CPC Definition - Subclass B01L
- Apparatus for medical or pharmaceutical purposes — A61
- Separating or distilling apparatus — B01D
- Mixing or stirring devices — B01F
- Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology — C12M
- Microorganisms or enzymes; Compositions thereof; Propagating, preserving or maintaining microorganisms; Mutation or genetic engineering; Culture media —C12N
- Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions or test papers therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions; Condition-responsive control in microbiological or enzymological processes — C12Q
- Atomisers — B05B
- Sieves — B07B
- Corks or bungs — B65D
- Handling liquids in general — B67
- Vacuum pumps — F04
- Tubes or tube joints — F16L
- Electrical or optical apparatus — see the relevant classes in sections G and H
Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology | |
Microorganisms or enzymes; Compositions thereof; Propagating, preserving or maintaining microorganisms; Mutation or genetic engineering; Culture media | |
Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions or test papers therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions; Condition-responsive control in microbiological or enzymological processes | |
Apparatus specially adapted for investigating or analysing materials |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Classification Rules:
Groups B01L 1/00 – B01L 99/00 are given for invention information, i.e. the information is such that, if you do a search on this subject-matter, it is important to see the document. The definitions below give guidance as to scope and limits of the respective groups. Additional information is classified with Indexing symbols in the range B01L 1/00 – B01L 99/00. These symbols are used with or without a group in B01L. In addition to a group in B01L, indexing symbols in the range B01L 2200/00 – B01L 2400/00 are applied where possible to all documents classified in B01L. Indexing symbols B01L 2200/00 – B01L 2400/00 are not used for documents without a group in B01L. Also, if documents have only an indexing symbol in the range B01L 1/00 – B01L 99/00, no Indexing symbol is used.
Double classification:
Often double classification will be necessary, also within B01L itself. For example, in documents relating to sample containers it might be that a document is classified for sample taking in A61B 10/0045, for sample storage, in B01L 3/50, and for a specific analysis technique, in G01N.
This place covers:
Chambers, enclosures, rooms and cupboards for laboratory use which have no specific application.
Air-pressure chambers.
This place does not cover:
Chambers provided with manipulation devices, glove boxes |
This place covers:
Incubator or conditioning cabinet not otherwise provided for. Doors and bayonet designs.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Glove boxes | |
Vacuum locks for discharge tubes |
This place covers:
Closed chambers, not otherwise provided for, to provide a defined environment such as temperature, pressure, humidity and other gas concentrations, climate chambers.
This place does not cover:
Incubators for culturing cells | |
Test chambers to test weather resistance |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Treatment rooms for medical purposes | |
Clean rooms for industrial use | |
Ventilation |
This place covers:
Enclosures or chambers for storing hazardous materials in the laboratory.
This place does not cover:
Sample containers |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Refuse receptacles |
This place covers:
Simple fluid transfer means, such as tubes, valves or fittings.
Various containers, in particular for sample or reagent storage also comprising microfluidic structures.
Droppers comprising various fluid dispensing means such as pipettes, burettes and droplet dispensers.
Spatulas.
Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Chemical reactors | |
Bottles | |
Culturing devices | |
Receptacles for volumetric purposes | |
Analysis of a material |
Due to the diversity of the subgroups in this group the head group is only rarely used to classify. It is preferred to use all relevant main groups instead.
This place covers:
Burettes, pipettes, pipette tips, droplet counters, droplet dispensers (droppers), and other laboratory devices to withdraw and discharge a liquid.
This class relates to generally to manually operated devices, but is not restricted to hand held devices. Automation of pipetting stations is classified in G01N 35/10.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Manual dosing | |
Closures with discharging devices | |
Dispensing not otherwise provided for | |
Repeated volume dosing of fluids in general | |
Dispensing of fluids in automatic analysers |
In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:
Pipette | Means with one port |
Burette | Means with two ports |
Dropper | Means to dispense the liquid dropwise |
This place covers:
Burettes, i.e. for withdrawing and redistributing liquids through different conduits.
This place does not cover:
If the volume dispensed is droplet sized |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Medical burettes |
This place covers:
Pipettes, i.e. with only one conduit for withdrawing and redistributing liquids.
This place does not cover:
If the volume dispensed is droplet sized |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Pipette type sampler or inoculator for cell handling |
If used to fill standard multiwell plates use B01L 2300/0829.
This place covers:
This group covers accesories for (traditional) glass pipettes, such as safety devices to protect the user from inhaling hazardous fluids or pumps. This group also encompasses gun-type pipettors.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Gun type pipettors in general |
This place covers:
Piston or plunger-type pipettes.
This place does not cover:
Medical syringes | |
Fluid dosing with measuring chambers in general |
This place covers:
Pipettes where a piston or plunger is moved within a capillary.
Pipettes having a capillary needle but no plunger within the capillary are not classified here, use Indexing Code B01L 2300/0838 in combination with appropriate group in B01L 3/02 instead.
This place does not cover:
Capillary pipette without piston | |
Pippetes having mechanical means to set stroke length | |
Details of electronic control, e.g. relating to user interface |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Microinjections |
This place covers:
Plunger pipettes with coaxial pistons. This group does NOT cover multiple parallel plungers.
This place does not cover:
Drop counters; Drop formers |
This place covers:
Droplet dispensers and droplet counters. This group covers the constructional details of the dispensing part itself not the automation aspects.
The integration into automated systems is classified for instance in G01N 35/10 and B01J 19/0046
This place does not cover:
Making arrays for combinatorial libraries | |
Spraying or atomising in general | |
Printing | |
Automation of dispensing for analysis |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Means for dispensing and evacuation of reagents to make chemical libraries | |
Microinjections | |
Investigating characteristics of particles |
If used to fill standard multiwell plates use B01L 2300/0829.
This place covers:
Droplet dispensers using pins.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Nibs, quills, pens for writing and drawing |
Use B01L 2400/02 for details of printing action.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Stamps in general |
This place covers:
In touch-off dispensers the liquid contacts the target surface while it still hangs at the dispenser thus leading to a bridge between the two bodies. Capillary forces draw the liquid subsequently, at least in part, to the target surface.
This place does not cover:
Ink jet printing of ink |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Nozzles and apparatus for spraying or atomising in general | |
nebulizers for MS after chromatography | |
Introducing samples into mass spectrometers |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Eye dropper | |
Packaging container closures with dropper |
This place covers:
Pipette tips, note that the subgroup also covers ejection means for pipette tips.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Pipette tip racks |
In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:
- "chip (in English translations of Japanese documents)" and " (pipette) tips"
This place covers:
Pipette tip ejectors.
Note that this is not restricted to the features of the tip itself but can also relate to the ejection mechanism of the pipette.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Eye dropper |
This place covers:
Fluid handling apparatus not provided for in B01L 3/02, this group is restricted to gas, beads or pulverized materials.
The subgroup is used as residual group for liquid handling.
This place covers:
Liquid handling apparatus not provided for in B01L 3/02.
Often used in combination with classes in B01L 3/50.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Crystallization for separation | |
Sugars | |
Single crystal crystallization | |
Crystals of macromolecules |
If used as a sample container double classify with relevant class in B01L 3/50
This place covers:
Flasks used in the lab and not otherwise provided for. Flasks usually comprise an inlet which is smaller than the main body.
Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Specially adapted for distillation |
This place covers:
Retorts are simple distillation apparatuses. They often comprise round bases and turned down necks.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Distillation, microdistillation |
This place covers:
Simple containers that only store the sample and also more complex containers with integrated passive or active parts, which inter alia transport samples within them.
Containers for chemical synthesis, even if of small size, are classified in B01J.
This place does not cover:
Devices for taking samples of blood |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Reagent containers | |
Labcontainer with identification means | |
Transport containers for preserved human or animal parts | |
Body liquid sampling | |
Medical containers | |
Synthesis reactors | |
Containers for storage of materials | |
Constructional details of bioreactors for culturing | |
Petri dishes | |
Cuvettes constructions | |
Microscopic slides |
It is important to note that this group is restricted to sample containers and not to lab containers in general.
This place covers:
Sample container where fluid is transported during use between different parts of the container.
In addition to storage of the sample these containers usually enable other function as well, such as sample preparation or analysis. Double classification is preferred.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo and taking blood samples | |
Taking bodily sample other than blood | |
Devices for introducing media into the body | |
Specific analysis techniques | |
Sample preparation | |
Centrifugal-type cuvettes | |
Analysis by separation into components | |
Analysing biological materials | |
Automatic analysers |
Non-tubular centrifugal sample containers are classified in B01L 3/502.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Centrifuges | |
Centrifugal type cuvettes | |
Physical separation of blood components |
This place covers:
Constructional details and flow shaping in sample containers where liquid is transported through an absorbent, e.g. lateral flow devices.
Analysis technique, sensor details and chemistry of lateral flow devices are classified in G01N, e.g. G01N 33/543.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Layered products | |
Optical sensors | |
Electric, electro-chemical and magnetic analysis | |
Physical analysis of biological material | |
Immunoassays |
Double classify with B01L 3/5027 or B01L 3/5027 for porous microchannels in a substrate.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Bioreactors | |
Centrifugal cuvettes |
This place covers:
Sample containers with integrated microfluidic components. Microfluidic components are not restricted to capillary transport but are defined by their small size.
Microfluidic devices can be found in a number of different fields. This group covers only those devices that are used to analyse a sample. The focus is on the sample handling per se in such devices, i.e. handling of fluids, beads, single molecules. The specifics of the analysis itself is for example classified in G01N and C12Q.
Capillary fluid transport in porous materials as flow layers of sample containers, e.g. lateral flow devices, are classified in B01L 3/5023.
This place does not cover:
Micromixers | |
Microreactor for synthesis | |
Microcapillary devices in general |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Microdevices for drug release | |
Sample preparation | |
Introducing samples into mass spectrometers |
For microfluidic devices characterized by the specific integrated thermal control, e.g. for PCR, use double classification with B01L 7/00.
Use index codes B01L 2200/00-B01L 2400/00 as complete as possible.
In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:
- " sample containers with integrated microfluidic components", "lab-on-a-chip" and "microfluidic device for analysis"
This place covers:
Sample containers with integrated microfluidic components with specific manufacturing details.
This place does not cover:
Manufacture of microstructural devices in general |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Shaping or joining of plastics | |
Laminating | |
Microdevices for electrophoresis | |
Photolithography |
This place covers:
Integrated microfluidic interfaces, i.e. the section of the interface which forms part of the container.
Fluidic interfaces comprise inlets and outlets.
Optical interfaces may comprise lenses, prisms, mirrors.
Mechanical interfaces may comprise aligning marks, guides.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Holders for lab-on-a-chips | |
Handling and feeding of cartridges in automated analysers |
This place covers:
Means to remove air or gases from a microfluidic sample container.
Also comprises documents where bubble formation is avoided.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Venting, avoiding backpressure, avoid gas bubbles |
This place covers:
Means or forces to move fluid in microfluidic sample containers, e.g. integrated pumps.
This place does not cover:
Influencing the flow rate for a given force | |
Infusion devices with flow control | |
Micropumps in general | |
Micropumps of the membrane type in general |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Micromixers |
Use Indexing Codes B01L 2400/04 to specify the kind of force or means to move the fluid.
This place covers:
This group covers the constructional details of valves specific to microfluidic sample containers. It also covers valving schemes when they depend on integrated structures, like cascades of capillary valves.
External valve actuators are classified in F16K or G01N 35/00.
This place does not cover:
Throttle valves in microfluidic sample containers | |
Microvalves and actuators in general |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Valves in automated analysers |
For valve details use B01L 2400/06.
In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:
Valve | Means to stop or divert the whole flow of a fluid |
This place covers:
Controlling the flow resistance in a microfluidic sample container which is neither valving, where the flow is stopped, nor pumping, which is the source of the force for the flow.
For example, providing baffles in order to slow but not stop a flow in a specific section of a channel. Adapting the channel dimensions to obtain a specific flow pattern.
This place does not cover:
Valves for microfluidic sample containers | |
Infusion devices with flow control | |
Flow control in general |
For flow control details use B01L 2400/08.
This place covers:
Sample containers with integrated microfluidic components with bulk separation such as filtration or centrifugation. In general, the flow direction of the bulk fluid is the same as the component which is separated. In a bulk separation a certain class of particles/fluid is usually separated from another class as a group. For example, centrifugation leads to a classification of particle groups based on their densitiy.
When the separation is the only purpose and the device is not combined with sample storage, i.e. not integrated, it should not be classified in this group.
This place does not cover:
Separation or sorting of particles or molecules on an individual level | |
Separation in general | |
Microapparatus for analysis using electrophoresis |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Centrifugal test tubes | |
Separation of solids from solids or fluids by e.g.electric or magnetic means, dielectrophoresis | |
Sample preparation | |
Centrifugal-type cuvettes | |
Analysing blood by separating its components | |
Automatic analysers using bio-disks |
This place covers:
Handling of suspended solids or molecules independent from the bulk fluid flow. In general, the fluid flow direction of the bulk fluid is different from the flow direction of the component to be separated. Handling may comprise trapping, sorting, stretching, orientating of particles or molecules.
Usually particles or molecules are handled individually, thus they can be selectively handled irrespective of whether more particles or molecules of the same type/class exist in the sample. For example, a single DNA molecule may be stretched in a nanochannel although the sample comprises many more DNA molecules.
This place does not cover:
Investigating characteristics of particles |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
When particles/molecules are separated as part of a whole class (as bulk) they are classified in B01L 3/502753.
Details of particle/molecule handling can be coded in B01L 2200/0647.
This place covers:
Sample containers with integrated microfluidic components having multiphase flow arrangements. Multiphase flow is meant to encompass flows where gas/liquid or liquid/liquid interfaces exist and kept during flow of the fluids. The fluids may be immiscible but under certain conditions this may not be necessary.
This group is only used in the rare event that none of the groups below are suitable.
This place covers:
Sample containers with integrated microfluidic components having laminated flow arrangements, such as a sheath flow.
This place does not cover:
Micromixers | |
Investigating characteristics of particles |
This place covers:
Droplets or plug flow in sample containers with integrated microfluidic components, such as digital microfluidics.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Automatic analysis using a stream of discrete samples in a tube system (bench top sized) |
This place covers:
Moving droplets individually on a plate, for example by electrowetting.
The droplet may also be bordered by a cover plate in addition to a bottom plate. No side walls are present to guide the droplet.
If present, use Indexing Code for virtual walls B01L 2300/089
This place covers:
Sample containers comprising both fluid transport and swabs. The invention is usually directed to the handling of the swab within the container and not the swab itself.
Swabs as sample taking devices are found in G01N 1/02 and A61B 10/0045.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Devices for sampling bodily liquids | |
Ear cleaners | |
Absorbent pads, swabs | |
Surgical swabs | |
Cell sampling container with a swab | |
Sampling with a swab |
This place covers:
Flexible sample containers such as bags or foldable sample cards.
This place covers:
Folded sample cards.
This place covers:
Sample containers having rigid walls and which do not comprise any internal sample transport.
This place does not cover:
Rigid sample containers with fluid transport |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Urine sample containers | |
Cuvettes | |
Microscopic slides | |
Vacuum locks for discharge tubes (and sample vessels to be used in vacuum) |
This place covers:
Sample containers having the form of tubes, also covers centrifugal type test tubes and test tube caps.
This place does not cover:
Sample containers with other geometrical forms | |
Test tubes with sample transport other than by centrifugation | |
Racks and holders for test tubes | |
Devices for taking samples of blood |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Producing plastic containers | |
Tubular or bottle type culture devices |
Test tube caps having additional chambers, e.g. for reagents, are also classified in B01L 3/502.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Producing plastic closure caps | |
Closures for packaging containers | |
Means for removing stoppers |
For details use B01L 2300/04.
In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:
- "stopper", "closure", "bung", "cork", "seal" and "cap"
Microarray sensors such as DNA-chips without any sample storage are classified elsewhere, e.g. in B01J 19/0046 or G01N 33/50.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Processes and Apparatus for making combinatorial libraries | |
Chemical or biological libraries | |
Automated analysis with microtitration plates |
Use B01L 2300/0829 for standard microtiter plate format.
This place covers:
Sample containers for thermal treatment of samples, such as PCR containers.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Thermostats |
This place covers:
Constructional details of closures for multisample containers.
This place does not cover:
Closures for test tubes | |
Handling of closures in automated systems |
For details use Indexing Codes B01L 2300/04.
This place covers:
Multisample containers which can be assembled and/or disassembled during use but which form a single unit when they are assembled. These are typically assembled into a standard format using a frame.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Holders and racks for test tubes |
This place covers:
Multiple parallel capillaries which hold a sample by surface tension at a specific location. The sample is not transported within the device except for filling or draining.
This place does not cover:
Parallel capillaries as sample containers involving transport within said capillaries |
This place does not cover:
Droplet is also moved, transported on the substrate |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Applying liquids to render a surface hydrophobic | |
Surface shaping of plastic parts | |
Maldi-TOF sample plates |
For multiple samples double classify with B01L 3/5085.
This place covers:
Reagent containers.
Sample containers with integrated reagent containers are not classified in this group. However, if the reagent container is a (modular) unit which can be inserted into a sample container and is thus not an integral part of the sample container it should be classified in this group.
This place does not cover:
Pipettes, Burettes, Droppers | |
Sample container | |
Automated reagent dispensers |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Sample containers | |
Lab container with identification means | |
Medical containers | |
Containers for storage of materials | |
Storing or dispensing test elements |
Sample containers having additional integrated compartments for reagents are not classfied in this group but in B01L 3/50 use mirror Indexing Codes B01L 3/52 instead or B01L 2200/16.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Test tube closures | |
Closures for multiwell containers |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Sample containers for multiple samples |
This place covers:
Labels, barcodes, RFIDs and other identification means used for labware.
This place does not cover:
Record carrier designed to carry digital markings like barcodes, RFID |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Control arrangments for automated analysers |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data related to laboratory analysis |
This place covers:
Simple labware to transfer fluids, in particular traditional glassware and its accessories, such as connectors, valves, tubes, funnels.
This place does not cover:
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Medical tubes, connectors, couplings, valves and the like |
This place does not cover:
Pipes in general |
This place does not cover:
If connectors are integrated into a sample container use | |
Joints and fittings in general |
This place covers:
Direct connection between only two containers.
This place does not cover:
Joints and fittings in general |
This place covers:
Valves specifically used in connection with laboratory equipment.
This place does not cover:
Valves in general | |
Automated sample transfer characterised by valves |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Burettes |
This place covers:
Residual group for glassware not falling in any of the above groups, i.e. must by made of glass.
Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Separation of gases or vapours |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Gas generators | |
Steam traps | |
Gas vessels | |
Investigating gases |
This place covers:
Thermostats for heating or cooling and heat insulation devices.
This place does not cover:
Autoclaves |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Evaporators | |
Cold traps | |
Drying gases or vapours, e.g. desiccators | |
Heating or cooling for centrifuges | |
Incubators | |
Heating in general | |
Cooling in general | |
Drying ovens | |
Furnaces or ovens | |
Heat exchanger in general | |
Sample preparation | |
Controlling temperature. | |
Chip cooling | |
Electric heating |
To specify the thermostating means, indexing symbol B01L 2300/18 and subgroups are used.
This place covers:
Stand alone heat insulation device.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Temperature processes for preservation of (parts of) animals or humans | |
Refrigeration or cooling in general |
This place covers:
Thermocyclers and other thermostats where a sample is exposed to a defined sequence of different temperatures. For example used for PCR.
The specific analysis methods of polymerase chain reactions (PCR) are classified in C12Q 1/68.
Other integrated means such as specific detectors, or means for automation are classified in G01N.
This place does not cover:
PCR methods |
Use double classification with microfluidic sample containers of B01L 3/5027.
This place covers:
Thermostats creating a defined temperature gradient in space.
This place covers:
Holding frame constructions, trays for drying labware or holders for labware not provided for in a subgroup.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Tweezers or tongs |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Work space management systems | |
Dental work stands |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Automated analysers with conveyors for sample containers |
This place covers:
Supports specially adapted for flat sample carriers.
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Staining of samples | |
Automated analysers | |
Microscopic slides |
This place covers:
Supports specially adapted for pipettes and burettes.
This place does not cover:
Automated pipetting stations |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Packages for Syringes, Needles | |
Racks for Syringes, Needles | |
Positioning tool for sampling or inoculating |