US PATENT CLASS 156
Class Notes


Current as of: June, 1999
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156 /   HD   ADHESIVE BONDING AND MISCELLANEOUS CHEMICAL MANUFACTURE



DEFINITION

Classification: 156/

This is the generic class for:

1. Manufacturing processes and apparatus including a step of adhesively bonding parts together utilizing a nonmetallic cement or assembly of parts for adhesive bonding of that type.

2. The manufacture of articles of commerce in which one of the manufacturing steps includes a chemical reaction.

3. The manufacture of panels from settable inorganic compositions having adhered facing sheets (e.g., plaster board). See Subclass References To The Current Class for these processes and apparatus. The subclasses referenced therein should be examined for the precise limits of the

subject matter provided for and for additional fields of search.

4. The manufacture of electrical conductors of indefinite length where not elsewhere provided for. See Subclass References To The Current Class for these processes. The subclasses referenced therein and notes thereto should be consulted for the precise limits of the subject matter there provided for.

Miscellaneous Subject Matter Also Provided For

1. This class includes several subclasses relating to the manufacture of simulations or representations, that is articles which give the appearance of being a specific object without in fact being that object. Also provided is a subclass relating to the preparation of products of nature for display in their natural form. This class also includes processes not elsewhere provided for in which is recited a step of free hand drawing or shaping to produce an ornamental form. See Subclass References to the Current Class, below, for specific cites. The subclass definitions for all the above areas should be inspected and especially the notes thereto for the lines between these specific subclasses and other classes.

2. Apparatus for performing shaping operations, per se, on dry paper or paperlike materials are provided for in this class. See Subclass References to the Current Class, below, for specific cites. The lines with various classes and analogous search fields are set out in the subclasses mentioned there. 3. Delaminating. This class provides for the separation of a bonded joint by destroying the bond and separating the parts. See Subclass References to the Current Class, below, for subclasses for methods for delaminating and corresponding apparatus.

LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES

SPECIAL LINES WITH CLASS 29, METAL WORKING

Class 29 has several important relationships with this class (156). Both classes take designated single-step processes, and both are locations for multistep processes for manufacturing designated products or using certain combinations of steps.

Single-step processes provided for in Class 29 include shaping particulate metal by pressure alone, burnishing, filing, mechanical joining of parts, etc.., even when used in the manufacture of a product designated for Class 156, in section I, above. Likewise, where only an adhesive bonding step is claimed, the process is assigned to Class 156, even though a product designated for Class 29 is manufactured.

Multistep processes for Class 29 are of two types: (1) Those for making specified articles, enumerated in that part of the Class 29 subclass 401.1. (2) Multistep manufacturing processes not provided for elsewhere.

Insofar as processes of type (1) are concerned, these are assigned to Class 29, even when an adhesive bonding step is claimed as part of the multistep process, except for processes classifiable in subclasses 825+, which follows the category (2) rule given in the next paragraph.

Processes of type (2) are provided for in this class (156) when they claim: (a) Adhesive bonding combined with shaping of nonmetals. (b) Adhesive bonding combined with broad or nominally claimed metal shaping steps. (c) Adhesive bonding including steps for assembling the parts to be bonded.

Processes of type (2) are classified in Class 29 when they claim: (a) Adhesive bonding combined with specified metal shaping steps. (b) Adhesive bonding combined with mechanical joining, either broad or specific.

A. Bonding And/Or Assembly Therefor.

1. This class provides for the adhesive securing of parts utilizing nonmetallic cementing media. The adhesive may be separately applied tacky material, or it may be a nontacky material on application that is subsequently activated. The parts joined may be inherently tacky without the addition of an adhesive or may be rendered tacky by the application of an activating material or agent. 2. This class provides for process for assembling adhesive coated or tacky parts even though the step of applying the adhesive may not be claimed. Assembly or association of articles for subsequent bonding or adhesive applying where the subsequent bonding is not claimed is generally not provided for in this class. Any step in addition to the assembly, however, which might be considered to be unique to adhesive bonding is sufficient to cause the patent to be classified in this class.

3. This class provides for apparatus for assembling and joining of parts. Generally it is required that the apparatus include means to bring the parts into assembled association and that the parts have adhesive applied to them or means be claimed to apply adhesive or render the parts adhesive. This class generally does not provide for apparatus for bringing parts together for subsequent adhesive application where such application is not claimed. Appropriate classes are listed in References to Other Classes, below. Class 29, Metal Working, especially provides for such devices.

B. Laminating Combined With Other Operations

1. This class provides for the combination of laminating with

other working steps, however other classes provide for laminating for the manufacture of specific articles, or particular operations combined with laminating steps. See References to Other Classes, below, referencing this section.

C. Chemical Manufactures

1. Etching apparatus in general is provided for in Class 134, Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, except apparatus for (a) applying etchant to a restricted portion of a product or (b) causing the etchant to be applied differently to different areas of the product Class 156 (subclass 345). Attention is directed to the search notes of these subclasses for the locus of other art relating to this subject matter. Processes and apparatus for electrolytic etching are provided for in Class 204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy.

2. Class 430, Radiation Imagery Chemistry: Process, Composition, or Product Thereof, Class 427, Coating Processes, and Class 264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes, generally provide for chemical reactions which take place during photos:graphic imaging, coating or molding steps, respectively. Where etching is employed merely to prepare a surface for some subsequent operation, e.g., coating, welding, etc.., the patent to the combination is classified with the subsequent operation. Also, imaging or coating combined with subsequent chemical etching is provided for in Class 430 or 427, while molding combined with subsequent reactive gas or vapor treatment is provided for in Class 264.

3. Class 29, Metal Working, provides for its own operations when combined with a coating step or a molding step. See also "A. Bonding And/Or Assembly Therefor" above.

See References to Other Classes, below, referencing this section.

D. Single-crystal Growth

1. This subject matter is located in Class 117, Single-Crystal, Oriented-Crystal, and Epitaxy Growth Processes; Non-Coating Apparatus Therefor. E. Products

This class does not provide for products of manufacture. Class 428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, in appropriate subclasses provides for the products resulting from the processes of this class where not elsewhere provided for. For the classification of other articles, attention is directed to the "Index to Classification".

LINE WITH CLASS 228 AND CLASS 219

See Class 228, Metal Fusion Bonding, appropriate subclasses

for joining of parts by metallurgical bonding and also see Class 219, Electric Heating, for welding of metals by electric heating. (for apparatus bringing parts together for adhesive application, not claiming application)

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

39+, and 346+ for, respectively, the apparatus and the processes for the manufacture of panels from settable inorganic compositions having adhered facing sheets (e.g., plaster board). The definitions and notes to these subclasses should be examined for the precise limits of the subject matter provided for and for additional fields of search.

47+, for processes of the manufacture of electrical conductors of indefinite length where not elsewhere provided for. The subclasses referenced therein and notes thereto should be consulted for the precise limits of the subject matter there provided for.

57, for preparation of products of nature for display in their natural form.

58, 59, 61, for manufacture of simulations or representations, that is articles which give the appearance of being a specific object without in fact being that object ).

62, for processes not elsewhere provided for in which is recited a step of free hand drawing or shaping to produce an ornamental form.

344, for methods for delaminating. 584, for apparatus for delaminating.

585+, for apparatus for performing shaping operations, per se, on dry paper or paperlike materials. The lines with various classes and analogous search fields are set out in this subclass.

REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS

2, Apparel,

243+, for processes for making apparel including a cementing step combined with other apparel manufacturing steps. (see "Laminating combined with other operations" above)

7, Compound Tools, appropriate subclasses for laminating tools combined with other working devices. (see "Laminating combined with other operations" above)

12, Boot and Shoe Making, appropriate subclasses for shoe

making including laminating. (see "Laminating combined with other operations" above)

15, Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning, appropriate subclasses, for laminating implements there provided for of the brush or wiper type. (for apparatus bringing parts together for adhesive application, not claiming application)

15, Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning,

105+, for tools of that class when combined with some other tool even though the Class 15 tool may be disclosed as having a laminating function. See "A. Bonding And/Or Assembly Therefor" above for the line between Class 15 and Class 156 as to tools, per se. (see "Laminating combined with other operations" above) 26, Textiles: Cloth Finishing,

3+, for cloth singeing and general textile cloth finishing. (see "C. Chemical Manufactures" above)

28, Textiles: Manufacturing, appropriate subclasses as the generic class for textile operations, and especially

167+, 178+, 261, and 265+ for significantly claimed textile operations combined with steps of coating, dyeing or fluid treatment.. (see "C. Chemical Manufactures" above)

28, Textiles: Manufacturing,

107+, for the formation of a textile product by mechanically interlocking or interengaging of threads, yarns, fibers or the like in a manner not provided for elsewhere, such as by needling.(for apparatus bringing parts together for adhesive application, not claiming application)

29, Metal Working,

1.1, 25.42, 91+, 592.1 through 623.5, and 825 through 899.1, for combined apparatus or processes for making specific articles set forth even though an adhesive bonding be claimed. This class (156) can provide for manufacture of these articles where a laminating step only is claimed. Subclasses 33+ and 700+ of Class 29 provide for assembly and shaping combined with other manufacturing means or steps. See subclasses 592.1+ of Class 29 for the residual home for methods of making electrical devices and subclasses 729+ for corresponding apparatus. See the Class Definition of this class (156) for those articles for which Class 156 is the residual manufacturing class.

(1) Note. With respect to general manufacturing processes, (i.e., articles not specifically provided for) the lines are as follows: Class 156 Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture. (1) Adhesive bonding combined with shaping of nonmetals. (2) Adhesive bonding combined with

broad or nominally claimed metal shaping steps. (3) Adhesive bonding including assembly steps. Class 29 Metal Working: (1) Adhesive bonding combined with specific metal shaping steps. (2) Adhesive bonding combined with mechanical joining, either broad or specific. (See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Laminating Combined With Other Operations," above)

43, Fishing, Trapping, and Vermin Destroying,

42.53, for combined processes for making artificial fishing lures or bait. (see "Laminating Combined With Other Operations" above) 51, Abrasive Tool Making Process, Material, or Composition, and especially

297, for an abrasive tool making process which may involve a laminating step. (see "Laminating Combined With Other Operations" above)

51, Abrasive Tool Making Process, Material, or Composition, for a process for making an abrading tool and see especially the notes therein for the lines with other classes.. (see "C. Chemical Manufactures" above)

52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),

746.1+, for a process involving erection or assembly of a building or building component involving more than merely adhering a preformed sheet form member to a surface. (see "Laminating Combined With Other Operations" above)

53, Package Making, appropriate subclasses for laminating operations, per se, peculiar to package making. That class provides for adhesively sealing a filled package where package handling means are claimed. Class 53 also provides for adhering encircling sealing strips (

137.2, ) which seal portions of cover, i.e., cover adjuncts. Partial cover application, such as cigar bands, for example, are provided for in Class 53, subclass 580, especially where the band is secured to itself. (for apparatus bringing parts together for adhesive application, not claiming application)

53, Package Making, appropriate subclasses for package making including a laminating step and see "A. Bonding And/Or Assembly Therefor" above for the line with Class 53. (see "Laminating Combined With Other Operations" above)

57, Textiles: Spinning, Twisting, and Twining,

3+, 210, and 362 for covering or wrapping cores of indefinite length when including or followed by a twisting or twining operation. (see "Laminating Combined With Other Operations" above)

65, Glass Manufacturing, 31, for a process involving a glassworking operation combined with an etching operation in any sequence.. (see "C. Chemical Manufactures" above)

65, Glass Manufacturing,

36+, for a process of bonding glass by glassworking operation to a formed part, and see the line note in subclass 36; especially see subclasses 37+ for multi-focal lens making including fusion bonding, and see the line note in subclass 37; subclass 42 for a process of glassworking including bonding of a subassembly with subsequent assembly and bonding of formed parts only, and see the line note in subclass 42). (for apparatus bringing parts together for adhesive application, not claiming application)

76, Metal Tools and Implements, Making,

101.1+, for metal tool and implement making processes which may involve a laminating step. (see "Laminating Combined With Other Operations" above)

99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus,

450.1+, for apparatus for making a composite edible by laminating preforms. (for apparatus bringing parts together for adhesive application, not claiming application)

100, Presses, for press apparatus, per se, even where disclosed for performing a laminating function. That class (100) can take feeding of a previously associated sandwich into the press couple or removal of the sandwich from the couple. Mere heating in the press is also provided for in Class 100,

300+, as is means placing the material pressed under vacuum during pressing (subclass 90). This class (156) provides for pressing and for laminating not provided for in Class 100, i.e., (1) pressing combined with means peculiar to laminating or (2) presses modified uniquely for laminating. Under (1) above, means associating or assembling parts before pressing, for example, is in this class (156). In subclasses 580+ of this class may be found certain presses, per se, or platen structures modified for laminating. Thus, for example, under (2) above and in these subclasses may be found press platens having relieved areas whereby the pressed sandwich is bonded at spaced points, differentially heated platens to achieve the same effect. (for apparatus bringing parts together for adhesive application, not claiming application)

101, Printing, appropriate subclasses provides for the transfer of sheet-like material onto a base where the transfer element is a printing member of the type provided for in that class. Die printing with gold leaf, for example, is provided for in that class (101) when a ribbon of leaf is

used and a portion thereof is impressed and adhered onto the base by a printing member. (for apparatus bringing parts together for adhesive application, not claiming application)

101, Printing, 463.1, for processes for making printing plates and surfaces there provided for.. (see "C. Chemical Manufactures" above)

114, Ships,

86, for ship calking and seaming and subclass 224 for implements performing this function. (for apparatus bringing parts together for adhesive application, not claiming application)

118, Coating Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for devices which only apply adhesive to parts previously associated. Any manipulation of the parts to facilitate lamination or manipulations peculiar to lamination are excluded from this class (118). Thus, for example, separating parts to insure flow of adhesive there between is provided for in Class 156. (for apparatus bringing parts together for adhesive application, not claiming application)

131, Tobacco,

290+, for tobacco treating processes.. (see "C. Chemical Manufactures" above)

131, Tobacco, appropriate subclasses for cigar and cigarette making combined with laminating.

134, Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, for cleaning processes and especially

2, and 3 for chemical bleaching, oxidation or reduction of a metallic, siliceous or calcareous base. That class (134) also provides for apparatus for contacting solid workpieces with an etchant fluid. Class 156 provides for etching apparatus in which the etchant has a differential effect on the work.. (see "C. Chemical Manufactures" above)

144, Woodworking,

3.1+, for a machine for charring or burning wood.. (see "C. Chemical Manufactures" above)

157, Wheelwright Machines, 1.1+, for rubber tire mounting or demounting apparatus. (for apparatus bringing parts together for adhesive application, not claiming application)

162, Paper Making and Fiber Liberation,

123+, for processes for producing multilayer water-laid

sheets or webs. (for apparatus bringing parts together for adhesive application, not claiming application)

162, Paper Making and Fiber Liberation, appropriate subclasses for the combination of paper making and laminating. (see "Laminating Combined With Other Operations" above)

164, Metal Founding,

91+, for processes of forming composite articles by a metal casting operation. (for apparatus bringing parts together for adhesive application, not claiming application)

165, Heat Exchange,

168+, for heated surfaces or heat exchange members, per se, which may function to apply laminating heat to a work piece. (for apparatus bringing parts together for adhesive application, not claiming application)

219, Electric Heating, appropriate subclasses for electric heating of metals for welding. That class (219) also provides for electric heaters, per se, which may be used for adhesive bonding and for heated couples not specifically modified to provide for a laminating function. (for apparatus bringing parts together for adhesive application, not claiming application)

227, Elongated-Member-Driving Apparatus, appropriate subclasses, for joining by mechanical means there provided for. (for apparatus bringing parts together for adhesive application, not claiming application)

228, Metal Fusion Bonding, appropriate subclasses for joining of parts by metallurgical bonding. (See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, above.) 264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes, appropriate subclasses for processes within the class definition, for casting or molding operations which may include a uniting operation. Class 264 provides for casting a part onto a preform to form a composite article and also provides for uniting two or more spaced preforms by introducing fluent material therebetween. For a more comprehensive line between Classes 156 and 254 see the class definitions of Class 264. (for apparatus bringing parts together for adhesive application, not claiming application)

223, Apparel Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for garment making apparatus which may include laminating means in combination therewith.

227, Elongated-Member-Driving Apparatus,

14, for apparatus for applying a member, e.g., nail, to a workpiece combined with means to apply cement to the

workpiece for a securing purpose. (see "Laminating Combined With Other Operations" above)

242, Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding,

551+, for unwinding an elongated material with attachment to a preceding material including means to unite material ends together to insure a continuous supply. The art in Class 242 typically handles rolls or spools in addition to unwinding. (see "Laminating Combined With Other Operations" above)

300, Brush, Broom, and Mop Making, appropriate subclasses, for processes for making the finished articles there provided for by a bonding step. (for apparatus bringing parts together for adhesive application, not claiming application)

404, Road Structure, Process, or Apparatus, appropriate subclasses under 72+ and 83+, for a road and pavement making process and apparatus which may include a step of bonding or a means for bonding. (for apparatus bringing parts together for adhesive application, not claiming application)

404, Road Structure, Process, or Apparatus,

72+, for a process of making a roadway which may include the step of setting or curing road material.. (see "C. Chemical Manufactures" above)

404, Road Structure, Process, or Apparatus appropriate subclasses under 72+ and 83+ for a road and pavement making process and apparatus which may include a step of laminating or a means for laminating. (see "Laminating Combined With Other Operations" above) 412, Bookbinding: Process and Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for specific book making steps or apparatuses combined with laminating. This class (156) provides for making single book elements, such as laminated book covers, even though the plural manufacturing steps may be claimed. (see "Laminating Combined With Other Operations" above)

422, Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing, appropriate subclasses as the residual class for apparatus involving chemical procedures.. (see "C. Chemical Manufactures" above)

423, Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, as the parent class for processes involving a chemical reaction.. (see "C. Chemical Manufactures" above)

430, Radiation Imagery Chemistry: Process, Composition, or Product Thereof, for radiation imagery including an etching step.. (see "C. Chemical Manufactures" above)

436, Chemistry: Analytical and Immunological Testing, for processes and compositions for qualitative or quantitative chemical testing especially

4, for a chemical determination of properties of a crystal or crystalline materials.. (see "C. Chemical Manufactures" above)

425, Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating: Apparatus,

110+, for apparatus uniting parts within a mold cavity or for making a composite article from a preform and fluent material by casting thereof in a mold. (for apparatus bringing parts together for adhesive application, not claiming application)

427, Coating Processes, for coating, per se, with adhesive material even where the adhesive is disclosed as for the purpose of laminating. Class 427 also provides for coating previously associated parts where association is not claimed. (for apparatus bringing parts together for adhesive application, not claiming application)

505, Superconductor Technology: Apparatus, Material, Process,

300+, for processes of producing high temperature (Tc > 30 K) superconductors. (for apparatus bringing parts together for adhesive application, not claiming application) 445, Electric Lamp or Space Discharge Component or Device Manufacturing, appropriate subclasses for processes there provided for which may include chemical manufacturing steps.. (see "C. Chemical Manufactures" above)

445, Electric Lamp or Space Discharge Component or Device Manufacturing,

2, 23+, 61 and 66+ as the residual class for the manufacture of electric lamp and discharge devices and see especially the class definition thereof for the locus of other patents relating to the manufacture of these devices. (see "Laminating Combined With Other Operations" above)

493, Manufacturing Container or Tube From Paper; or Other Manufacturing From a Sheet or Web, appropriate subclasses for manufactures which includes a laminating or adhesive bonding step. That Class 493 generally manufactures finished articles of commerce from paper or paperlike materials and is the generic class for the manufacture of the specific articles there provided for. Class 156 provides for subcombinations of laminating single seams in the manufacture of those articles and also provides for tube making methods involving a laminating step. See the line note under the definition of Class 493 to this class (156) for further clarification of the lines between these classes. (see "Laminating Combined With Other Operations" above)

505, Superconductor Technology: Apparatus, Material,

Process,

300+, for processes of producing high temperature (Tc > 30 K) superconductors. (see "Laminating Combined With Other Operations" above)

505, Superconductor Technology: Apparatus, Material, Process,

300+, for processes of producing high temperature (Tc > 30 K) superconductors. (see "C. Chemical Manufactures" above)

588, Hazardous or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment, appropriate subclasses for the destruction or containment of hazardous or toxic waste. (see "C. Chemical Manufactures" above)

GLOSSARY:

ADHESIVE BOND The joining of parts (a) by means of a separate glue-like material or (b) by rendering contacting surfaces tacky by means of solvent and/or heat.

BENDING

Distortion of a workpiece by bodily moving a portion of it throughout its entire thickness relative to a second portion during which the thickness of the workpiece remains substantially the same and no significant plastic flow occurs.

BULK DEPOSITION OF PARTICULATE MATERIAL

The fluent delivery of a stream of separate loose pieces onto a receiving surface. The relative size of the pieces is not significant, rather it is the manner in which they are handled, as a mass or stream rather than each particle being individually manipulated.

INDEFINITE LENGTH WORK

A piece of material handled at points intermediate its ends whereby the length is immaterial to the manner of handling.

LAMINA

One of the component parts or layers of an adhesively bonded sandwich. Also an element which by disclosure is to be bonded to a separate element.