for placement in Class 148 over the
metal working classes.
Subclass:
678
Noble metal (i.e., silver (Ag), gold (Au), osmium (Os),
iridium (Ir), platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh),
palladium (Pd)) or alloy base thereof:
Process under 559 wherein the metal being treated is
silver(Ag), gold(Au), osmium(Os), iridium(Ir), platinum(Pt),
ruthenium(Ru), rhodium(Rh), palladium(Pd), or an alloy base
thereof containing greater than 50 percent of any one of said
metals.
Subclass:
679
Copper (Cu) or copper base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 559. Process wherein
the metal being treated is copper (Cu) or a copper alloy
containing greater than 50 percent copper.
Subclass:
680
With working above 400 deg.C or nonspecified hot working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 679. Process wherein
there is a metal deforming step that takes place at a
temperature above 400 deg.C or there is nonspecified hot
working.
(1) Note. See the main definition for this class (148),
Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "A. Metal
Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.," to determine placement
over the metal working classes, if metal working is present.
Subclass:
681
Multiple working steps:
This subclass is indented under subclass 680. Process which
includes plural metal deforming steps and wherein at least
one of said metal deforming steps is performed above 400
deg.C or is a nonspecified hot working.
Subclass:
682
With ageing, solution treating (i.e., for hardening),
precipitation hardening or strengthening:
This subclass is indented under subclass 681. Process which
includes a step of ageing, solution treating (i.e., for
hardening), or precipitation hardening or precipitation
strengthening as a literally expressed expression.
(1) Note. See the main definition for this class (148),
Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "A. Metal
Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.," to determine placement
over the metal working classes, if metal working is present.
Specifically, the presence of the terms ageing, solution
treating, or precipitation strengthening or precipitation
hardening are sufficient for placement in Class 148 over the
metal working classes.
Subclass:
683
With ageing, solution treating (i.e., for hardening),
precipitation hardening or strengthening:
This subclass is indented under subclass 680. Process which
includes a step of ageing, solution treating (i.e., for
hardening), or precipitation hardening or precipitation
strengthening as a literally expressed expression.
(1) Note. See the main definition for this class (148),
Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "A. Metal
Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.," to determine placement
over the metal working classes, if metal working is present.
Specifically, the presence of the terms ageing, solution
treating, precipitation strengthening or precipitation
hardening are sufficient for placement in Class 148 over the
metal working classes.
Subclass:
684
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 679. Process which
includes a metal deforming step at from 400 deg.C down to 20
deg.C or cold working at an unspecified temperature.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
577 for processes treating solid or semi-solid metal at
temperatures below 20 deg.C.
Subclass:
685
With ageing, solution treating (i.e., for hardening),
precipitation hardening or strengthening:
This subclass is indented under subclass 684. Process which
includes a step of ageing, solution treating (i.e., for
hardening), or precipitation hardening or precipitation
strengthening as a literally expressed condition.
(1) Note. See the main definition for this class (148),
Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "A. Metal
Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.," to determine placement
herein over the metal working classes if metal working is
present. Specifically, the presence of the terms ageing,
solution treating, or precipitation strengthening or
precipitation hardening are sufficient for placement in Class
148 over the metal working classes.
Subclass:
686
With ageing, solution treating (i.e., for hardening),
precipitation hardening or strengthening:
This subclass is indented under subclass 679. Process which
includes a step of ageing, solution treating (i.e., for
hardening), or precipitation hardening or precipitation
strengthening as a literally expressed condition.
(1) Note. See the main definition for this class (148),
Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "A. Metal
Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.," to determine placement
over the metal working classes, if metal working is present.
Specifically, the presence of the terms aging, solution
treating, or precipitation strengthening or precipitation
hardening are sufficient for placement in Class 148 over the
metal working classes.
Subclass:
687
Treating with specified agent (e.g., heat exchange agent,
protective agent, decarburizing agent, denitriding agent,
etc.) or vacuum:
Process under 679 wherein a vacuum or a treating agent (e.g.,
heat exchange agent, protective agent, decarburizing agent,
denitriding agent, etc.) specified as an element, compound,
or composition other than air or water is utilized to treat
the copper or copper alloy.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
206 for carburizing or nitriding of metal using an
externally supplied source.
240 for processes of coating metal utilizing a reactive
agent that reacts with the metal substrate.
Subclass:
688
Aluminum (Al) or aluminum base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 559. Process wherein
the metal being treated is aluminum(Al) or an aluminum alloy
containing greater than 50 percent aluminum.
Subclass:
689
With extruding or drawing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 688. Process wherein
the metal is extruded or drawn through a shaping orifice for
purpose of shaping the metal.
Subclass:
690
And ageing, solution treating (i.e., for hardening),
precipitation hardening or strengthening:
This subclass is indented under subclass 689. Process which
includes a step of ageing, solution treating (i.e., for
hardening), precipitation hardening or precipitation
strengthening as a literally expressed condition.
(1) Note. See the main definition for this class (148),
Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "A. Metal
Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.," to determine placement
over the metal working classes, if metal working is present.
Specifically, the presence of the terms ageing, solution
treating, or precipitation strengthening or precipitation
hardening are sufficient for placement in Class 148 over the
metal working classes.
Subclass:
691
With working above 400 deg.C or nonspecified hot working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 688. Process wherein
there is a metal deforming step that takes place at a
temperature above 400 deg.C or there is nonspecified hot
working.
Subclass:
692
Multiple working steps:
This subclass is indented under subclass 691. Process which
includes plural metal deforming steps and wherein at least
one of said metal deforming steps is performed above 400
deg.C or at an unspecified hot working temperature.
Subclass:
693
With ageing, solution treating (i.e., for hardening),
precipitation hardening or strengthening:
This subclass is indented under subclass 692. Process which
includes a step of ageing, solution treating (i.e., for
hardening), or precipitation hardening or precipitation
strengthening as a literally expressed condition.
(1) Note. See the main definition for this class (148),
Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "A. Metal
Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.," to determine placement
over the metal working classes, if metal working is present.
Specifically, the presence of the terms ageing, solution
treating, or precipitation strengthening or precipitation
hardening are sufficient for placement in Class 148 over the
metal working classes.
Subclass:
694
With ageing, solution treating (i.e., for hardening),
precipitation hardening or strengthening:
This subclass is indented under subclass 691. Process which
includes a step of ageing, solution treating (i.e., for
hardening), or precipitation hardening or precipitation
strengthening as a literally expressed condition.
(1) Note. See the main definition for this class (148),
Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "A. Metal
Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.," to determine placement
over the metal working classes, if metal working is present.
Specifically, the presence of the terms ageing, solution
treating, or precipitation strengthening or precipitation
hardening are sufficient for placement in Class 148 over the
metal working classes.
Subclass:
695
With working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 688. Process which
includes a metal deforming step at 400 deg.C down to 20
deg.C.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
577 for processes treating solid or semi-solid metal at
temperatures below 20 deg.C.
Subclass:
696
Multiple working steps:
This subclass is indented under subclass 695. Process which
includes plural metal deforming steps and wherein each of
said metal deforming steps are performed at from 400 deg.C
down to 20 deg.C.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
577 for processes treating solid or semi-solid metal at
temperatures below 20 deg.C.
Subclass:
697
With ageing, solution treating (i.e., for hardening),
precipitation hardening or strengthening:
This subclass is indented under subclass 696. Process which
includes a step of ageing, solution treating (i.e., for
hardening), precipitation hardening or precipitation
strengthening as a literally expressed condition.
(1) Note. See the main definition for this class (148),
Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "A. Metal
Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.," to determine placement
over the metal working classes, if metal working is present.
Specifically, the presence of the terms ageing, solution
treating, or precipitation strengthening or precipitation
hardening are sufficient for placement in Class 148 over the
metal working classes.
Subclass:
698
With ageing, solution treating (i.e., for hardening),
precipitation hardening or strengthening:
This subclass is indented under subclass 688. Process which
includes a step of ageing, solution treating (i.e., for
hardening), or precipitation hardening or precipitation
strengthening as a literally expressed condition.
(1) Note. See the main definition for this class (148),
Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "A. Metal
Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.," to determine placement
over the metal working classes, if metal working is present.
Specifically, the presence of the terms ageing, solution
treating, or precipitation strengthening or precipitation
hardening are sufficient for placement in Class 148 over the
metal working classes.
Subclass:
699
Copper (Cu) containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 698. Process wherein
the aluminum alloy contains copper (Cu) in any amount.
Subclass:
700
Magnesium (Mg) containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 699. Process wherein
the aluminum alloy contains copper (Cu) and magnesium (Mg)
in any amount.
Subclass:
701
Zinc (Zn) containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 700. Process wherein
the Aluminum alloy contains copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), and
zinc (Zn) in any amount.
Subclass:
702
Magnesium (Mg) containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 698. Process wherein
the aluminum alloy contains magnesium (Mg) in any amount.
Subclass:
703
Treating with specified agent (e.g., heat exchange agent,
protective agent, decarburizing agent, denitriding agent,
etc.) or vacuum:
This subclass is indented under subclass 688. Process wherein
a vacuum or a treating agent (e.g., heat exchange agent,
protective agent, decarburizing agent, denitriding agent,
etc.) specified as an element, compound, or composition other
than air or water is utilized to treat aluminum or aluminum
alloy.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
206 for carburizing or nitriding of metal using an
externally supplied source.
240 for processes of coating metal utilizing a reactive
agent that reacts with the metal.
Subclass:
704
In fused state:
This subclass is indented under subclass 703. Process wherein
the specified agent is in a fused or melted state.
Subclass:
705
Zinc (Zn) or zinc base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 559. Process wherein
the metal being treated is zinc (Zn) or zinc alloy containing
greater than 50 percent zinc.
Subclass:
706
Lead (Pb) or lead base alloy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 559. Process wherein
the metal being treated is lead (Pb) or a lead alloy
containing greater than 50 percent lead.
Subclass:
707
Over 50 percent metal, but no base:
This subclass is indented under subclass 559. Process wherein
the metal alloy being treated contains over 50 percent metal
and in which there is no one metal present over 50 percent.
Subclass:
708
Treating with specified agent (e.g., heat exchange agent,
protective agent, decarburizing agent, denitriding agent,
etc.) or vacuum:
This subclass is indented under subclass 559. Process wherein
a vacuum or treating agent (e.g., specified heat exchange
agent, protective agent, decarburizing agent, denitriding
agent, etc.) is specified as an element, compound, or
composition other than air or water.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
206 for carburizing or nitriding of metal using an
externally supplied source.
240 for processes of coating metal utilizing a reactive
agent that reacts with the metal.
Subclass:
709
With preserving, recovering, or separately handling or
treating of the agent:
This subclass is indented under subclass 708. Process wherein
the specified treating agent or composition is itself treated
(e.g., preserving, recovering, regenerating) in an operation
distinct from the metal treating operation.
Subclass:
710
Utilizing particulate form in fluid bed:
This subclass is indented under subclass 708. Process wherein
the specified agent is utilized in particulate form in a
fluid bed to treat the metal or metal alloy.
(1) Note. Utilizing a particulate material for heat
exchange purposes is acceptable for this subclass, if a fluid
bed is involved.
Subclass:
711
In fused state:
This subclass is indented under subclass 708. Process wherein
the specified agent is utilized in a fused or melted state to
treat the metal or metal alloy.
Subclass:
712
In gaseous state:
This subclass is indented under subclass 708. Process wherein
the specified agent is utilized to treat the metal or metal
alloy is in the gaseous state during the treatment
operation.
Subclass:
713
In liquid state:
This subclass is indented under subclass 708. Process wherein
the specified agent is in the liquid state during the
treatment of the metal or metal alloy.
Subclass:
714
Localized or zone heating or cooling treatment:
This subclass is indented under subclass 559. Process wherein
a portion or several portions but less than the total of a
metal workpiece is subjected to a heating or cooling
treatment that limits the change in microstructure to
localized areas or zones as opposed to the entire workpiece.
CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS
These Cross-Reference Art Collections pertain to subclasses
400+ stock.
Subclass:
900
Ion implanted:
Art collection pertaining to subclasses 400+ wherein the
metal is treated by being bombarded by high velocity ions to
drive them into the surface of the metal stock.
(1) Note. This subclass is most closely related to
subclasses 316+ since it is possible to use ion implantation
rather than thermal diffusion to increase the carbon or
nitrogen content of a metal surface.
Subclass:
901
Surface depleted in an alloy component (e.g., decarburized):
Art collection pertaining to subclasses 400+ wherein the
surface of the metallic stock has been intentionally depleted
in an alloy component, e.g., decarburized.
Subclass:
902
Having portions of different metallurgical properties or
characteristics:
Art collection pertaining to subclasses 400+ wherein
different parts of the metal stock have different
metallurgical characteristics, usually as the result of
differing Class 148 treatments.
(1) Note. The stock material generally has the same
composition throughout as differentiated from stock for Class
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles which has
plural identifiable components, usually of different
composition.
Subclass:
903
Directly treated with high energy electromagnetic waves or
particles (e.g., laser, electron beam):
This subclass is indented under subclass 902. Art collection
for stock material which has been treated with high energy
electromagnetic waves or particles. This usually causes the
surface of the stock to be suddenly heated, the mass of the
stock then quickly cools the surface giving the effect of a
quench resulting in a hardened surface.
Subclass:
904
Crankshaft:
This subclass is indented under subclass 902. Art collection
wherein the stock material is a crankshaft.
Subclass:
905
Cutting tool:
This subclass is indented under subclass 902. Art collection
wherein the stock material is a cutting tool.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
30, Cutlery, subclass 350 for blades wherein the cutting
edge is treated in different manner than the rest of the
blade.
Subclass:
906
Roller bearing element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 902. Art collection
wherein the stock material is a roller bearing element e.g.,
race, ball, roller, etc.
Subclass:
907
Threaded or headed fastener:
This subclass is indented under subclass 902. Art collection
wherein the stock material is a threaded or headed fastener,
e.g., bolt, nut, nail etc.
Subclass:
908
Spring:
This subclass is indented under subclass 902. Art collection
wherein the stock material is a spring, e.g., coil, leaf,
etc.
Subclass:
909
Tube:
This subclass is indented under subclass 902. Art collection
wherein the stock material is tubular.
(1) Note. This subclass is not limited to tubular conduits,
e.g., steam pipe, but also includes hollow tubular articles,
e.g., internal combustion engine wrist pins, etc.
Subclass:
910
In pattern discontinuous in two dimensions (e.g.,
checkerboard pattern):
Stock material which the portions of differing metallurgical
properties vary in two different directions, e.g.,
checkerboard pattern.
Information Products Division -- Contacts
Questions regarding this report should be directed to:
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Information Products Division
PK3- Suite 441
Washington, DC 20231
tel: (703) 306-2600
FAX: (703) 306-2737
email: oeip@uspto.gov
Last Modified: 6 October 2000