This class includes, where not provided for elsewhere:
A. Processes (1) involving the use of electrolysis (as provided for in Class 205); (2) of preparing or purifying compounds or elements involving chemical reaction brought about by electrical or wave energy in a magnetic field; (3) of treating materials involving chemical reaction brought about by wave energy; (4) of preparing or purifying compounds or elements involving chemical reaction brought about by an electrostatic field or electrical discharge; (5) involving the use of electrophoresis or electro-osmosis; (6) of treating a liquid (a) to separate or purify the liquid using electric and magnetic fields simultaneously, (b) to separate or purify the liquid using an electric field, or (c) using a magnetic field to obtain some effect other than mere separation or purification of the liquid ; (7) involving coating, forming, or etching by the use of sputtering; and (8) involving coating by the use of vacuum arc discharge. (See Subclass References to the Current Class, below.)
B. Products solely disclosed as made by a process under (A). For exceptions, see Lines With Other Classes and Wtihin This Class, Exceptions, below.
C. Apparatus for carrying out the processes set forth under (A) except the apparatus used to carry out the wave energy treatment processes provided for in Class 204; such apparatus is provided for elsewhere. (See Lines With Other Classes, below. )
D. Electrolyte compositions specialized for use in electrolytic processes or methods of preparing the compositions.
(1) Note. A list of superiority of several composition classes appears elsewhere. See Lines With Other Classes below.
(2) Note. Although the processes described above in (A), items (6), (7), and (8), do not involve strictly chemical changes, they are in some respects closely related to other portions of the class and so have been included here. (3) Note. Processes involving purely thermal actions of electrical phenomena or wave energy are not included in this class.
(4) Note. Class 204 provides for the combination of electrical and wave energy processes as described in (A) above with subsequent: (1) conventional treatments such as filtering, distilling, washing, and other methods of separating or concentrating products from the previous Class 204 operation or (2) mere admixing of products from the previous Class 204 operation to form a desired end product. Where a subsequent step significantly modifies a composition, product, or article made by the previous Class 204 operation,
the combined process is generally provided for elsewhere and is cross-referenced in Class 204, where necessary.
(5) Note. The combination of an electrical or wave energy operation as described in (A) above with a preceding method, such as treatment of material to prepare it for the electrical or wave energy operation, is provided for in Class 204. When a method preparatory to a Class 204 operation is claimed, per se, and is not provided for elsewhere, it may be classified in Class 204.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES
For apparatus for carrying out the wave energy treatment processes provided for in Class 204, subclasses 157.15+, see Class 250, Radiant Energy, particularly subclasses 492.1+, and Class 422, Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing, particularly subclasses 186+; the apparatus used to carry out the processes provided for in Class 204, subclasses 155+; such apparatus is provided for in Class 422, Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing, particularly subclasses 186.01+; the apparatus used to carry out the processes provided for in Class 204, subclasses 164; such apparatus is provided for in Class 422, Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing particularly subclasses 186.04+; and the section References to Other Classes, herein, the entry to Class 118 for apparatus provided for in Class 118.
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 hierarachical ORDER OF SUPERIORITY FOR COMPOSITION CLASSES.
EXCEPTIONS
This class includes, where not provided for elsewhere products solely disclosed as made by a process under (A) in Class Definition, above, with the following exceptions: (1) products which comprise two or more contiguous metallic layers; (2) products of processes classifiable in Class 204, subclasses 157.15+ and 450+, and Class 205, subclasses 640+. These products are properly classified in the appropriate product or stock material class (e.g., 260, 423, 428, etc.).
LINE BETWEEN CLASS 204 AND CLASS 75
Combinations of metallurgical process steps falling within the definition of Class 75 and electrical or wave energy 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 steps, and are placed in Class 75 when the electrical or wave energy methods are preparatory to the metallurgical process steps.
The above applies even when such preparatory steps result in a desired by-product. Class 75, subclasses 228+, provides for a "nominal" element usable in a Class 204 process (i.e., an element claimed only in terms of the metal composition from which it is made). 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 rods 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, alloys or metallic compositions claimed as products.
6. Class 148, Metal Treatment, subclasses 95-122, 194-287, and 500-714, in class schedule order, certain processes of treating solid or semisolid 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 References To Other Classes in the Class 148 definition.
7. Class 148, Metal Treatment, subclasses 33+, p-n type 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, electrothermic, electromagnetic, or electrostatic processes of making alloys.
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, 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.
LINES BETWEEN CLASSES 156, 204, 205, AND 216
In general, a class 156 operation (e.g., chemical etching of an electrical function semiconductor substrate, etc.) performed on a composition, product, or article made by a Class 204 process (e.g., an entire article previously etched by electrolysis, a product portion modified by electrolytic material treatment, etc.) is considered to provide a significant modification of the composition, product, or article made by the Class 204 process; therefore placing the combination of a Class 204 process followed by a Class 156 procedure in Class 156. However, the combination of a Class 204 electrolytic coating step followed by a Class 156 operation (other than a laminating process as described above) performed (1) to allow at least a portion of the electrolytic coating to remain and (2) to only significantly modify the electrolytic coating, per se, is considered to be an electrolytic coating process followed by a mere perfecting step for the electrolytic coating; therefore placing the combination in Class 204. The significant modification of only the electrolytic coating allows for mere incidental alterations to other portions of a coated article such as the substrate, provided that such changes are clearly unintentional (e.g., chemical etching through an electrolytic coating which may also progress into the substrate in some areas to allow complete penetration through all desired other areas of the electrolytic coating, etc.). Class 156, subclasses 625.1+, provide for the original classification of chemically etching an electrical function semiconductive precursor, substrate, or device when the claims are alternative (claims to a Class 156 etching process and claims to a Class 205 electrolytic etching, or when a generic claim is present and no species is specifically claimed). When, however, a generic claim is present (disclosure includes both Class 156 etching and Class 204 or Class 205 subject matter) and a Class 204 or Class 205 species is specifically claimed, and there is no specific claim to a Class 156 etching process, the original classification is in Class 204 or Class 205 and a mandatory cross-reference is placed into Class 156
etching based on the generic claim. Other combinations of Class 204 step(s) with Class 156 step(s) will follow the general class line for the combination of Class 204 step(s) with those from other classes as stated at the beginning of Class 204. Also, see the search class note to Class 216 in this section, since Class 216 is an integral part of Class 156.
LINES BETWEEN CLASSES 216, 156, 204, AND 205
Chemical etching performed on a composition, product, or article made by a Class 204 process (e.g., an entire article previously etched by electrolysis, a product portion modified by electrolytic material treatment, etc.) is considered to provide a significant modification of the composition, product, or article made by the Class 204 process; therefore placing the combination of a Class 204 process followed by Class 216 chemical etching in Class 216. However, the combination of a Class 205 electrolytic coating step followed by Class 216 chemical etching performed (1) to allow at least a portion of the electrolytic coating to remain and (2) to only significantly modify the electrolytic coating, per se, is considered to be an electrolytic coating process followed by a mere perfecting step for the electrolytic coating; therefore placing the combination in Class 205. The significant modification of only the electrolytic coating allows for mere incidental alterations to other portions of a coated article such as the substrate, provided that such changes are clearly unintentional (e.g., chemical etching through an electrolytic coating which may also progress into the substrate in some areas to allow complete penetration through all desired other areas of the electrolytic coating, etc.). Class 216 also provides for the original classification when the claims are alternative (claims to a Class 216 process and claims to a Class 205 electrolytic etching, or when a generic claim is present and no species is specifically claimed). When, however, a generic claim is present (disclosure includes both Class 216 and Class 204 or Class 205 subject matter) and a Class 204 or Class 205 species is specifically claimed, and there is no specific claim to a Class 216 etching process, the original classification is in Class 204 or Class 205 and a mandatory cross-reference is placed into Class 216 based on the generic claim. Other combinations of Class 204 step(s) with Class 216 step(s) will follow the general class line for the combination of Class 204 step(s) with those from other classes as stated at the beginning of Class 204. Also, see the search class note to Class 156 in this section, since Class 216 is an integral part of Class 156.
LINE BETWEEN CLASS 250 AND CLASS 204
Note the difference between the scope of "radiant energy" as set out for Class 250 and "wave energy" as defined in Class 204, subclass 157.15.
LINE BETWEEN CLASSES 260, 204, AND 520 See Class 260, Chemistry of Carbon Compounds, for (1) a chemical process, in general and for preparation and treatment of carbon compounds or a product formed by such a process; (2) the combination of a Class 204 operation with a subsequent significant chemical process provided for in Class 260 when the subsequent Class 260 process modifies a product of the Class 204 operation to produce a different compound; and (3) a branched process in which one branch is a Class 204 process and another branch falls within the class definition of Class 260. The combination of a Class 260 process and a subsequent Class 204 operation is classified in Class 204. The foregoing applies even when the preparatory process or operation results in a desired by-product. Also, see the search class note to Class 520 in References to Other Classes, since Class 520 is an integral part of Class 260.
LINES BETWEEN CLASSES 424, 204, AND 514
See Class 424, Drug, Bio-Affecting and Body Treating Compositions, for a drug, bio-affecting, or body treating composition which may be made by a Class 204 process; especially subclasses 1.11+ for a radionuclide or intended radionuclide containing, adjuvant or carrier, intermediate, or preparatory composition. Also, see the search class note to Class 514 in REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES, below, since Class 514 is an integral part of Class 424.
LINES BETWEEN CLASSES 520, 522, AND 204
See Class 520, Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers -- Part of the Class 520 Series, appropriate classes, especially Class 522, subclasses 1+, for a composition to be polymerized by wave energy wherein said composition contains a rate-affecting material; or a synthetic resin composition to be modified by wave energy wherein said composition contains a rate-affecting material; or a process of preparing or treating a solid polymer utilizing wave energy. Any process step involving electrolysis, electric current, electro-osmosis, electrophoresis, electrostatic field, electrical discharge, or magnetic field and also involving the treating of a synthetic resin or natural rubber is proper in Class 204 if a wave energy step is involved in any part of the process. The combination of a Class 520 chemical process not involving the use of wave energy with a Class 204 operation is classified (1) in Class 204 when the Class 520 nonwave energy process is preparatory to the Class 204 operation and (2) in Class 520 when the Class 204 operation is preparatory to the Class 520 nonwave energy process. A branching process in which the claims are alternative to producing or treating a polymer by a Class 204 process or by a Class 520 chemical process not involving the use of wave energy is classified in Class 520. See Class 204, subclass 157.15, for a further elaboration of the line between Class 204 and Class 520, subclasses 1+.
LINES BETWEEN CLASSES 585, 204, AND 260
The line between Class 585 and Class 204 is analogous to that between Class 260 and Class 204. See the search class note to Class 260 in REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES, below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
155+, for preparing or purifying compounds or elements involving chemical reaction brought about by electrical or wave energy in a magnetic field.
157.15+, for treating materials involving chemical reaction brought about by wave energy.
164+, for preparing or purifying compounds or elements involving chemical reaction brought about by an electrostatic field or electrical discharge. 192.1+, for processes involving coating, forming, or etching by the use of sputtering.
192.38, for processes involving coating by the use of vacuum arc discharge.
450+, for processes involving the use of electrophoresis or electro-osmosis.
554+, for treating a liquid (a) to separate or purify the liquid using electric and magnetic fields simultaneously, (b) to separate or purify the liquid using an electric field, or (c) using a magnetic field to obtain some effect other than mere separation or purification of the liquid.
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
8, Bleaching and Dyeing; Fluid Treatment and Chemical Modification of Textiles and Fibers, for bleaching or dyeing, fluid treatment, and chemical modification of textiles and fibers using electrical, radiant, or wave energy; without involving electrolysis (electrolytic treatment of organic fibrous material is provided for in Class 205,
689+, ).
47, Plant Husbandry,
1.3, for processes and apparatus for culture of plants by using electricity.
75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose Metal Particulate Mixtures, for (1) general production of metals, (2) electrothermal processes of preparing metals and alloys, and (3) branching processes in which one branch comprises a process falling within the definition of Class
204 and which contains at least one other branch falling within Class 75. See Lines With Other Classes, above, for further discussion of the line between Class 75 and Class 204. 101, Printing, appropriate subclasses for electrotype molds, matrices, or other printing members which may be produced by electrolytic coating, electroforming, or cathode sputtering methods. For processes of their production by such methods, see Class 204, appropriate subclasses.
118, Coating Apparatus, for a general coating apparatus which does not involve the use of electrolysis, electrophoresis, electro-osmosis, or cathode sputtering. Class 204 provides for apparatus having means for combined coating operations in which at least one coated layer is applied by electrolysis, electrophoresis, electro-osmosis, or cathode sputtering. However, Class 118 provides for coating apparatus which also has means to subsequently cure (considered to be a mere perfecting step) the coating using electrical or wave energy.
128, Surgery, for electrical or wave energy treatment of the living human body and apparatus specialized therefor.
131, Tobacco,
294, 295, and 299 for processes of treating tobacco with electrical or radiant energy.
134, Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids,
1+, for processes of cleaning solids by the application of electric, wave, ray or radiant energy to the work, other than broadly recited radiant heat energy.
148, Metal Treatment, particularly
518, for processes of treating solid or semisolid metal to modify or maintain the internal physical structure (i.e., micro structure) or chemical properties of metal combined with a Class 204 procedure. Class 148 takes the combination, whether the Class 148 operation precedes or is subsequent to the Class 204 procedure. Also, see Class 148, subclasses 240+ for the location of processes of reactive coating of metal wherein an externally applied agent combines with the metal substrate to form a coating thereon which contains an element from the metal substrate. Combinations that involve reactive coating as defined in Class 148, subclasses 240+, and a Class 204 coating operation are proper in Class 204. Combinations of a Class 148 reactive coating, a Class 204 coating operation, and an etching operation that occurs while the electrocoated layer still exists are in Class 204. However, combinations of carburizing or nitriding of metal, as defined in Class 148, subclasses 206+, with a Class 204 operation are proper for Class 148.
156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,
625.1+, for a process of chemically etching an electrical function semiconductive precursor, substrate, or device and subclasses 60+ for surface bonding and/or assembly therefor, particularly subclasses 150+ for a laminating process combined with at least one Class 204 step of electrodeposition (i.e., by electrolysis, electrophoresis, electro-osmosis, or cathode sputtering). See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, for discussion of the lines between Classes 156, 204, 205, and 216. 208, Mineral Oils: Processes and Products, for processes of treatment and preparation of mineral oils employing mere electrical thermal effects.
209, Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids, for electrical or wave energy classification, separation, or assortment of solids, particularly
127.1+, for electrostatic processes and apparatus, subclasses 179+ for electrical amalgamation processes and apparatus, and subclasses 212 and 213+ for magnetic separating processes and apparatus.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation,
600+, for purification or separation of a liquid which may include a Class 204-type step of making an agent used in the process. A process of treating the liquid directly by a Class 204 step to purify or separate it will be placed in Class 204 whether or not combined with a physical separation step classifiable in Class 210, subclasses 767+. Class 210 will take the combination of a 210 process, other than mere separation (as provided for in subclasses 767+), with a Class 204 operation. However, a Class 204 process (e.g., synthesis) preceded by a Class 210 step which is ancillary to the process will be placed in Class 204.
216, Etching a Substrate: Processes, for a chemical etching process, in general. See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class for a discussion of the lines between Class 216, 156, 204, and 205.
250, Radiant Energy, for radiant energy processes and apparatus, particularly
281+, for ionic separation or analysis of materials utilizing the mass to electric charge ratio of particles. See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class for a discussion of the lines between Class 250 and Class 204.
260, Chemistry of Carbon Compounds, for a chemical process, in general. See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class for a discussion of the lines between Classes 260, 204, and 520.
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, for measuring, testing, or sensing, per se, to determine electrical properties by electrical means even though nonelectrical values may be derived therefrom; especially
323+, for testing of underground formations by electrolytic methods (e.g., testing an oil well bore for water strata, etc.), subclasses 425+ for testing of an electrolyte to determine electrical properties thereof, and other appropriate subclasses for electrical testing processes or apparatus which is combined with a significant electrical testing circuit or is unrelated to the subject matter of Class 204. 361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,
230+, for ionization apparatus, in general, and subclasses 500+ for electrolytic apparatus which is utilized for a purpose other than to produce a desired chemical change.
373, Industrial Electric Heating Furnaces, for electric furnaces and methods of using them, in general, especially
60+, for electric arc furnaces and methods of using them in which an electric arc is used as a heating means and the reactions performed are a result of the mere thermal effects of the electric arc.
420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, appropriate subclasses for a "nominal" element usable in a Class 204 process (i.e., an element claimed only in terms of the alloy or metallic composition from which it is made) and for processes of producing an alloy or metallic composition. See the class definition of Class 420 for a description of the class line between Class 75 and Class 420. Also, see the search class note to Class 75 in this section for the order of superiority among various metal, alloy, and metal stock areas and methods of manufacture involving them.
423, Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, for (1) a chemical process of producing an inorganic compound or nonmetallic element, in general; (2) the combination of a Class 204 operation with a subsequent chemical process provided for in Class 423 when the Class 423 process modifies a product of the Class 204 operation to produce a different compound or element, and (3) a branched process in which one branch is a Class 204 process and another branch falls within the definition of Class 423. The combination of a Class 423 process with a subsequent Class 204 operation which modifies a product of the Class 423 process is classified in Class 204. In processes where a useful by-product is formed, the patent is classified according to the primary product ultimately produced.
424, Drug, Bio-Affecting and Body Treating Compositions, for a drug, bio-affecting, or body treating composition. See
Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, for the a discussion of the lines between Classes 424, 204, and 514.
426, Food or Edible Material: Processes, Compositions, and Products, especially
234, 235, 236, and 237+ for processes of preparing, preserving, and treating food involving the use of electrical or wave energy, including electrolysis.
427, Coating Processes, for general coating processes. Class 204 provides for processes involving combined coating operations in which at least one coated layer is applied by a Class 204 coating operation. However, a Class 427 coating step followed by curing (considered to be a mere perfecting step) of the 427 coating using electrical or wave energy is proper for Class 427.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, appropriate subclasses for a stock material product not elsewhere provided for in the form of a single or plural layer web or sheet. Also, see Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class in the class definition of Class 428 for an elaboration of the class line between Class 204 and Class 428. 429, Chemistry: Electrical Current Producing Apparatus, Product, and Process, for an electrolyte, process, or apparatus specialized for the production of electrical current as a result of a chemical reaction or change of state (e.g., from a liquid to a gas, etc.).
435, Chemistry: Molecular Biology and Microbiology, for a process or apparatus involving measuring or testing by electrical or wave energy which is separate and apart, but in combination with a process or apparatus for use with a viable microorganism or a catalytically active enzyme; and for a process or apparatus involving electrical or wave energy treatment of a microorganism or an enzyme when the treatment is solely disclosed for use with a viable micro-organism or a catalytically active enzyme.
436, Chemistry: Analytical and Immunological Testing, for a qualitative or quantitative chemical analysis including (1) a step of electrochemistry followed by at least one step of another chemical reaction not involving electrochemistry or (2) a process which is alternatively chemical or electrochemical.
502, Catalyst, Solid Sorbent, or Support Therefor: Product or Process of Making, especially
5, for the use of electrical, magnetic, or wave energy in making a catalyst, solid sorbent, or support therefor.
300+, for processes of producing high temperature (Tc > 30 K) superconductors, particularly subclass 411 for sputter etching, subclass 472 for electrolytic or electrophoretic coating, or subclasses 475+ for sputter coating.
514, Drug, Bio-Affecting and Body Treating Compositions, as an integral part of Class 424, for a drug, bio-affecting, or body treating composition which may be made by a Class 204 process, especially
167+, for a composition including activated or irradiated ergosterol. Also, see the search class note to Class 424, since Class 514 is an integral part of Class 424.
516, Colloid Systems and Wetting Agents; Subcombinations Thereof; Processes of Making, Stabilizing, Breaking, or Inhibiting, appropriate subclasses for subject matter relating to: colloid systems (such as sols*, emulsions, dispersions, foams, aerosols, smokes, gels, or pastes) or wetting agents (such as leveling, penetrating, or spreading); subcombination compositions of colloid systems containing at least an agent specialized and designed for or peculiar to use in making or stabilizing colloid systems; compositions and subcombination compositions specialized and designed for or peculiar to use in breaking (resolving) or inhibiting colloid systems; processes of making the compositions or systems of the class; processes of breaking (resolving) or inhibiting colloid systems; in each instance, when generically claimed or when there is no hierarchically superior provision in the USPC for the specifically claimed art; when without involving electrolysis.
520, Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers -- Part of the Class 520 Series, appropriate classes. See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Classs for a discussion of the lines between Class 520, 204, and 522. 585, Chemistry of Hydrocarbon Compounds, for a process of synthesizing or purifying a hydrocarbon compound. See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class for a discussion of the lines between Classes 585, 204, and 260, and also see the search class note to Class 260 in this section.
588, Hazardous or Toxic Waste Destruction or Containment, for destruction of containment of hazardous or toxic waste by using electrical wave energy, especially
204, for electrolytic or electrodialytic degradation or containment.
GLOSSARY:
ACYCLIC
For the purposes of this class, "acyclic" refers to an organic compound which does not contain a heterocyclic,
nitrocyclic, or carbocyclic nucleus.
ALKALI-FORMING METAL
A metal element chosen from the group consisting of the alkali metals (lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs), and francium (Fr)), the alkaline earth metals (calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), and radium (Ra)), and magnesium (Mg) (included due to its similarity in properties to the alkaline earth metals).
DESIGNATED CHEMICAL COMPOSITION (DCC)
A composition in which at least one of the chemical atoms can either be deduced with certainty or be determined to belong to a limited select group of elements (as indicated in the exemplary lists of terms provided below); except that for the purposes of this class, "organic" is considered to be too broad, eventhough inherently reciting the presence of a carbon atom. An exemplary list of terms used to describe compositions to be regarded as DCC's is as follows: alcohol, alkali or alkaline earth metal, amine, carbon black, carboxylic acid, chalcogen, drying oil, ether, fat, fatty acid or ester, halogen, hydrocarbon, latex, metal hydrate, peroxide, peroxy-, proton donor, sulfide, water, etc. An exemplary list of terms used to describe compositions not to be regarded as DCC's is as follows: amphoteric, anionic, antioxidant, blue, cationic, cosolvent, conductor, crystalline, curing catalyst, deliquescent, dielectric, dispersant, drier, electrophoretic, emulsifier, fibrous, filler, fluorescent, free radical, gas, humectant, hydrophillic, inorganic compound, insulator, ionic, Lewis acid or base, liquid, lubricant, luminescent, metal containing, mineral, numerically described without designating a chemical atom or a limited select group of elements, organic compound, organic solvent, organometallic, particulate, phosphorescent, pigment, plastic, plasticizer, preservative, solid, solvent, stabilizer, surface active agent, surfactant, wax, Ziegler or Natta catalysts, etc. These lists are not intended to be exhaustive.
ELECTROLYSIS A process which is characterized by conduction of an electric current between two or more electrodes through an electrolyte and resulting in a chemical change (e.g., oxidation, reduction, etc.) (other than that brought about by the mere heating effect of the electric current) at one or more of the electrodes (e.g., electrolytic coating or etching, etc.) or at another location in contact with the electrolyte as a direct result of the electric current passing therethrough (e.g., electrolytic material treatment, etc.), such chemical change being the process objective and not merely as a means of conducting an electric current through the electrolyte (as is the case in "electrophoresis" as defined in subclass 450 of this class).
ELECTROLYTE
A substance which is or forms a liquid, solid, or gel containing dissociated ions to conduct an electrolytic current (usually an ionic compound is dissolved in solution or melted into a fused state to provide an electrically conductive medium).
ESTER-TYPE WAX
A "wax" which is essentially an ester in chemical structure, (e.g., montan wax, carnauba wax, etc.).
FAT, FATTY OIL
A glyceride of a higher fatty acid, including naturally occurring mixtures thereof.
FATTY STILL RESIDUES
Bottoms, tars, or pitches resulting from the distillation of fats, fatty oils, and ester-type waxes, (e.g., stearine pitch, etc.).
HIGHER FATTY ACID
A monocarboxylic acid containing an unbroken chain of at least seven carbon atoms bonded to a carboxyl group, (e.g., stearic acid, etc.). INTERNAL BATTERY
A device or means which generates an electrical current by chemical action within a zone of desired electrolysis without the need for an external source of electrical current.
ORGANIC COMPOUND
A chemical compound limited by the definition of a "carbon compound" found under the class definition in Class 260, Chemistry of Carbon Compounds.
PERMANENT COATING
A coating which remains as part of a finished article as distinguished from a coating which is formed upon and removed or stripped from a base or substrate.
PLATINUM METAL
A metal element from the group consisting of iridium (Ir), osmium (Os), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), and rhenium (Re).
PRECIOUS METAL
A metal element from the group consisting of gold (Au),
platinum metals, and silver (Ag).
SYNTHESIS For purposes of this class, "synthesis" includes the production of a desired element or compound by breaking down from complex forms to simpler ones as well as the building up of complex forms from simpler ones.
WAVE ENERGY
For the purposes of this class, "wave energy" includes radiation as well as wave energy transmitted by various mediums and embraces electromagnetic wave energy or radiation, sonic and supersonic waves, neutron, proton, deutron, and other types of corpuscular radiation.