SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION
This is the generic class for specialized metallurgical processes
for producing or recovering metals from metal compounds, ores, or
scrap metal and for refining liquid metal and for compositions used
in these specialized metallurgical processes, consolidated metal
powder compositions, and loose metal particulate mixtures.
Included in this class are patents drawn to:
(A) Processes for the production of solid, particulate free
metal directly from liquid metal.
(B) Processes for the production or purification of free metal
powder or the production or purification of alloys in powder form.
(C) Processes for the production or refining of free metal
or alloys that use the electrothermal effects of electricity or
electromagnetic wave energy or that use magnetism or electrostatics.
(D) Processes for the production of free metal by smelting,
roasting, or furnace methods (a.k.a., pyrometallurgy) or by using
a nonmetallic material which is liquid under standard conditions
(a.k.a., hydrometallurgy).
(E) Processes for the treatment of liquid metal or melting
metal.
(F) Processes for consolidating metalliferous charges or treating
agents that are used in other processes of this class by agglomerating,
compacting, indurating, or sintering.
(G) Compositions, not elsewhere provided for, disclosed as
useful in metallurgical processes (e.g., reactive furnace linings,
charges or solid treating compositions for producing free metal
or alloys from metalliferous materials, gaseous or liquid compositions
used in the production of free metal or alloys or used in the treatment
of liquid metal) and processes of manufacturing compositions useful
in metallurgical processes.
(H) Consolidated metal powder compositions having a continuous
free metal phase, such as those produced by a process of the class
of Powder Metallurgy Processes. See Lines With Other Classes and
Within This Class, 1., below.
(I) Loose metal particulate mixtures.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
A. LIST OF CLASSES OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS AND COMPOSITIONS
USED IN METALLURGICAL PROCESSES
148, Metal Treatment.
149, Explosive and Thermic Compositions or Charges.
252, Compositions.
423, Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds.
507, Earth Boring, Well Treating, and Oil Field Chemistry.
508, Solid Anti-Friction Devices, Materials Therefor, Lubricant
or Separant Compositions for Moving Solid Surfaces, and Miscellaneous
Mineral Oil Compositions.
B. LIST OF CLASSES OF FREE METAL PRODUCTS
148, Metal Treatment.
420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles.
502, Catalyst, Solid Sorbent, or Support Therefor: Product
or Process of Making.
C. LIST OF PROCESS CLASSES
65, Glass Manufacturing.
148, Metal Treatment.
164, Metal Founding.
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy.
209, Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids.
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes.
266, Metallurgical Apparatus.
419, Powder Metallurgy Processes.
420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions.
423, Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds.
502, Catalyst, Solid Sorbent, or Support Therefor: Product
or Process of Making.
505, Superconductor Technology: Apparatus, Material, Process.
D. ORDER OF SUPERIORITY AMONG VARIOUS METAL, ALLOY, AND METAL
STOCK AREAS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE INVOLVING THEM.
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, 194-287,
and 500-714, in class schedule order, providing for certain processes
of treating solid or semi-solid metal by modifying or maintaining
internal physical structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical properties
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, fusion bonding, machining, or working is involved,
there is a requirement of significant heat treatment as described
in the Class 148 definition, Lines With Other Classes, "Metal
Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding, Machining, or Working Classes".
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 by 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 or 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.
15. Class 216, Etching a Substrate: Processes.
This list is not complete and may be added to as the proper
relationship of other areas is determined.
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.
SECTION III - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
65, | Glass Manufacturing,
subclasses 19+ for processes of treating (e.g., quenching, etc.),
recovering, or manufacturing products from slag where no making
of elemental metal is claimed, and subclass 141 for apparatus for treating
slag with a liquid. Class 65 will take processes where the slag
is identified as being obtained from a metal manufacturing process (e.g.,
blast furnace slag, etc.), as long as no positive step of making
metal is claimed. (Process class). |
148, | Metal Treatment, appropriate subclasses for certain processes of
treating solid or semi-solid metal by modifying or maintaining the
internal physical structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical properties
of metal, processes of reactive coating of metal or processes of
chemical-heat removing (e.g., flame-cutting etc.) or burning of
metal. (Process class). |
164, | Metal Founding, appropriate subclasses, particularly
subclasses 55.1+ , for an alloying or refining step when performed
during casting which includes treating while teeming or while in
the mold. Class 75 provides for a process of refining combined with
a Class 164 process (significant or nominal). The refining for Class 75
is done outside of a mold. (Process class). |
148, | Metal Treatment,
subclasses 22+ for compositions employed in the treatment of solid
metal (e.g., masking compositions, welding compositions, soldering
fluxes, compositions for treating heated solid metal, etc.). (Class
of chemical compounds and compositions used in metallurgical processes). |
148, | Metal Treatment, for elemental metal or alloys which (a) are the
product of a Class 148 process (e.g., heat treated, age hardened);
(b) are claimed in terms of specific magnetic properties or as having
particular internal structure which affects the magnetic properties;
(c) are amorphous; (d) possess the property of shape memory; (e)
are the product of a significant Class 164, Metal Founding, step
(e.g., chill cast, directionally solidified), 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 etc.). (Class of free metal products). |
149, | Explosive and Thermic Compositions or Charges, for exothermic compositions for treating metalliferous
materials. See
subclasses 5+ , 20+, 30+, or 37+ for
compositions which (1) contain at least one free metal or metalloid
and at least one Oxygen (O) supplying material and (2) are capable
of reacting to yield heat and reaction by-products. The line between
Class 149 and Class 75 is difficult due to the similarity of ingredients
in the compositions. If there is a positive recitation of exothermic
utility, the original goes to Class 149 even if the composition
is used in a Class 75 process. If the composition is used in a Class
75 process and there is no positive recitation of exothermic utility,
it goes to Class 75 as an original. Patents having claims to both
a Class 75 process and a Class 149 composition go to Class 75 as
original and are crossed to Class 149. (Class of chemical compounds
and compositions used in metallurgical processes). |
204, | Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, appropriate subclasses for the preparation of metals,
alloys, and products of utility only as intermediary products in
a metallurgical process by electrical or wave energy methods including
chemical reactions which are caused by more than the mere thermal
effects of the electrical or wave energy. Lacking positive indication
of more than a thermal effect, processes producing metals, treating
metals, producing alloys or treating alloys go to Class 75. Branching
processes wherein one branch comprises a process falling within
the definition of Class 204 and wherein at least one branch comprises
a process falling within the definition of Class 75 are classified
in Class 75. Combinations of metallurgical process steps falling within
the definition of Class 75 and electrical or wave energy process
steps falling under the definition of Class 204, are classified
in Class 204 when the metallurgical process steps are preparatory
to the electrical or wave energy process steps and are classified
in Class 75 when the electrical or wave energy process steps are
preparatory to the metallurgical process steps. The foregoing applies
even though such preparatory steps result in a desired by-product.
(Process class). |
209, | Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids, for concentration processes which involve the separation
of ore or metalliferous materials by nonchemical means (e.g., flotation,
screening, amalgamation, etc.). Preparatory chemical processes for
producing an intermediate for amalgamation, preparatory chemical
processes followed by amalgamation, and chemical or physiochemical
processes of breaking the amalgam to liberate the desired free metal
will be found in Class 75,
subclasses 388+ . A combination of classifying, separating, or assorting metalliferous
material that is to be used in a Class 75 process with consolidation
will be found in Class 75. (Process class). |
241, | Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, appropriate subclasses, for processes of comminuting
or disintegrating solid metal, ore, or metalliferous material for
the purpose of reducing their particle size and operations perfecting the
same which do not involve a chemical treatment. A combination of
comminution or disintegration with a step provided for in Class 75
will be found in Class 75. (Process class). |
252, | Compositions, for physical separation agents, barrier layer device compositions,
magnetic compositions having a nonmetal matrix, etching or brightening
compositions, descaling agents, detergents, getters, electrically
conductive compositions, having a nonmetal matrix, radioactive compositions,
chemical agents, solids with solution or dispersion aids, solvents, gaseous
compositions, and preservative agents. Gaseous compositions and
liquid compositions used in metallurgical processes will be found
in Class 75,
subclass 300 . Solid treating compositions for molten metal or
charges will be found in Class 75, subclasses 303+. (Class
of chemical compounds and compositions used in metallurgical processes). |
264, | Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes,
subclasses 5+ for processes of forming solid particulate material directly
from molten or liquid mass wherein a material other than metal is
comminuted (see Class 75, subclass 331 for an amplification of the
line), subclass 15 for spheroidizing or rounding of solid, nonmetallic
particles (see Class 75 subclass 342 for an amplification of the
line), and appropriate subclasses, particularly 109+, for
uniting of bulk assembly particulate materials and for methods of
compacting and briquetting nonmetallic particles intended for uses
other than Class 75 or Class 420 refining or alloying. (Process
class). |
266, | Metallurgical Apparatus,
subclasses 44+ , for processes of operating metallurgical apparatus which
are solely directed to those steps of operating such an apparatus
which do not effect a chemical or physical change in the work being treated.
(Process class). |
419, | Powder Metallurgy Processes, appropriate subclasses, for processes of producing
metals, alloys, or metal containing compositions in a solid or compact
state from powdered or particulate material with or without heating.
(Process class). |
420, | Alloys or Metallic Compositions, for processes of making alloys or metallic compositions. However,
processes of making solid particulate alloys or metallic compositions
directly from liquid metal will be found in Class 75,
subclasses 331+ and processes of producing alloys or metallic compositions
in powder form will be found in Class 75, subclasses 343+.
In the instances in which the above mentioned processes are claimed
and a process of making an alloy is claimed in generalized terms
the patent will go as an original to Class 75 and a cross reference
will be placed in Class 420. Processes of making an alloy by electrothermic, electromagnetic,
or electrostatic steps will be found in Class 75, subclasses 10.1+ or
subclass 10.67. In the instances in which the electrothermic, electromagnetic,
or electrostatic steps are claimed and a process of making an alloy
is claimed in generalized terms the patent will go as an original
to Class 75 and a cross-reference will be placed in Class 420. In
the instances in which the electrothermic, electromagnetic, or electrostatic
steps are claimed and an alloy or metallic composition is claimed
as a product, the patent will go as an original to Class 420 and
a cross reference will be placed in Class 75. The line between Class
75 and Class 420 is necessarily a difficult one since the metals
produced by the processes of Class 75 are often impure and the Class
420 alloys are sometimes made from ores. Therefor, the following
lines will be observed. A process of making an alloy of desired
composition for an end use will be classified in Class 420 even
if made by reducing compounds or ore. A method of reduction or smelting
to yield metal without intent to obtain a particular alloy or metallic
composition will be classified in Class 75 even if it is recognized
that the product is impure. Furthermore, methods of melting, refining,
or removing a component from an existing alloy (e.g., purifying,
etc.) will be found in Class 75. Melting of two or more metals or
alloys together to produce an alloy will be found in Class 420.
In the production of a ferroalloy, if the percentages of metals
are specified the original will go to Class 420. (Process class). |
420, | Alloys or Metallic Compositions, for alloys or metallic compositions. An alloy or metallic composition
made by consolidating base metal particles or a mixture of metal
and nonmetal particles is proper for Class 75,
subclasses 303+ or subclasses 228+ unless (a) all the
components are melted or dissolved or (b) a part of the components
is melted and the mass is treated as a fluent liquid (e.g., stirring,
pouring, etc.) in which instances the product is proper for Class
420. Cases of doubt will be resolved in favor of placement in Class
75, subclasses 303+ or subclasses 228+. Class
75, subclasses 303+ or subclasses 255+ provide
for compositions containing loose metal particles not elsewhere
provided for. Class 420 provides for a free metal or a single alloy
or metallic composition in particulate form. However, a blend of free
metal particles or alloy or metallic composition particles with
other particles whether another free metal, another alloy or metallic composition,
or a nonmetal is proper for Class 75, subclasses 303+ or
subclasses 255+. Class 420 also provides for patents claiming
an article by name only without any positive structural limitation
and reciting the metal or alloy or metallic composition of which
the article is made. (Class of free metal products). |
423, | Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, for inorganic compounds and nonmetallic elements, including
metal compounds useful in metallurgical processes of obtaining free
metals. Solid treating compositions for molten metal or charges
for producing metal or treating molten metal, including compositions
for or from consolidating, will be found in Class 75. (Class of chemical
compounds and compositions used in metallurgical processes). |
423, | Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, appropriate subclasses, for processes for chemically modifying
metalliferous material (e.g., ore, scrap, etc.) to form products
which comprise inorganic compounds even if intended for subsequent
reduction to free metals. Processes recovering metal values go to
Class 423 unless it can be determined conclusively that free metal
(i.e., zero valent) is the metal value obtained, in which case the
patent is placed as an original in Class 75. A smelting process
is assumed to produce a free metal unless otherwise stated. Class
423,
subclasses 1+ provide for processes of beneficiating a metalliferous ore
where no free metal is obtained and the product is not consolidated.
Beneficiation processes are classified in the first subclass under subclass
1 providing for the metal value recovered. Processes which simply
remove an impurity from an ore without identifying any specific
metal present (e.g., roasting, desulfurizing, dephosphorizing, or
dearsenizing ore, etc.) are placed in subclass 1. Class 75, subclasses
746+ provide for consolidating metalliferous material (e.g.,
ore, tailings, flue dust, fluxes, etc.) by agglomerating, compacting
or heat treating; preparatory process therefore; or treating consolidated
material therefrom even though the production of a free metal is
not claimed. Processes resulting in the production or separation
of undesired metal (e.g., impurities, etc.) during the manufacture
of Class 423 compounds are classified in Class 423. However, if
the metal removed is recovered as a desired product, the patent
is classified in Class 75. Recovery of the metal is assumed to be
a process to produce a desired product for an end use unless otherwise
stated. Patents including claims classifiable in Class 423 and equally comprehensive
claims classifiable in Class 75 are classified in Class 75 and cross-referenced to
Class 423. (Process class). |
428, | Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, for material or articles having some structure.
In general, when claims mention the article by name only and define
it in terms of composition, the original goes to the composition
class. (Class of free metal products). |
502, | Catalyst, Solid Sorbent, or Support Therefor: Product
or Process of Making, for compositions that are used as catalysts, solid
sorbents, and their supports even if they are made of metal or metal
compounds. (Class of free metal products). |
502, | Catalyst, Solid Sorbent, or Support Therefor: Product
or Process of Making, for processes of producing or rehabilitating metals
or metalliferous products intended for use as a catalyst, sorbent,
or support therefor. (Process class). |
505, | Superconductor Technology: Apparatus, Material,
Process,
subclasses 300+ , for metallurgical operation similar to Class 75
operations that involve material superconducting above 30 degrees
Kelvin. (Process class). |
507, | Earth Boring, Well Treating, and Oil Field Chemistry, for earth boring and well treating compositions.
(Class of chemical compounds and compositions used in metallurgical
processes). |
508, | Solid Anti-Friction Devices, Materials Therefor,
Lubricant or Separant Compositions for Moving Solid Surfaces, and
Miscellaneous Mineral oil Compositions, for lubricant compositions. (Class of chemical compounds
and compositions used in metallurgical processes). |
588, | Hazardous or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment,
subclasses 313 through 320for the use of metals (molten or otherwise) in
the destruction or containment of hazardous or toxic waste. (Process
class). |
SECTION IV - GLOSSARY
(Asterisked * terms are employed in section
C, Chemistry and Metallurgy of the International Patent Classification
(IPC) and have the same meaning herein.)
Synonyms of names of metal elements used in this class (mostly
obsolete) are listed below. The names used in this class are in
capital letters, the synonyms in lower case.
Aldebaranium = YTTERBIUM (Yb); Argentum = SILVER
(Ag); Aurum = GOLD (Au); Ausonium = NEPTUNIUM
(Np); Austrium = GALLIUM (Ga)
Cassiopeium = LUTETIUM (Lu); Celtium = LUTETIUM
(Lu); Columbium = NIOBIUM (Nb)
Demonium = DYSPROSIUM (Dy); Didymium = NEODYMIUM
(Nd) and PRASEODYMIUM (Pr); Dwimanganese = RHENIUM (Re)
Eka - aluminum = GALLIUM (Ga); Ekaboron = SCANDIUM
(Sc); Ekacesium = FRANCIUM (Fr); Ekamanganese = TECHNETIUM
(Tc); Ekasilicon = GERMANIUM (Ge); Ekatantalum = PROTACTINIUM (Pa);
Erythronium = VANADIUM (V)
Ferrum = IRON (Fe); Florentium = PROMETHIUM (Pm)
Glucinum = BERYLLIUM (Be); Hydrargyrum = MERCURY
(Hg)
Illinium = PROMETHIUM (Pm); Kalium = POTASSIUM
(K)
Lutecium = LUTETIUM (Lu); Masurium = TECHNETIUM
(Tc)
Natrium = SODIUM (Na); Neoytterbium = YTTERBIUM
(Yb)
Plumbum = LEAD (Pb)
Stannum = TIN (Sn); Stibnium = ANTIMONY
(Sb)
Virginium = FRANCIUM (Fr); Wolfram = TUNGSTEN (W)
ACTINIDE*
A metal of the group 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), Nobelium (No), and Lawrencium (Lr).
ALKALI METAL*
A metal of the group Lithium (Li), Sodium (Na), Potassium
(K), Rubidium (Rb), Cesium (Cs), and Francium (Fr).
ALKALINE EARTH METAL*
A metal of the group Calcium (Ca), Strontium (Sr), Barium
(Ba), and Radium (Ra).
ALLOY
A union, possessing metallic properties of two or more metallic
elements or of nonmetallic element (s) and metallic elements(s)
which are not pure compounds and which are miscible with each other,
which at least to a certain extent when molten forms a more or less
homogeneous liquid having a metallic matrix and which does not separate
into distinct layers when solid. Such combinations when solidified
from a melt may consist of mechanical mixtures, entectics, entectoids,
solid solutions, or in part of chemical compounds one or more of which
may exist at the same time. Intermetallic compounds are considered
alloys for purposes of classification.
| (1)
Note. The term "alloy" when used in the various
definitions of Class 75 is considered to include a "metallic
composition" (q.v.) of the type that is found in Class
420. |
AMALGAMATION
The use of a liquid metal to collect, to alloy, or to
adhere a desired free metal without melting the desired free metal
with heat.
BASE
A metal which is present in an amount of over 50% by weight
in an alloy.
BESSEMER CONVERTER
A device having passages in its bottom (i.e., tuyeres) through
which a gas containing gaseous Oxygen (e.g., air, etc.) is passed
upwardly through molten metal or molten metalliferous material (e.g.,
matte, etc.) to treat the metal or material.
BLAST FURNACE
A type of shaft furnace specifically designed to reduce metal
compounds (e.g., ore, etc.) to elemental metal using a combustible
solid reductant (e.g., coke, etc.). The furnace is designed to operate
continuously for a long period of time, with solid reductant, metal
compound, and any other desired solid additive (e.g., flux, etc.)
being continuously or periodically added at the top of the furnace
and the resulting molten metal and by-product slag being continuously
or periodically tapped from the bottom of the furnace. A gas containing
gaseous Oxygen (e.g., air, etc.) is preheated (usually by the exhaust
gas) and is injected into the furnace through tuyeres above the
molten metal and slag level.
CEMENTATION
A process of recovering a free metal from solution wherein
a more electropositive free metal displaces a less electropositive
metal from solution as a free metal while the more electropositive
metal goes into solution in ionic form.
CONSOLIDATE
To form into a compact mass.
CRUCIBLE FURNACE
A furnace in which the material to be heated is placed
in a refractory container, the container is covered with a lid,
and the covered container is heated in a furnace. The material is
heated solely by heat conducted through the walls of the crucible.
CUPOLA
A shaft furnace primarily designed to melt metal by use of
a solid fuel charged with the metal. A gas containing gaseous Oxygen
(e.g., air) is blown into the bottom of the furnace to burn the
fuel and cause the metal to melt from the heat of combustion.
DISPLACEMENT REACTION FOR METALS
In the reaction A + BC = AC + B,
the metal A, being more positive than the metal B, is oxidized.
The displacement series or electromotive series for metals in decreasing
order of their negative potentials is: (negative) Vanadium (V),
Tungsten (W), Molybdenum (Mo), Gold (Au), Osmium (Os), Platinum
(Pt), Iridium (Ir), Tantalum (Ta), Palladium (Pd), Ruthenium (Ru),
Antimony (Sb), Bismuth(Bi), Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg), Silver (Ag),
Copper (Cu), Titanium (Ti), Tin (Sn), Lead (Pb), Germanium (Ge),
Zirconium (Zr), Cerium (Ce), Nickel (Ni), Cobalt (Co), Thallium
(Tl), Niobium (Nb), Cadmium (Cd), Iron (Fe), Chromium (Cr), Zinc
(Zn), Manganese (Mn), Uranium (U), Gadolinium (Gd), Indium (In),
Gallium (Ga), Aluminum (Al), Rare Earth Metals, Beryllium (Be),
Scandium (Sc), Yttrium (Y), Magnesium (Mg), Lithium (Li), Calcium
(Ca), Strontium (Sr), Barium (Ba), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Rubidium
(Rb), Cesium (Cs) (positive).
FLUIDIZED BED
A bed of solid particles with gas flowing upward through
the particles with sufficient velocity to keep the particles suspended
and in motion in the gas without blowing them bodily out of the
top of the bed. The suspended particles act much like a fluid.
GASEOUS SUSPENSION
The suspension of solid in gas. This may be in a fluidized
bed (q.v.) or in any other system (such as a conduit) where solids
are suspended in a gas.
HALOGEN*
An element of the group Fluorine (F), Chlorine (Cl), Bromine
(Br), Iodine (I), and Astatine (At).
HEAVY METAL*
A metal other than a light metal (q.v.).
HYDROMETALLURGY
A somewhat inexact term for processes involving solution
in water or other liquid in which metalliferous material or metal
is treated to prepare free metal, to purify, or to refine free metal,
or to prepare intermediate materials more suitable for use in preparing
free metal (e.g., extracting, leaching, beneficiating, etc.).
IRON GROUP
An element of the group Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), and Nickel
(Ni).
LANTHANIDE*
A metal of the group Lanthanum (La), Cerium (Ce), Praseodymium
(Pr), Neodymium (Nd), Promethium (Pm), Samarium (Sm), Europium (Eu),
Gadolinium (Gd), Terbium (Tb), Dysprosium (Dy), Holmium (Ho), Erbium
(Er), Thulium (Th), Ytterbium (Yb), and Lutetium (Lu).
LIGHT METAL*
A metal of the group Lithium (Li), Sodium (Na), Potassium
(K), Rubidium (Rb), Cesium (Cs), Francium (Fr), Calcium (Ca), Strontium
(Sr), Barium (Ba), Radium (Ra), Beryllium (Be), Magnesium (Mg),
and Aluminum (Al).
METAL*
Element other than nonmetal (q.v.).
METALLIC COMPOSITION
A composition which contains a continuous phase of metal
and no continuous phase of nonmetal.
MUFFLE FURNACE
A furnace in which the material to be heated is placed
in an enclosed section (the muffle), which protects the material
from the combustion products of the furnace. The material is heated
by heat conducted through the walls of the muffle.
NOBLE GAS*
An element of the group Helium (He), Neon (Ne), Argon
(Ar), Krypton (Kr), Xenon (X), and Radon (Rn).
NOBLE METAL*
A metal of the group Ruthenium (Ru), Rhodium (Rd), Palladium
(Pd), Osmium (Os), Iridium (Ir), Platinum (Pt), Silver (Ag), and
Gold (Au).
NONMETAL*
An element of the group Hydrogen (H), Boron (B), Carbon
(C), Silicon (Si), Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus(P), Oxygen (O), Sulfur
(S), Selenium (Se), Tellurium (Te), Fluorine (F), Chlorine (Cl),
Bromine (Br), Iodine (I), Astatine (At), Helium (He), Neon (Ne),
Argon (Ar), Krypton (Kr), Xenon (Xe), and Radon (Rd).
(1) Note. For subclasses 228+ Silicon is considered
to be a metal.
PLATINUM GROUP*
An element of the group Osmium (Os), Iridium (Ir), Platinum
(Pt), Ruthenium (Ru), Rhodium (Rh), Palladium (Pd).
PRECIOUS METAL
Synonym for Noble Metal (q.v.).
PYROMETALLURGY
A somewhat inexact term for processes carried out at relatively
high temperatures, usually in furnaces, in which metalliferous material
or metal is treated to prepare free metal, to purify or to refine
free metal, or to prepare intermediate materials more suitable for
use in preparing free metal (e.g., smelting, bessemerizing, roasting
of ores, etc.).
RADIOACTIVE ELEMENT
An element of the group Technetium (Tc), Promethium (Pm),
Polonium (Po), Astatine (At), Radon (Rn), Francium (Fr), Radium
(Ra), 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), Nobelium (No), Lawrencium (Lr), Unnilquadium (Unq), Unnipentium
(Unp), and Unnilhexium (Unh).
RARE EARTH METAL*
An element of the group Scandium (Sc), Yttrium (Y), Lanthanum
(La), Cerium (Ce), Praseodymium (Pr), Neodymium (Nd), Promethium
(Pm), Samarium (Sm), Europium (Eu), Gadolinium (Gd), Terbium (Tb),
Dysprosium (Dy), Holmium (Ho), Erbium (Er), Thulium (Tm), Ytterbium
(Yb), and Lutetium (Lu).
REFRACTORY METAL*
A metal of the group Titanium (Ti), Zirconium (Zr), Hafnium
(Hf), Vanadium (V), Niobium (Nb) or Columbium (Cb), Tantalum (Ta),
Chromium (Cr), Molybdenum (Mo), and Tungsten (W).
REVERBERATORY FURNACE
An enclosed furnace in which the material to be heated is
placed in the bottom of the furnace and gaseous fuel is burned over
the top of the material or the flame or combustion products from
burning solid fuel separately from the material to be heated are
reflected by the top of the furnace and passed over the material.
Types of reverberatory furnace are the Siemen-Martin furnace, the open
hearth furnace, and the puddling furnace.
ROTARY KILN
An approximately cylindrical apparatus which rotates on
its axis in operation. The axis is horizontal or inclined less than
45 degrees from horizontal. Usually, the axis is slightly inclined
from horizontal. In operation the kiln rotates substantially continuously
in one direction.
SCRAP
Discarded waste metal suitable for reprocessing.
SHAFT FURNACE
A vertical approximately cylindrical apparatus in which material
to be treated is passed downwardly through the shaft while it is
heated in any manner. In this class the material treated in the
furnace is usually either reduced to free metal or melted or both.
SYNONYMS
See the beginning of the Glossary section for a list
of synonyms of names of metal elements used in this class (mostly
obsolete).
TRANSITION METAL*
A metal of the group Scandium (Sc), Titanium (Ti), Vanadium
(V), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), Nickel
(Ni), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Yttrium (Y), Zirconium (Zr), Niobium
(Nb) or Columbium (Cb), Molybdenum (Mo), Technetium (Tc), Ruthenium
(Ru), Rhodium (Rh), Palladium (Pd), Silver (Ag), Cadmium (Cd), Lanthanum
(La), Cerium (Ce), Praseodymium (Pr), Neodymium (Nd), Promethium (Pm),
Samarium (Sm), Europium (Eu), Gadolinium (Gd), Terbium (Tb), Dysprosium
(Dy), Holmium (Ho), Erbium (Er), Thulium (Tm), Ytterbium (Yb), Lutetium (Lu),
Hafnium (Hf), Tantalum (Ta), Tungsten (W), Rhenium (Re), Osmium
(Os), Iridium (Ir), Platinum (Pt), Gold (Au), Mercury (Hg), Actinium
(Ac), Thorium (Th), Protactinium (Pd), Uranium (U), Neptunium (Np), Plutonium
(Pu), Americium (Am), Curium (Cm), Berkelium (Bk), Californium (Cf),
Einesteinium (Es), Fermium (Fm), Mendelevium (Md), Nobelium (No), Lawrencium
(Lr), Unnilquadium (Unq), Unnilpentium (Unp), and Unnilhexium (Unh).
VERTICAL RETORT
A vertical, generally cylindrical, vessel closed at the bottom
and heated externally so that the contents are heated only by heat
conduced through the retort walls. Often a product is volatilized
from the retort and collected in another container.
SUBCLASSES
10.1 | Electrothermic processes (e.g., microwave, induction, resistance,
electric arc, plasma, etc.): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 330. Process for producing or treating free metal or alloys that
involve production of thermal energy from electricity, electromagnetic,
or wave energy at any stage in the process.
| (1)
Note. The use of electrothermal energy may occur at any stage
in the process. Thus, melting of slag, ore or metal in an electric
furnace and subsequent transfer to another converter and treating
therein is to be considered an electrothermic process. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
10.67, | for the use of electromagnetic energy for stirring
or transporting without production of thermal energy therefrom. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
204, | Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, for chemical processes using electrical and wave
energy to produce or treat free metal by means other than production
of heat.
|
(1) Note. Problems arise between Class 75 and Class 204 when
an energy form is given without indication of the mechanism of its
utilization. If the mechanism involves only conversion of the energy
form to heat or if the utilization of the energy is preparatory to
a Class 75 operation, the original goes to Class 75. When the mechanism
is not clear from the specification and not preparatory to a Class
75 operation the following line is followed for purposes of classification.
Placement goes to Class 75 if reactants (e.g., reducing agents,
etc.) other than the starting material (e.g., ore, etc.) are present
which would normally react in the presence of heat to produce the
desired product (e.g., Iron, etc.). Otherwise, placement goes as
original to Class 204. See References to Other Classes, of the Class
204 definition for an expansion of the class line between Class
75 and Class 204, including a superiority listing of classes providing
for various metals, alloys, and metal stocks and methods of manufacturing
them. | |
|
| |
10.11 | With zone melting or fractional crystallization: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 10.1. Processes wherein solid metal is traversed by a melt zone
causing migration of impurities within the metal resulting in purification
of the metal (i.e., zone melting) or processes of refining molten
metal or metal alloys by selective crystallization and separation
of the crystalline phase from the melt to effect purification (i.e., fractional
crystallization).
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;
e.g., by zone melt processing. References disclosing processes which
form Class 117 defined single-crystal material and also form an amorphous
material and/or a polycrystalline material should be placed according
to the following guidelines: placement should be determined first by
the most comprehensive claim; if that is not determinative placement should
be determined as follows: (a) references having only generic claims should
have the original placed in Class 117 with appropriate cross-reference,
(b) references having all species claims placeable in one class should
have the original placed in that class with appropriate cross-reference, or
(c) references having equally comprehensive species claims should
have the original placed in Class 117 with appropriate cross-reference. |
|
| |
10.18 | Producing or treating Aluminum (Al), Beryllium (Be), Cobalt
(Co), Chromium (Cr), Magnesium (Mg), Nickel (Ni), Titanium (Ti),
or alloy thereof: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 10.14. Process wherein elemental Aluminum (Al), Beryllium (Be),
Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), Magnesium (Mg), Nickel (Ni), Titanium
(Ti), or alloy thereof is produced or treated. The alloy produced
or treated can contain the above mentioned metals in any amount. |
| |
10.19 | Plasma: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 10.1. Processes wherein a wholly or partially charged mixture
of gaseous ions and electrons (i.e., plasma is the source of thermal
energy). |
| |
10.23 | Consumable metal-containing electrode: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 10.1. Processes wherein an electrode containing a metal, metal
compound or alloy is used up or melted by electrothermic energy
and the metal therefrom incorporated in a molten substrate.
| (1)
Note. A consumable "carbon electrode" having
no metal, metal compound or alloy present is excluded from this
subclass. |
| (2)
Note. The consumable electrode may contain solid treating
agent or flux. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
164, | Metal Founding,
subclasses 48+ for electrothermic processes involving consumable
electrodes that occur in the mold. |
|
| |
10.24 | Electroslag remelting: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 10.23. Process wherein the electrode is in electrical contact with
a slag and the electrical current therebetween melts the electrode
causing the molten metal therefrom to be refined by passing through
the slag. |
| |
10.25 | Producing or treating Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co), Copper
(Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Titanium (Ti), or alloy
thereof: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 10.24. Process wherein elemental Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co), Copper
(Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Titanium (Ti), or
alloy thereof is produced or treated by electroslag remelting. The
alloy produced or treated can contain the above mentioned metals
in any amount. |
| |
10.37 | With production of electrical energy: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 10.36. Process wherein all or a portion of the exhaust or top gas
is used to generate electrical energy.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
60, | Power Plants, for residual processes of converting exhaust to
mechanical energy and generation of electrical energy. |
|
| |
10.5 | Silicon (Si) or compound thereof: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 10.46. Process wherein Silicon (Si) or a Silicon compound (e.g.,
Silica, etc.) is present in the treating agent, separately prepared
slag, or flux.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
423, | Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds,
subclasses 324+ for production of Silicon or a Silicon compound,
per se. However, electrothermic processes for forming metal-silicon
alloys are proper for Class 75, subclasses 10.1+. |
|
| |
10.59 | Carbon (C) containing material (e.g., Carbon, carbonaceous
material, Carbide, etc.): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 10.46. Process wherein a Carbon (C) containing material (e.g.,
Carbon, carbonaceous material, Carbide, etc.) is present in the
treating agent, separately prepared slag, or flux. |
| |
10.62 | Reducing or smelting: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 10.1. Process wherein there is a reducing or smelting operation
and which are not classifiable in the subclasses herein above provided. |
| |
228 | Consolidated metal powder compositions: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Composition comprising free-metal containing powder or particles
which have been united to form a self-sustaining mass.
| (1)
Note. "Powder" is defined as a mass of particles,
that is, portions of matter so small that they are not ordinarily
handled as individual units. According to Metals Handbook, 8th Edition,
1961, Volume 1, page 28, metallic powders then used in powder metallurgy
had a particle size within the range of 0.1 to 1,000 microns in
their largest dimension, as determined by screens or other suitable
instruments. Powder particles generally are distinguished from filamentary
particles in that their shape and length-to-diameter ratio are such
that in the dry state the particles will not hold together as a coherent
article without the application of pressure and or heat, that is,
will not become entangled. |
| (2)
Note. This and the indented subclasses include compositions
made without any melting or fusion of the particles, as well as
those made by sintering, that is, a process in which a portion of
metal particle is alloyed, bonded, brazed, coalesced, partly fused
or welded to a portion of an adjacent metal particle due to the
application of heat, or heat and pressure. Reference: Everhart,
J. L., et al., "Mechanical Properties of Metals and Alloys",
Circular of the National Bureau of Standards, C 447, 1943, page
16. |
| (3)
Note. The composition may contain nonmetal material, but for
classification in this subclass, the claimed product must have a
metallic matrix, that is, must have a continuous metal phase in
which the nonmetallic material is dispersed as a discontinuous phase.
In the absence of a more explicit description, such a situation
may be assumed when (a) the composition contains more than 40% metal; (b)
the composition is prepared by a process which would inherently
unite the metal particles without uniting the nonmetal component;
or (c) the composition is described as nonmetal particles "cemented" with
a metal. |
| (4)
Note. Where a patent contains a claim to a consolidated metal
powder composition and, in addition, one or more claims to (a) a
process for making the composition and/or (b) an ingredient
or unconsolidated mixture for use in the process, the patent is
classified in this or the indented subclasses (228+) and
cross-referenced to the other subclass, even though such other subclass
may precede this in the schedule of this class (75). |
| (5)
Note. Those patents are placed in this subclass (228) which
claim all metal compositions wherein the base metal may be (a) either
a transition or nontransition metal, or (b) a nontransition metal not
provided for below, that is, the Alkali metals (i.e., Lithium (Li),
Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Rubidium (Rb), Cesium (Cs), and Francium
(Fr)); the Alkaline earth metals (i.e., Calcium (Ca), Strontium
(Sr), Barium (Ba), and Radium (Rd)); Gallium (Ga), Indium (In);
Thallium (Tl); Silicon (Si), which is considered a metal in this
and its indented subclasses; Germanium (Ge); Tin (Sn); Lead (Pb);
Arsenic (As); Antimony (Sb); and Bismuth(Bi). |
| (6)
Note. In this and the indented subclasses a "metal
silicide" is considered to be an intermetallic compound
or alloy. |
| (7)
Note. The order of superiority among various alloy, metallic
composition and metal stock areas and methods of manufacture involving
them is given in the class definition under Lines With Other Classes
and Within This Class. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
251, | for unconsolidated mixtures of metal powder. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
102, | Ammunition and Explosives,
subclasses 283+ for a solid propellant form defined in such terms
as "a generally perforated propellant mass," "a configured
mass, i.e., sheet," with at least one dimension specified,
or a porous mass in combination with an ancillary perforation extending
therethrough. |
106, | Compositions: Coating or Plastic,
subclasses 403+ , for pigments, fillers, and aggregates containing
metal powder. |
148, | Metal Treatment,
subclass 126.1 for processes involving heat treatment of metal
powders, or nonconsolidated metal powder compositions. |
149, | Explosive and Thermic Compositions or Charges, especially
subclasses 37+ for articulate metals in combination with an oxidant
component. |
174, | Electricity: Conductors and Insulators,
subclass 118 for a device of that class insulated with powdered
or granular compositions, and subclass 137 for insulator devices,
per se. |
228, | Metal Fusion Bonding,
subclass 19 for an apparatus of that class with a means to
compact applied flux. |
252, | Compositions,
subclass 62.51 for magnetic compositions having a nonmetal matrix;
subclasses 181.1+ for "getter" compositions;
and subclasses 500+ for electrically conductive compositions
having a nonmetal matrix. |
264, | Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes,
subclasses 109+ , particularly subclasses 111, for processes directed
to forming of articles by uniting of discrete, bulk assembled particles.
See the search notes to Class 264 in Class 29, subclass 602, and
see the definitions in Class 264 and pertinent subclasses as cited
herein for the line between these classes. |
285, | Pipe Joints or Couplings,
subclass 422 for such articles made of particular metal compositions. |
338, | Electrical Resistors,
subclasses 223+ for a granular or powdered resistor element. |
419, | Powder Metallurgy Processes,
subclasses 1+ for powder metallurgy processes which include use
of heat. |
420, | Alloys or Metallic Compositions, appropriate subclasses for metallic compositions made by
fusing (melting) the metals. A composition made by consolidating
loose metal particles with heat and/or pressure is proper
for
subclass 228 unless either (a) all the components are melted
or dissolved, or (b) a part of the components are melted and the
mass is treated as a fluent liquid, e.g., by stirring, pouring, etc.
Cases of doubt will be resolved in favor of placement in subclass
228. |
423, | Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds,
subclasses 1+ for processes of treating mixtures such as alloys
to obtain a metal compound therefrom. |
425, | Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating:
Apparatus,
subclass 78 for apparatus for forming products by uniting associated
particles of metallic elements, or alloys, or amalgams. |
428, | Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
subclasses 539.5 , 545 and 546+ for material or articles
of that class containing consolidated metal powder, subclass 570
for a composite metallic powder, and subclass 613 for porous, nonparticulate
metallic stock material. |
501, | Compositions: Ceramic, appropriate subclasses for ceramic compositions having
metal powder, but lacking a continuous metal matrix. |
520, | Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, particularly Class 523,
subclasses 1+ for a synthetic resin or natural rubber containing
an ingredient which may be metallic. |
|
| |
229 | Flake or fibrous constituent or fibrous grain structure: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 228. Composition which (1) contains a particle component which
has a thickness which is diminutive in comparison with its length
and width, or (2) has a component originally contained in the starting
material or produced during the uniting of the particles or subsequent processing,
which is characterized by a width and thickness which is diminutive
compared to its length, e.g., fibrous, circular, needle-like, whiskerish,
etc.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
191, | Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles,
subclasses 45 and 59.1 for collectors of that class. |
428, | Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, especially
subclasses 292+ , 549 and 567 for such material involving fibers. |
|
| |
230 | With nonmetal constituent - Silicon (Si) considered a metal
(e.g., cermet, etc.): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 228. Composition containing one of the following, in free or
combined form: a noble gas, a halogen, a chalcogen (oxygen, sulfur,
selenium or tellurium), nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon or boron.
| (1)
Note. Free silicon is considered to be a metal; a metal silicide
is considered to be an intermetallic compound or alloy. |
| (2)
Note. In this and the indented subclasses the presence or
absence of hydrogen is ignored. |
| (3)
Note. The recitation as part of the total composition of a
material known to, or generally considered to, contain carbon, such
as "steel" or "cast iron", puts
the composition in this or an indented subclass. |
| (4)
Note. See the notes to subclass 228, especially (3) Note,
and to subclass 231 for the distinction between compositions for
this class and compositions for Class 106. |
| (5)
Note. See the notes to subclass 231 for the distinction between
compositions for this class and compositions for Class 51 and Class
252. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
51, | Abrasive Tool Making Process, Material, or Composition,
subclasses 307+ for an abrasive tool making process or inorganic
material to be used therein. |
148, | Metal Treatment,
subclass 24 for flux compositions containing metal and a nonmetal
binder or slurrying agent to be used in the treatment of solid metal. |
149, | Explosive and Thermic Compositions or Charges,
subclass 108.2 for a free metal-containing composition of that class. |
419, | Powder Metallurgy Processes,
subclasses 10+ for powder metallurgy processes including a nonmetal
and involving sintering. |
428, | Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
subclass 539.5 for stock material having interengaged metal and nonmetal
continuous phase; subclasses 564 and 565 for metallic composites
having metal particles and nonmetal particles; and subclasses 639+ for
composite metallic stock in which a component contains oxygen, sulfur,
or an organic compound. |
|
| |
231 | Molybdenum sulfide or functional constituent, (e.g., lubricant,
abrasive, etc.): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 230. Composition in which the nonmetal is a molybdenum sulfide
or in which a solid, nonmetal component is claimed in functional
terms, such as a lubricant, an abrasive, a frictional component,
etc.
| (1)
Note. Where the functional component is restricted to a specific
material other than MoSx, the patent is classified in the "nonfunctional" subclass
below, appropriate to the material, e.g., diamond as the sole permissible
abrasive or graphite as the sole permissible lubricant, are provided
for in subclass 243, etc., and is cross-referenced here (subclass
231) if appropriate. |
| (2)
Note. Where the description of the functional component is
of hybrid character, the patent is classified in this subclass only
when the component is not specifically provided for below, e.g.,
an "abrasive oxide" is provided for in subclasses 232+,
but a "lubricating sulfide" indicates classification
in this subclass (231). |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
51, | Abrasive Tool Making Process, Material, or Composition,
subclass 309 for metal-containing compositions which are consolidated
products having a metal continuous phase. |
106, | Compositions: Coating or Plastic,
subclass 36 for compositions of that class specially designed
for the production of a tractive or friction surface. |
192, | Clutches and Power-Stop Control,
subclasses 107+ for elements of such devices having modified engaging surfaces. |
428, | Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
subclass 564 for brake shoe type composite materials; subclass
687 for metallic stock having a rough surface; and subclass 932
for such stock having an abrasive or cutting feature. |
508, | Solid Anti-Friction Devices, Materials Therefor,
Lubricant or Separant Compositions for Moving Solid Surfaces, and
Miscellaneous Mineral Oil Compositions, for lubricating compositions, especially
subclasses 100+ for rigid lubricants and bearings containing fluid
lubricants. |
|
| |
232 | Oxide containing: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 230. Composition containing oxygen in chemically combined form.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
951, | for a collection of patented disclosures having
to do with consolidated metal powder compositions having greater
than 95 percent theoretical density and containing an oxide. |
|
| |
233 | With another nonmetal: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 232. Composition containing another nonmetal besides oxygen.
| (1)
Note. See the definition of subclass 230, (1) Note, for a
list of elements considered to be nonmetals in this classification
schedule. |
| (2)
Note. Nonmetal materials such as borates, carbonates, nitrates,
sulfates, etc., are classified herein. | |
| |
234 | Oxygen (O) associated with more than one metal: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 232. Composition containing oxides of more than one metal, or
containing the oxide of plural metals, e.g., a metal silicate, etc.
| (1)
Note. Where all of the metals with which Oxygen (O) is associated
are selected from Aluminum (Al), Beryllium (Be), Magnesium (Mg),
Alkaline earth metal, Scandium (Sc), Yttrium (Y), Lanthanide metal,
Actinide metal, Titanium (Ti), Zirconium (Zr), or Hafnium (Hf) placement
of the patent is in subclass 235. |
| (2)
Note. Included herein are those nonmetal additives such as
clay, slag, or spinels, which are a combination of divalent metal
oxide and a trivalent metal oxide having the formula MO.M"2O3
or MM"2O4, not provided for in subclass 235. | |
| |
235 | Oxide of Aluminum (Al), Beryllium (Be), Magnesium (Mg),
Alkaline earth metal, Scandium (Sc), Yttrium (Y), Lanthanide metal,
Actinide Metal, Titanium (Ti), Zirconium (Zr), or Hafnium (Hf): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 232. Composition in which the oxide is restricted to one or more
of alumina, beryllia, magnesia, lime, strontia, baria, titania,
zirconia, hafnia, or an oxide of radium, scandium, yttrium, a lanthanide
metal or an actinide metal, including thoria and uranium oxide.
| (1)
Note. Included herein are those oxides having a free energy
of formation (F) at 1,000 C. of greater than 80 kilocalories per
gram atom of oxygen. The following table, taken from U.S. Patent
3,377,143, is presented as a guide:
|
Oxide, F, Oxide, F, Oxide, F |
|
Y2O125, Hfo, 105,
TiO, 95 |
|
CaO 122, CeO2, 105, TiO2,
85 |
|
La2O3, 121, Al2O3,
104, SiO2, 78 |
|
BeO 120, ZrO2, 100, Ta2O5,
75 |
|
ThO2, 119, BaO, 97, V2O3,
74 |
|
MgO, 112, ZrSiO4, 95, NbO2,
70 |
|
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
106, | Compositions: Coating or Plastic,
subclasses 85+ for inorganic settable compositions. |
252, | Compositions,
subclasses 625+ for radioactive compositions in general. |
264, | Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes,
subclass 0.5 for shaping or treating radioactive material. |
501, | Compositions: Ceramic,
subclasses 94+ for a refractory ceramic composition having a matrix
of one or more of the above oxides. |
|
| |
236 | Carbide containing: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 230. Composition in which the nonmetal is carbon in the form
of a carbide.
| (1)
Note. This subclass (236) is the locus for a composition under
subclass 230 which has a single metal carbide as its sole nonmetal
component, which carbide is of a metal other than Vanadium (V),
Niobium (Nb) or Columbium (Cb), Tantalum (Ta), Chromium (Cr), Molybdenum
(Mo), or Tungsten (W). |
| (2)
Note. The mere designation of a composition or a component
of a composition as a "carburized" metal, alloy,
or other metal product, is not sufficient for placement of a patent
in this subclass; rather, such patent is placed in a subclass providing
for elemental carbon, e.g., subclass 243. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
233, | for consolidated metal powder compositions containing
an oxide as well as a carbide. Where the oxide is a necessary component
of the composition, a patent for such composition is not cross-referenced
to this subclass or its indented subclasses. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
252, | Compositions,
subclass 62.3 for a barrier layer device composition containing
a binary alloy or carbide, and subclass 516 for an electrically
conductive or emissive composition containing a carbide. |
264, | Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes,
subclasses 603+ for vitrifying or sintering a refractory preform. |
501, | Compositions: Ceramic,
subclasses 87+ for ceramic compositions which have a nonmetal
matrix and contain a carbide. |
|
| |
237 | With another nonmetal: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 236. Composition containing another nonmetal, other than carbide.
| (1)
Note. See the definition of subclass 230, (1) Note, for a
list of elements considered to be nonmetals in this classification
schedule. |
| (2)
Note. Free carbon is considered to be "another nonmetal" for
this subclass. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
125, | Stone Working,
subclass 11 for dressing of grinding wheels. |
338, | Electrical Resistors,
subclass 330 for an electric resistance element integral with
a terminal. |
425, | Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating:
Apparatus,
subclass 470 for a shaping or casting surface of that class. |
|
| |
238 | Nonmetal is Boron (B) or Nitrogen (N): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 237. Composition in which the nonmetal other than carbon is restricted
to boron and/or nitrogen.
| (1)
Note. This definition is meant to include boron carbide as
the sole nonmetal component, as well as metal-carbide compositions
containing boron nitride as the only additional nonmetal component. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
244, | for a consolidated metal powder composition containing
B or N without carbide. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
419, | Powder Metallurgy Processes,
subclass 12 for powder metallurgy processes with sintering
which include a boride compound; and subclass 13 for similar processes
which include a nitride compound. |
|
| |
239 | Carbide only of Vanadium (V), Niobium (Nb) or Columbium
(Cb), or Tantalum (Ta): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 236. Subject matter restricted to the carbides of vanadium, niobium
(columbium) and/or tantalum.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
236, | for similar compositions in which the carbide of
a metal other than a Group VB metal may be used alternatively to the
carbide of a Group VB metal. |
241, | for a composition in which a Group VB metal carbide
is used in addition to the carbide of a metal other than a Group
VB metal. |
|
| |
240 | Carbide only of Chromium (Cr), Molybdenum (Mo), or Tungsten
(W): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 236. Subject matter restricted to the carbides of chromium, molybdenum
and/or tungsten.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
236, | for a similar composition in which the carbide of
a metal other than Chromium (Cr), Molybdenum (Mo), or Tungsten (W)
may be used alternatively to the carbide of Chromium (Cr), Molybdenum
(Mo), or Tungsten (W). |
241, | for a composition in which Chromium (Cr), Molybdenum
(Mo), or Tungsten (W) carbide is used in addition to the carbide
of a metal other than Chromium (Cr), Molybdenum (Mo), or Tungsten
(W). |
|
| |
241 | Carbon (C) associated with more than one metal: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 236. Composition containing the carbides of more than one metal
or containing a carbide of plural metals.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
239, | for consolidated metal powder compositions containing
carbon associated with two metals, both selected from Vanadium (V),
Niobium (Nb) or Columbium (Cb), and Tantalum (Ta) exclusively. |
240, | for consolidated metal powder compositions containing
carbon associated with two metals, both selected from Chromium (Cr),
Molybdenum (Mo), and Tungsten (W) exclusively. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
204, | Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy,
subclass 294 for a carbon-containing electrolytic electrode
composition. |
|
| |
242 | Free metal is Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), or Nickel (Ni) only: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 241. Composition in which the only permissible free (e.g., "cementing")
metal is one or more of iron, cobalt and nickel.
| (1)
Note. Where other free metals are permitted in the composition,
the patent is classified in subclass 241 and is not cross-referenced
to this subclass (242). |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
241, | for compositions in which the binder may contain
other metals in addition to, or alternatively to, Iron (Fe), Cobalt
(Co) and Nickel (Ni). |
|
| |
243 | Nonmetal is elemental Carbon (C) only: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 230. Composition in which the only permissible nonmetal component
is carbon, and wherein the carbon is not claimed as being part of
a chemical compound.
| (1)
Note. The claiming of a component of the composition as "steel," "cast
iron" or other metal product known to contain carbon as
an essential component, e.g., a "carburized" metal
or alloy, is sufficient for placement in this subclass (243). |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
230, | for a composition containing elemental carbon plus
a nonmetal other than oxide, carbide, boron or nitrogen. |
231, | for a composition wherein elemental carbon (e.g.,
graphite, diamond) is not claimed as such, but only designated as
a lubricant, abrasive, etc. |
233, | for a composition containing elemental carbon in
addition to an oxide. |
237, | for a composition containing elemental carbon in
addition to a carbide. |
244, | for a composition containing elemental carbon in
addition to nitrogen or boron. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
501, | Compositions: Ceramic,
subclasses 99+ for refractory ceramic compositions containing
elemental carbon. |
|
| |
244 | Containing Boron (B) or Nitrogen (N): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 230. Compositions in which the nonmetal component is boron and/or
nitrogen, including boron nitride.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
233, | for consolidated metal powder compositions containing
borax. |
238, | for a consolidated metal powder composition containing
boron or nitrogen as a carbide or in addition to a metal carbide,
or in which the composition has been carbonitrided. |
254, | for a loose powder composition containing metal
particles and particles which contain boron. |
|
| |
245 | Base metal one or more of transition metal: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 228. Composition in which half or more of the composition, by
weight, comprises one or more, exclusively, of transition elements
(i.e., Scandium (Sc), Titanium (Ti), Vanadium (V), Chromium (Cr),
Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu),
Zinc (Zn), Yttrium (Y), Zirconium (Zr), Niobium (Nb) or Columbium
(Cb), Molybdenum (Mo), Technetium (Tc), Ruthenium (Ru), Rhodium
(Rh), Palladium (Pd), Silver (Ag), Cadmium (Cd), Lanthanum (La),
Cerium (Ce), Praseodymium (Pr), Neodymium (Nd), Promethium (Pm), Samarium
(Sm), Europium (Eu), Gadolinium (Gd), Terbium (Tb), Dysprosium (Dy),
Holmium (Ho), Erbium (Er), Thulium (Tm), Ytterbium (Yb), Lutetium
(Lu), Hafnium (Hf), Tantalum (Ta), Tungsten (W), Rhenium (Re), Osmium
(Os), Iridium (Ir), Platinum (Pt), Gold (Au), Mercury (Hg), 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), Nobelium
(No), Lawrencium (Lr), Unnilquadium (Unq), Unnilpentium (Unp), and
Unnilhexium (Unh).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
252, | Compositions,
subclasses 62.3+ for barrier-layer device compositions, and subclass
301.4 for a fluorescent or phosphorescent composition containing
a transition metal. |
420, | Alloys or Metallic Compositions, for the following alloys made by melting (fusion) techniques;
subclasses 417+ for a zirconium base alloy; subclasses 425+ for
a niobium (columbium) base alloy; and subclass 427 for a tantalum base
alloy. |
|
| |
246 | Base metal one or more of Iron group, Copper (Cu), or Noble
metal: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 245. Composition in which half or more of the composition, by
weight, comprises one or more metals selected exclusively from the
Iron Group (i.e., Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni)), Copper (Cu),
or Noble metal (i.e., Silver (Ag), Gold (Au), Osmium (Os), Iridium
(Ir), Platinum (Pt), Ruthenium (Ru), Rhodium (Rh), and Palladium
(Pd)).
| (1)
Note. Compositions containing steel, cast iron, etc., are
considered to be nonmetal containing, and are classified in subclasses
230+. See the definition of subclass 230. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
28+, | for pyrometallurgy of iron and steel. |
123+, | for ferrous alloys. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
252, | Compositions,
subclass 513 for an electrically conductive or emissive composition
containing a free metal from the iron group; and subclass 514 for
such a composition containing a free noble metal. |
420, | Alloys or Metallic Compositions, for the following alloys made by melting (fusion) techniques;
subclasses 435+ for a cobalt base alloy; and subclasses 441+ for
a nickel base alloy. |
|
| |
247 | Base metal one or more of Copper (Cu) or Noble metal: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 246. Composition in which half or more of the composition, by
weight, comprises one or more, exclusively, of Copper (Cu) or Noble
metal (i.e., Silver (Ag), Gold (Au), Osmium (Os), Iridium (Ir),
Platinum (Pt), Ruthenium (Ru), Rhodium (Rh), and Palladium (Pd)).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
245, | for a consolidated metal powder composition which
may have a base of a transition metal, other than iron, nickel or
cobalt alternative to a copper or noble-metal base. |
246, | for such composition which may have a base of iron,
nickel or cobalt alternative to a copper or noble-metal base. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
252, | Compositions,
subclass 514 for an electrically conductive or emissive composition
containing a noble metal. |
420, | Alloys or Metallic Compositions, for the following alloys made by melting (fusion) techniques;
subclasses 466+ for a platinum base alloy; subclasses 501+ for
a silver base alloy; and subclasses 507+ for a gold base
alloy. |
|
| |
248 | Base metal confined to Tungsten (W): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 245. Composition requiring half or more of the composition, by
weight, to be tungsten.
| (1)
Note. Where Tungsten (W) is an alternative base metal to another
transition metal, e.g., where the claims allow the base metal to
be selected from Tungsten (W) and Molybdenum (Mo), the patent is
placed in subclass 245 and is not cross-referenced to this subclass. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
245, | to complete a search for consolidated metal powder
compositions having a tungsten base. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
252, | Compositions,
subclass 301.5 for a fluorescent or phosphorescent composition
containing tungsten, and subclass 515 for an electrically conductive
or emissive composition containing free tungsten. |
420, | Alloys or Metallic Compositions,
subclasses 430+ for a tungsten base alloy made by complete melting (fusion)
techniques. |
|
| |
249 | Base metal one or more of Beryllium (Be), Magnesium (Mg),
or Aluminum (Al): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 228. Composition in which half or more of the composition, by
weight, comprises one or more of aluminum, beryllium, and magnesium.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
228, | for a consolidated metal powder composition having,
as base metal, (1) a nontransition metal other than Al, Be or Mg,
(2) Al, Be or Mg only in admixture with another metal, or (3) Al,
Be or Mg as an alternative to another metal. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
420, | Alloys or Metallic Compositions, for the following alloys made by melting (fusion) techniques;
subclass 401 for a beryllium base alloy; subclasses 402+ for
a magnesium base alloy; and subclass 528 for an aluminum base alloy. |
|
| |
250 | Base metal is Beryllium (Be) only: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 249. Subject matter in which the base metal is confined to beryllium.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
249, | to complete a search for consolidated metal particle
compositions which are half or more Be. |
|
| |
252 | Mixture contains particles of nonmetal: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 255. Subject matter containing, in loose, particulate form, (a)
a metal, that is, a pure metal, an alloy, an intermetallic compound
or an agglomerate which is more than half free metal, and (b) a nonmetal,
that is, a material which is more than half by weight of a nonmetal
element or compound of such element.
| (1)
Note. A patent drawn to a mixture having a component provided
for in the title of subclasses indented hereunder are placed in
the indented subclasses and are not cross-referenced to this subclass, even
though the mixture may have components not provided for in the title
of the indented subclass. |
| (2)
Note. The search notes below indicate that the line between
this subclass, on the one hand, and Class 106 metal depositing compositions
and Class 148 fluxes, on the other hand, depends upon the presence
of a nonmetal vehicle in the composition. Such vehicle need not
be claimed for original placement of a patent in these other classes
where the composition is disclosed as usable only in combination
with the vehicle. Such a patent should be cross-referenced here (subclasses
252+). |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
230+, | for products resulting from the consolidation of
particle mixtures of this subclass, and the definition of subclass
230 for a list of nonmetal elements. |
256, | for consolidated compositions having metal particles
distributed in a nonmetal continuous phase, such compositions being
designed for use as charges to a metallurgical furnace. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
44, | Fuel and Related Compositions,
subclasses 252+ for a mixture of a particulate metal with a nonmetal
which can react exothermically with it by activation with water. |
106, | Compositions: Coating or Plastic,
subclass 1.05 , for metal-depositing coating compositions which
contain metal particles and a nonmetal vehicle which makes a coherent
composition, whether liquid, solid, plastic, pasty, etc., and which
facilitates application to a surface to be metallized at ordinary
temperatures. |
148, | Metal Treatment,
subclass 24 for compositions containing metal particles, a
fluxing component, and a nonmetal vehicle which makes a coherent composition,
whether liquid, solid, plastic, pasty, etc., and which facilitates
application to a solid metal at ordinary temperatures. Subclass
24 also includes methods for fluxing which comprise the mere use
of compositions classifiable herein (subclasses 252+). |
149, | Explosive and Thermic Compositions or Charges, especially
subclasses 37+ , 87 and 108.2 for a mixture of a particulate metal
with a nonmetal which can react exothermically with it. |
228, | Metal Fusion Bonding,
subclass 224 for a process of surface bonding a metal to another
metal or a nonmetal where a powdered filler material, mixed with
a flux, is employed. Where a patent claims both the bonding process
and an unconsolidated metal particle composition used in the bonding,
the patent is placed in Class 228 and cross-referenced here. |
428, | Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
subclasses 558 and 560+ for solid welding rods coated
with or containing particulate mixtures of the type classified here,
or in Class 106, subclass 1.05, or Class 148, subclass 24. |
|
| |
253 | Halogen containing particles: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 252. Subject matter in which the nonmetal is a halogen (i.e.,
Fluorine (F), Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br), Iodine (I), and Astatine
(At)) compound.
| (1)
Note. Where the particle mixture contains boron, in free or
combined form, as well as a halogen, it is classified in this subclass
and not cross-referenced to subclass 254. | |
| |
254 | Boron (B) containing particles: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 252. Subject matter in which the nonmetal is boron or a boron
compound.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
253, | for such compositions containing a halogen compound,
as well as boron or a boron compound. |
|
| |
255 | Loose particulate mixture (i.e., composition) containing
metal particles: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Composition which comprises loose particles of a metal or
alloy mixed with loose particles of a different metal or alloy or
with loose particles of a nonmetal.
| (1)
Note. Where a patent claims both the powder metallurgy process
and the unconsolidated starting material, it is classified as an
original in Class 419 and is cross-referenced here. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
228+, | for such compositions consolidated to a coherent
(self-sustaining) shape or form, without total loss of the particulate
nature of the unconsolidated mass, that is, without total fusion
of all components of the mass. Patents contained in these subclasses
(228+) often contain disclosures of loose metal particles
and mixtures of the same. |
331+, | for processes of producing solid particulate free
metal directly from liquid metal. |
343+, | for processes of producing or purifying free metal
powder or producing or purifying alloys in powder form. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
106, | Compositions: Coating or Plastic,
subclasses 403+ for metal particle mixtures to be used as a pigment
or filler for such compositions. |
228, | Metal Fusion Bonding,
subclass 248 for a process of surface bonding a metal to another
metal or a nonmetal where a powdered filler material is employed.
Where a patent claims both the bonding process and an unconsolidated
metal particle composition used in the bonding as a filler, the
patent is placed in Class 228 and is cross-referenced here. |
252, | Compositions,
subclasses 181.1+ for "getter" compositions, which
may contain metal particles. |
417, | Pumps,
subclasses 48+ for a getter-type pump. |
419, | Powder Metallurgy Processes,
subclasses 1+ for powder metallurgy processes including sintering. |
420, | Alloys or Metallic Compositions, for a free metal or a single alloy or metallic composition
in particulate form. |
427, | Coating Processes,
subclasses 458+ for applying metal particles utilizing an electrostatic
charge; subclasses 446+ for plasma spraying processes; subclasses
180+ for other particulate metal coating processes; and
subclasses 446+ for flame-spray coating processes. Where
a patent claims both the coating process and an unconsolidated metal
particle composition used in the process, the patent is classified in
Class 427 and cross-referenced here. |
428, | Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
subclasses 403+ for a metal particle coated with a nonmetal, and
subclass 570 for composite metal particles (e.g., a powder having
one metal coated upon a different metal, etc.). |
|
| |
300 | COMPOSITIONS: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Compositions that are: (A) reactive furnace linings; (B)
charges or solid treating compositions, not elsewhere provided,
for producing free metal or alloys from metalliferous materials
or for treating liquid metal; (C) gaseous and liquid compositions,
not elsewhere provided, used in the production of free metal or
alloys or used in the treatment of liquid metal; (D) consolidated
metal powder compositions having a continuous free metal phase, such
as produced by a Class 419 process; (E) loose particulate mixtures
(i.e., compositions) containing (a) particles of one free metal
mixed with particles of another free metal or alloy; (b) particles
of one alloy mixed with particles of another alloy or (c) particles
of free metal or alloy mixed with nonfree metal containing particles
and not elsewhere provided.
| (1)
Note. Processes of making the compositions of the type mentioned
in A, B, or C will be found elsewhere in this class. See "SEARCH
THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS" below. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
330, | for processes of making a metallurgical treating
agent which process does not involve consolidation. |
746, | for processes of making a metallurgical treating
agent which process involves consolidation. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
44, | Fuel and Related Compositions, for fuel compositions intended to provide only heat
for a Class 75 or Class 420 operation. |
48, | Gas: Heating and Illuminating, for gas compositions intended to provide only heat
for a Class 75 or Class 420 operation. |
106, | Compositions: Coating or Plastic, for metal depositing compositions, coating repellent,
polishes, corrosion inhibiting coatings, molding compositions, sodium
silicate or hydrosetting compositions, bituminous compositions used
for coating metalliferous materials or for agglomerates in general. |
148, | Metal Treatment, for compositions for treating solid metals (e.g., soldering flux,
galvanizing flux, welding composition, surface treating compositions,
etc.) and
subclasses 240+ for reactive coating compositions that react with
a metal base to form a coating thereon. |
149, | Explosive and Thermic Compositions or Charges, for exothermic compositions for treating metalliferous
materials. Particularly see
subclasses 5+ , 20+, 30+ or 37+ for
compositions which (1) contain at least one free metal or metalloid
and at least one Oxygen (O) supplying material and (2) are capable
of reacting to yield heat and reaction by-products.
| (1)
Note. The line between Class 149 and Class 75 is difficult
due to the similarity of ingredients in the compositions. If there
is a positive recitation of exothermic utility, the original goes
to Class 149 even if the composition is used in a Class 75 process.
If the composition is used in a Class 75 process and there is no
positive recitation of exothermic utility, it goes to Class 75 as
an original. |
| (2)
Note. Patents having claims to both a Class 75 process and
a Class 149 composition go to Class 75 as original and are crossed
to Class 149. | |
219, | Electric Heating, for electric heating devices, particularly
subclasses 145.1+ for welding rod or electrode having significant
structure and defined by composition. |
228, | Metal Fusion Bonding, for metal fusion bonding means, particularly
subclass 56.3 for solder having significant structure or subclass
50 for seam backup means having significant structure. |
252, | Compositions, for physical separation, etching or brightening,
descaling, detergents, getters, chemical agents, solids with solution
or dispersion aids, solvents, gaseous compositions, preservation
agents. |
420, | Alloys or Metallic Compositions, for alloys or metallic compositions having a continuous
metal phase.
| (1)
Note. Class 420 alloys go as original to Class 420 even if
used as treating agents. If a Class 420 material is combined with
another ingredient to provide a solid treating composition for liquid
metal, the original goes to Class 75, if not provided for elsewhere. |
| (2)
Note. Consolidated metal powder compositions produced by a
Class 419 process go as original to Class 75 and are not provided
for in Class 420 even though a continuous metal phase may be present. | |
428, | Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, for material or articles having some structure.
See section 5 for the relationship between Class 428 and the composition
classes. In general, when claims mention the article by name only
and define it in terms of composition, the original goes to the composition
class.
| (1)
Note. Welding rods or welding electrodes defined only in terms
of composition are placed in Class 75 subclass 302. Flux defined
by composition in wire form or in a container go as original to
Class 75 subclass 304 unless there is significant structural description. | |
501, | Compositions: Ceramic, for glass and refractory compositions containing metalliferous
materials. |
502, | Catalyst, Solid Sorbent, or Support Therefor:
Product or Process of Making, for catalysts or solid sorbents that contain metalliferous
materials. |
|
| |
301 | Reactive furnace lining: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Furnace lining composition that is used for intentional
reactivity with metalliferous materials in the furnace to produce
beneficiated or refined ore, charge or free metal. |
| |
302 | Welding rod or electrode defined by composition: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 300. A welding rod or electrode defined by composition and without
significant structure.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, | Electric Heating,
subclasses 146.1+ for welding rod compositions. |
420, | Alloys or Metallic Compositions, if the welding rod without significant structure
contains only elemental metal and no other ingredients (e.g., flux,
etc.). |
428, | Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
subclasses 385+ for metal substrate with weld modifying coating. |
|
| |
304 | In wire, container, or article with surface feature: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 303. Composition that is in a wire, in a container, or in an
article defined by surface feature (e.g., groove, openings, etc.)
which aids in the utilization or dispersement of the charge or treating agent.
| (1)
Note. The recitation of a shape other than wire or article
with surface feature is insufficient for classification in this subclass.
Thus, pellet, briquette, cube, etc., are placed elsewhere under
subclass 303. | |
| |
305 | For casting or teeming operation: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 303. Composition for treating molten metal in the mold or while
being poured in the mold.
| (1)
Note. Patents having claims to both a Class 164 process and
a Class 75 composition go to Class 164 as original and are crossed
to Class 75. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
164, | Metal Founding, for processes of treating molten metal in a teeming
or casting operation. |
|
| |
310 | And consolidated: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 309. Composition wherein the Fluoride is in consolidated form
produced by agglomerating, calcinating, compacting, indurating,
sintering, or solidifying from a molten mass. |
| |
311 | And consolidated: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 308. Composition wherein the Halide is in consolidated form produced
by agglomerating, calcinating, compacting, indurating, sintering,
or solidifying from a molten mass. |
| |
313 | Composition for or from consolidating by agglomerating,
calcinating, compacting, indurating, roasting, sintering, or solidifying from
molten mass: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 303. Composition which is: (1) intended for consolidation by
agglomerating, calcinating, indurating, sintering, or solidifying
from molten mass; (2) consolidated composition produced by agglomerating,
calcinating, compacting, indurating, sintering, or solidifying from
a molten mass, or (3) composition derived from materials which were
consolidated by agglomerating, calcinating, compacting, indurating,
sintering, or solidifying from a molten mass.
| (1)
Note. This subclass takes as original consolidated metalliferous
compositions amenable to Class 75 or Class 420 refining or alloying
operation unless an intended use divergent from a Class 75 or Class
420 refining or alloying operation is the expressed use. |
| (2)
Note. The consolidated composition may be a coated composition
or may contain more than one layer. However, coated compositions
produced by processes not involving agglomerating, calcinating, compacting,
indurating, sintering or solidifying from molten mass go elsewhere
under subclass 303 if they are coated charges, or coated solid treating compositions
for molten metal. | |
| |
318 | And clay (e.g., bentonite, montmorillonite, etc.), cement,
or Alkali metal silicate: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 316. Composition which contains clay (e.g., bentonite, montmorillonite,
etc.), cement, or Alkali metal silicate. |
| |
322 | And clay (e.g., bentonite, montmorillonite, etc.), cement,
or Alkali metal silicate: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 319. Composition which contains clay (e.g., bentonite, montmorillonite,
etc.), cement, or Alkali metal silicate. |
| |
326 | Containing clay (e.g., bentonite, montmorillonite, etc.),
cement, or Alkali metal silicate: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 313. Composition which contains clay (e.g., bentonite, montmorillonite,
etc.), cement, or Alkali metal silicate. |
| |
330 | PROCESSES: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes not otherwise provided for.
| (1)
Note. This class has no miscellaneous subclass as such, thus
this subclass serves as the miscellaneous process subclass. |
| (2)
Note. Among others, some patents may be found in this subclass
which claim only a process of making a metallurgical treating agent
which process does not involve consolidation. | |
| |
331 | Producing solid particulate free metal directly from liquid
metal (e.g., liquid comminuting, etc.): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 330. Process in which liquid free metal is comminuted to form
discrete particles and solidified in its comminuted form.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
355, | for processes of comminuting a liquid solution or
dispersion to obtain a discrete powder form. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
117, | Single-Crystal, Oriented-Crystal, and Epitaxy
Growth Processes; Non-Coating Apparatus Therefor, especially
subclasses 75 , 87, 205, and 921, for processes and non-coating
apparatus for growing therein-defined single-crystal of all types
of materials, including metals, which are in the form of whiskers. |
264, | Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes,
subclasses 5+ for processes of forming solid particulate material
directly from molten or liquid mass wherein a material other than
metal is comminuted or for processes in which the claims are broad
or nondefinitive as to material and the disclosure states that materials other
than metal are processed by the invention. Patents having claims
to forming solid particulate metal and claims to forming solid particulate nonmetal
or patents having generic claims with a disclosure to forming solid
particulate metal and to forming solid particulate nonmetal will
go as originals to Class 264 and a cross-reference will be placed
in Class 75. |
|
| |
337 | By impinging plural liquid streams: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 331. Process in which the particles are formed by causing plural
liquid streams to collide forcibly.
| (1)
Note. The liquid streams may be of the particle forming metal
only or of both particle forming metal and nonparticle forming material. | |
| |
342 | Spheroidizing or rounding of existing solid metal particles: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 330. Process in which solid, irregular, or nonspherical particulate
metal is reshaped wherein the irregularities are diminished or the
particles are caused to become more spherical or rounded in shape
without loss of metal therefrom and by means other than use of a
mold or shaping surface therefore and in which the individual and separate
identities of the particles are maintained.
| (1)
Note. Patents in this subclass are generally directed to those
processes in which heat is employed to soften the particles so as
to permit the internal cohesive forces of the particles to effect
the reshaping as defined. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
148, | Metal Treatment, particularly
subclass 513 for processes of treating loose metal particles
to modify or maintain internal physical structure (i.e., microstructure)
or chemical properties thereof. In this context, it is important
to note that spheroidizing, in terms of microstructure, is a Class 148
operation and that spheroidizing of Class 75 refers to the macrostructure. |
264, | Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes,
subclass 15 for spheroidizing or rounding of solid, nonmetallic
particles. Patents having claims to spheroidizing or rounding of
solid metal particles and claims to spheroidizing or rounding of solid,
nonmetal particles or patents having generic claims with a disclosure
to spheroidizing or rounding of solid, metal particles and to spheroidizing
or rounding of solid, nonmetallic particles will go as originals
to Class 264 and a cross-reference will be placed in Class 75. |
|
| |
343 | Producing or purifying free metal powder or producing or
purifying alloys in powder form (i.e., named or of size up to 1000 microns
in its largest dimension): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 330. Process in which a free metal powder is produced or purified
or in which alloys in powder form are produced or purified.
| (1)
Note. In order for a patent to be classified in this subclass,
or the subclasses hereunder indented, the claims or disclosure must
specifically state that a powder is produced or is purified. A "precipitate" is
not considered to be a "powder" for purposes of
classification in these subclasses. |
| (2)
Note. "Powder" is defined as a mass of particles,
that is, portions of matter so small that they are not ordinarily
handled as individual units. According to Metals Handbook, 8th Edition,
1961, Volume I, page 28, metallic powders then used in powder metallurgy
had a particle size up to 1,000 microns in their largest dimension,
as determined by screens or other suitable instruments. Powder particles generally
are distinguished from filamentary particles in that their shape
and length-to-diameter ratio are such that in the dry state the
particles will not hold together as a coherent article without the application
of pressure or heat, that is, will not become entangled. |
| (3)
Note. If a patent states that a "powder" is produced
or purified, the patent is to be placed here regardless of any designation
of the size of the "powder". |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
711, | for processes in which nonmetallic material which
is liquid under standard conditions is used to form a precipitate. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
117, | Single-Crystal, Oriented-Crystal, and Epitaxy
Growth Processes; Non-Coating Apparatus Therefor, especially
subclasses 75 , 87, 205, and 921, for processes and non-coating
apparatus for growing therein-defined single-crystal of all types
of materials, including metals, which are in the form of whiskers. |
148, | Metal Treatment,
subclasses 240+ for processes in which a reactive coating is produced
on solid metal. |
148, | Metal Treatment,
subclass 11.5 for processes in which a powder metal or powder
alloy is subjected to working and heat treatment. |
148, | Metal Treatment,
subclass 126.1 for processes in which a particulate metal or particulate
alloy is subjected to heat treatment. |
419, | Powder Metallurgy Processes,
subclasses 30+ for processes which include preliminary significant
treatment, preparation, or manufacture of the powder, prior to any
compacting or sintering. |
427, | Coating Processes,
subclasses 212+ , for processes in which a particulate metal or
particulate alloy is coated. |
|
| |
344 | Radioactive: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 343. Process in which the free metal or alloy or metallic composition
is radioactive. |
| |
346 | Utilizing plasma: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 345. Process in which a wholly or partially charged mixture of
gaseous ions and electrons (i.e., plasma) is the source of energy. |
| |
348 | Producing or purifying named magnetic material: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 343. Process in which a named magnetic material (i.e., the magnetic
properties are specified) is purified without modifying or altering
the magnetic properties or is produced.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
148, | Metal Treatment,
subclass 105 for processes in which the material is in particulate
form at the time its magnetic properties are altered, as well as at
the end of the process. |
|
| |
351 | Producing alloy: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 343. Process in which an alloy is produced in powder form.
| (1)
Note. Patents which claim both a process of making an alloy
and a process of making a powder alloy are classified as originals
in Class 75 and a cross-reference will be placed in Class 420. | |
| |
354 | Including comminution: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 343. Process in which a liquid mass or solid is comminuted to
obtain a discrete powder form.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
331+, | for processes of producing solid particulate free
metal directly from liquid metal. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
241, | Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration,
subclasses 1+ for processes of comminuting a solid without a
metallurgical step. |
|
| |
375 | Process control responsive to sensed condition: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 330. Process in which the operation is regulated by perceiving
a characteristic or a change in a characteristic of the material
or the apparatus and implementing an action in the process based
upon the measured characteristic. |
| |
379 | Of feed gas: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 378. Process in which the pressure of a gas being fed to the
process is determined. |
| |
388 | Preparing for amalgamation, preparing and amalgamating
or breaking amalgam to produce free metal: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 330. Process which is a (1) preparatory chemical process for
producing an intermediate for amalgamation, (2) preparatory chemical
process followed by amalgamation or (3) chemical or physiochemical
process of breaking the amalgam thus formed to liberate the desired free
metal (e.g., sublimation of mercury, dissolution or displacement
of the metal from the amalgam, etc.).
| (1)
Note. The term amalgamation under this subclass and subclasses
indented hereunder is restricted to a species of amalgamation which
requires the use of liquid metal (e.g., mercury, lead, zinc, alloy, etc.)
to collect, to alloy or to adhere to a desired free metal without
heat-melting the desired free metal. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
205, | Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein,
and Methods of Preparing the Compositions, appropriate subclasses for electrolytic treatment
of noble metal containing material or solutions thereof. |
209, | Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids, for the "so called" amalgamation
processes for separation, per se, of metals (e.g., noble metal,
etc.) from metal containing materials (e.g., ore, etc.). |
423, | Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, for chemical processes of treating noble metal containing
materials and including treating amalgam or amalgamation steps that
result in a metal compound as a product and without a free metal
product. |
|
| |
389 | And displacing with a metal other than Mercury (Hg): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 388. Process wherein a more electropositive free metal displaces
a less electropositive metal from solution in a free metal form,
while the more electropositive metal is not Mercury (Hg).
| (1)
Note. See the definitions of the class for displacement and
the electromotive series, per se. | |
| |
392 | Producing or treating free metal: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 330. Process wherein elemental metal is produced from metal compounds,
such as ore, or wherein elemental metal is treated by a process
not provided for elsewhere.
| (1)
Note. This and indented subclasses provide for a process of
removing a component from a pre-existing alloy (e.g., purification,
etc.). |
| (2)
Note. Processes in which metal is treated in the molten state
are specifically included hereunder. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
148, | Metal Treatment, appropriate subclasses for processes of treating
solid or semi-solid metal to modify or maintain the internal physical
structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical properties of metal.
However, if metal casting, welding, machining, or working is involved,
there is a requirement of significant heat treatment as described
in section III, A, of the Class 148 definition. |
|
| |
393 | Utilizing Radioactive material, producing or treating Radioactive
metal: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 392. Process in which a Radioactive material is used to produce
or to treat a free metal, in which a Radioactive metal (i.e., Technetium
(Tc), Promethium (Pm), Polonium (Po), Francium (Fr), Radium (Ra),
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),
Nobelium (No), Lawrencium (Lr), Unnilquadium (Unq), Unnilpentium
(Unp), Unnilhexium (Unh)) is produced, or in which a metal that
contains a Radioactive metal is treated.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
420, | Alloys or Metallic Compositions, for processes for making a Radioactive alloy. |
|
| |
394 | Thorium (Th): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 393. Process in which Thorium (Th) is produced, a metal that
contains Thorium is treated, or a material that contains Thorium
is used to produce or to treat a free metal. |
| |
396 | Plutonium (Pu): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 393. Process in which Plutonium (Pu) is produced, a metal that
contains Plutonium is used to produce or to treat a free metal. |
| |
398 | Uranium (U): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 393. Process in which Uranium (U) is produced, a metal that contains
Uranium is treated, or a material that contains Uranium is used
to produce or to treat a free metal. |
| |
400 | Free metal production from sea nodules: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 392. Process wherein elemental metal is produced from metalliferous
lumps found on the bed of the sea. These lumps are usually high
in manganese.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
423, | Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds,
subclasses 49+ , for a process of obtaining a manganese compound
or manganese values from sea nodules without reduction to elemental
metal. |
|
| |
401 | Treating multi-component metal-containing scrap having
an integral substrate to separate metal therefrom by temperature
modification or chemical process at 300 degrees C or greater wherein
at least one metal remains solid during separation: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 392. Process in which a multicomponent metal-containing scrap
having an integral substrate is separated to recover metal. During
the separation at least one metal remains solid. The separation
is performed by changing the temperature of the scrap or by chemically
processing the scrap at 300 degrees C or greater.
| (1)
Note. The following criteria will be used to define the word "scrap":
(A) If a patent refers to a material as scrap, then the material
will be assumed to be scrap. (B) If a patent does not refer to a
material as scrap (e.g., metal borings, tin cans, etc.); but it
can be inferred from the patent that metal, not a specific article,
is recovered, then the material will be assumed to be scrap. (C)
If it is unclear as to the nature of the material being treated
(e.g., tin plate, etc.), the material will be assumed to be scrap.
(D) If there is a positive statement indicating that an "article" is
recovered, then the "article" is not "scrap" and
the patent is classified elsewhere (e.g., removing metal compounds
from engine parts, removing tin from a can to reuse the can, etc.). |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
711+, | for processes of recovering metal from multicomponent
metal-containing scrap having an integral substrate in which a nonmetallic
material which is liquid under standard conditions is used. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, | Metal Working,
subclasses 403.1+ , for separation of materials one from another in
which the separation is done to salvage a portion of a specific article
for reuse. |
134, | Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, for processes of separating metal from metal or
metal from nonmetal to clean a specific article for reuse (e.g.,
the cleaning of gun bores by the removal of metal fouling the same,
etc.). If a base is cleaned and the removed metal is recovered,
the original will go to Class 75 and a cross-reference will be placed
in Class 134. |
423, | Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds,
subclasses 90+ , for detinning in which a Tin (Sn) compound is
produced. |
521, | Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers,
subclasses 40+ , for processes of treating scrap or waste product
containing solid organic polymer to recover a solid polymer therefrom. |
|
| |
404 | Separating liquid metal by centrifuging: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 392. Process in which an apparatus consisting essentially of
a compartment spun about a central axis is used to separate liquid
metal.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
164, | Metal Founding,
subclasses 114+ , for use of centrifugal force when shaping liquid
metal against a forming surface. |
|
| |
405 | Removing gas from liquid metal by use of gas permeable
membrane: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 392. Process in which the liquid metal containing a gas is contacted
with one side of a gas permeable membrane to selectively permeate
the gas through the membrane to remove the gas from the liquid metal.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
95, | Gas Separation: Processes,
subclass 46 for processes of removing a gas from a liquid other
than a liquid metal by use of selective diffusion of gases through
a substantially solid barrier (e.g., semipermeable membrane, etc.). |
|
| |
406 | Adsorbing impurity from vaporous or liquid metal: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 392. Process in which a contaminant is removed from vaporous
or liquid metal by contacting the metal with a material that has
an affinity for the contaminant such that the contaminant adheres
to the reactive surfaces of the material. |
| |
408 | Alkali metal, singly or in combination: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 407. Process in which the vaporous or liquid metal contains over
50 percent by weight of an Alkali metal (i.e., Lithium (Li), Sodium
(Na), Potassium (K), Rubidium (Rb), Cesium (Cs)), singly or in combination. |
| |
409 | Magnesium (Mg): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 407. Process in which the vaporous or liquid metal contains over
50 percent by weight Magnesium (Mg). |
| |
410 | Noble metal, singly or in combination: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 407. Process in which the vaporous or liquid contains over 50
percent by weight of a Noble metal (i.e., Ruthenium (Ru), Rhodium
(Rd), Palladium (Pd), Osmium (Os), Iridium (Ir), Platinum (Pt),
Silver (Ag), Gold (Au)), singly or in combination. |
| |
411 | Copper (Cu): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 407. Process in which the vaporous or liquid metal contains over
50 percent by weight Copper (Cu). |
| |
412 | Aluminum (Al): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 407. Process in which the vaporous or liquid metal contains over
50 percent by weight Aluminum (Al). |
| |
415 | Foam: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 414. Process which produces a metal product which has a mass
of pores.
| (1)
Note. The pores may either be interconnected or closed cells. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
428, | Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
subclass 613 for porous or foamed metallic stock material. |
|
| |
417 | Obtaining metal from photographic waste: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 416. Process wherein the source of metal is photographic waste.
| (1)
Note. Examples of photographic waste are scrap film and spent
photographic solutions. The metal recovered is usually silver. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
430, | Radiation Imagery Chemistry: Process, Composition,
or Product Thereof, for a process which includes a photographic step
or which prepares a composition for that class combined with a step
of recovering metal. An example of a process for Class 430 is a
process of recovering silver from a photographic developing solution
to regenerate the solution for further use. |
|
| |
433 | Iron (Fe): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 414. Process in which Iron (Fe) is produced or a metal that contains
over 50 percent by weight Iron is treated.
| (1)
Note. The term "reducing" as used below
in indented subclasses means that over 50 percent of the metallic
Iron produced in the process must be obtained by reduction of an
Iron compound (e.g., ore, etc.). |
| (2)
Note. This and indented subclasses provide for treating a
metal that contains over 50 percent by weight Iron in the molten
state and melting a metal that contains over 50 percent by weight
Iron. |
| (3)
Note. This subclass contains patents drawn to processes of
preheating ferrous scrap for subsequent metallurgical processing
without actual melting. |
| (4)
Note. Production of a ferroalloy, such as ferromanganese,
ferrochromium, or nickeliferous pig Iron, where the percentage of
the metals is unspecified will go as originals to the nonferrous
metal subclass regardless of the fact that Iron (Fe) may be produced
in the production of the ferroalloy. If the percentages of metals
are specified the original will go to Class 420, Alloys or Metallic
Compositions. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
148, | Metal Treatment, appropriate subclasses for processes of treating solid or
semi-solid metal to modify or maintain the internal physical structure
(i.e., microstructure) or chemical properties of metal. See Class
148,
subclass 512 , for processes including surface melting of the
solid or semi-solid metal. However, if casting, welding, machining,
or working is involved, there is a requirement of significant heat
treatment as described in section III, A, of the Class 148 definition. |
420, | Alloys or Metallic Compositions,
subclass 88 for process of preparing ferrophosphorus whether
or not any proportions are specified. |
420, | Alloys or Metallic Compositions,
subclass 117 for processes of preparing ferrosilicon containing
over 50 percent Iron or wherein no relative proportions of Iron
and Silicon are disclosed. |
420, | Alloys or Metallic Compositions,
subclass 121 for processes of preparing ferroboron containing
over 50 percent Iron or wherein no relative proportions of Iron
and Boron are specified. |
420, | Alloys or Metallic Compositions,
subclass 578 for processes of preparing ferrosilicon containing
over 50 percent Silicon. |
420, | Alloys or Metallic Compositions,
subclass 591 for processes of preparing ferroboron containing
over 50 percent Boron. |
|
| |
438 | Making wrought Iron (Fe): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 433. Process for making the commercial product called "wrought
Iron (Fe)" which is a very low Carbon (C) (less than 0.1%)
Iron intimately admixed with a slag. The conventional process heats
molten pig Iron in a reverberatory furnace. The Carbon is burned
out causing the Iron to become pasty, at which point it is rolled into
balls and worked to remove excess slag. |
| |
442 | In moving furnace: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 441. Process in which the wrought Iron (Fe) is prepared in a
furnace which moves during the process (e.g., rocking, rotating,
etc.). |
| |
444 | Fluidized bed: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 443. Process wherein particulate Iron (Fe) compound (e.g., ore,
etc.) is kept in motion and suspended by the upward flow of gas,
the suspension acting much like a fluid. |
| |
449 | Generated in situ: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 448. Process wherein the Carbon (C) is not added in solid form,
but solid Carbon is generated in the fluidized bed by chemical reaction.
| (1)
Note. The Carbon may be generated by cracking natural gas. |
| (2)
Note. To be placed in this subclass there must be a specific
claim that solid Carbon is generated in the fluidized bed. Cases
of doubt will be resolved in favor of placement in another subclass
under 444. | |
| |
453 | Cyclone apparatus used: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 443. Process wherein gas containing a suspension of Iron compound
or reduced Iron compound is introduced into an apparatus tangentially
so as to create a swirl. This apparatus may be used to effect reduction
or to separate the Iron (Fe) produced from the gas. |
| |
455 | Inlet is a burner: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 454. Process wherein the gas is combustible and is ignited immediately
upon leaving the inlet.
| (1)
Note. This and the indented subclass include so called "flash
smelting". | |
| |
458 | Blast furnace reduction to produce molten Iron (Fe): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 433. Process wherein an Iron (Fe) compound is reduced in a shaft
furnace with solid reductant, normally coke, with a preheated forced
blast of gas containing gaseous Oxygen, normally air. A blast furnace
is operated in a continuous manner, with additional burden (i.e.,
solid Iron compound, reductant, and flux) being added at the top
of the furnace as the burden is consumed. Preheated gas containing
gaseous Oxygen (the "blast") is added under pressure through
tuyeres just above the level of molten Iron and slag produced by
the reduction. |
| |
459 | Using additive to the blast: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 458. Process wherein an additional substance other than ambient
air is intentionally added to the blast forced under pressure through
the tuyeres. |
| |
460 | Carbonaceous: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 459. Process wherein the added substance contains Carbon (C)
in any form (free or combined). |
| |
461 | Slurry of solid in liquid: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 460. Process wherein the carbonaceous additive is a solid suspended
in a liquid, one or both of the solid and liquid containing Carbon
(C) in any form (free or combined). |
| |
462 | Liquid: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 460. Process wherein the carbonaceous additive is a liquid at
ordinary room temperature. |
| |
463 | Gaseous: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 460. Process in which the carbonaceous additive is a gas at ordinary
temperature and pressure. |
| |
464 | Recycled off gas: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 463. Process wherein the carbonaceous gas is taken from the top
of the blast furnace and recycled to the tuyeres. |
| |
465 | Water: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 459. Process wherein water is added to the blast.
| (1)
Note. The water may be added as a liquid or a vapor. | |
| |
468 | Top gas recovery: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 458. Process which includes a step of handling, treating, or
using the gas which comes off the top of the blast furnace after
passing through the burden (e.g., by recovering a byproduct, removing
pollutants, or recovering heat, etc.). |
| |
471 | Defined composition of reductant: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 458. Process wherein the composition of the reductant of the
Iron (Fe) compound is defined as other than nominal coke.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
460, | for a process of adding carbonaceous material through
the tuyeres with the oxygen containing blast, which material may
be a reductant. |
|
| |
474 | Reduction in rotary kiln: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 433. Process wherein a reducible Iron (Fe) compound is reduced
to metallic Iron in an approximately cylindrical vessel rotating
on its axis. The axis is horizontal or inclined less than 45 degrees
from horizontal. The vessel rotates in only one direction through
an angle of over 360 degrees during the reduction and rotates substantially
continuously.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
484, | for reduction in an apparatus which does not rotate
over 360 degrees or oscillates back and forth during the reduction. |
|
| |
477 | Introducing solid reductant into rotary kiln: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 474. Process wherein a solid substance which reduces an Iron
(Fe) compound to metallic Iron is introduced into the rotary kiln.
| (1)
Note. The solid reductant may be charged by itself or in admixture
with other ingredients. | |
| |
478 | Solid reductant is recycled: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 477. Process wherein solid reductant discharged from the rotary
kiln is recycled back into the rotary kiln.
| (1)
Note. The solid reductant is usually discharged from the kiln
with Iron (Fe), separated from the Iron (Fe), and then recycled. | |
| |
479 | Any part of the charge is consolidated by agglomerating,
compacting, indurating, or sintering (e.g., pelletized ore, flux,
or reductant, etc.): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 477. Process wherein any or all components of the material charged
into the rotary kiln are consolidated by agglomerating, compacting,
indurating, or sintering.
| (1)
Note. The components such as ore, flux, or reductant may be
separately consolidated or several ingredients may be combined and
consolidated together (e.g., pellets of combined ore and coke, etc.). | |
| |
481 | Mixed prior to charging: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 480. Process in which reducible Iron (Fe) compound and solid
reductant are mixed together prior to charging and the mixture is
then charged. |
| |
483 | Superposed multiple hearth reduction: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 433. Process in which a reducible Iron (Fe) compound is passed
downwardly from one hearth to another hearth located immediately
below during its reduction to metallic Iron. Usually there are three
or more superposed hearths with the reducible Iron compound passing
downward from hearth to hearth during the process. |
| |
484 | Moving furnace or hearth (e.g., moving belt, etc.): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 433. Process which employs a furnace wherein the part containing
or supporting the reducible Iron (Fe) compound moves during the
reduction. The movement need not be continuous, but may be intermittent
only.
| (1)
Note. The furnace or hearth must move during the reduction.
Movement merely to charge or discharge the contents is not enough
for this subclass and is placed below on another basis. |
| (2)
Note. If the part of the furnace which supports the reducible
Iron (Fe) compound moves during the reduction, classification is
proper thereunder even if the heating apparatus is stationary (e.g., charge
on moving belt in furnace, etc.). |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
473, | for batch reduction system wherein closed containers
of reductant and reducible Iron compound are pushed through a kiln. |
|
| |
485 | Reduction in molten state: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 484. Process wherein some material is molten during the reduction
(e.g., slag, Iron, etc.) and ingredients for carrying out the reduction
are added to the melt. |
| |
489 | Externally supplied gas reductant: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 488. Process wherein a gaseous reductant is introduced into the
shaft furnace from outside the furnace.
| (1)
Note. This and indented subclasses do not exclude the presence
of solid reductant in the shaft furnace as long as a gaseous reductant
is also supplied to the furnace from outside. | |
| |
490 | Solid Iron (Fe) produced within shaft furnace: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 489. Process wherein an Iron (Fe) compound is reduced to solid
metallic Iron within the shaft furnace without melting the so produced
Iron.
| (1)
Note. The processes in this and indented subclasses are sometimes
referred to as "direct reduction". | |
| |
500 | Reduction in molten state: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 433. Process wherein some material is molten during the reduction
(e.g., slag, Iron, etc.), and ingredients for carrying out the reaction
are added to the melt. |
| |
505 | Reduction with externally applied gas (e.g., batch HyL
process, etc.): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 433. Process wherein an Iron (Fe) compound is reduced to metallic
Iron by a gas which is added to the Iron compound from outside the apparatus
in which the Iron compound is reduced.
| (1)
Note. Gas generated by in situ reactions within the apparatus
containing the Iron compound is not "externally applied" for purposes
of this class. | |
| |
507 | Melting Iron (Fe) or treating molten Iron: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 433. Process wherein a metal that contains over 50 percent by
weight Iron (Fe) is melted or is treated in the molten state (e.g.,
to purify it or to improve its properties, etc.).
| (1)
Note. The solid Iron which is melted or the molten Iron which
is treated is predominately (over 50 percent) in the elemental state
at the start of the process. The "reduction" subclasses
above take processes wherein a charge which is predominately an
Iron compound is reduced to the metallic state. This and indented subclasses,
however, will take a process of melting or treating a charge which
is predominately metallic Iron even though some incidental reduction
of an Iron compound takes place (e.g., melting rusty scrap with
reduction of the rust, treating pig Iron of high Carbon content with
Iron oxide whereby the Iron oxide oxidizes the Carbon and is reduced
to metallic Iron, etc.) as long as less than 50 percent of the Iron
in the final product is produced by the incidental reduction. |
| (2)
Note. This and indented subclasses will take a process of
removing a component from an Iron alloy to make another alloy. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
433, | for a process of preheating Iron (e.g., preheating
scrap for later melting, etc.). |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
148, | Metal Treatment, appropriate subclasses for processes of treating solid or
semi-solid metal to modify or maintain the internal physical structure
(i.e., microstructure) or chemical properties of metal. See Class
148,
subclass 512 , for processes of surface melting of the solid
or semi-solid metal. However, if metal casting, metal fusion, machining
or working is involved, there is a requirement of significant heat
treatment as described in section III, A, of the Class 148 definition. |
420, | Alloys or Metallic Compositions, for a process of making an alloy by melting the
ingredients together. |
|
| |
508 | Vacuum treatment of molten Iron (Fe): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 507. Process wherein a molten metal that contains over 50 percent
by weight Iron (Fe) is treated in a gas pressure significantly less
than one atmosphere pressure.
| (1)
Note. The low pressure must be intentional in order to treat
the molten metal. Merely melting metal where atmospheric pressure
is low will not cause a patent to be placed hereunder, unless the low
pressure is intentionally employed to treat the molten metal. | |
| |
509 | Free falling stream or spray of molten Iron (Fe): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 508. Process wherein an unconfined stream or spray of a molten
metal that contains over 50 percent by weight Iron (Fe) is treated
in a vacuum.
| (1)
Note. In a process for this subclass the stream or spray remains
molten during treatment and then coalesces after treatment to form
a pool of molten metal. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
331+, | for a process wherein a spray of molten metal is
solidified while falling and is recovered as solid particles of metal. |
|
| |
510 | Vacuum lift: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 508. Process in which a vacuum causes a molten metal that contains
over 50 percent by weight Iron (Fe) to be lifted above the level
of the container in which it is held.
| (1)
Note. A common arrangement is as shown:
| |
| |
511 | With addition of gas: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 510. Process wherein a gas is intentionally added to the molten
metal that contains over 50 percent by weight Iron (Fe) while it
is being treated by lifting under a vacuum.
| (1)
Note. The gas must be added intentionally, mere accidental
leakage is ignored. The amount of gas added is restricted so that
the pressure of gas over the molten metal remains significantly
under one atmosphere. | |
| |
512 | With addition of gas: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 508. Process wherein a gas is intentionally added to the molten
metal that contains over 50 percent by weight Iron (Fe) while it
is being treated under vacuum.
| (1)
Note. The gas must be added intentionally, mere accidental
leakage is ignored. The amount of gas added is restricted so that
the pressure of gas over the molten metal remains significantly
under one atmosphere. | |
| |
513 | In reverberatory furnace (e.g., open-hearth, Siemens-Martin,
puddling, etc.): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 507. Process which is carried out in a reverberatory furnace.
A reverberatory furnace is one in which solid fuel is not burned
in contact with the liquid or solid metal that contains over 50 percent
by weight Iron (Fe). There is a roof over the hearth in which the
metal is melted or the molten metal is treated, and either solid
fuel is burned next to the hearth, but under the roof, by which
means heat is reflected onto the metal by the roof, or in which
gaseous fuel is burned over the metal in the hearth and heat is reflected
down onto the hearth by the roof.
| (1)
Note. Common names of furnaces which are reverberatory are
for example, open-hearth, Siemens-Martin and puddling. | |
| |
514 | With treating of molten Iron (Fe) with gas outside reverberatory
furnace (e.g., in Bessemer converter, etc.): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 513. Process including a step wherein a gas is injected into,
onto, or through molten metal that contains over 50 percent by weight
Iron (Fe) or a slag layer thereon while the molten metal is outside
the reverberatory furnace. This step may take place prior to or
subsequently to treatment of the metal in a reverberatory furnace.
| (1)
Note. Commonly, patents in this subclass employ a combination
of treatment in an open hearth furnace with treatment in a Bessemer
converter. | |
| |
515 | With melting Iron (Fe) in shaft furnace: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 513. Process in which the melting of solid metal that contains
over 50 percent by weight Iron in a shaft furnace is combined with
a process step taking place in a reverberatory furnace.
| (1)
Note. Most patents in this subclass are drawn to a process
of melting metal in a shaft furnace (e.g., cupola, etc.), and passing
the molten metal to a reverberatory furnace for treatment. | |
| |
516 | Using gaseous Oxygen in a higher concentration than in
ambient air: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 513. Process which employs a gas which has a higher concentration
of Oxygen than that of ambient air for any purpose.
| (1)
Note. The higher concentration of Oxygen may be employed to
burn fuel in the furnace or it may be injected separately onto molten
metal that contains over 50 percent by weight Iron (Fe) by a lance extending
through the roof of the reverberatory furnace. | |
| |
520 | With Alkaline earth metal or Magnesium (Mg) containing
compound: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 513. Process wherein an Alkaline earth metal compound or a Magnesium
(Mg) compound is present in the reverberatory furnace at any time during
the process.
| (1)
Note. The presence of an Alkaline furnace lining (e.g., magnesia
brick, etc.) will be disregarded for purposes of this subclass. | |
| |
521 | With Transition metal compound: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 513. Process wherein a compound of a Transition metal (i.e.,
Scandium (Sc), Titanium (Ti), Vanadium (V), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn),
Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), NIckel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Yttrium
(Y), Zirconium (Zr), Niobium (Nb) or Columbium (Cb), Molybdenum
(Mo), Ruthenium (Ru), Rhodium (Rh), Palladium (Pd), Silver (Ag),
Cadmium (Cd), Lanthanum (La), Cerium (Ce), Praseodymium (Pr), Neodymium
(Nd), Samarium (Sm), Europium (Eu), Gadolinium (Gd), Terbium (Tb),
Dysprosium (Dy), Holmium (Ho), Erbium (Er), Thulium (Tm), Ytterbium
(Yb), Lutetium (Lu), Hafnium (Hf), Tantalum (Ta), Tungsten (W),
Rhenium (Re), Osmium (Os), Iridium (Ir), Platinum (Pt), Gold (Au),
and Mercury (Hg)) is present in the reverberatory furnace at any
time during the process.
| (1)
Note. The presence of a Transition metal compound in the furnace
lining will be disregarded for purposes of this subclass unless
there is a specific disclosure that it interacts in some way with
the charge of Iron (Fe). |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
393+, | for a process which employs a Radioactive material
whether or not the Radioactive material becomes part of the final
product. |
|
| |
522 | Iron oxide: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 521. Process wherein the Transition metal compound contains only
Iron (Fe) and Oxygen (O). |
| |
525 | Impinging free falling molten metal stream or spray with
a gas or solid agent or spraying (e.g., atomizing, etc.) of molten
metal: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 507. Process wherein a free falling molten metal stream or spray
is impinged during free fall with a gas or solid agent or wherein
a molten metal is sprayed (e.g., atomized, etc.) to treat the molten
metal.
| (1)
Note. If a molten metal stream or spray is directed onto solid
treating agent in a container or through a slag layer or used to
mix separately added solid treating agent into molten metal, placement
goes elsewhere under subclass 507. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
509, | for treating a free falling stream of molten metal
that contains over 50 percent by weight Iron (Fe) in a vacuum. |
|
| |
527 | In rotary kiln (e.g., Kaldo process, etc.): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 507. Process wherein a gas or solid treating agent is injected
into premelted metal that contains over 50 percent by weight Iron
(Fe) or slag thereon and wherein the premelted metal is agitated
at any molten process stage by a chamber or converter that rotates
360 degrees. |
| |
528 | Injecting gas or nonmetalliferous liquid which gasifies
into, onto, or through premelted Iron (Fe) or slag layer thereon: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 507. Process wherein a gas or nonmetalliferous liquid that gasifies
(e.g., oil, Water, etc.) under the operating conditions is injected
into, onto, or through the premelted metal that contains over 50
percent by weight Iron (Fe) or slag layer thereon.
| (1)
Note. The injection of gas before or during the melting is
not considered part of the subject matter under this subclass or the
indented subclasses hereinbelow. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
571, | for a process wherein gas is used to melt or is
injected during the melting of a metal that contains over 50 percent
by weight Iron (Fe). |
|
| |
529 | With hydrocarbon liquid or gas present: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 528. Process wherein a liquid or gaseous compound consisting
only of Carbon (C) and Hydrogen (H) (e.g., Propane, Butane, petroleum,
etc.) is present during the treatment of the premelted metal that
contains over 50 percent by weight Iron (Fe).
| (1)
Note. The hydrocarbon must be involved in direct or indirect
treatment of the molten metal or slag layer thereon and must be
present after the melting stage. Use of hydrocarbon liquid or gas
for melting is not sufficient for this subclass. | |
| |
531 | And adding solid agent, slag, or flux to premelted Iron
(Fe) or slag layer thereon: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 528. Process wherein premelted metal that contains over 50 percent
by weight Iron (Fe) or slag layer thereon is contacted with a solid
treating agent, a separately prepared slag, or flux.
| (1)
Note. Classification is based on the agent, slag, or flux
added to the molten metal or slag layer thereon and not on the composition
of the in situ generated slag or solid agents initially present before
melting or added during melting. |
| (2)
Note. The addition of molten metal to a solid agent, slag,
or flux is acceptable in this subclass. | |
| |
532 | Loose elemental Carbon (C), coal, or coke (e.g., carburizing,
etc.): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 531. Process wherein the solid agent added to the molten metal
that contains over 50 percent by weight Iron (Fe) or slag layer
thereon is loose elemental Carbon (C), coal, or coke.
| (1)
Note. This subclass will take the use of loose Carbon, coal,
or coke for carburizing, but is not limited to carburizing. |
| (2)
Note. If the Carbon, coal, or coke is part of a consolidated
composition containing other treating agents, classification goes
elsewhere under subclass 531. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
536, | 537, 542, 543, 566, or 567, for the use of a metal
carbide or a high carbon metal as a carburizing or treating agent. |
561, | for the use of elemental Carbon (C), coal, or coke
in treating molten metal or slag layer thereon in absence of a gas
or liquid treating agent. |
|
| |
533 | With solid entrained in gas or injected by gas pressure: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 531. Process wherein a solid agent is entrained in or injected
by gas pressure.
| (1)
Note. In this and the herein below indented subclasses, classification
is based on the solid treating agent, slag, or flux added to the
premelted metal or slag layer whether or not the solid is the entrained
solid. | |
| |
535 | Metal halide used in process: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 533. Process wherein a metal halide (e.g., Sodium chloride, Fluorspar,
etc.) is present in the solid agent, separately prepared slag, or
flux used for treating at any process stage. |
| |
536 | Carbide used in process: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 533. Process wherein a binary Carbon (C) compound of a metal
(i.e., Carbide) is present in the solid agent, separately prepared
slag, or flux used for treating at any process stage. |
| |
541 | Metal halide: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 540. Process wherein a metal halide (e.g., Sodium chloride, Fluorspar,
etc.) is present in the solid agent, separately prepared slag, or
flux. |
| |
542 | Carbide: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 540. Process wherein a binary Carbon (C) compound of a metal
(i.e., Carbide) is present in the solid agent, separately prepared
slag, or flux. |
| |
544 | Iron (Fe) containing compound: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 540. Process wherein an Iron (Fe) containing compound (e.g.,
ore, scale, Iron oxide, etc.) is present in the solid agent, separately
prepared slag, or flux. |
| |
546 | Noble gas or inert gas not otherwise identified: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 531. Process wherein a Noble gas (i.e., Helium (He), Neon (Ne),
Argon (Ar), Krypton (Kr), or Xenon (Xe) or an inert gas not otherwise
identified is the injected gas.
| (1)
Note. If the injected gas is named (e.g., Carbon dioxide,
etc.), it is classified by the named gas even if the specification calls
the gas inert. | |
| |
547 | Gas compound containing Oxygen (e.g., Carbon monoxide,
Carbon dioxide, Water, etc.): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 531. Process wherein the injected gas is a compound containing
Oxygen (e.g., Carbon monoxide, Carbon dioxide, Water, etc.).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
540+, | or 548+, for gaseous compositions containing
Oxygen gas such as air or Oxygen gas enriched gas compositions. |
|
| |
549 | With treatment of exhaust gas: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 548. Process wherein the exhaust or waste gas from the process
is treated separately from the molten metal that contains over 50
percent by weight Iron (Fe). |
| |
550 | And adding gaseous Oxygen or inert gas to exhaust gas: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 549. Process wherein gaseous Oxygen is added with the exhaust
gas or wherein an inert gas is added to the exhaust gas.
| (1)
Note. If the added gaseous Oxygen reacts with the exhaust
gas leaving no Oxygen in the altered exhaust gas, proper classification
remains with this subclass. | |
| |
551 | Injecting from above and below melt surface: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 548. Process wherein the Oxygen gas or Oxygen gas containing
gas composition is injected from both above and below the melt surface
at the same time or at different times in the processing.
| (1)
Note. Injection into the slag or slag-melt interface is considered
to be from above the melt surface for the purposes of classification
in this subclass. | |
| |
552 | Including other gas from below: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 551. Process wherein a gas other than Oxygen gas or an Oxygen
gas containing gas composition is injected from below the melt surface
at the same time or at a different time in the processing. |
| |
553 | Injecting only from above melt surface: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 548. Process wherein the Oxygen gas or the Oxygen gas containing
gas composition is injected only from above the melt surface.
| (1)
Note. Injection into the slag or slag-melt interface is considered
to be from above the melt surface for purposes of classification
in this subclass. | |
| |
554 | Including other gas from above: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 553. Process wherein a gas other than Oxygen gas or an Oxygen
gas containing gas composition is injected from above the melt surface
at the same time or at a different time in the processing. |
| |
555 | Including other gas from below: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 553. Process wherein a gas other than Oxygen gas or an Oxygen
gas containing gas composition is injected from below the melt surface
at the same time or at a different time during the processing. |
| |
557 | Including other gas from below: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 556. Process wherein a gas other than Oxygen gas or an Oxygen
gas containing gas composition is injected from below the melt surface
at the same time or at a different time during the processing. |
| |
558 | Noble gas or inert gas not otherwise identified: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 528. Process wherein a Noble gas (i.e., Helium (He), Neon (Ne),
Argon (Ar), Krypton (Kr), or Xenon (Xe)) or an inert gas not otherwise
identified is the injected gas.
| (1)
Note. If the injected gas is named (i.e., Carbon dioxide),
it is classified by the named gas even if the specification calls the
gas inert. | |
| |
559 | Gas compound containing Oxygen (e.g., Carbon monoxide,
Carbon dioxide, Water, etc.): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 528. Process wherein the injected gas is a compound containing
Oxygen (e.g., Carbon monoxide, Carbon dioxide, Water, etc.).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
540, | or 548, for processes using gaseous compositions
containing Oxygen gas such as air or Oxygen gas enriched gas compositions. |
|
| |
560 | Treating premelted Iron (Fe) or slag layer thereon by adding
solid agent, slag, or flux: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 507. Process wherein premelted metal that contains over 50 percent
by weight Iron (Fe) or slag layer thereon is contacted with a solid
treating agent, a separately prepared slag, or flux.
| (1)
Note. Classification is based on the agent, slag, or flux
added to the molten metal or slag layer thereon and not on the composition
of the in situ generated slag or solid agents initially present before
melting or added during melting. |
| (2)
Note. The addition of molten metal to a solid agent, slag,
or flux is acceptable to this subclass. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
571, | for a process wherein a solid agent is utilized
during the melting of a metal that contains over 50 percent by weight
Iron (Fe). |
|
| |
561 | Loose elemental Carbon (C), coal, or coke (e.g., carburizing,
etc.): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 560. Process wherein the solid agent added to the molten metal
that contains over 50 percent by weight Iron (Fe) or slag layer
thereon is loose elemental Carbon (C), coal, or coke.
| (1)
Note. This subclass will take the use of loose Carbon, coal,
or coke for carburizing but is not limited to carburizing. |
| (2)
Note. If the Carbon, coal, or coke is part of a consolidated
composition containing other treating agents, classification goes
elsewhere under subclass 560. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
532, | for the use of elemental Carbon, coal, or coke in
treating molten metal that contains over 50 percent by weight Iron
or slag layer thereon in a process also utilizing a gas or liquid
which gasifies. |
536, | 537, 542, 543, 566, or 567, for the use of a metal
carbide or a high Carbon metal as a carburizing or treating agent. |
|
| |
565 | Metal halide: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 560. Process wherein a metal halide (e.g., Sodium chloride, Fluorspar,
etc.) is present in the solid agent, separately prepared slag, or
flux. |
| |
566 | Carbide: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 560. Process wherein a binary Carbon (C) compound of a metal
(i.e., Carbide) is present in the solid agent, separately prepared
slag, or flux. |
| |
569 | Iron (Fe) containing compound: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 560. Process wherein an Iron (Fe) containing compound (e.g.,
ore, scale, Iron oxide, etc.) is present in the solid agent, separately
prepared slag, or flux. |
| |
573 | In shaft furnace (e.g., cupola, etc.): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 571. Process wherein solid Iron (Fe) is melted in a vertical
tubular furnace.
| (1)
Note. In this subclass the charge is predominantly (i.e.,
over 50 percent) Iron in the metallic state. While there may be some
reduction of Iron compound (e.g., rust or ore, etc.) taking place,
the majority of the molten Iron produced exists in the metallic
state when added to the furnace. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
488, | for a process of reduction of an Iron compound in
a shaft furnace. In this subclass over 50 percent of the Iron product
is obtained by reduction of an Iron compound. |
|
| |
577 | Defined composition of solid fuel other than nominal "coke": |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 573. Process wherein the shaft furnace employs a solid fuel of
defined composition other than nominal "coke".
| (1)
Note. Any definition of the solid, carbonaceous fuel beyond
mere nominal "coke" will be sufficient to classify
a patent herein, such as defined particle size, strength of coke,
anthracite coal, etc. | |
| |
581 | Melting scrap: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 571. Process wherein the solid Iron (Fe) melted is the waste
from manufacturing or is obtained from articles which are no longer
useful as such.
| (1)
Note. The term "scrap" in a patent will make
placement in this subclass proper. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
433, | for a process of preheating scrap Iron to facilitate
later melting without actually melting the scrap Iron. |
|
| |
583 | Stirring or agitating molten Iron (Fe): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 507. Process wherein molten Iron (Fe) is stirred either by contacting
with a mechanical device (e.g., a stirring impeller, etc.) or without
a separate mechanical device contacting the molten Iron (e.g., by
shaking the container holding the molten Iron, etc.).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
10.67, | for a method of agitating molten Iron with a magnetic
field. |
528+, | for a method of agitating molten Iron by injecting
a gas. |
|
| |
585 | Nonferrous: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 414. Process in which a metal other than Iron (Fe) is produced
or a metal that contains over 50 percent by weight Nonferrous metal,
singly or in combination, is treated.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
420, | Alloys or Metallic Compositions, for processes for making a Nonferrous alloy. |
|
| |
589 | Alkali metal, singly or in combination: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 585. Process in which an Alkali metal (i.e., Lithium (Li), Sodium
(Na), Potassium (K), Rubidium (Rb), Cesium (Cs)) is produced or
a metal that contains over 50 percent by weight Alkali metal, singly
or in combination, is treated.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
745, | for a process of producing an Alkali metal or treating
a metal that contains over 50 percent by weight Alkali metal, singly
or in combination, below 300 degrees C. |
|
| |
590 | Vaporizing or condensing: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 589. Process in which the Alkali metal is vaporized or condensed.
The vaporization can occur during the reduction of an Alkali metal
compound.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
752, | for a process in which a metal impurity is vaporized
in a process including consolidation of a metalliferous material. |
|
| |
593 | Beryllium (Be): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 585. Process in which Beryllium (Be) is produced or a metal that
contains over 50 percent by weight Beryllium is treated. |
| |
594 | Magnesium (Mg): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 585. Process in which Magnesium (Mg) is produced or a metal that
contains over 50 percent by weight Magnesium is treated. |
| |
595 | Vaporizing or condensing: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 594. Process in which Magnesium (Mg) is vaporized or condensed.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
752, | for a process in which a metal impurity is vaporized
in a process including consolidation of a metalliferous material. |
|
| |
602 | Adding gas: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 600. Process in which a gas is added to molten metal that contains
over 50 percent by weight Magnesium (Mg). |
| |
603 | And solid: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 602. Process in which a solid is added to molten metal that contains
over 50 percent by weight Magnesium (Mg). |
| |
604 | Adding solid: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 600. Process in which a solid is added to molten metal that contains
over 50 percent by weight Magnesium (Mg). |
| |
605 | Alkaline earth metal, singly or in combination: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 585. Process in which an Alkaline earth metal (i.e., Calcium
(Ca), Strontium (Sr), Barium (Ba)) is produced or a metal that contains
over 50 percent by weight Alkaline earth metal, singly or in combination,
is treated. |
| |
607 | Vaporizing or condensing: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 605. Process in which an Alkaline earth metal is vaporized or
condensed.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
752, | for a process in which a metal impurity is vaporized
in a process including consolidation of a metalliferous material. |
|
| |
608 | Reduction: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 607. Process in which an Alkaline earth metal compound is reduced
metal. |
| |
610 | Rare earth metal, singly or in combination: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 585. Process in which a Rare earth metal (i.e., Scandium (Sc),
Yttrium (Y), Lanthanum (La), Cerium (Ce), Praseodymium (Pr), Neodymium (Nd),
Samarium (Sm), Europium (Eu), Gadolinium (Gd), Terbium (Tb), Dysprosium
(Dy), Holmium (Ho), Erbium (Er), Thulium (Tm), Ytterbium (Yb), Lutetium
(Lu)) is produced or a metal that contains over 50 percent by weight Rare
earth metal, singly or in combination, is treated. |
| |
611 | Refractory metal, singly or in combination: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 585. Process in which a Refractory metal (i.e., Titanium (Ti),
Zirconium (Zr), Hafnium (Hf), Vanadium (V), Niobium (Nb) or Columbium (Cb),
Tantalum (Ta), Chromium (Cr), Molybdenum (Mo), or Tungsten (W))
is produced or a metal that contains over 50 percent by weight Refractory
metal, singly or in combination, is treated. |
| |
613 | Reduction: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 612. Process in which a Titanium (Ti), Zirconium (Zr), or Hafnium
(Hf) compound is reduced to metal. |
| |
624 | Manganese (Mn): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 585. Process in which Manganese (Mn) is produced or a metal that
contains over 50 percent by weight Manganese is treated. |
| |
626 | Cobalt (Co): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 585. Process in which Cobalt (Co) is produced or a metal that
contains over 50 percent by weight Cobalt is treated. |
| |
628 | Nickel (Ni): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 585. Process in which Nickel (Ni) is produced or a metal that
contains over 50 percent by weight Nickel is treated. |
| |
630 | Segregation process: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 629. Process in which a Nickel (Ni) compound is reduced to metal
by reacting the compound with a mixture of a carbonaceous reductant
and a chloridizing agent. |
| |
631 | Noble metal, singly or in combination: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 585. Process in which a Noble metal (i.e., Ruthenium (Ru), Rhodium
(Rh), Palladium (Pd), Osmium (Os), Iridium (Ir), Platinum (Pt),
Silver (Ag), Gold (Au)) is produced or a metal that contains over
50 percent by weight Noble metal, singly or in combination, is treated. |
| |
632 | Palladium (Pd): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 631. Process in which Palladium (Pd) is produced or a metal that
contains over 50 percent by weight Palladium is treated. |
| |
633 | Platinum (Pt): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 631. Process in which Platinum (Pt) is produced or a metal that
contains over 50 percent by weight Platinum is treated. |
| |
634 | Silver (Ag): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 631. Process in which Silver (Ag) is produced or a metal that
contains over 50 percent by weight Silver is treated. |
| |
637 | Gold (Au): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 631. Process in which Gold (Au) is produced or a metal that contains
over 50 percent by weight Gold is treated. |
| |
638 | Copper (Cu): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 585. Process in which Copper (Cu) is produced or a metal that
contains over 50 percent by weight Copper is treated. |
| |
642 | Segregation process: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 641. Process in which a Copper (Cu) compound is reduced to metal
by reacting the compound with a mixture of a carbonaceous reductant
and a chloridizing agent. |
| |
647 | By vacuum: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 646. Process in which molten metal that contains over 50 percent
by weight Copper (Cu) is subjected to sub-atmospheric pressures. |
| |
648 | Adding gas: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 646. Process in which a gas is added to molten metal that contains
over 50 percent by weight Copper (Cu). |
| |
650 | And adding solid: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 649. Process in which a solid is added to molten metal that contains
over 50 percent by weight Copper (Cu). |
| |
651 | And solid: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 648. Process in which a solid is added to molten metal that contains
over 50 percent by weight Copper (Cu). |
| |
652 | Adding solid: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 646. Process in which a solid is added to molten metal that contains
over 50 percent by weight Copper (Cu). |
| |
654 | Zinc (Zn): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 585. Process in which Zinc (Zn) is produced or a metal that contains
over 50 percent by weight Zinc is treated. |
| |
658 | Vaporizing or condensing: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 656. Process in which Zinc (Zn) is vaporized or condensed.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
752, | for a process in which a metal impurity is vaporized
in a process including consolidation of a metalliferous material. |
|
| |
662 | Treating material in rotary kiln: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 658. Process in which a Zinc (Zn) compound is reduced in an approximately
cylindrical vessel rotating on its cylindrical axis. The axis is
horizontal or inclined less than 45 degrees from horizontal. The
vessel rotates in only one direction through an angle of over 360
degrees during the reduction and rotates substantially continuously. |
| |
668 | Cadmium (Cd): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 585. Process in which Cadmium (Cd) is produced or a metal that
contains over 50 percent by weight Cadmium is treated. |
| |
669 | Vaporizing or condensing: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 668. Process in which Cadmium (Cd) is vaporized or condensed.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
752, | for a process in which a metal impurity is vaporized
in a process including consolidation of a metalliferous material. |
|
| |
670 | Mercury (Hg): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 585. Process in which Mercury (Hg) is produced or a metal that
contains over 50 percent by weight Mercury is treated.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
388+, | for a process in which an amalgam is broken to produce
free metal. |
|
| |
671 | Aluminum (Al): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 585. Process in which Aluminum (Al) is produced or a metal that
contains over 50 percent by weight Aluminum is treated. |
| |
674 | Carbothermic: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 673. Process in which an Aluminum (Al) compound is reduced in
the presence of a carbonaceous material, Carbon (C) or carbide. |
| |
679 | Fractional crystallization: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 678. Process in which molten metal that contains over 50 percent
by weight Aluminum (Al) is preferentially crystallized in order
to obtain purified metal. The impurities are excluded from the purified
crystals that form.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
156, | Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,
subclasses 600+ for processes directed to the formation of a single
crystal. |
|
| |
680 | Adding gas: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 678. Process in which a gas is added to molten metal that contains
over 50 percent by weight Aluminum (Al). |
| |
682 | And adding solid: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 681. Process in which a solid is added to molten metal that contains
over 50 percent by weight Aluminum (Al). |
| |
683 | And solid: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 680. Process in which a solid is added to molten metal that contains
over 50 percent by weight Aluminum (Al). |
| |
684 | Adding solid: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 678. Process in which a solid is added to molten metal that contains
over 50 percent by weight Aluminum (Al). |
| |
687 | Scrap: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 686. Process in which metal scrap that contains over 50 percent
by weight Aluminum (Al) is melted. |
| |
688 | Gallium (Ga) or Indium (In): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 585. Process in which Gallium (Ga) or Indium (In) is produced
or a metal that contains over 50 percent by weight Gallium or over
50 percent by weight Indium is treated. |
| |
689 | Germanium (Ge): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 585. Process in which Germanium (Ge) is produced or a metal that
contains over 50 percent by weight Germanium is treated. |
| |
690 | Tin (Sn): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 585. Process in which Tin (Sn) is produced or a metal that contains
over 50 percent by weight Tin is treated. |
| |
693 | Lead (Pb): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 585. Process in which Lead (Pb) is produced or a metal that contains
over 50 percent by weight Lead is treated. |
| |
698 | By vacuum: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 697. Process in which molten metal that contains over 50 percent
by weight Lead (Pb) is subjected to sub-atmospheric pressures. |
| |
699 | Adding gas: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 697. Process in which a gas is added to molten metal that contains
over 50 percent by weight Lead (Pb). |
| |
701 | Adding solid: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 697. Process in which a solid is added to molten metal that contains
over 50 percent by weight Lead (Pb). |
| |
703 | Antimony (Sb): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 585. Process in which Antimony (Sb) is produced or a metal that
contains over 50 percent by weight Antimony is treated. |
| |
705 | Bismuth(Bi): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 585. Process in which Bismuth is produced or a metal that contains
over 50 percent by weight Bismuth is treated. |
| |
706 | Arsenic (As): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 585. Process in which Arsenic (As) is produced or a metal that
contains over 50 percent by weight Arsenic is treated. |
| |
708 | Stirring or agitating of molten material: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 414. Process wherein molten material is subjected to an outside
force to cause stirring or agitating of the material. This force
may be applied by a mechanical stirrer, introduction of a gas, or movement
of the vessel in which the material is held.
| (1)
Note. The stirring or agitating caused by material being poured
into or out of a container will not be sufficient for placement
hereunder. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
10.67, | for processes of stirring with a magnetic field. |
|
| |
709 | Covering the surface of molten metal: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 414. Process wherein the surface of molten metal is covered by
a material to prevent contact with the ambient atmosphere.
| (1)
Note. A container in which the metal is held will be ignored
as far as placement hereunder is concerned. | |
| |
710 | Below 300 degrees C: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 392. Process in which all stages of the process operate at a
temperature below 300 degrees C (i.e., 572 degrees F).
| (1)
Note. If a nonmetallic material which is liquid under standard
conditions is used in a step of the process, the step will be assumed
to occur at a temperature below 300 degrees C unless otherwise stated. | |
| |
711 | Using nonmetallic material which is liquid under standard
conditions (e.g., hydrometallurgy, etc.): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 710. Process wherein a nonmetallic material which is a liquid
under standard conditions is used at any stage in the production
of free metal.
| (1)
Note. The use of a microorganism during the production of
free metal is proper for Class 75. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
343+, | for processes utilizing a nonmetallic liquid to
produce or to treat free metal in powder form. |
416+, | for processes at 300 degrees C or greater combined
with a step utilizing a nonmetallic liquid. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
134, | Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, for cleaning and liquid contact of metalliferous
materials, per se.
| (1)
Note. Any process recovering free metal from the contacting
liquid or from the metal substrate by chemical reduction belongs
in Class 75 even though cleaning is involved. | |
204, | Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, for electrical and wave energy processes and apparatus.
Patents including a claim or claims classifiable in Class 204 and
equally classifiable in Class 75 are classified as originals in
Class 75 and cross-referenced to Class 204. In a claim containing
both Class 204 and Class 75 operations, the patent is placed as
an original in Class 75 if, in a branch of the process, it is essential
to perform the Class 204 operation before the Class 75 free metal
separation. If, however, in a branch of the process, it is essential
to perform the Class 75 free metal separation before the Class 204
operation, the original is placed in Class 204 and crossed to Class
75. The measurement of electrical potential (i.e., millivolts)
is not sufficient to take a Class 75 process to Class 204 as an
original. See the Class 204 definition. Lines With Other Classes
and Within This Class, Line Between Class 204 and Class 75, and
References to Other Classes sections for an expansion of the class
line between Class 75 and Class 204, including a superiority listing
of classes providing for various metals, alloys, and metal stocks
and methods of manufacturing them. |
205, | Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein,
and Methods of Preparing the Compositions, appropriate subclasses for electrolytic treatment,
especially 334-639 for electrolytic synthesis in general, subclasses
557-559 for electrolytic preparation of a metal alloy, and subclasses 560-614
for electrolytic preparation of free metal. |
210, | Liquid Purification or Separation, forprocesses of removing metal ionsfrom solution to purify the liquid. However, processes
that produce a free metal go to Class 75 as original and are crossed
to Class 210 if purification of a liquid is involved. |
423, | Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, for chemical processes of treating metalliferour
meterial to obtain a metal containing compound, processes that involve
production of metal compounds or extracting, leaching or dissolving
processes utilizing chemical treatment which do not produce free
metal.
| (1)
Note. Patents including claims classifiable in Class 423 and equally
comprehensive claims classifiable in Class 75 are classified as
original in Class 75 and cross-referenced to Class 423. |
| (2)
Note. Hydrometallurgical processes recovering metal values
go to Class 423. However, if it can be determined conclusively that
free (i.e., zero valent) metal is the metal value obtained, the
patent is placed in Class 75. | |
427, | Coating Processes, for processes of coating metal onto metallic substrates wherein
the intention is to manufacture a coated product per se. However, if
the intention is recovery of free metal by electromotive displacement wherein
the metallic substrate dissolves as the free metal precipitates onto
the substrate, proper classification goes to Class 75 even if a
coated product is involved. |
435, | Chemistry: Molecular Biology and Microbiology, for processes employing a microorganism that do
not involve the production of free metal. |
502, | Catalyst, Solid Sorbent, or Support Therefor:
Product or Process of Making, for processes of making or regenerating a metal
catalyst such as by utilizing a liquid wherein the metal is specifically
structured to catalyze a reaction or sorb a component (e.g., Raney
nickel, etc.). |
|
| |
712 | Involving mining or in situ operation: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 711. Process which involves operations at a mine or in situ location
of the metalliferous material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
299, | Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material, for processes involving mining or in situ operation
that do not utilize chemical reduction to the free metal state. |
|
| |
713 | From photography material: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 711. Process wherein the free metal is recovered from photography
materials or developing solutions.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
430, | Radiation Imagery Chemistry: Process, Composition,
or Product Thereof, particularly
subclasses 398+ , for processes of regenerating processing compositions.
If a regenerated processing composition is the intended result,
the original goes to Class 430 with a mandatory cross to Class 75
if free metal (e.g., Silver (Ag), etc.) is also recovered. |
|
| |
715 | Removing coating to recover free metal from substrate or
coating: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 711. Process wherein a coating is removed from a substrate and
free metal is recovered from either the substrate or coating.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
134, | Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, for cleaning of metallic materials, per se. If a
free metal is recovered from a cleaning solution, the original goes
to Class 75 with a mandatory cross to Class 134 for cleaning. If
the scrap or waste product is treated to recover a free metal substrate,
the original goes to Class 75. |
216, | Etching a Substrate: Processes, for etching processes. |
252, | Compositions,
subclasses 79.1 through 79.5for etching or brightening compositions or subclass
364 for solvent compositions useful for leaching or dissolving metal
substrates. |
510, | Cleaning Compositions for Solid Surfaces, Auxiliary
Compositions Therefor, or Processes of Preparing the Compositions, appropriate subclasses for compositions designed
to clean specialized metallic articles or bare metal substrates,
per se. |
521, | Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, for processes of treating scrap or waste to recover
a solid polymer therefrom. If free metal is recovered, the original
goes to Class 75 with a mandatory cross to Class 521 if the solid
polymer is also recovered. |
|
| |
716 | From Tin (Sn) scrap or Tin plate: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 715. Process wherein the coating is removed from Tin (Sn) scrap
or Tin plate.
| (1)
Note. A "detinning" process recovering and
identifying a free metal substrate or recovering Tin as the free
metal is placed in Class 75 as an original. However, if there is
no identification of recovered free metal substrate and a tin compound is
produced or recovered without recovery of tin as a free metal, placement
goes to Class 423 as original. | |
| |
717 | Reducing to free metal with gas: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 711. Process wherein a gas (e.g., Hydrogen, Sulfur dioxide, Carbon
monoxide, hydrocarbon, etc.) is used to reduce a metalliferous material
to free metal.
| (1)
Note. Partial reduction with a reducing gas from one ionic
form to another is not sufficient for placement here. Free metal must
be formed as a result of the gaseous treatment for this subclass. | |
| |
720 | Noble metal recovered as free metal: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 717. Process wherein the free metal recovered is a Noble metal
(i.e., Ruthenium (Ru), Rhodium (Rh), Palladium (Pd), Osmium (Os),
Iridium (Ir), Platinum (Pt), Silver (Ag), Gold (Au)). |
| |
722 | Involving organic compound containing metal or organic
agent for agglomerating metal: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 711. Process wherein an organic compound containing a metal (e.g.,
complex, solvent, resin, etc.) is involved at any stage in the process
or process wherein an organic agent for agglomerating free metal
(e.g., collecting agent, flocculation agent, flotation agent, etc.)
is involved.
| (1)
Note. Processes treating metalliferous materials and producing
or recovering organo-metallic complexes without free metal production
should be placed in the appropriate Organic Chemistry Class. However,
if a free metal is produced, proper classification is in Class 75. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
413, | for production of free metal from metal carbonyls
or Carbon monoxide metallic complexes. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
534, | Organic Compounds,
subclasses 10+ for organic compounds containing radioactive metals
and processes of producing same and subclasses 15+ for
organic compounds containing rare earth metals and processes of
producing same. |
556, | Organic Compounds,
subclasses 1+ for organic compounds containing heavy metals and
processes of producing same. |
|
| |
724 | Displacing by another metal (i.e., electromotive series): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 711. Process wherein a more electropositive free metal displaces
a less electropositive metal from solution in a free metal form,
while the more electropositive metal goes into solution in ionic
form.
| (1)
Note. This process is sometimes referred to as cementation. |
| (2)
Note. Electrowinning will be considered to mean separation
of metals by electrolysis proper for Class 205 unless otherwise
indicated. A few patents use the term electrowinning to refer to
displacement and when indicated proper classification is in Class
75. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
205, | Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein,
and Methods of Preparing the Compositions,
subclasses 334+ or 687+, as appropriate, for electrowinning
or separation of metals by electrolysis. |
|
| |
727 | And flotation: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 726. Process wherein flotation in liquid is involved as a means
of separating solid material from other solid material or from the
liquid and free copper metal is produced at any stage of the process. |
| |
732 | Noble metal recovered as free metal: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 724. Process wherein the free metal recovered by displacement
is a Noble metal (i.e., Ruthenium (Ru), Rhodium (Rh), Palladium
(Pd), Osmium (Os), Iridium (Ir), Platinum (Pt), Silver (Ag), Gold
(Au)). |
| |
741 | Noble metal recovered as free metal: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 739. Process wherein the free metal recovered is a Noble metal
(i.e., Ruthenium (Ru), Rhodium (Rh), Palladium (Pd), Osmium (Os),
Iridium (Ir), Platinum (Pt), Silver (Ag), Gold (Au)). |
| |
742 | Cleaning, leaching or dissolving of Mercury (Hg): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 711. Process wherein Mercury (Hg) is subjected to cleaning, leaching
or dissolving to provide a refined Mercury.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
388, | for preparing for amalgamation, preparing and amalgamating,
or breaking an amalgam to produce free metal (e.g., Mercury). |
|
| |
743 | With leaching or dissolving: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 711. Process wherein treatment of metalliferous material involves
a leaching or dissolving operation at any stage in the production
of free metal. |
| |
744 | Noble metal recovered as free metal: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 743. Process wherein the free metal recovered is a Noble metal
(i.e., Ruthenium (Ru), Rhodium (Rh), Palladium (Pd), Osmium (Os),
Iridium (Ir), Platinum (Pt), Silver (Ag), Gold (Au)). |
| |
745 | Alkali metal, singly or in combination: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 710. Process in which an Alkali metal (i.e., Lithium (Li), Sodium
(Na), Potassium (K), Rubidium (Rb), Cesium (Cs)) is produced or
a metal that contains over 50 percent by weight Alkali metal, singly
or in combination, is treated. |
| |
746 | Consolidating metalliferous material (e.g., ore, tailings,
flue dust, fluxes, etc.) by agglomerating, compacting, or heat treating;
preparatory process therefor; or treating consolidated material
therefrom: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 330. Process for consolidating a metalliferous material (e.g.,
ore, tailings, flue dust, fluxes, etc.) to concentrate a desired
metalliferous component or to perfect the metalliferous material
for a metallurgical operation by compacting, agglomerating, or heat
treatment; preparatory process therefor; or treatment of consolidated metalliferous
material prepared thereby - wherein (1) there is no chemical production
of free metal that remains in the product and (2) the product is
amenable to a Class 75 or Class 420 refining or alloying operation.
| (1)
Note. Consolidating of metalliferous material which is an
ore may involve beneficiation. Beneficiation processes not involving
consolidation of metalliferous materials will be found in other classes
indicated in the following search notes if no free metal is in the
product or elsewhere in this class if free metal is produced and
present in the product. |
| (2)
Note. These subclasses 746+ will be considered the
residual location taking combination of processes involving such consolidation
and other process classes even when further Class 75 or 420 metallurgical
operation is not expressed in the specification. |
| (3)
Note. If the product of the process contains a free metal
chemically produced by the process, classification goes to the above
process subclasses even if consolidation is involved or even if
only small amounts of free metal are produced that remain in the
final product. |
| (4)
Note. However, if undesirable materials are removed as free
metal during the aforedescribed consolidation process, classification
remains in this section of Class 75. |
| (5)
Note. If consolidation of the type hereinabove set forth without
free metal production takes place at any stage of the process, classification
remains in this section of Class 75 even if the final product is
not a consolidated product. However, the final product must be in intermediate
form amenable to Class 75 or 420 refining or alloying. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
303+, | for charge or solid treating compositions for treating
molten metal and particularly subclasses 310, 311 and 313+ for
consolidated compositions. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
23, | Chemistry: Physical Processes,
subclass 313 for agglomerating finely divided nonmetallic elements
or inorganic compounds by treatments which cause coalescence of
the particles and which involve only physical processes not specifically
provided for in some other class. |
34, | Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, for processes of drying ore or metalliferous material.
However, if consolidation of the type hereinabove set forth is combined
with drying and gas or vapor contact with solids, proper classification
goes to Class 75. |
65, | Glass Manufacturing, for processes of making glass by fusing metalliferous materials. |
106, | Compositions: Coatings or Plastic, for processes of preparing molding, hydrosetting,
filler, aggregate or pigment compositions containing metalliferous
materials. |
134, | Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, for cleaning and liquid contact of metalliferous
materials, per se. However, cleaning or liquid contact involving
consolidated metalliferous material as hereinabove set forth is proper
for Class 75 if a chemical step is involved. |
201, | Distillation: Processes, Thermolytic, for thermolytic processes, not elsewhere provided,
for treating carbonaceous material to produce coke or when it is
uncertain that the process involves consolidation or treating of
a consolidated metalliferous material as hereinabove set forth.
If coking of a consolidated metalliferous composition is involved,
it goes to this section of Class 75, unless it can be determined
that free metal is produced. |
205, | Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein,
and Methods of Preparing the Compositions, for electrolytic processes of treating metalliferous
material. Combinations of electrolysis and consolidation as hereinabove
described are placed as original in Class 75 and crossed to Class 205. |
209, | Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids, for concentration processes which involve the separation
of ore or metalliferous materials by nonchemical means (e.g., flotation, screening,
amalgamation). However, if consolidation of the type set forth hereinabove
is combined with the classifying, separating and assorting of solids,
proper classification goes to Class 75. |
210, | Liquid Purification or Separation, for processes of separating a component from a liquid.
If consolidation of metalliferous material of the type hereinabove
set forth is involved at any stage of the process, proper classification
goes to Class 75 even if liquid purification is involved and a cross-reference
is placed in Class 210. |
241, | Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, for processes of disintegrating ore or metalliferous material
for the purpose of reducing particle size. Particularly see
subclasses 3+ in Class 241. Combination of comminution or disintegration
and Class 209 separation go to Class 241. Combination of comminution
or disintegration with consolidation as hereinabove set forth go
to Class 75 whether or not Class 209 separation is involved unless
an intended use divergent from a Class 75 or 420 refining or alloying operation
is expressed. |
252, | Compositions, for processes, not elsewhere provided, of making
magnetic or chemical treating compositions containing metalliferous
materials. |
264, | Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes, particularly
subclasses 109+ for uniting of bulk assembly particulate materials and
for methods of compacting and briquetting nonmetallic particles intended
for uses other than Class 75 or Class 420 refining or alloying. However,
processes preparing consolidated metalliferous charges or metalliferous
treating agents amenable to Class 75 or Class 420 refining or alloying
operation go as original to this section of Class 75. |
419, | Powder Metallurgy Processes, for producing metals, alloys or metal containing
compositions in a solid or compact state from powdered or particulate
material with or without heating. If a consolidated metalliferous composition
is intended for Class 75 or 420 refining or alloying operation, proper
classification of the process of consolidation goes to Class 75.
The consolidation of free metal containing flue dust or inclusion
of a free metal reactant (i.e., powdered aluminum) in a compacted
metalliferous product intended for Class 75 or 420 refining or alloying
goes to this section of Class 75. Here the line is strictly one of
intent. |
423, | Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, for chemical processes of beneficiating ore or metalliferous
material that provide intermediate products even if intended for
a Class 75 or Class 420 operation. However, if the chemical process
includes a step of consolidation of the type hereinbefore set forth, classification
goes to Class 75.
| (1)
Note. Patents including claims classifiable in Class 423 and equally
comprehensive claims classifiable in Class 75 are classified in
Class 75 and cross-referenced to Class 423. |
| (2)
Note. If a free metal is produced, classification goes to
Class 75 or if an alloy is produced to Class 420 even when chemical
steps are involved. If the free metal produced by the chemical process ends
up in the product as a free metal, proper classification is in the
above free metal section of Class 75 and not in this consolidation
section of Class 75. |
| (3)
Note. Processes of roasting or treating iron oxide ores to
change oxidation state without free metal production go to Class
423. However, if consolidation is also involved as set forth hereinabove, classification
goes to this section of Class 75. |
| (4)
Note. Hydrometallurgical processes not producing free metal
go to Class 423. However, if consolidation of the type hereinabove
set forth is involved, proper classification goes to Class 75. |
| (5)
Note. Processes of removing an impurity from an ore (e.g.,
roasting, desulfurizing, dephosphorizing, or dearsenizing, etc.)
are classified in Class 423, subclasses 1+ based upon the
metal values recovered. If no particular resulting metal value is
disclosed classification is in Class 423 subclass 1. However, if
consolidation as hereinbefore set forth is involved, classification
is in Class 75. | |
427, | Coating Processes, for processes of coating ore or metalliferous material. However,
if consolidation of the type hereinabove set forth is present, classification
goes to Class 75, even if a coated product is produced. |
501, | Compositions: Ceramic, for processes of producing ceramic, glass, or refractory
compositions that contain fused or sintered metalliferous materials. |
502, | Catalyst, Solid Sorbent, or Support Therefor:
Product or Process of Making, for processes of producing metalliferous products
intended for use as a catalyst or sorbent. If the consolidated metalliferous
material as hereinabove set forth is intended for use as a catalyst
or sorbent, the original goes to Class 502. |
507, | Earth Boring, Well Treating, and Oil Field Chemistry, for well treating compositions containing metalliferous materials. |
|
| |
747 | Noble metal containing metalliferous material: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 746. Process involving consolidation of Noble metal containing
metalliferous material without chemical production of free Noble
metal that remains in the product.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
388, | for amalgamation processes. |
631+, | for processes of chemically reducing Noble metal
containing metalliferous materials to the zero valent state. |
|
| |
748 | With vaporization of impurity as metal halide: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 746. Process wherein an undesirable component is removed by reacting
the ore or metalliferous material with a halogenating agent (e.g., Sodium
chloride, Hydrochloric acid, Chlorine, Fluorine, etc.) and the resulting
metal halide is vaporized. |
| |
749 | With physical separation or classification of solids: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 746. Combined process that involves separating solid materials
and assorting or segregating them into grades or classes according
to physical characteristics (e.g., flotation, screening, flocculation,
etc.) of solids.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
746, | for the line between Class 209 and Class 75 and
for combined operations acceptable to Class 75. |
|
| |
750 | By sifting: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 749. Process that includes a sifting (e.g., screening, etc.)
operation to separate or classify solid material. |
| |
751 | With heat treatment (e.g., calcinating, fusing, indurating,
roasting, sintering, vaporizing, etc.): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 746. Process which includes heat treatment (e.g., calcinating,
fusing, indurating, roasting, sintering, vaporizing, etc.) that
may occur before, after, or during consolidation. |
| |
752 | Vaporizing metalliferous impurity: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 751. Process involving the removal of undesirable metalliferous
material by vaporization thereof.
| (1)
Note. If the vaporization of elemental or free metal is involved,
the subject matter is placed here only if the metal is considered
an impurity. Otherwise, the subject matter is classified in the
above refining, or purifying subclasses for free metal production
or Class 420 for alloy production. |
| (2)
Note. Following precedent, Arsenic (As) is considered a metal
for purposes of classification in this subclass. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
748, | for vaporization of impurity as a metal halide. |
|
| |
756 | Using multi-layers: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 755. Process wherein the material undergoing heat treatment is
placed on the grate, pallet, or belt in more than one layer defined
by particle characteristics or interspersed with a layer of diverse
material (e.g., fuel, etc.).
| (1)
Note. The multi-layers do not refer to coatings on a pellet,
briquette, or consolidated material but refer solely to the layering
of materials undergoing treatment on the moving apparatus. | |
| |
758 | Sintering: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 755. Process wherein the consolidated metalliferous material
or the material undergoing consolidation is sintered by the heat
treatment. |
| |
760 | In shaft furnace or multi-hearth furnace: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 751. Process wherein the consolidated metalliferous material
or the material undergoing consolidation is heat treated in an upright
cylindrical furnace known as a shaft furnace or in any furnace containing
multiple hearths. |
| |
761 | Sintering: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 760. Process wherein the consolidated metalliferous material
or the material undergoing consolidation is sintered by the heat
treatment. |
| |
762 | In rotary kiln: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 751. Process wherein the consolidated metalliferous material
of the material undergoing consolidation is heat treated and agitated
at any process stage by a chamber or converter that rotates 360
degrees. |
| |
763 | Sintering: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 762. Process wherein the consolidated metalliferous material
or the material undergoing consolidation is sintered by the heat
treatment. |
| |
764 | Coking of binder or additive: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 751. Process wherein a carbonaceous binder or additive is subjected
to an in situ destructive distillation producing a consolidated
metalliferous material containing or coated with coke. |
| |
CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS
950 | CONSOLIDATED METAL POWDER COMPOSITIONS OF 95% THEORETICAL
DENSITY (E.G., WROUGHT, ETC.): |
| This and the indented subclass(es) are collections of published
disclosures pertaining to consolidated metal powder compositions
having such a small amount of enclosed voids that they approach,
in their properties, the properties of compositions made by more
conventional alloying or fusion techniques. These collections should
not be considered complete.
| (1)
Note. Except for patents classified in subclass 248, subject
matter cross- referenced to this subclass should be considered a
candidate for cross-referencing to subclasses 122.1+. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
148, | Metal Treatment,
subclasses 11.5+ for processes which combine working and heat treatment
of solid metal. |
|
| |
951 | Oxide containing (e.g., dispersion strengthened, etc.): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 950. Disclosures in which the composition contains a compound
of oxygen.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
148, | Metal Treatment,
subclasses 400+ for metals or alloys strengthened by the dispersion
of oxides which have been prepared by melting (fusion) techniques. |
428, | Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
subclasses 639+ for a metallic composite in which a metal component
contains oxygen. |
|
| |
952 | PRODUCING FIBERS, FILAMENTS, OR WHISKERS: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Art collection of patents drawn to producing powders or
particles that are referred to as being "fibers",
filaments", or "whiskers."
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
117, | Single-Crystal, Oriented-Crystal, and Epitaxy
Growth Processes; Non-Coating Apparatus Therefor, especially
subclasses 75 , 87, 205, and 921, for processes and non-coating
apparatus for growing therein-defined single-crystal of all types
of materials, including metals, which are in the form of whiskers. |
|
| |
953 | PRODUCING SPHERES: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Art collection of patents drawn to producing powders or
particles that are referred to as being "spheres." |
| |
954 | PRODUCING FLAKES OR CRYSTALS: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Art collection of patents drawn to producing powders or
particles that are referred to as being "flakes" or
crystals".
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
117, | Single-Crystal, Oriented-Crystal, and Epitaxy
Growth Processes; Non-Coating Apparatus Therefor, especially
subclasses 75 , 87, 205, and 921, for processes and non-coating
apparatus for growing therein-defined single-crystal of all types
of materials, including metals, which are in the form of whiskers. |
|
| |
955 | PRODUCING DENTAL PRODUCT: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Art collection of patents drawn to producing powders or
particles that are useful as a dental product. |
| |
956 | PRODUCING PARTICLES CONTAINING A DISPERSED PHRASE: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Art collection of patents drawn to producing powders or
particles that contain a dispersion. |
| |
957 | CONTINUOUS REFINING OF MOLTEN IROn (FE): |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Art collection of processes in which molten Iron (Fe) is
treated to improve its properties by a process in which untreated
molten Iron is added to an apparatus either continuously or intermittently
and treated molten Iron is correspondingly removed from the apparatus.
The apparatus remains substantially full of molten Iron being treated
at all times. The process can be carried out for an indefinite period
as long as more untreated Iron is added.
| (1)
Note. The use of the term "continuous" in
a patent is prima facie evidence that a cross reference is proper
in this subclass in the absence of a positive indication that the
process is carried out in a discontinuous manner, as by emptying
an apparatus of treated Iron and refilling it with Iron to be treated. | |
| |
958 | WITH CONCURRENT PRODUCTION OF IRON (FE) AND OTHER DESIRED
NONMETALLIC PRODUCT (E.G., ENERGY, FERTILIZER, ETC.): |
| Art collection of patents in which other products are intentionally
produced along with Iron (Fe). Excluded are the normal by-products such
as flue gas and slag. However, if the Iron (Fe) making process is
intentionally modified so that the by-products have special utility
a cross-reference is placed here. As an example, if slag is specifically
made to be high in phosphorus so that it is a good fertilizer a
copy of the patent should be placed here. |
| |
959 | THERMITE-TYPE REACTION OF SOLID MATERIALS ONLY TO YIELD MOLTEN
METAL: |
| Art collection of patents in which a mixture of solid materials
including a reducible metal compound and a solid reducing agent
are reacted so that the heat of reaction is sufficient to yield
the reduced metal in molten condition.
| (1)
Note. A common example is the reaction of Iron oxide and Aluminum
(Al) powder which proceeds with sufficient vigor to produce Iron
in molten form. |
| (2)
Note. Excluded herefrom are patents which treat molten metal
with compositions which have ingredients which interact exothermically.
For such patents see the appropriate subclass above relating to
the treatment of the particular molten metal involved. | |
| |
960 | IN ZERO GRAVITY ENVIRONMENT: |
| Art collection of patents in which any step takes place
in an environment free of significant gravity (e.g., in outer space). |
| |
961 | TREATING FLUE DUST TO OBTAIN METAL (OTHER THAN BY CONSOLIDATION): |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Art collection of patents drawn to obtaining metal from
the flue dust that issues from metallurgical furnaces such as blast
furnaces. Excluded are processes which merely consolidate the flue
dust. |
| |
962 | TREATING OR USING MILL SCALE: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Art collection drawn to patents which treat mill scale to
obtain metal, or which use mill scale in metallurgical processes
other than in the open hearth manufacture of steel.
| (1)
Note. Mill scale is the oxide which results when hot metal
is rolled or forged in the air. It is usually Iron oxide. | |
| |