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 419
POWDER METALLURGY PROCESSES
Class Definition:
This is the generic class for producing metals, alloys or
metal containing compositions in a solid or compact state
from powdered or particulate material with or without
heating.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
The order of superiority among various metal, alloy, and
metal stock areas and methods of manufacture involving them
is as follows:
(1) Class 419, Powder Metallurgy Processes.
(2) Class 148, Metal Treatment, subclasses 22+, compositions
for treatment of solid metal.
(3) Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes,
Compositions for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder
Compositions, and Loose Metal Particulate Mixtures,
subclasses 300, 301, and 303+, gaseous, liquid, or solid
treating compositions for liquid metal or charges, and
subclass 302, welding rod defined by composition.
(4) Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes,
Compositions for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder
Compositions, and Loose Metal Particulate Mixtures,
subclasses 228+, consolidated metal powder compositions and
subclasses 255+, loose metal particulate mixtures.
(5) Class 420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, claimed as
products.
(6) Class 148, Metal Treatment, subclasses 95-122, 240-287,
and 500-714, in the schedule order, providing for certain
processes of treating solid or semi-solid metal by modifying
or maintaining the internal physical structure (i.e.,
microstructure) or chemical property of metal, processes of
reactive coating of metal or processes of chemical-heat
removing (e.g., flame-cutting, etc.) or burning of metal.
However, if metal casting, metal fusion bonding, machining,
or working is involved, there is a requirement of significant
heat treatment as described in section III, A, of the Class
148 definition.
(7) Class 148, Metal Treatment, subclasses 33+ barrier layer
stock material and subclasses 400+, stock.
(8) Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes,
Compositions for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder
Compositions, and Loose Metal Particulate Mixtures,
subclasses 331+, processes of making solid particulate alloys
directly from liquid metal and subclasses 343+, processes of
producing or purifying alloys in powder form.
(9) Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes,
Compositions for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder
Compositions, and Loose Metal Particulate Mixtures,
subclasses 10.1+ and 10.67, processes of making alloys
electrothermic, electromagnetic, or electrostatic processes.
(10) Class 420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, processes of
manufacture.
(11) Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes,
Compositions for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder
Compositions, and Loose Metal Particulate Mixtures,
subclasses 330+, processes of making metal and processes of
treating liquid metals and liquid alloys and consolidating
metalliferous material.
(12) Class 204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy,
processes.
(13) Class 164, Metal Founding, subclasses 1+, processes.
(14) Class 266, Metallurgical Apparatus, subclasses 44+,
processes of operating metallurgical apparatus.
This list is not complete and may be added to as the proper
relationship of other areas is determined.
See References to Other Classes, below, for additional
information about lines with the following types of classes:
Compound, Composition, and Material Classes;
Article or Product Classes;
Process Classes;
Apparatus Classes.
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, appropriate subclasses for processes for
manufacturing specific articles provided for in Class 29 by
processes not involving powder metallurgy steps. (process
class)
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, appropriate subclasses,
for machine elements defined by structure and/or function,
which may have been made by a Class 419 process. (article or
product class)
75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for Use
Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, subclasses 331+ and 343+ for
processes of making metal powders and subclasses 746+ for
consolidating metalliferous material that is used in
metallurgical processes. (process class)
75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for Use
Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, subclasses 303+ for
consolidated furnace charges (e.g., briquettes, etc.)
containing a free metal which are used as charges in Class 75
processes and for compositions which may contain metal powder
which are used as fluxes in smelting and treating
metalliferous ores, subclasses 228+ for consolidated metal
powder compositions which may have been prepared by a Class
419 process, and subclasses 255+ for loose powder
compositions containing a free metal. (compound, composition
and material class.)
117, Single-Crystal, Oriented-Crystal, and Epitaxy Growth
Processes; Non-Coating Apparatus Therefor, for processes for
growing therein-defined single-crystal of all types of
materials, including metal, and not including a Class 419
method step. See Class 117 for guidance in placement of
single-crystal related art.(process class)
117, Single-Crystal, Oriented-Crystal, and Epitaxy Growth
Processes; Non-Coating Apparatus Therefor, for non-coating
apparatus for growing therein-defined single-crystal of all
types of materials, including inorganic or organic. Coating
apparatus are generally located in Class 118. (apparatus
class)
123, Internal-Combustion Engines, appropriate subclasses for
such elements of internal combustion engines as are provided
for in that class, defined by structure/function, which may
have been made by a Class 419 process. (article or product
class)
128, Surgery, appropriate subclasses, for surgical devices
and instruments defined by structure/functions which may have
been made by a Class 419 process. (article or product
class)
148, Metal Treatment, particularly subclass 514 for
processes of pre-treatment or post-treatment of a previously
sintered or compacted consolidated powder metal starting
material to modify or maintain the internal physical
structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical properties of
metal and wherein there is no actual step of sintering or
compacting of the powdered metal recited. However, Class 419
takes as original pre-treatment or post-treatment operations
as long as the sintering or compacting operation is present.
See, also, Class 148, subclass 513 for treatment of loose
metal powder by a Class 148 operation. (process class)
148, Metal Treatment, particularly subclass 513 for
processes of treating loose metal particles (e.g., powder,
etc.) to modify or maintain the internal physical structure
(i.e., microstructure) or chemical property of metal and
lacking a sintering or compacting operation. (compound,
composition and material class)
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, appropriate subclasses,
especialy subclasses 327+, for earth boring or penetrating
elements or devices defined by structure/function, which may
have been made by a Class 419 process. (article or product
class)
188, Brakes, appropriate subclasses, especially subclasses
218-265, for braking apparatus or elements defined by
structure/function, which may have been made by Class 419
process. (article or product class)
192, Clutches and Power-Stop Control, appropriate subclasses,
especially subclasses 106.1-115, for clutch and power-stop
control apparatus or elements provided for in Class 122,
defined by structure/function, which may have been made by a
Class 419 process. (article or product class)
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, appropriate
subclasses, for electrical circuit makers and breakers
defined by structure/function, which may have been made by a
Class 419 process. (apparatus class)
216, Etching a Substrate: Processes, for etching of all
materials not otherwise provide for, including a metal.
(process class)
245, Wire Fabrics and Structure, appropriate subclasses, for
wire fabrics defined by structure which may have been made by
a Class 419 process. (apparatus class)
251, Valves and Valve Actuation, appropriate subclasses, for
valve apparatus provided for in Class 251, which may have
been made by a Class 419 process. (apparatus class)
252, Compositions, subclass 62.55 for magnetic compositions
containing a free metal or alloy which may be in a
particulate state, subclass 500 for electrically conductive
or emissive compositions which may include a free metal in a
powder state. (compound, composition and material class)
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes, subclass .5 for processes of making nuclear fuel
elements or charges not involving powder metallurgy, but
powder metallurgy processes for making such products are in
this class (419), appropriate subclasses; subclasses 109+ for
processes of forming articles by uniting randomly associated
particles not including free metal particles. (article or
product class)
266, Metallurgical Apparatus, appropriate subclasses, for
sintering apparatus, per se. (apparatus class)
384, Bearings, appropriate subclasses, for bearing or bearing
guides defined by structure/function which may have been made
by a Class 419 process. (apparatus class)
407, Cutters, for Shaping, appropriate subclasses, for
shaping cutters tools defined by structure/function which may
have been made by a Class 419 process. (apparatus class)
415, Rotary Kinetic Fluid Motors or Pumps, appropriate
subclasses for elements of rotary kinetic fluid motors or
pumps provided for in Class 415, defined by
structure/functions which may have been produced by a Class
419 process. (apparatus class)
416, Fluid Reaction Surfaces, (i.e., Impellers), appropriate
subclasses, for elements of fluid reaction impellers provided
for in Class 416, defined by structure/functions, which may
have been made by a Class 419 process. (apparatus class)
425, Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating:
Apparatus, subclasses 78+ for means for molding powdered
metal. (apparatus class)
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclass 539.5
for stock material having a metal continuous phase
interengaged with a nonmetal continuous phase, subclasses
546+ for miscellaneous stock material containing particles of
free metal, and subclass 570 for composite powders which may
comprise a free metal. (compound, composition and material
class)
451, Abrading, especially subclasses 540+, for abrasive tool
which may have been made by a Class 419 process. (article or
product class)
623, Prothesis (i.e., Artificial Body Members), Parts
Thereof, or Aids and Accessories Therefor, appropriate
subclasses for artificial body members defined by a structure
which may be made by a Class 419 process. (article or
product classe)
GLOSSARY:
The meaning to be given to the various "art" terms appearing
in this class, but which have not been included in the
Glossary below, is the same as that generally accepted or in
common usage. However, certain terms employed in this class,
which are included below, have been assigned definitions
tailored to meet the needs of this class and therefore those
may be more restricted or less limited or even altogether
different from those in common usage.
COMPACTING
Forming of particulate material into a body or shape by the
application of pressure to the particulate material without
heating.
CONSOLIDATION
Forming of particulate material into a unitary body without
heating. This may or may not include the application of
pressure to the particulate material (e.g., slip casting).
SINTERING
The term sintering includes the union of finely divided
material or powder by the action of heat with or without
pressure. The heat must result from a positive application of
heat at some point in the process. Heat resulting from the
application of pressure alone is not considered to be a
positive application of heat in these subclasses. Some, but
not all, of the ingredients may melt. A chemical reaction
such as reduction may occur during sintering.
FUGITIVE MATERIAL
A material which is incorporated in the powder admixture
which is wholly destroyed or separated from the other
materials in a subsequent step prior to or during the
consolidation or sintering operation.
SUBCLASSES
Subclass:
1
POWER METALLURGY PROCESSES WITH HEATING OR SINTERING:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes for producing metals, metalloys or metal containing
composition in a solid state from powdered or particulate
material including a heating or sintering operation, i.e.,
without melting all of the ingredients.
(1) Note. The term sintering includes the union of finely
divided material or powder by the action of heat with or
without pressure. The heat must result from a positive
application of heat at some point in the process. Heat
resulting from the application of pressure alone is not
considered to be a positive application of heat in these
subclasses. Some, but not all of the ingredients may melt.
A chemical reaction such as reduction may occur during
sintering.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 61+ for similar processes which do not apply
sufficient heat to effect sintering.
Subclass:
2
Making porous product:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes in
which a porous or cellular mass is produced during
sintering.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
5 for processes of infiltration (i.e., impregnating) and
producing the porous sintered product.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
106, Compositions: Coating or Plastic, subclass 122 and see
the note thereunder for other classes involving porous
forming.
Subclass:
3
Making articles of indefinite length:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes which
produce a product having one dimension, its length,
considerably greater than its other dimensions, but wherein
the process does not establish a finite limit for the
length.
Subclass:
4
Filaments or fibers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Processes which
produce a product having a shape which is basically
cylindrical with the length considerably greater than its
diameter.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, subclass 419.1, for processes of working a
mass of fibered materials which (1) have been previously
formed into a body or (2) which do not ultimately form a body
as a result of the working step.
252, Compositions, subclasses 500+ for electrically
conductive or emissive compositions.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes, subclass 171.1 for processes of making indefinite
length articles or preforms which may comprise a metallic
conductor, not involving powder metallurgy.
Subclass:
5
Making composite or hollow article:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes
involving arranging one or more distinct powder material
layers or portions in contact with one or more distinct
layers or portions of powder or solid material and uniting
the layers or portions by sintering, or processes under
subclass 1 which produces an article which includes an
internal hollow space or processes under subclass 1 which
involve making a porous article and infiltrating (i.e.,
impregnating) it.
(1) Note. Layers or portions of powder material are
considered distinct if they differ with regard to chemical
composition, particle size or degree of physical compaction,
if they constitute individual preformed layers.
(2) Note. Processes herein included are those involving two
or more distinct layers as in (1) Note above, in which one or
more powder layers are united with one or more solid layers
by a sintering step.
(3) Note. Processes for impregnating a sintered article by
immersion or diffusion are excluded herefrom and are provided
for in subclass 27.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
47 for processes in which during the sintering operation one
layer melts and becomes dispersed throughout the other
layer.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
216, Etching a Substrate: Processes, for the use of etching
in removing one substance from another or for removing a
portion of a substance (work) not otherwise provided for.
Subclass:
6
Powder next to powder:
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Processes which
produce a product in which two contiguous layers or portions
are both formed from material which was originally in powder
form.
Subclass:
7
One or more components not compacted:
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Processes in
which at least one of the contiguous layers or portions is
not compacted during the processing.
Subclass:
8
Powder next to solid:
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Process which
produce a product in which one of the contiguous layers or
portions is not produced from particulate material.
Subclass:
9
Powder not compacted:
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Processes in
which a powder layer or portion is not compacted during the
processing.
Subclass:
10
Metal and nonmetal in final product:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes which
have in the resulting product a free metal and various
materials, such as elemental carbon, metal borides, carbides,
nitrides, oxides or silicides, or mixtures of same.
(1) Note. This is the generic place for the sintering of
mixtures composed of (1) a free metal or a substance which
changes chemically to release a free metal (e.g., a metal
hydride which decomposes) and (2) nonmetallic materials such
as those stated in the indented subclass definitions.
(2) Note. For the purpose of this classification, elemental
silicon is considered to be a metal.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
51, Abrasive Tool Making Process, Material, or Composition,
subclass 309 for abrasive tool making processes, amterials,
and compositions comprising a free metal and metal oxides.
76, Metal Tools and Implements, Making, subclass 107.1 for
processes of making dies.
420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, for a process of
producing an alloy which contains a nonmetallic component by
melting.
Subclass:
11
Nonmetal is elemental carbon:
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Processes in
which the nonmetal is carbon in its elemental form, i.e., not
in the form of a carbon compound.
(1) Note. The carbon may be in the form of, e.g., graphite,
diamond, etc.
Subclass:
12
Boride containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Processes in
which the nonmetal material consists of a boride.
Subclass:
13
Nitride containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Processes in
which the nonmetal material consists of a nitride.
Subclass:
14
Carbide containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Processes
wherein the nonmetal material includes a carbide compound.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
501, Compositions: Ceramic, subclasses 87+ for processes
of making sintered ceramic compositions which include a
carbide.
Subclass:
15
Complex or multiple carbides:
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Processes in
which the nonmetal includes a mixture of different carbides
or a complex phase which includes carbon combined with a
metal and at least one more element which may be a metal or a
nonmetal.
Subclass:
16
With another nonmetal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Processes in
which in addition to the carbide there is present another
nonmetal.
Subclass:
17
Single binary carbide:
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Processes in
which a nonmetal material consists of a single binary
carbide.
Subclass:
18
Tungsten carbide:
This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Processes in
which the carbide is a carbide of tungsten.
Subclass:
19
Oxide containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Processes in
which the nonmetal material includes an inorganic oxide
compound.
Subclass:
20
Rare earth oxide:
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Processes
wherein the oxide contained in the final product is a binary
compound of oxygen and a rare earth element.
(1) Note. For the purpose of this classification the term
"rare earth" includes elements with atomic numbers 57-71 and
87+, i.e., lanthanum, cerium, praesodymium, neodymium,
promethium, sam erium, europium, adolinium, terbium,
dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, lutecium,
francium, radium, actinium, thorium, pratinium, uranium,
neptunium, plutonium, americium, curium, berkelium,
californium, einsteinium, fermium, mendeleyium, noblium and
lawrencium.
Subclass:
21
Silver metal with metal oxide:
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Processes in
which silver is present as a matrix material and the nonmetal
is a metal oxide.
Subclass:
22
Copper oxide:
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Processes in
which the nonmetal is a binary compound of oxygen and
copper.
Subclass:
23
Powder shape or size characteristics:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes in
which one or more dimensions of or the configuration of the
contour of the powder particles is recited in the claims.
Subclass:
24
Filaments or fibers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Processes in
which the shape of the particles is basically cylindrical
with the length considerably greater than the diameter
thereof.
Subclass:
25
Controlled cooling after sintering:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes in
which the lowering of the temperature of the hot sintered
product is regulated in some positive fashion.
(1) Note. Cooling at a stated rate or in a stated
atmosphere are examples of controlled cooling within the
definition of this subclass.
Subclass:
26
Post sintering operation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes in
which there is an additional positive step following the
sintering operation other than controlled cooling.
Subclass:
27
Impregnation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 26. Processes in
which the interstices between the sintered particles are at
least partially filled by an additional liquid or solid
material which was not present during or prior to the
sintering step.
Subclass:
28
Subsequent working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 26. Processes in
which the sintered compact undergoes an additional mechanical
treatment.
(1) Note. The working step may comprise, e.g., mechining,
assembling, forging, peening, rolling or other shaping,
cutting, etc.
(2) Note. If the product is heated and held at such a
temperature for an extended period of time, the presumption
shall be that any pressing operating is a working step under
this subclass definition.
Subclass:
29
Subsequent heat treatment, (e.g., annealing, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 26. Processes
wherein the sintered compact is subjected to an additional
heating step.
(1) Note. The additional heating step may be for the
purpose of, e.g., annealing the sintered compact, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
148, Metal Treatment, subclass 126.1, for heat treating
unsintered metal powder which is not eventually consolidated
into a unitary body.
Subclass:
30
Powder pretreatment (prior consolidation or sintering):
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes which
include preliminary significant treatment, preparation or
manufacture of the powder or particulate material, prior to
any compacting or sintering.
(1) Note. Processes here provide for which in addition
include such subsequent operations as provided for below are
classified here and cross-referenced to the subclasses
below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44 for processes which include a preliminary treatment of a
"green body" prior to sintering or consolidation.
Subclass:
31
Heat treatment of powder:
Processes under subclass in which the powder is subjected to
a temperature above the ambient temperature.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
148, Metal Treatment, particularly subclass 513 for
processes of treating loose metal particles (e.g., powder,
etc.) to modify or maintain the internal physical structure
(i.e., microstructure) or chemical properties of the metal
and lacking a sintering or compacting operation.
Subclass:
32
Mechanical blending:
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Processes in
which the powders of different chemical constitution or
physical characteristics are mechanically mixed together.
(1) Note. The mixing may be performed by, e.g., tumbling,
ball milling, etc.
Subclass:
33
Comminuting:
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Processes in
which preliminary operation includes comminution,
disintegration, abrasion or other mechanical method of
producing a number of smaller solid masses by the division of
a larger solid mass or masses.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
55 for sintering processes involving plural heating
(sintering) steps in which the material is comminuted between
sintering steps.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, subclass 3
for processs involving mechanical comminution or
disintegration preceded by solidifying, consolidating,
shaping and/or sintering steps provided no chemical change is
involved, and see section 2 of the main class definition of
Class 241 for the lines between Class 241 and the chemical
classes when a chemical change is involved.
Subclass:
34
Chemical blending:
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Processes in
which the mixture which is consolidated is at least in part
the product of a chemical reaction between other starting
materials.
Subclass:
35
Coating:
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Processes in
which at least some particles of powder or particulate
material become covered by a layer of some other material,
other than a fugitive material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
148, Metal Treatment, particularly subclass 514 for
processes of pre-treatment or post-treatment of a previously
sintered or compacted consolidated powder metal starting
material to modify or maintain the internal physical
structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical properties of
metal combined with a coating operation and wherein there is
no actual sintering or compacting operation present.
205, Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein, and
Methods of Preparing the Compositions, subclasses 80+ for
electrolytic coating processes not claimed in combination
with a specific sintering operation.
427, Coating Processes, subclasses 212+ for processes of
coating, flakes, particles, or granules, per se, especially
subclass 216 when the base is metal.
Subclass:
36
Addition of fugitive material:
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Processes
wherein a fugitive ingredient is incorporated in the powder
admixture.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
40 for processes which use a fugitive liquid carrier vehicle
to make a slurry. If the admixture uses a carrier vehicle and
the produced preform is subjected to additional mechanical
compaction, the patent is placed here (in subclass 36).
Subclass:
37
Additional material is solid:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Processes
wherein the additional material is in the solid state.
Subclass:
38
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Consolidating of
powder prior to sintering: Processes which include
consolidating a mass of the powder at some stage prior to
sintering the particles therein.
(1) Note. To be classified here the claimed process must
recite the pressing or shaping in a significant manner, e.g.,
a specific pressure, pressure on all faces, pressure in
increments, etc.
Subclass:
39
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Specific
pressure or lack of pressure recited: Processes which recite
a specific pressure during the compaction step or which
recite that no nonambient pressure is imposed during the
compaction step, i.e., the quantity of pressure employed
during the consolidation step is recited in the claims.
(1) Note. A compacting reciting the use of ambient
atmospheric pressure, which amounts to compacting by
gravitation, is classified herein.
Subclass:
40
Slip or slurry:
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Processes
wherein powder to be consolidated is suspended in a liquid
medium.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
36 processes in which the admixture includes a carrier
vehicle and the produced preform is subjected to additional
mechanical compaction.
Subclass:
41
Extruding:
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Processes
wherein the compaction is effected by forcing the powder
through a restricted orifice under pressure.
(1) Note. Extrusion processes as here contemplated are
sometimes referred as die expressing or aquirting.
Subclass:
42
Isostatic or hydrostatic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Processes
wherein the powder is compacted uniformly in all directions
in a preformed flexible mold immersed in a fluid in a
pressure vessel, or wherein the compaction is performed on a
hydraulic or hydrostatic press.
Subclass:
43
Rolling:
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Processes
wherein the compaction is effected by a generally cylindrical
member, the roller, moving across the surface of the powder
while revolving about an axis or repeatedly turning over.
Subclass:
44
Pretreatment of consolidated powders:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes which
include significant treatment of consolidated powder prior to
sintering.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
30 for pretreatment of powder prior to compacting.
Subclass:
45
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Sintering which
includes a chemical reaction: Processes which include a
chemical reaction which is effected by the conditions present
during the sintering step.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
46 where it is recited that an alloy is formed.
Subclass:
46
Alloying occurs during sintering:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes wherein
more than one metallic element is present in the powder being
treated and the conditions present during the sintering step
cause an alloy to form from those metals.
(1) Note. For the definition of alloy see (1) Note in the
definition of class (75), subclass 122.
Subclass:
47
Liquid phase sintering:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes wherein
it is recited that some portion but not all of the material
melts during the sintering operation.
Subclass:
48
Heat and pressure simultaneously to effect sintering:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes in
which the particles are sintered by a combination of elevated
temperature and pressure applied thereto at the same time.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
38 for processes in which the material to be sintered is
pressed to shape prior to heating to effect sintering, and 31
for processes in which the sintered articles is pressed after
heating.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
51, Abrasive Tool Making Process, Material, or Composition,
subclass 309 for similar processes involving the making of
abrasive tools.
76, Metal Tools and Implements, Making, subclass 101.1 for
similar processes involving making a tool blank.
219, Electric Heating, subclass 149, for apparatus for
briquetting powder metal involving bonding of the metal
particles by means of heat generated by an electric current.
425, Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating:
Apparatus, subclass 78 for apparatus for forming articles by
uniting associated particles of metallic elements, alloys or
amalgams.
Subclass:
49
Hot isostatic pressing (hip):
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Processes in
which heat and pressure are simultaneously applied during the
sintering step, and the pressure is applied uniformly from
all directions.
Subclass:
50
Hot rolling:
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Processes in
which the pressure is applied by a generally cylindrical
member, the roller, moving across the surface of the powder
while revolving about an axis or repeatedly turning over.
Subclass:
51
Multiaxial (hot hiP):
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Processes
wherein the pressure is applied from more than one direction,
but amounts to less than from all directions as is true in
isostatic pressing.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
42 for processes of consolidating a powder using an
isostatic pressing method.
Subclass:
52
Heating by electrical means other than radiant energy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Processes in
which the applied heat is produced by any method which
employs electrical energy, other than radiant energy.
Subclass:
53
Plural heating steps including sintering:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes which
include a plurality of discrete heating steps, at least one
of which must be a sintering step.
Subclass:
54
Different temperatures:
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Processes
wherein at least two of the discrete heating steps are
recited as occurring at specifically different temperatures.
Subclass:
55
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Additional
operation between heating steps: Processes wherein at least
one operation or step other than a heating step is performed
between two of the heating steps.
Subclass:
56
Special medium during sintering:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes in
which the material is sintered while in a provided
environment which may be a liquid, solid, or a vacuum gas to
produce a desired condition during the sintering operation.
(1) Note. Processes in which one of the material being
treated decomposes or reacts to produce a material which
becomes the desired environment are included in this and
indented subclasses (e.g., a metal hydride, etc.).
(2) Note. See Class 148, Metal Treatment, appropriate
subclasses, for metal heat treatment in general in special
environments.
Subclass:
57
Special atmosphere:
This subclass is indented under subclass 56. Processes
wherein the special medium present during the sintering
operation is a special gas or vacuum.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
148, Metal Treatment, particularly subclass 514 for
processes of pre-treatment or post-treatment of a previously
sintered or compacted consolidated powder metal starting
material to modify or maintain the internal physical
structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical properties of
metal combined with treatment in a controlled atmosphere and
wherein there is no actual sintering or compacting operation
present.
373, Industrial Electrical Heating Furnances, appropriate
subclasses, for electric furnances adapted to carry out such
processes.
Subclass:
58
This subclass is indented under subclass 57. Hydrogen or
hydrogen plus nitrogen (N[subscrpt]2[end subscrpt]57):
Processes in which the special atmosphere comprises hydrogen
with or without nitrogen being present.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
57 for the use of nitrogen as the special atmosphere without
also using hydrogen.
Subclass:
59
This subclass is indented under subclass 57. Hydrocarbon or
derivative (e.g., ch[subscrpt]4[end subscrpt], etc.):
Processes herein the special atmosphere contains hydrocarbons
or substances derived from hydrocarbons other than hydrogen.
(1) Note. The atmosphere may comprise, e.g., methane
(CH[subscrpt]4[end subscrpt]) gas, etc.
Subclass:
60
Vacuum:
This subclass is indented under subclass 57. Processes in
which the special atmosphere is a vacuum.
Subclass:
61
FORMING ARTICLES BY UNITING RANDOMLY ASSOCIATED METAL
PARTICLES:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes for making articles by uniting powders or
particulate materials including a free metal without the use
of heat.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 1+ for similar processes which employ heat,
usually at a sufficient level to induce sintering.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes, subclasses 109+ for similar processes performed
on materials not containing free metal particles.
Subclass:
62
Powder pretreatment:
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Processes which
include preliminary significant treatment, preparation or
manufacture of the powder or particular material, prior to
any compacting or consolidation.
Subclass:
63
Includes a chemical reaction:
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Processes
wherein during the pre-treatment at least one component of
the powder undergoes a chemical change.
Subclass:
64
Includes coating of particles:
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Processes in
which at least some particles of powder or particulate
material become covered by a layer of some other material.
Subclass:
65
Includes adding a binder material:
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Process which
include the incorporation in the powder of a material having
the function of causing particles of the powder to adhere to
each other.
Subclass:
66
Consolidation of powders:
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Processes which
include a step of compacting or forming an article by the use
of positive pressure.
Subclass:
67
Extrusion:
This subclass is indented under subclass 66. Processes
wherein the compaction is effected by forcing the powder
through a restricted orifice under pressure.
(1) Note. Extrusion processes as here contemplated are
sometimes referred to as die expressing or squirting.
Subclass:
68
Isostatic/hydrostatic pressing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 66. Processes
wherein the powders is compacted or shaped by pressure
exerted uniformly in all directions on a preformed flexible
mold immersed in a fluid in a pressure vessel, or wherein the
compaction is performed on a hydraulic or hydrostatic press.
Subclass:
69
Rolling:
This subclass is indented under subclass 66. Processes
wherein the compaction is effected by a generally cylindrical
member, the roller, moving across the surface of the powder
while revolving about the axis or repeatedly turning over.
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