SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION
STATEMENT OF CLASS SUBJECT MATTER
This is the generic class for alloys containing metal or metallic
compositions which contain a continuous phase of metal and methods
of making same not provided elsewhere. This class will also take "elemental" metal, per
se.
RULES OF PATENT PLACEMENT
Patents have been placed in this class employing the so called "genus-species" rule.
Following this rule as between a generic subclass and its indents
a species unprovided for in any indented subclass is specifically classified
in the generic subclass. Thus a patent containing claims to both
a provided for and an unprovided for species is placed as an original
in the generic subclass as the first appearing subclass and cross-referenced
to the indented subclass forthe provided for species.
The primary basis of classification in this class is the elemental
composition of the alloy, or metallic composition without regard
to the method of incorporation, or the state of the element in the
product. As to impurities, a substance which is recited as optionally
present as an impurity, e.g., "up to a certain percent",
or "not over a certain percent" has been disregarded
for purposes of classification. Thus, when searching for an alloy,
or metallic composition containing a very small quantity of an ingredient
consideration should be given to the possibility that the ingredient
might have been disclosed as being an impurity and classified as
if it were not present. If, however, an element is claimed as an
impurity but is recited as being positively present in at least
some minimum amountthis element is considered to be a positive constituent
of the product and classified accordingly. In subclasses 8+ hereunder
some subclasses contain limitations as to the percentages of an
element present. When an alloy falls exactly on the recited percentage
whether or not the alloy is included depends on the wording of the
subclass limitation. If the subclass recites "X percent
or more" than exactly X percent is included, if the subclass
recited "more than "X percent" then exactly
X percent is excluded. As examples compare subclass 34, "9
percent or more chromium containing" with subclass 94 "over
10 percent nickel containing". An alloy containing exactly
9 percent chromium is included under subclass 34 whereas an alloy
containing exactly 10 percent nickel is excluded form subclass 94.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
CHEMICAL COMPOUND AND COMPOSITION CLASSES (NONMETALLURGICAL).
In general, a composition called an alloy and containing metal
is prima facie proper for this class
(420) unless other disclosure positively reveals it to be properly
classified elsewhere. A disclosure that nonmetallic particles are
bonded by metal will be taken to denote a continuous phase of metal
proper for Class 420 absent specific disclosure to the contrary.
Cases of doubt as to whether a continuous phase of metal exists
will be resolved in favor of placement in Class 420. A so called
alloy which contains no metal is excluded from Class 420 and classified
as a composition based upon its use or function. See References
to Other Classes, below for classes speficially related to Nonmetallurgical
Chemical Compound and Composition Classes.
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.
METALLURGICAL AND METALLIC STOCK CLASSES
Class 420 provides for alloys, or metallic compositions which
are intended to be of generally uniform character thought. While
perfect uniformity is very difficult to achieve, this class (420)
will take products which are not completely uniform where the intent
is to produce a practically uniform product and any nonuniformity
is accidental, or incidental and is not desired, or intended to
give the product advantageous properties. Where a nonuniform product
is desired, or intended, e.g., differing composition, or properties
in different portions, etc., the product is considered to be stock
and classified as appropriate in Classes 148, or 428 as discussed
below.
This 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, 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, subclasses 95-122, 194-287, and 500-714, in
the schedule order, providing for certain processes of treating
solid or semi-solid metal by modifying or maintaining the internal
physical structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical 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.
7. Class 148, subclasses 33+ barrier layer stock
material and subclasses 400+, stock.
8. Class 75, subclasses 331+, processes of making
solid partiuclate alloys directly from liquid metal and subclasses
343+, processes of producing or purifying alloys in powder
form.
9. Class 75, 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, subclasses 330+, processes of making metal
and processes of treating liquid metals and liquid alloys and consolidating
metalliferous material.
12. Class 204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, processes.
13. Class 164, Metal Founding, subclasses 1+, processes.
14. Class 266, Metallurgical Apparatus, subclasses 44+, processes
of operating metallurgical apparatus.
This list is not complete and may be added to as the proper
relationship of other areas is determined.
See References to Other Classes, below for classes speficially
related to Metallurgical And Metallic Stock Classes.
ARTICLE CLASSES.
The former rule known as the alloy "rule" has
been abolished. Patents claiming an article by name only without
any positive structural limitation and reciting the alloy, or metallic
composition of which the article is made are properly classifiable
in this class (420). This is true whether, or not the alloy, or
metallic composition is claimed, per se, or whether it has specific
properties making it particularly suitable for such article. There are,
however, some article areas which have not yet as of 1981 been brought
into conformance with this line. For these exceptions note is made
to the list in the class definition of Class 106, Composition:
Coating or Plastic, under (1) Note, section (b).
See References to Other Classes, below for classes speficially
related to Article Classes.
SECTION III - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
| 75, | Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures,
subclasses 303+ for solid treating compositions for liquid metal
or a charge for producing metal or treating liquid metal. The compositions
in subclasses 303+ do not encompass alloys or metallic
compositions, per se, even if used as treating agents. Another ingredient
utilized in producing or refining or metal must by present with
the alloy or metallic composition to be acceptable to these composition
subclasses. An alloy or metallic composition made by consolidating
base metal particles or a mixture or 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 are 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
provide for. Class 420 provides for a free metal or a single ally
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 metallic composition of which the article
is made. 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 composition
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 compositions 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 purifying
an existing alloy will be placed in Class 75. (Metallurgical and
Metallic Stock Classes.) |
| 106, | Compositions: Coating or Plastic, for plastic compositions containing metal, or alloy fillers, or
pigments and
subclass 290 for pigment compositions containing metal alloy
powders. This class (420) however, provides for an alloy, or metallic
composition, per se, in powdered form even though claimed as a pigment.
wder compositions containing a free metal. (Chemical Compound
And Composition Classes-Nonmetallurgical) |
| 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. If metal
casting, fusion bonding, machining, or working is involved, there
is a requirement of significant heat treatment as defined in the
Class 148 definition. Note that Class 420 is superior and thus
when both Class 420 claims to an alloy, or metallic composition,
per se, and Class 148 process claims are present in the same patent,
the original is placed in Class 420 with cross-reference in Class
148. Class 148,
subclass 24 , is the location for a mixture of a powdered alloy
or metallic composition with particles of a flux. Class 148, subclasses
400+, is the location for elemental metal, alloy or metallic
compositions which (a) are the product of a process of Class 148,
e.g., significantly heat treated, age hardened, etc., (b) are claimed
in terms of specific magnetic properties, (c) are amorphous, (d) possess
the property of shape memory, (e) are the product of a significant
Class 164, Metal Founding step, e.g., chill cast, directionally solidified,
etc., or (f) are the product of the dispersion of particulate matter
in molten metal, which, particulate mater retains its identity in the
final product, e.g., dispersion strengthened, etc. Class 420 provides
for an alloy or metallic composition in which the claims include
a recitation of physical, or chemical properties such as noncorrosiveness,
hardness, of ductility which are inherent properties of the composition.
Since Class 420 is superior, a patent containing both types of
alloy or metallic composition claims is classified originally in Class
420 and cross-referenced to Class 148, subclasses 400+.
Please note, in general no cross-references
based on disclosures have been made from Class 148, subclasses 400+, stock,
to Class 420 except from Class 148, subclasses 402, 403, and 404.
Thus, for a complete search of possible unclaimed disclosure of
alloys by composition, consideration should be given to expanding
the search to the appropriate areas of Class 148, subclasses 300+ for magnetic
stock material which is claimed as resulting from a Class 148 treatment
or for stock material claimed in terms of a specified magnetic property,
(e.g., coercive force, etc.). Class 420, however, provides for
alloys or metallic compositions defined only as "magnetic", "magnetized",
or "permanent magnet" material even though disclosed
as resulting from a Class 148 treatment as well as alloys, or magnetic
compositions claimed, per se, which are inherently magnetic. (Metallurgical
and Metallic Stock Classes.) |
| 164, | Metal Founding, for a method of casting molten metal including the
step of alloying while teaming (pouring), or in the mold. Otherwise
a combined method of preparing an alloy followed by casting thereof
is proper for Class 420. (Metallurgical and Metallic Stock Classes.) |
| 204, | Chemistry: Electrical Wave Energy,
subclass 293 for electrodes for electrolytic devices claimed
by name only and defined by the alloy, or metallic compositions
of which they are made. (Article Class) |
| 205, | Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein,
and Methods of Preparing the Compositions, especially
subclasses 334+ for electrolytic synthesis of an alloy or metallic
composition. If, however, the alloy or metallic composition is
also claimed as such, the patent is placed originally in Class 420
and cross-referenced to Class 205. (Chemical Compound And Composition
Classes-Nonmetallurgical) |
| 252, | Compositions,
subclass 1 for miscellaneous compositions not having a utility
provided for elsewhere in the composition classification; subclass
62.3 for barrier layer device compositions. This class (420) however,
provides for an alloy, or metallic composition, per se, which is
a barrier layer composition; subclasses 62.51+ for magnetic
compositions. This class (420), however, provides for an alloy,
or metallic composition, per se, which is inherently magnetic, or
is defined in terms of its magnetic properties. (Chemical Compound
And Composition Classes-Nonmetallurgical) |
| 266, | Metallurgical Apparatus, for apparatus useful in preparing a Class 420 alloy.
For related apparatus classified elsewhere see the search notes
to Class 266. (Metallurgical and Metallic Stock Classes.) |
| 423, | Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, for methods of storage of hydrogen by combination with
an alloy no matter by what mechanical, whether chemical reaction,
or sorbtion, and whether or not a stiochrometric compound is formed.
This class (420) provides for an alloy, or metallic composition,
per se, disclosed, or claimed as useful for binding hydrogen for
purposes of storage no matter whether by chemical reaction, or sorbtion.
(Chemical Compound And Composition Classes-Nonmetallurgical) |
| 428, | Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, for structurally defined stock material or blanks made
wholely, or partially of metal. Consult the Class 428 definition
for a detailed description of the structure proper for that class.
Particularly pertinent subclasses are:
subclasses 544+ , for stock which is all metal, or contains adjacent
metals. Subclass 545 for metallic stock which contains a continuous
phase of metal interengaged with a continuous phase of nonmetal.
Subclass 615 for composite metal stock having plural, adjacent spatially
distinct metal components e.g., layers, welded joint, etc. For
this and indented subclasses there must be a sharp gradation between
the plural components. Where there is a gradual gradation of properties,
e.g., differentially heat treated etc., see Class 148, subclasses
400+. (Metallurgical and Metallic Stock Classes.) |
| 430, | Radiation Imagery Chemistry: Process, Composition,
or Product Thereof, for an alloy, or metallic composition claimed, or solely
disclosed as useful in a method of that class (430), particularly
subclasses 85+ for alloys useful for use as photoconductors in
electric photography, e.g., xerography, etc. (Chemical Compound
And Composition Classes-Nonmetallurgical) |
| 501, | Compositions: Ceramic, for so called alloys which contain no metal and
which have the properties, e.g., hard refractory, etc., associated with
ceramic compositions. (Chemical Compound And Composition Classes-Nonmetallurgical) |
| 506, | Combinatorial Chemistry Technology: Method, Library,
Apparatus, for a library (e.g., chemical, biological, etc.)
or a process of creating said library. |
| 523, | and 524 Synthetic Resin or Natural Rubbers, for compositions containing a metal, alloy, or metallic
composition as a pigment, or filler in a synthetic resin matrix,
or continuous phase. (Chemical Compound And Composition Classes-Nonmetallurgical) |
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.
The following is a list of synonyms of names of metals used
in this class (mostly obsolete). They are followed in parenthesese
by the metal names used in this class.
Synonym Name
used herein
Aldebaranium (Ytterbium)
Austrium (Gallium (ipure))
Cassiopeium (Lutecium)
Celtium (Lutecium)
Demonium (Dyprosium)
Didymium (Mixture of neodymum and paraseodymum)
Dwi-manganese (Rhenium)
Eka-aluminum (Gallium)
Eka-boron (Scandium)
Eka-cesium (Virginum)
Eka-Iodine (Astatine)
Eka-manganese (Technetium)
Eka-silicon (Germanium)
Eka-tantalum (Protoactinum)
Erythronium (Vanadium)
Florentium (Promethium)
Glucinum (Beryllium)
Illinium (Promethium)
Masurium (Technetium)
Neoytterbium (Ytterbium)
Niobium (Columbian (Note: while niobium is the internationally
standard name among chemists, columbium is still widely
used among metallurgists in the USA)).
Tungsten (Wolfram (Note: while wolfram is the internationally
standard name among chemists, tungsten is still preferred among
metallurgists in the USA)).
ALKALI METAL*
A metal of the groups Lithium, Sodium, Potassium, Rubidium,
Cesium and Francium.
ALKALINE EARTH METAL*
A metal of the group Calcium, Strontium, Barium and Radium.
ALLOY
A union, possessing metallic properties of two or more metallic
elements, or of nonmetallic element(s) and metallic element(s) which
are not pure compounds and which are miscible with each other, at
least to a certain extent when molten, to form a more, or less homogeneous
liquid having a metallic matrix and which do 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.
BASE
A metal which is present in an amount of over 50 percent
by weight in an alloy, or metallic composition.
LANTHANIDE*
An element of atomic number 57 to 71 inclusive.
METAL*
Element other than nonmetal (q.v.)
METALLIC COMPOSITION
A composition which contains a continuous phase of metal
and no continuous phase of nonmetal.
NOBLE METAL*
A metal of the group Ruthenium, Rhodium, Palladium, Osmium,
Iridium, Platinum, Gold and Silver.
NONMETAL*
An element of the group, Hydrogen, Boron, Carbon, Silicon,
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Oxygen, Sulfur, Selenium, Tellurium, Fluorine,
Chlorine, Bromine, Iodine, Astatine, Helium, Neon, Argon, Krypton,
Xenon and Radon.
PRECIOUS METAL
Synonym for Noble Metal*
RARE EARTH*
An element of the group Scandium, Yttrium and the Lanthanides*.
REFRACTORY METAL*
A metal of the group Titanium, Zirconium, Hafnium, Vanadium,
Niobium, Tantalum, Chromium, Molybdenum and Tungsten.
TRANSITION METAL*
An element of atomic number 21-30, 39-48 or 57-80.
SUBCLASSES
![[List of Patents for class 420 subclass 1]](../ps.gif) 1 | Radioactive: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloys or metallic composition which is claimed as being
radioactive, containing an isotope of an element of which is radioactive
or containing an element of which all known isotopes are radioactive.
| | (1)
Note. The elements of which all known isotopes are radioactive
are technetium, promethium and all elements of atomic number 84
and higher. | |
| | |
| 2 | Actinide base singly or in combination: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Alloy or metallic composition in which contains over 50
percent of a single metal of atomic number 89 to 103 inclusive,
or wherein the total of all these metals taken together is over
50 percent of weight of the total alloy or metallic composition. |
| | |
| 3 | Uranium base: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Alloy or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
uranium. |
| | |
| 4 | Iron base: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Alloy or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
iron. |
| | |
| 5 | Magnesium base: |
| | Alloy or metallic composition under subclass I which contains
over 50 percent magnesium. |
| | |
| 7 | Aluminum base: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Alloy or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
aluminum. |
| | |
| 8 | Ferrous (i.e., iron base): |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy or metallic composition containing over 50 percent
of iron.
| | (1)
Note. This and indented subclasses will take so called ferralloys
e.g., ferrosilicon, etc., where the percentage of iron is not specified.
Where there are indented subclasses hereunder which provide for different
percentages of alloying ingredient e.g., chromium, the patent is
classified in the subclass providing for the largest percentage
of alloying ingredient in the absence of recitations that a smaller
percentage is present. | |
| | |
| 9 | 1.7 percent or more carbon containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Alloy or metallic composition which additionally contains
1.7 percent or more carbon.
| | (1)
Note. This and indented subclasses contain patents drawn
to graphitic steel. | |
| | |
| 10 | Six percent or more total group IV, V, or VII transition
metals containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Alloys or metallic composition which additionally contains
6 percent or more total content of titanium, zirconium, hafnium,
vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, or tungsten,
singly or in combination.
| | (1)
Note. Many patents in this and indented subclasses are so
called "hard facing" alloys, which contain a high
concentration of hard carbide precipitates. | |
| | |
| 13 | 2.7 percent or more carbon equivalent containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Alloy or metallic composition in which the total of the
carbon content plus one third the silicon content plus one sixth
the phosphorus content is 2.7 percent or more, i.e., cast iron.
| | (1)
Note. The recitation "cast iron" shall be taken
a indicating a carbon equivalent of 2.7 percent or more in the absence
of a specific disclosure to the contrary. | |
| | |
| 17 | Molybdenum: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Alloy or metallic composition additionally contains molybdeum. |
| | |
| 18 | Process of adding magnesium: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Processes of preparing an alloy or metallic composition
wherein magnesium is added to the alloy or metallic composition.
| | (1)
Note. The magnesium is usually added to cause carbon in the
molten alloy to precipitate in spherical form, thus increasing the
strength and ductility of the solid alloy, i.e., production of so called "nodular
iron" or "spherulitic cast iron" etc. | |
| | |
| 19 | Adding magnesium as a liquid, vapor or as a solid agent
entrained by a gas (e.g., fluidized): |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 18. Process of adding magnesium to an alloy or metallic composition
where the magnesium is added in molten form as a liquid, is vaporized and
added to the alloy metallic composition in the gaseous state or
wherein a solid agent containing magnesium is entrained in a gas
and added to the alloy or metallic composition while so entrained.
| | (1)
Note. The recitation that a solid magnesium additive is added
in a "fluidized" state renders a patent appropriate
for this subclass. | |
| | |
| 20 | Flowing molten iron alloy onto solid magnesium containing
agent, or adding solid magnesium containing agent to molten stream
of iron alloy: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 18. Process wherein a molten stream of iron alloy is poured
onto a solid magnesium containing agent, e.g., in the bottom of
a vessel, or wherein a solid magnesium containing agent is added
to a molten stream of iron alloy, e.g., by continuously adding particles
of agent to the molten stream.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
| 164, | Metal Founding, appropriate subclasses for similar processes wherein the
solid magnesium containing agent is placed in a mold, followed by
pouring molten iron, or wherein the molten iron is recited as being
treated by a solid magnesium containing agent while being poured
into a mold. |
|
| | |
| 24 | Magnesium present in agent only as a compound with a nonmetal: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 18. Process wherein the magnesium is added to the iron alloy
only as a compound with a nonmetal and the additive contains no
metallic magnesium or alloy thereof.
| | (1)
Note. To be classified in this subclass, there must be a
positive disclosure that the magnesium compound decomposes or reacts
to yield metallic magnesium in the iron alloy. In the absence of
such disclosure a patent is classified elsewhere under subclasses
13+ as appropriate. | |
| | |
| 29 | Processes: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Processes of manufacturing an alloy or metallic composition
. |
| | |
| 33 | Adding silicon: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Process which includes a step of adding silicon to the alloy
or metallic composition. |
| | |
| 34 | Nine percent or more chromium containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Alloy or metallic composition which additionally contains
9 percent or more of chromium.
| | (1)
Note. Many of the alloys classified in this and indented
subclasses are called "stainless steel" because
the presence of 9 percent or more chromium makes an iron base alloy
relatively resistant to corrosion. The recitation that a ferrous alloy
is a "stainless steel" will prima facie be
taken is meaning that the alloy is properly classified in this or
indented subclass in absence of a specific indication that the alloy
does not contain 9 percent or more chromium. | |
| | |
| 35 | Noble metal containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Alloy or metallic composition which additionally contains
one or more of silver, gold, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium,
iridium or platinum. |
| | |
| 40 | Rare earth containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Alloy or metallic composition which additionally contains
at least one of scandium, yttrium or a lanthanide metal. |
| | |
| 43 | Eight percent or more nickel containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Alloy or metallic composition which additionally contains
8 percent or more of nickel.
| | (1)
Note. This amount of nickel usually renders the alloy austenitic. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
| 56, | for austenitic stainless steel which contains less
than 8 percent nickel but which contains manganese instead to bring
the total of the two elements to over 8 percent. |
|
| | |
| 56 | Eight percent or more total nickel plus manganese containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Alloy or metallic composition which additionally contains
a total quantity of nickel plus manganese of 8 percent or more.
| | (1)
Note. When the alloy contains 8 percent or more manganese,
nickel may be completely absent. |
| | (2)
Note. This amount of nickel plus manganese usually renders
the alloy austentic. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
| 43, | for authentic stainless steel which contains 8 percent
or more nickel. |
|
| | |
| 71 | Processes: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Processes of producing alloys or metallic composition .
| | (1)
Note. While this subclass provides for processes of producing
alloys under subclass 34 not specifically provided in the indents
above, e.g., ferrochrome, it is also employed as a collecting point
for cross-references to processes of general utility in preparing
a wide range of alloys classified in different subclasses under
subclass 34. | |
| | |
| 72 | Eight percent or more manganese containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Alloy or metallic composition which additionally contains
8 percent or more of manganese.
| | (1)
Note. The alloys classified in this and indented subclass
are often referred to as "authenitic manganese steel" or "Hadfield
steel". These recitations shall be considered prima facie sufficient for classification
hereunder in the absence of an indication that the alloy does not contain
8 percent or more manganese. | |
| | |
| 82 | Noble metal containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Alloy or metallic composition which additionally contains
one or more of silver, gold, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium,
iridium or platinum. |
| | |
| 85 | Processes: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Processes of incorporating one or more additional element
under subclass 84 into a ferrous alloy. |
| | |
| 86 | Adding lead: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 85. Processes wherein the added elements under subclass 84 includes
lead. |
| | |
| 94 | Over 10 percent nickel containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 89. Alloy or metallic composition which additionally contains
more that 10 percent nickel.
| | (1)
Note. Many of the alloys in this and indented subclasses
are called "maraging" steels, which can be age
hardened to very high levels of strength. | |
| | |
| 99 | One percent or more carbon containing, but less than 1.7
percent: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Alloy or metallic composition containing 1 percent or more
carbon.
| | (1)
Note. Due to schedule superiority, alloys containing 1.7
percent or more carbon are classified above in subclasses 9+.
Patents classified in subclasses 9+ above are not cross-referenced to this or indented
subclasses unless there is a positive disclosure of an alloy containing less
that 1.7 percent carbon. | |
| | |
| 100 | Chromium containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 99. Alloy or metallic composition which additionally contains
chromium.
| | (1)
Note. Many patents in this and indented subclasses are drawn
to alloys which are sufficiently heat resistant to be used to cut
metal at relatively high speed, i.e., "high speed" steel. |
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
| 104+, | for so called "high speed" steel
alloys containing less that 1 percent carbon. |
|
| | |
| 103 | Over 0.1 percent aluminum containing, but less than 4 percent: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Alloy or metallic composition which additionally contains
more that 0.1 percent aluminum.
| | (1)
Note. Due to schedule superiority, alloys containing 4 percent
or more aluminum are classified above in subclasses 77+.
Patents classified in subclasses 77+ above are not cross
referenced to this subclass unless there is a positive disclosure
of an alloy containing less that 4 percent aluminum. | |
| | |
| 104 | Chromium containing, but less than 9 percent: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Alloy or metallic composition which additionally contains
chromium.
| | (1)
Note. Due to schedule superiority, alloys containing 9 percent
or more chromium are classified above in subclasses 34+.
Patents classified in subclasses 34+ above are not cross-referenced
to this or indented subclasses unless there is a positive disclosure
of an alloy containing less than 9 percent chromium. | |
| | |
| 115 | Processes: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 104. Processes of preparing an alloy or metallic composition
.
| | (1)
Note. While this subclass provides for processes of producing
alloys under subclass 104 not specifically provided for in the indents
above it is also employed as a collecting point for cross-references
to processes of general utility in preparing a wide range of alloys
classified in different subclasses under subclass 104. | |
| | |
| 119 | Nickel containing, but 10 percent or less: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Alloy or metallic composition which additionally containing
nickel.
| | (1)
Note. Due to schedule superiority, alloys containing more
that 10 percent nickel are classified above in subclasses 94+.
Patents classified in subclasses 94+ above are not cross-referenced
to this subclass unless there is a positive disclosure of any alloy
containing 10 percent or less nickel. | |
| | |
| 120 | 1.5 percent or more manganese containing, but less than
8 percent: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Alloy or metallic composition which additionally contains
1.5 percent or more manganese.
| | (1)
Note. Due to schedule superiority, alloys containing 8 percent
or more manganese are classified above in subclasses 72+.
Patents classified in subclasses 72+ above are not cross- referenced to this subclass
unless there is a positive disclosure of an alloy containing less
than 8 percent manganese. | |
| | |
| 129 | Processes: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Processes of preparing an alloy or metallic composition
.
| | (1)
Note. While this subclass provides for processes of producing
alloys under subclass 8 not specifically provided for in the indents
above it is also employed as a collecting point for cross-references
to processes of general utility in preparing a wide range of alloys
classified in different subclasses under subclass 8. | |
| | |
| 400 | ALKALI METAL BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition s which contains over 50
percent of weight of a single metal selected from Lithium, Sodium,
Potassium, Rubidium, or Cesium. |
| | |
| 401 | Beryllium base: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition s containing over 50 percent
of beryllium by weight. |
| | |
| 402 | Magnesium base: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition containing over 50 percent
magnesium by weight. |
| | |
| 405 | Lanthanide containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Alloy, or metallic composition which additionally contains
at least one of the metals lanthanum through lutetium, i.e., atomic
numbers 57 through 71. |
| | |
| 415 | Alkaline earth metal base: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of calcium, over 50 percent of strontium, or over 50 percent of
barium. |
| | |
| 416 | Rare earth metal base singly or in combination: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
by weight of a single metal selected from scandium, yttrium, or
lanthanum, through lutetium (i.e., atomic numbers 57 through 71),
or wherein the total of all these metals taken together is over
50 percent by weight of the total alloy, or metallic composition.
| | (1)
Note. Because the rare earths often occur together naturally
and are not easily separated, they are often used as crude, or partially
purified mixtures which have their own names e.g., misch metal,
didymium, etc. | |
| | |
| 417 | Titanium base: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of titanium by weight. |
| | |
| 422 | ZIRCONIUM OR HAFNIUM BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of zirconium or over 50 percent of hafnium. |
| | |
| 424 | VANADIUM BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition containing over 50 percent
of vanadium. |
| | |
| 425 | NIOBIUM BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition containing over 50 percent
of niobium. |
| | |
| 427 | TANTALUM BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of tantalum. |
| | |
| 428 | CHROMIUM BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of chromium. |
| | |
| 429 | MOLYBDENUM BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of molybdenum. |
| | |
| 430 | TUNGSTEN BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of tungsten. |
| | |
| 431 | Carbon, boron or nitrogen containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 430. Alloy, or metallic composition which additionally contains
at least one of the elements, carbon, boron, or nitrogen.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
| 75, | Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions
for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures,
subclasses 230+ and 244 for particulate metal carbide (236+) boride,
or nitrite (244) bonded with a metal (commonly cobalt), e.g., the
so called "sintered carbides", etc. See the class
definition of this class for the distinction between the alloys
and metallic compositions of this class and the consolidated metal
powder composition for Class 75. |
| 423, | Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds,
subclass 409 , for a pure, stoichiometric tungsten nitride, subclass
440, for a pure, stoichiometric tungsten carbide, subclass 297,
for a pure, stoichiometric tungsten boride. |
|
| | |
| 432 | Rhenium or noble metal containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 430. Alloy, or metallic composition which additionally contains
at least one of the metals, rhenium, ruthenium, palladium, osmium,
iridium, platinum, silver, or gold. |
| | |
| 433 | RHENIUM BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition containing over 50 percent
of rhenium. |
| | |
| 434 | MANGANESE BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of manganese. |
| | |
| 435 | COBALT BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of cobalt. |
| | |
| 441 | NICKEL BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of nickel. |
| | |
| 442 | Chromium containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 441. Alloy, or metallic composition which additionally contains
chromium.
| | (1)
Note. This and indented subclasses contain many patents to
so called "superalloys" which retain considerable
strength at high temperatures and which are therefor particularly
useful as components in gas turbine engines. | |
| | |
| 444 | Noble metal containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 442. Alloy, or metallic composition which additionally contains
at least one of the metals ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium,
iridium, platinum, gold, or silver. |
| | |
| 455 | Rare earth containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 441. Alloy, or metallic composition which additionally contains
at least one of the metals scandium, yttrium, or lanthanium through
lutetum (i.e., atomic numbers 57 through 71). |
| | |
| 456 | Noble metal containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 441. Alloy, or metallic composition which additionally contains
at least one of the metals, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium,
iridium, platinum, silver, or gold. |
| | |
| 461 | OSMIUM OR IRIDIUM BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of osmium, or over 50 percent iridium by weight. |
| | |
| 462 | RUTHENIUM OR RHODIUM BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of ruthenium or over 50 percent of rhodium by weight. |
| | |
| 463 | PALLADIUM BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition containing over 50 percent
of palladium by weight. |
| | |
| 466 | PLATINUM BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of platinum by weight. |
| | |
| 469 | COPPER BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of copper by weight. |
| | |
| 483 | Noble metal containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 477. Alloy, or metallic composition which additionally contains
at least one of the metals ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium,
iridium, platinum, silver, or gold. |
| | |
| 484 | Refractory metal containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 477. Alloy, or metallic composition which additionally contains
at least one of the metals titanium, vanadium, rhromium, zirconium,
niobium, molybdenium, hafnium, tantalum, or tungsten. |
| | |
| 488 | Refractory metal containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 485. Alloy, or metallic composition which additionally contains
at least one of the metals titanium, vanadium, chromium, zirconium,
niobium, molybdenum, hafnium, tantalum, or tungsten. |
| | |
| 497 | Noble metal containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 469. Alloy, or metallic composition additionally containing at
least one of the metals ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium,
platinum, silver, or gold. |
| | |
| 501 | SILVER BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of silver by weight. |
| | |
| 503 | Other noble metal containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 502. Alloy, or metallic composition which additionally contains
at least one of the metals ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium,
iridium, platinum, or gold. |
| | |
| 505 | Other noble metal containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 501. Alloy, or metallic composition which additionally contains
at least one of the metals ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium,
iridium, platinum, or gold. |
| | |
| 507 | GOLD BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of gold by weight. |
| | |
| 513 | ZINC BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of zinc. |
| | |
| 525 | CADMIUM BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition containing over 50 percent
of cadmium by weight. |
| | |
| 526 | MERCURY BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of mercury by weight. |
| | |
| 528 | ALUMINUM BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of aluminum by weight. |
| | |
| 535 | Titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, or tantalum
containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 534. Alloy, or metallic composition which additionally contains
at least one of the metals titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium,
niobium, or tantalium. |
| | |
| 543 | Titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium or tantalum
containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 542. Alloy, or metallic composition which additionally contains
at least one of the metals titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium,
niobium, or tantalum. |
| | |
| 551 | Titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobim, or tantalum
containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 550. Alloy, or metallic composition which additionally contains
at least one of the metals titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium,
niobium, or tantalum. |
| | |
| 552 | Titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium or tantalum
containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 528. Alloy, or metallic composition which additionally contains
at least one of the metals, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium,
niobium, or tantalum. |
| | |
| 555 | GALLIUM, INDIUM OR THALLIUM BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains either over
50 percent of gallium, over 50 percent of indium, or over 50 percent
of thallium by weight. |
| | |
| 556 | GERMANIUM BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of germanium by weight. |
| | |
| 557 | TIN BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of tin by weight. |
| | |
| 563 | LEAD BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition containing over 50 percent
of lead by weight. |
| | |
| 564 | Alkali, alkaline earth metal or magnesium containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 563. Alloy, or metallic composition which additionally contains
at least one of the metals, lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium,
cesium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, or barium. |
| | |
| 576 | ANTIMONY BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of antimony by weight. |
| | |
| 577 | BISMUTH BASE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of bismuth by weight. |
| | |
| 578 | SILICON BASE ALLOY CONTAINING METAL: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy which is so named in the patent which contains over
50 percent of silicon by weight and which further contains at least
one element which is a metal under the definition of this class.
| | (1)
Note. This subclass contains, e.g., ferrosilicon containing
over 50 percent silicon by weight, etc. | |
| | |
| 579 | ARSENIC BASE OR SELENIUM OR TELLURIUM BASE ALLOY CONTAINING METAL: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition containing over 50 percent
arsenic by weight, or an alloy under the class definition which
is so named in the patent, which contains over 50 percent selenium,
or 50 percent tellurium by weight and which further contains at
least one element which is a metal under the definition of this
class.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
| 430, | Radiation Imagery Chemistry: Process, Composition,
or Product Thereoft,
subclasses 85+ for a selenium base alloy claimed, or solely disclosed as
having utility as an image forming medium in electrical photography, e.g.,
xerography. |
|
| | |
| 580 | CONTAINING OVER 50 PERCENT METAL BUT NO BASE METAL: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains over 50 percent
of total metal by weight but wherein each individual metal is present
in an amount of not over 50 percent by weight. |
| | |
| 581 | Iron containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 580. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains iron in an
amount which does not exceed 50 percent by weight. |
| | |
| 587 | Copper containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 580. Alloy, or metallic composition containing copper in an amount
which does not exceed 50 percent by weight. |
| | |
| 588 | Chromium containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 580. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains chromium in
an amount which does not exceed 50 percent by weight. |
| | |
| 589 | Tin containing: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 580. Alloy, or metallic composition which contains tin in an
amount which does not exceed 50 percent by weight. |
| | |
| 590 | PROCESS: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes of preparing alloys, or metallic compositions
which are not claimed with sufficient particularity to be placed
in any subclass above, e.g., no base metal is recited either individually,
or as a particular group, e.g., refractory metals, etc.
| | (1)
Note. This subclass is the collecting point for processes
which are of general utility in preparing a wide variety of alloys.
Processes which prepare a specific alloy are placed therewith and
are cross referenced here only if disclosed as having general utility. | |
| | |
| 591 | Miscellaneous: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Alloys or metallic composition not provided for in any subclass
above.
| | (1)
Note. Specific subject matter found in this subclass includes
e.g., alloys based on boron containing metal and alloys containing
less than 50 percent of total metals, but at least some metal. | |
| | |
CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS
| 900 | HYDROGEN STORAGE: |
| | Cross-reference art collection of alloys, or metallic compositions
which are capable of taking up and releasing hydrogen for purposes of
storage of hydrogen.
| | (1)
Note. This class takes alloys, metallic compositions which
take up hydrogen for storage no matter what the mechanism. Often
the patent states that metal hydride is formed, but this is not
always clear. This class thus takes hydrogen storage alloys in
preference to Class 252, subclass 184 and Class 502, subclasses 400+ whether,
or not the storage is stated to be by chemical reaction, or sorbtion. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
| 423, | Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds,
subclasses 644+ for metal hydrides, or hydrided alloys whether
stoichiometric or not, or for methods of hydrogen storage and release
by chemical reaction, or sorbtion. |
|
| | |
| 901 | SUPERCONDUCTIVE: |
| | Cross-reference art collection of alloys, or metallic compositions
which exhibit the property of practically no resistance to the flow
of electric current.
| | (1)
Note. At this time (1981) this property has only been observed
at very low temperatures of about 22° K, or below. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
| 29, | Metal Working,
subclass 599 for a method of making an electrical device which
includes a superconductor. |
| 174, | Electricity: Conductors and Insulators,
subclasses 126.1+ for electrical conductor structure which includes
a superconductor. |
| 252, | Compositions,
subclass 500 for electrically conductive compositions which
may be superconductors. |
| 335, | Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches Magnets,
and Electromagnets,
subclass 216 for magnets or electromagnets of the superconductive
type. |
| 427, | Coating Processes,
subclasses 62+ for processes of producing a superconductive electrical
product by coating. |
| 428, | Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
subclass 930 for metallic stock material which is superconductive. |
|
| | |
| 902 | SUPERPLASTIC: |
| | Cross-reference art collection of alloys, or metallic compositions
which exhibit property of being capable of great deformations of
over 100 percent without "necking down", or rupturing.
| | (1)
Note. In some cases the alloy must be heated to exhibit this
property. |
| | (2)
Note. In most cases superplastic alloys are described as
such in the patents found herein. | |
| | |
| 903 | SEMICONDUCTIVE: |
| | Cross-reference art collection alloys, or metallic composition
whose resistivity at room temperature is in the range of 10-2 to
10-9 ohm-cm (which is between the range of
metallic conductors and insulators).
| | (1)
Note. These compositions are usually employed in barrier
layer devices, e.g., transistors, etc. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
| 252, | Compositions,
subclass 62.3 for barrier layer device compositions which are
not merely alloys, or metallic compositions. |
|
| | |
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CLASS 420,