CLASS 148, METAL TREATMENT · July 2006 CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS 148 - 1 December 2004 Edition

July 2006 CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS 148 - 1

December 2004 Edition

CLASS 148, METAL TREATMENT

SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

A. This is the generic class in the art of treating metal tomodify or maintain the internal physical structure (i.e.,microstructure) or chemical properties of metal. Mostprocess subject matter under this class relates to treatingsolid or semisolid metal with heat, without melting asubstantial portion thereof, and also includes the combi-nation of significant heating and working not providedfor in other metal working classes. However, casting orcasting and working of molten metal, if combined withsignificant heat treatment to change the microstructureof the solid metal resulting therefrom is acceptable inthis class. Cooling of metal to produce microstructurechange is proper for this class.

B. This class includes processes of treating metal tointentionally develop, improve, modify, or preserve themagnetic properties of a free metal or alloy, occurringalone or mixed with one or more components.

C. This class includes processes of reactive coating ofmetal wherein an externally supplied carburizing ornitriding agent is combined with the metal substrate toproduce a carburized or nitridized or carbonitrided coat-ing thereon or a uniformly carburized, nitrided, or car-bonitrided metal alloy containing a metal element fromsaid substrate.

D. This class includes processes of reactive coating ofmetal wherein an externally supplied agent combineswith the metal substrate to produce a coating thereonwhich contains at least one element from said metal sub-strate (e.g., oxidizing, boronizing, etc.).

E. This class includes processes of chemical-heatremoving (e.g., flame cutting, etc.) or burning (i.e., oxi-dizing) to remove a portion of a metal workpiece.

F. This class includes: (1) elemental metal, alloy ormetallic composition which is a product of a processunder section A, above; (2) elemental metal, alloy, ormetallic composition or multi-layered products undersection B or C above; (3) elemental metal, alloy, ormetallic composition which is the product of a signifi-cant Class 164 metal founding step; (4) elemental metal,alloy, or metallic composition which is the product ofthe dispersion of particulate matter in molten metalwhich particulate matter retains its identification in thefinal state; and (5) elemental metal, alloy, or metalliccomposition which contains an amorphous or shapememory property.

G. This class includes compositions employed in thetreatment of solid metal and processes for preparing thesame when not otherwise classifiable.

H. This class includes electrically conductive semicon-ductor stock which is essentially homogeneous and hasat least two contiguous layers differing in the number ofunbound electrons and/or differing in energy gap levelswhich exhibit a junction between layers (e.g., P-N type,etc.).

For amplification of A-H, see Subclass References tothe Current Class, below.

RULES OF PATENT PLACEMENT

Patents have been placed in this class employing the so-called “genus-species” rule. Following this rule asbetween a generic subclass and its indents, a speciesunprovided in any indented subclass is specifically clas-sified in the generic subclass. Thus, a patent containingclaims to both a provided species and an unprovidedspecies is placed as original in the generic subclass asthe first (i.e., highest) appearing subclass and cross-ref-erenced to the indented subclass having the providedspecies. A patent containing claims only for specieshaving provided subclasses is placed as original in thefirst (i.e., highest) appearing provided subclass andcross-referenced to the other (i.e., lower) appearing sub-classes.

Following the “genus-species” rule, all mandatory origi-nal and cross-references only appear in the highest sub-classes providing therefor. The claims identify themandatory original and cross-references. However, ifthe claims are all generic, the specification is used todetermine mandatory placement of the disclosed spe-cies, only if related to features in the claim language.

SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSESAND WITHIN THIS CLASS

A. METAL CASTING, METAL FUSION BONDING,MACHINING, OR WORKING CLASSES

For purposes of distinguishing over the metal casting,metal fusion bonding, machining, or working classes,significant heat treatment must be present to be properfor Class 148. Significant heat treatment occurs whentemperature or heating or cooling rate is provided in anonworking, noncasting, nonfusion-bonding, or nonma-chining related step or when microstructure description

148 - 2 CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS July 2006

1December 2004 Edition

is utilized in the claim to describe the result of the heat-ing or cooling treatment of solid or semisolid metal.Working at a specified temperature without mention ofmicrostructure is not significant heat treatment for Class148. The mere use of the term “ageing” or “tempering”will be considered significant heat treatment. Except for“workhardening”, the use of the term “hardening” willbe considered significant heat treatment. “Quenching”will be considered significant heat treatment lacking anindication that it means simply returning to a convenientworking temperature. “Stress-relief-annealing” willremain in the metal working classes. Working metal inthe “superplastic” state or during “dynamic-recrystalli-zation” remains in the working classes unless a tempera-ture is provided. “Ion implantation” of a metal substratewill be a sufficient indication of microstructural changeto place classification in Class 148. High frequencyvibration of solid metal for purposes of changing themicrostructure thereof is sufficient to take a combina-tion thereof with the above operations to Class 148 as anoriginal. When combined with working, “annealing”,per se, will remain in the metal working classes. How-ever, annealing at a specified temperature goes in Class148. Merely, heating or cooling a metal to a workingtemperature is not significant heat treatment. In sum-mary, the presence in any step of a significant heat treat-ment as hereinabove described is sufficient to place theclassification in Class 148.

B. CHEMICAL PROCESSES OF MANUFACTUR-ING METALS OR ALLOYS, METALLIC COMPOSI-TIONS AND METALLIC STOCK CLASSES INORDER OF SUPERIORITY.

Historically, placement of originals among the classesfor chemical processes of manufacturing metals oralloys, metallic compositions classes and metallic stockclasses did not depend upon the most comprehensiveclaims and did not follow superiority of statutory cate-gories of invention (i.e., process of using, product ormanufacture, process of making, apparatus for perform-ing a process and material). Within these metallurgicalprocesses, metallic composition and metallic stockclasses, placement depends upon complex lines estab-lished through experience. To simplify placement, thefollowing hierarchy containing the essence of historicalplacement for these classes was previously establishedto settle conflicts between the classes listed thereunderwith the first listed or higher class controlling place-ment, if claims are present therefor and regardless ofstatutory category. If a class other than those listedhereinunder is involved, consideration of the other classis based upon relevant lines, comprehensiveness, andsuperiority of statutory categories of invention only with

respect to the other class. Having determined the con-trolling class, placement of the original goes by the hier-archy within the class and not according to thefollowing list.

The superiority among the various metal, alloy, andmetal stock areas, and chemical methods of manufactur-ing them, is provided in order under the search classnotes as follows:

Class 419, Powder Metallurgy Processes, appropriatesubclasses for processes of treating metal powder utiliz-ing a sintering or compacting operation and includingpost-treatment operations if combined with the sinteringor compacting operation. If the starting material is pre-consolidated, and there is no actual sintering or consoli-dating step present, placement goes as original to Class148, subclass 514 provided hierarchically hereinbelow.

Class 148, Metal Treatment, subclasses 22-30 for com-positions for treatment of solid metal.

Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compo-sitions for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal PowderCompositions, and Loose Metal Particulate Mixtures,subclasses 300, 301, and 303+ for gaseous, liquid, orsolid treating compositions for liquid metal or charges,and subclass 302 welding rod defined by composition.

Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compo-sitions for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal PowderCompositions, and Loose Metal Particulate Mixtures,subclasses 228-250, consolidated metal powder compo-sitions and subclasses 252-255, loose metal particulatemixtures.

Class 420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, claimed asproducts.

Class 148, Metal Treatment, subclasses 95-122, 194-287, and 500-714 providing for processes of modifyingor maintaining the internal physical structure (i.e.,microstructure) or chemical properties of metal, pro-cesses of reactive coating of metal and processes ofchemical-heat removing (e.g., flame-cutting) or burningof metal. However, if metal casting, fusion bonding,machining or working is involved, there is a require-ment of significant heat treatment as described in “A.Metal Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.” above.

Class 148, Metal Treatment, subclasses 33-33.6, barrierlayer stock material and subclasses 300-337 and 400-442, stock.



Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compo-sitions for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal PowderCompositions, and Loose Metal Particulate Mixtures,subclasses 331+, processes of making solid particulatealloys directly from liquid metal, and subclasses 343+,processes of producing or purifying alloys in powderform.

Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compo-sitions for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal PowderCompositions, and Loose Metal Particulate Mixtures,subclasses 10.1-10.66 and 10.67+, processes of makingalloys by electrothermic, electromagnetic, or electro-static processes.

Class 420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, for pro-cesses of manufacture.

Class 75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compo-sitions for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal PowderCompositions, and Loose Metal Particulate Mixtures,subclasses 330+, processes of making metal and pro-cesses of treating liquid metals and liquid alloys andconsolidating metalliferous material.

205, Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions UsedTherein, and Methods of Preparing the Compositions,particularly for processes of electrocoating of metal. Atthis time, Class 205 is a subdivision of Class 204 andtherefore all notes concerning Class 204 should be con-sulted when determining the relationship to Class 148.

204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, processes.Combinations of reactive coating of metal and electro-coating of metal go to Class 204 as original. See C,Chemical Coating, Cleaning, Etching And Manufactur-ing Classes, below for the line between Class 148 andClass 204. If metal casting, fusion bonding, machining,or working is included see “A. Metal Casting, MetalFusion Bonding, etc.” above to determine if this isproper for Class 148.

164, Metal Founding, subclasses 1-138, processes. Seethe line between Class 164 and Class 148 under A,Metal Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding, Machining, OrWorking Classes, above.

266, Metallurgical Apparatus, subclasses 44-47, pro-cesses of operating metallurgical apparatus.

C. CHEMICAL COATING, CLEANING, ETCHINGAND MANUFACTURING CLASSES.

If there is a combination of chemical coating, cleaning,etching or chemical treating of metal and metal casting,fusion bonding, machining, or working with significantheat treatment in any step of metal to modify or main-tain the internal physical structure (i.e., microstructure)or chemical property of metal, the combination goes inClass 148 as an original. To determine what constitutessignificant heat treatment refer to “A. Metal Casting,Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.” above. In the absence ofcasting, welding, machining, or working, the combina-tion of treating metal with chemicals or chemical com-positions and a separate step heat treatment to modify ormaintain the internal physical structure or chemicalproperty of metal, placement as an original goes to Class148 except as indicated in the following lines. It isnoted that heat treatment includes a cooling of metal forClass 148 purposes. If chemical heat-cutting (e.g.,flame cutting) or burning (i.e., oxidizing), ion implanta-tion, high frequency vibration to change microstructure,carburizing, nitriding, or reactive coating of metal isclaimed, combinations with other classes involvingtreating metal with chemicals or chemical compositionswill go to Class 148, subject to the following excep-tions.

Also see References to Other Classes, below, that refer-ence this section.

D. SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE MAKING ANDSEMICONDUCTOR STOCK

Class 438 is the residual class for (a) multiple operations(steps) for producing a semiconductor having a junctionor semiconductor device having a junction, usuallybetween P-type and N-type material or (b) an unit oper-ation involving semiconductor material, not elsewhereprovided. Class 438, subclasses 795-799, provides forprocesses of heat treatment of semiconductor material tochange some characteristic thereof. Since in certaininstances semiconductor material could include metalliccompositions containing metal, placement goes to Class438 as original over Class 148 if during the heat treat-ment there is either a change in the internal physicalstructure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical propertiessince that is in essence a change in the property of thesemiconductor materials overall properties whetherthose properties are expressed in terms of a change inconductance or not. However, it is required that themetal composition undergoing the heat treatment mustbe identified or perceived as semiconductor material. Ifperceived, a mandatory cross is made in Class 148.

Semiconductor stock in Class 148, subclasses 33-33.6,



must be essentially homogeneous and have at least twocontiguous layers differing in the number of unboundelectrons and/or differing in energy gap levels, whichexhibit a junction between the layers. Class 252, sub-class 62.3, is the location of compositions specializedand designed for use as one layer which when combinedwith another such layer would provide an interfaceexhibiting barrier layer properties (e.g., as could exist inClass 148, subclasses 33-33.6, stock, if the junctionthereof were between P-type and N-type semiconduct-ing materials, etc.).

LINE WITH CLASS 29 AND CLASS 164

Combinations of casting and working are located inClass 29. However, combinations of casting and heattreatment for purposes of modifying or maintaining theinternal physical structure (i.e., microstructure) orchemical properties of metal go as original to Class 148.Combinations of casting and metal fusion bonding,machining, or working go to Class 148, if there is signif-icant heat treatment as defined hereinabove. In continu-ous casting operations, wherein the contiguous productis still connected to the casting surface, a step involvingsignificant heat treatment of the solid or semi-solidmetal which occurs outside or away from the moldingsurface goes to Class 148. However, chemical heatremoving (e.g., flame-cutting, etc.) or burning (i.e., oxi-dation) of a continuously cast metal goes to Class 164, ifsome of the continuously cast and contiguous product isconnected to the shaping surface. Cutting operations inthe mold go to Class 164. Combinations of reactivecoating, ion implantation or high frequency vibration tochange microstructure and casting go to Class 148 ifthey occur outside the mold.


While the combination of etching and electrocoating orsputter-coating or the combination of electrocoating orsputter-coating and a Class 427 coating operation isproper for Class 204, the inclusion of a post-treatmentinvolving a separate Class 148 operation to modify ormaintain the internal physical structure or chemicalproperties of metal deposited by the Class 427 operationtakes the overall combination to Class 148 as original.

It is further noted that the other areas of Class 204, fol-low a different line than the electrocoating or sputter-coating with respect to Class 148. The presence in anystep of an operation proper for Class 148, if claimedindependently, is sufficient to take the noncoating Class204 operation to Class 148 as original. In the context ofClass 204, electrorefining to recover metal from solu-

tion is not considered electrocoating even though anelectrode is plated.


See Class 205, Electrolysis: Processes, CompositionsUsed Therein, and Methods of Preparing the Composi-tions, particularly subclasses for processes of electro-coating of metal. At this time, Class 205 is asubdivision of Class 204 and therefore all notes con-cerning Class 204 should be consulted when determin-ing the relationship to Class 148.


Class 148 provides for certain coating processes, per se,if the substrate is metal. The species of coating, per se,proper for Class 148 include carburizing, nitriding, car-bonitriding, or reactive coating of a metal substrate. Ifthere is a combination coating operation for Class 427and a Class 148 treatment of solid or semi-solid metal ina step separate from the coating step to modify or main-tain the internal physical structure (i.e., microstructure)or chemical properties of metal, the combination goes asoriginal to Class 148 whether or not the treatment is pre-paratory to the Class 427 coating operation or is a post-treatment of the coating or substrate or both. The line toClass 204 must be followed as between Class 427, Class204, and Class 148. Moreover, if metal casting, fusionbonding, machining, or working is involved in the com-bination, placement goes to Class 148 only if the heattreatment is a significant heat treatment as defined in theClass 148 definition, “A. Metal Casting, Metal FusionBonding, etc., above.” A combination of a metal work-ing step proper for one of the metal working classes andion implantation for coating purposes will be proper forClass 148. See particularly subclass 239 of Class 148for ion implantation of a metal substrate according tothese distinctions. See also the Class 427 definition“Search Class” notes.

SECTION III - SUBCLASS REFERENCES TOTHE CURRENT CLASS

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:22, see the notes for amplification of statement G

of the Class Definition.33, see the notes for amplification of statement H

of the Class Definition.95, see the notes for amplification of statement A

in the Class Definition, see the notes undersubclass of this class.



100, see the notes for amplification of statement Bin the Class Definition.

194, see the notes for amplification of statement Eof the Class Definition.

206, see the notes for amplification of statement Cof the Class Definition.

240, see the notes for amplification of statement Dof the Class Definition.

400, see the notes for amplification of statement Fof the Class Definition.

SECTION IV - REFERENCES TO OTHERCLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:29, Metal Working, appropriate subclasses for pro-

cesses having combined operations involvingmetal working, machining, metal fusion bond-ing, or casting class and treating not providedfor in the metal working, machining, welding,or casting classes. Since Class 29 is a residualmetal treating class and Class 148 is also aresidual metal treating class, the relationshipestablished makes Class 148 superior in allcases wherein significant heat treatment asdefined in “A. Metal Casting, Metal FusionBonding, etc.” above, first paragraph, isincluded. However, Class 29 is also a genericmechanical assembly class. See Notes to theClass Definition, (2) Note of the Class 29 defi-nition, (7) Note under Class 29, subclass592,and the Class 29, subclass 428, definition.Wherein Class 29 mechanical assembly isinvolved, placement in Class 148 as original isproper over Class 29, if significant heat treat-ment as described in “A. Metal Casting, MetalFusion Bonding, etc.” above is included. In allother situations, mechanical assembly opera-tions remain in Class 29. The combination ofreactive coating or chemical heat removing(e.g., flame-cutting, etc.) or burning (i.e., oxi-dizing) to remove a portion of a metal work-piece, with a Class 29 metal working,machining, fusion bonding, casting, ormechanical assembly operation goes as anoriginal to Class 148. (See Lines With OtherClasses and Within This Class, “Metal Casting,Metal Fusion Bonding,etc.,” above.)

72, Metal Deforming, appropriate subclasses forprocesses of deforming metal by working thatinvolve the use of heat. Class 148 is superiorto Class 72, if significant heat treatment ispresent before, after, or during the deforming

operation. Significant heat treatment is definedunder the first paragraph of “A. Metal Casting,Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.” above See LinesWith Other Classes and Within This Class,Relationship To Combination Classes, “WithHeat Treatment”, paragraph (c) of the Class 72definition. (See Lines With Other Classes andWithin This Class, “Metal Casting, MetalFusion Bonding etc.,” above.)

117, Single-Crystal, Oriented-Crystal, and EpitaxyGrowth Processes; Non-Coating ApparatusTherefor, for processes and non-coating appa-ratus for growing therein-defined single-crystalof all types of materials, including metal, alloy,or intermetallic single-crystal (except thoseproper for the class of Metal Founding). Class117 is proper for metal, alloy, or intermetallicsingle-crystal growing in any physical state,including solid phase recrystallization. Class117 is proper for metal, alloy, or intermetallicsingle-crystal growing and such combined withperfecting operations for the growing step,except that Class 148 provides for single-crys-tal growing combined with a subsequent stepof heat treatment (which herein includes con-trolled cooling) when the purpose of the heattreatment (or controlled cooling) is to modifythe internal physical structure or chemicalproperty of a metal, alloy, or intermetallicmaterial. When the subsequent heat treatment(or controlled cooling) merely operates on thesingle-crystallinity, such as stress or strainannealing or to remove point defects, the com-bined process is proper for Class 117; when thesubsequent heat treatment (or controlled cool-ing) operates to effect significant metal, alloy,or intermetallic material heat treatment (or con-trolled cooling) purposes, such as solutioniz-ing, homogenizing, or precipitation hardening,then the combined process is proper for Class148. Class 117 provides for simultaneous orprior perfecting operations combined with sin-gle-crystal growing. See Class 117 definition,section C, (4) Note, for discussion of perfectingoperations. (See Lines With Other Classes andWithin This Class, “Chemical Coating, Clean-ing, Etching etc.,” above.)

134, Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, appropriate subclasses for process of metalcleaning and pickling, per se, Combinationswith a Class 148 operation go as original toClass 148. (See Lines With Other Classes andWithin This Class, “Chemical Coating, Clean-ing, Etching, etc.,” above.)



156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemi-cal Manufacture, for adhesive bonding andchemical etching. Combinations of adhesivebonding or chemical etching with treatment ofmetal to modify or maintain the internal physi-cal structure or chemical properties of metal goas original in Class 148. (See Lines With OtherClasses and Within This Class, “ChemicalCoating, Cleaning, Etching, etc.,” above.)

164, Metal Founding, appropriate subclasses forprocesses of casting molten metal. (See LinesWith Other Classes and Within This Class,above.)

204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy,appropriate subclasses for processes of electro-coating or sputter-coating that result in a metallayer being formed or in metal being electro-coated by another material and combinations ofelectrocoating or sputter-coating with otherchemical treating operations that (1) involvepreparatory treatment of metal substratesincluding heat-treatment which if claimedalone would be proper for Class 148 and (2)post-treatment solely of the electrocoated orsputter-coated layer including heat-treatmentwhich if claimed alone would be proper forClass 148. However, if the subsequent treat-ment modifies the original substrate or a com-bination of the original substrate and theelectrocoated or sputter-coated layer, place-ment goes elsewhere.

(a) Thus, Class 148 takes as original incombination with an electrocoating orsputter-coating step only processes ofpost-treating electrocoated or sputter-coated article or stock having an originalsubstrate which is post-treated and havingpresent therewith a nonelectrocoated ornonsputter coated solid or semi-solidmetal portion or layer to modify the inter-nal physical structure (i.e., microstruc-ture) or chemical properties of metal. Incombinations, including electrocoating orsputter-coating which have post-treat-ments, that also include metal casting,fusion bonding, machining, or working; itis necessary to have significant heat treat-ment as defined in Class 148, Lines WithOther Classes and Within This Class, “A.Metal Casting, Metal Fusion Bonding,etc.” above before placement as originalin Class 148. Combinations that involvereactive coating as defined in Class 148,subclasses 240-287, and a Class 204 elec-

trocoating or sputter-coating operation goto Class 204. (b) Carburizing or nitriding of metal oper-ations as defined in Class 148, subclasses206-238, if combined with a Class 204operation go in Class 148 as originalregardless of the order of the treatmentand whether or not the coating or sub-strate is treated. (c) Since Class 148 is superior to Class204, if claims are present which indepen-dently are classifiable in both classes,placement goes as original to Class 148.

(1) Note. Interdiffusion of the electrocoated orsputter-coated layer occurring during thecoating operation or during the post-treat-ment operation is proper for Class 204 iflimited to the interfacial region between thecoating and the substrate as a perfecting ofthe bond between the coating and substrate.If the electrocoated or sputter-coated layeris completely melted in the post-treatmentoperation to perfect the bonding of the coat-ing, this is proper for Class 204. If multipleelectrocoated or sputter-coated regions areinterdiffused to the extent of completelyalloying with loss of layer identity, this isproper for Class 204. However, if the coat-ing is completely interdiffused into a metalsubstrate to completely alloy, leaving noidentifying layer on the substrate, place-ment goes to Class 148. (See Lines WithOther Classes and Within This Class,above.)

205, Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions UsedTherein, and Methods of Preparing the Compo-sitions, particularly subclasses for processes ofelectrocoating of metal. (See Lines With OtherClasses and Within This Class, above.)

219, Electric Heating, appropriate subclasses forprocesses of electric heating of metal for metalfusion bonding, machining, or working ofmetal and for processes of heating metal, perse. If the Class 219 metal fusion bonding orworking of metal is combined with significantheat treatment of metal as hereinabove defined,placement goes to Class 148. Lacking a step ofmetal fusion bonding, machining, or workingof metal, an electric heating to perform anoperation falling under the Class 148 definitionwill go to Class 148. Class 219 includes pro-cesses utilizing an arc, plasma, laser, or otherelectrically generated heat to cut metal. In gen-



eral, the combination of electric heat cuttingand chemical-heat removing or burning ofmetal will go to Class 148. However, anexception evolved in Class 219 wherein thereis a simultaneous chemical-heat removing orburning and arc-cutting in which air or oxygenassisted the cutting (see Class 219, subclass69.1, (1) Note. Surface melting of a solid orsemi-solid metal workpiece for purposes otherthan metal fusion bonding, and consistent withthe Class 148 definition, are provided for inClass 148, even if by electric heating. (SeeLines With Other Classes and Within ThisClass, “Metal Casting, Metal Fusion Bond-ing,etc.,” above.)

228, Metal Fusion Bonding, appropriate subclassesfor processes of metal fusion bonding or weld-ing of metal. A combination of metal fusionbonding with a separate step involving signifi-cant heat treatment as hereinabove defined willgo to Class 148. Thus, a subsequent step ofheat treating to perfect the solid fusion bondleft by the fusion bonding step as, for example,by diffusion or by tempering goes to Class 148.However, nominal annealing with no mentionof the annealing temperature remains withClass 228. Combinations of metal fusionbonding and a separate step of surface meltingof metal which is distinct and nonpreparatoryto the fusion bonding step go to Class 148.Combinations of reactive coating of metal orchemical-heat removing (i.e., flame-cutting) orburning of metal with metal fusion bonding goto Class 148. Combinations of high frequencyvibration in a separate step for purposes ofchanging microstructure and metal fusionbonding go to Class 148. (See Lines WithOther Classes and Within This Class, “MetalCasting, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.,” above.)

427, Coating Processes, for processes of coating,per se. (See Lines With Other Classes andWithin This Class and Within This Class,above.)

428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, sub-classes 692.1 and 693.1 for stock materialshaving a defined magnetic layer; and sub-classes 800-848.9 for magnetic heads, andmagnetic and magneto-optic storage medium,per se, with specific detail of composition orphysical chemistry (e.g., materials, microstruc-ture, surface property, etc.).

445, Electric Lamp or Space Discharge Componentor Device Manufacturing, appropriate sub-classes for processes of producing an assem-

bled electric lamp or space discharge devicewherein final manufacturing steps involveClass 148 heating or Class 148 coating treat-ment of solid metal electrodes or filamentswithin the completely assembled device, inwhich case a cross-reference is placed in Class148. However, any Class 148 treatment of ametal electrode, per se, goes as an original inClass 148, regardless of intended use in anelectric lamp or space discharge device. Thus,carburizing, decarburizing, or hardening of ametal electrode or metal filament, per se, goesin Class 148 as original. (See Lines With OtherClasses and Within This Class, “Metal Casting,Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.,” above.)

502, Catalyst, Solid Sorbent, or Support Therefor:Product or Process of Making, for processes oftreating metal for purposes of enhancing it'scatalytic function or to make it more durablefor catalytic operation even if a class 148 oper-ation is involved. However, if heat treatment isinvolved to modify or maintain the microstruc-ture or chemical properties of solid or semi-solid metal, a cross-reference to Class 148 ismandatory. (See Lines With Other Classesand Within This Class, “Chemical Coating,Cleaning, Etching, etc.,” above.)

508, Solid Anti-Friction Devices, MaterialsThereof, Lubricant or Separant Compositionsfor Moving Solid Surfaces and MiscellaneousMineral Oil Compositions, subclasses 100through 109 for inter alia materials used tomake solid anti-friction devices or articles,which material contain a lubricant as a perma-nent part thereof, whether by permanent coat-ing, impregnation into the interstices thereof,or by being part of the composition.

SECTION V - GLOSSARY

AGING OR AGEING

Also termed precipitation hardening or strengthening.A process whereby the hardness/strength of a metalalloy may be increased by subjecting a supersaturatedsolid solution to elevated temperature to precipitate outa secondary phase containing the solute. Aging mayalso be manifested as a spontaneous increase in hard-ness at room temperature. Aging for a longer time thanthat corresponding to maximum hardness at the particu-lar temperature is termed overageing. Aging after orduring straining is known as strain aging. Maragingsteels are a specific group of high nickel (i.e., greater



than ten percent Nickel), low carbon martensitic steelswhich can be fabricated while in a comparatively ductilemartensitic condition and later strengthened by agingtreatment.

AMORPHOUS

A term signifying a lack of regular crystalline order,much like the absence of long-range crystalline order inglass.

ANNEALING

A single thermal heat treatment wherein the heating of ametal workpiece to a temperature results in improvedformability.

AUSTEMPERING

A procedure that involves preliminary quenching ofaustenized metal to a temperature in the lower bainiterange, usually in a molten salt bath, holding at this tem-perature until transformation is complete, and quench-ing or air cooling to room temperature. If desired, alower hardness level may be produced by including anadditional tempering step.

AUSTENIZING

A process of heating to an elevated temperature withinthe austenitic range.

BLUEING

A process of forming a protective oxide coating on fer-rous metal.

CARBURIZING

A process wherein a metal substrate is treated with anexternally supplied source of carbon resulting in the car-burization of the metal by chemical reaction or diffu-sion.

CASE HARDENING

A term most often applied to carburizing or nitridingprocesses which result in a hardened surface on theworkpiece.

MALLEABLEIZING

A process applied to cast irons whereby the combinedcarbon in the as-cast microstructure is graphitized to

form temper carbon. When combined with decarburiza-tion of the surface, the resulting product is termedwhite-heart malleable iron.

MARTEMPERING

A process which involves preliminary quenching of aus-tenized metal to a temperature just above the Ms tem-perature and holding until the temperature is equalizedthroughout the metal, followed by air cooling throughthe martensite transformation range and subsequentreheating to produce tempered martensite of the desiredstrength level.

NITRIDING

A process wherein a metal substrate is treated with anexternally supplied source of nitrogen resulting in anincreased nitrogen content of the metal by chemicalreaction or diffusion.

NORMALIZING

A process of heating the metal above it's critical temper-ature range and cooling in air thereby establishing a fineuniform grain size and improving microstructural uni-formity.

PATENTING

A continuous process consisting of heating the metal toa temperature well above the upper critical temperature,then rapidly cooling through the critical temperature at acomparatively rapid rate to a predetermined elevatedtemperature, the cooling step being commonly effectedin a fused metallic bath.

PRECIPITATION HARDENING

See definition for ageing above.

RECRYSTALLIZATION

A thermal treatment of previously worked metal toeffect an equiaxed microstructure through the nucleationof strain free grains and the gradual consumption of theworked matrix by the growth of these grains.

SOLUTION TREATING

A process whereby an alloy system possessing decreas-ing solute solidity with temperature is treated to dissolvesaid solute in the parent phase. Subsequent quenchingresults in solute supersaturation and thus places the



metal alloy in a condition for age hardening. Alsoapplied to heating a multi-phase metal alloy to an ele-vated temperature to dissolve one or more phases.

STRESS RELIEVING OR STRESS RELIEFANNEALING

The heating of metal to a comparatively low tempera-ture to relieve microstructural strain induced by work-ing.

TEMPERING

Involves the heating of previously quenched or normal-ized metal alloy to an elevated temperature, and thencooling under suitable conditions to obtain the desiredmechanical properties.

SUBCLASSES

22 COMPOSITIONS:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Compositions employed in the treatmentof solid metal and processes for preparing samewhen not otherwise classifiable.

(1) Note. In this subclass are collected, forexample, compositions specialized foruse in masking areas of metal surface toprotect said areas during the metal treat-ment, e.g., the use of protective paint onlocalized areas during carburizing ornitriding treatments.

(2) Note. The rules for determining Classplacement of the Original Reference(OR) for claimed chemical compositionsare set forth in the Class Definition ofClass 252 in the SECTION LINESWITH OTHER CLASSES ANDWITHIN THIS CLASS, subsectionCOMPOSITION CLASS SUPERIOR-ITY, which includes a hierarchicalORDER OF SUPERIORITY FORCOMPOSITION CLASSES.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:106, Compositions: Coating or Plastic, for

coating or plastic compositions ingeneral.

427, Coating Processes, subclass 259 for acoating process including utilizing amasking coating.

510, Cleaning Compositions for Solid Sur-faces, Auxiliary Compositions There-for, or Processes of Preparing theCompositions, subclasses 245through 274 for metal cleaning com-positions, particularly subclasses258+ and 269+ for pickling composi-tions.

23 Fluxing:Compositions which contain a substance whichfacilitates uniting by fusion in such processesas welding, soldering and coating.

(1) Note. This subclass and indented sub-classes 24 to 26, also take methods offluxing using a particular composition,even when that method is designated as amethod of soldering, brazing or welding.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes,

Compositions for Use Therein, Con-solidated Metal Powder Composi-tions, and Loose Metal ParticulateMixtures, appropriate subclasses forfluxing compositions specialized foruse in metallurgical processes.

228, Metal Fusion Bonding, subclasses214+ for methods of soldering, braz-ing or welding which include, but arenot restricted to, the step of fluxing bythe use of a particular composition.

24 Metallic:The composition as applied contains metal par-ticles.


Compositions for Use Therein, Con-solidated Metal Powder Composi-tions, and Loose Metal ParticulateMixtures, subclasses 252+ for a loosemixture of metal particles and non-metal particles which may be fluxingagents. Where such a mixture isclaimed, and the mixture is disclosedof use only for fluxing of solid metaland only in combination with a vehi-cle, that is, a binder, slurrying agent,etc., the patent is placed here andcross-referenced in Class 75, sub-classes 252+.



106, Compositions: Coating or Plastic, subclass 1.05 for metal-depositingcompositions which may containmetal particles, a flux and a vehicle.

228, Metal Fusion Bonding, subclass 56for comparison with this subclass(24).

428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Arti-cles, subclasses 558 and 560+ formetallic stock material which oftencontains fluxing ingredients.

25 Oleaginous:The composition contains an oil or fat.

26 Inorganic:Composed wholly of inorganic substanceswhen applied to the metal.

27 Heat treating:Compositions for treating solid metal when in aheated condition.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:13.1+, for heat treatment processes utilizing

special compositions.27+, for heat treating compositions applied

to the surface of the metal work in thenature of a granular deposit or coat-ing.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:252, Compositions, for heat exchange and

related compositions, per se. This andindented subclasses of Class 148 pro-vide for patents directed to metal heattreating compositions where, in addi-tion to the heat exchange function thecomposition, or any of its constitu-ents, reacts chemically, with the metalor any of its alloy constituents to formcoatings, metal compounds, etc., or tocase harden the work.

28 Liquid:The composition is in a liquid condition whenbrought into contact with the hot metal.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:18, and 20.6, for processes of heat treat-

ing while contacting the metal with aliquid.

29 Oleaginous:The liquid composition contains an oil or fat.

30 Carbonaceous:The composition contains available carbon,which it gives up to the heated metal.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19, for processes of heat treating ferrous

alloys for heat treating while contact-ing the metal with a carbonaceoussolid.

33 BARRIER LAYER STOCK MATERIAL,P-N TYPE:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Electrically semiconductive stock whichis essentially homogeneous and has at least twocontiguous layers differing in the number ofunbound electrons and/or differing in energygap levels, which exhibit a junction betweenthe layers.

(1) Note. A semiconductive material is anelectronic conductor whose resistivity atroom temperature is in the range 10-2 to10-9 ohm-cm (which is between metalsand insulators), in which the electriccharge carrier concentration increaseswith increasing temperatures over sometemperature range. Certain semiconduc-tive material possess two types of carri-ers, namely negative electrons andpositive holes. The essential differencebetween a semiconductor and a metal isthat the number of free electrons in theformer is very small, the energy bandbeing either entirely full or entirelyempty, except for a few electrons andholes created by thermal excitation(intrinsic semiconductor) or by the pres-ence of impurities. By energy gap ismeant the energy range between the bot-tom of the conduction band and the topof the valence band. The vacant energylevels in the valence band are defined asholes.



SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:117, Single-Crystal, Oriented-Crystal, and

Epitaxy Growth Processes: Non-Coat-ing Apparatus Therefor, particularlysubclasses 22+ for liquid phase singlecrystallization techniques of the melt-pull type which produce adjoiningcrystals of different composition (i.e.,junction formation), subclasses 56+for liquid phase epitaxial growth tech-niques involving a change in agrowth-influencing parameter (e.g.,multilayer or junction or superlatticeformation), subclasses 89+ for chemi-cal vapor deposition techniques offorming a single crystal involving achange in a growth-influencingparameter (e.g., multilayer or junctionor superlattice formation), and sub-class 105 for vapor deposition tech-niques of forming a single crystalinvolving a change in a growth-influ-encing parameter (e.g., multilayer orjunction or superlattice formation).

136, Batteries: Thermoelectric and Photo-electric, subclasses 236.1+ for ther-moelectric compositions wherein atleast two elements of a battery areclaimed; particularly subclasses 238and 239 for semiconductive materials.

252, Compositions, subclass 62.3 for com-positions specialized and designed foruse as one member of two whoseinterface exhibits barrier layer proper-ties, e.g., either P-type or N-type.

257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g.,Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), appropriate subclasses for an activesolid-state devices many of whichinclude a barrier layer.

428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Arti-cles, subclasses 615+ for a metalliccomposite defined in terms of thecomposition of its components, espe-cially subclass 620 for such compositehaving a semiconductor component,but no P-N junction.

438, Semiconductor Device Manufactur-ing: Process, for methods of makingsemiconductor structures possessing abarrier layer; see the search notestherein.

33.1 With contiguous layer doped to degeneracy:This subclass is indented under subclass 33.Stock which has two contiguous layers ofsemiconductive material doped to degeneracy.

(1) Note. The term “degenerate” indicates asufficiently high concentration of carri-ers so that the material acts essentiallylike a conductor rather than a semicon-ductor.

(2) Note. The contiguous degenerate dopedlayers exhibit a junction width on theorder of 200 angstroms.

33.2 With recess, void, dislocation, grain bound-aries or channel openings:This subclass is indented under subclass 33.Stock in which at least one layer containsvoids, dislocations, grain boundaries or chan-nel openings.

(1) Note. The structural characteristicsreferred to in this subclass may bepresent in the semiconductive materialby design prior to formation of contigu-ous layers or subsequent to the formationthereof.

33.3 With non-semiconductive coating thereon:This subclass is indented under subclass 33.Stock combined with a nonsemiconductivecoating.

33.4 With contiguous layers of different semicon-ductive material:This subclass is indented under subclass 33.Stock in which the material in at least two con-tiguous layers, which are considered the semi-conductors, is of different compositions.

33.5 Having at least three contiguous layers ofsemiconductive material:This subclass is indented under subclass 33.Stock comprising three or more contiguouslayers of semiconductive material.

33.6 Including an alloy layer having namedimpurities:This subclass is indented under subclass 33.5.Stock including at least one alloyed layer ofsemiconductive material having named impuri-ties.



95 PROCESS OF MODIFYING OR MAIN-TAINING INTERNAL PHYSICALSTRUCTURE (I.E., MICROSTRUCTURE)OR CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OFMETAL, PROCESS OF REACTIVECOATING OF METAL AND PROCESSOF CHEMICAL-HEAT REMOVING (E.G.,FLAME-CUTTING, ETC.) OR BURNINGOF METAL:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter which relates to (1) a pro-cess of modifying or maintaining the internalphysical structure (i.e., microstructure) orchemical properties of metal not elsewhereprovided, (2) a process of reactive coating ofmetal, and (3) a process of chemical-heatremoving (e.g., flame-cutting, etc.) or burning(i.e., oxidizing) of a portion of a metal work-piece.

(1) Note. Most subject matter herein willrelate to processes of treating solid orsemisolid metal with heat without melt-ing a substantial portion thereof and willalso include the combination of signifi-cant heating and working not providedfor in the other metal working classes.However, casting or casting and workingof molten metal, if combined with heattreatment to change the microstructureof a solid metal resulting therefrom, isacceptable to this class.

(2) Note. For purposes of distinguishingover the metal working classes, signifi-cant heat treatment occurs when the tem-perature or heating or cooling rate isprovided for in a nonworking treatingstep or when microstructure descriptionis utilized in the claim. Working at aspecified temperature is not a significantheat treatment without mention ofmicrostructure. The mere use of theterm “ageing” or “tempering” will beconsidered significant heat treatment.Except for “work hardening”, the use ofthe term “hardening” will be consideredsignificant heat treatment. “Quenching”will be considered significant heat treat-ment lacking an indication that it meanssimply returning to a convenient work-ing temperature. “Stress-relief-anneal-ing” will remain in the metal working

classes. Working metal in the “super-plastic” state or during “dynamic-recrys-tallization” remains in the workingclasses unless a temperature is pro-vided. “Ion implantation” will be a suf-ficient indication of microstructuralchange to place classification in Class148. When combined with working,“annealing”, per se, will remain in themetal working classes. However,annealing at a specified temperaturegoes in Class 148. Merely, heating orcooling a metal to a working temperatureis not significant heat treatment. How-ever, the presence in any step of a signif-icant heat treatment as hereinabovedescribed is sufficient to place the clas-sification in Class 148.

(3) Note. The presence of carburizing,nitriding, or reactive coating is sufficientto place the classification in Class 148,even if a metal working step is present.

96 Superconductive metal or alloy (i.e., super-conductive Tc at or below 30° K):This subclass is indented under subclass 95.Process wherein a metal or an alloy of metalthat develops zero resistance to electrical cur-rent flowing therethrough at or below 30°Kelvin is the metal being treated.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:29, Metal Working, subclass 599 for pro-

cesses of producing superconductorwithout microstructural change oralloying (e.g., by diffusion) and hav-ing superconductive Tc at or below30° K.

505, Superconductor Technology: Appara-tus, Material, Process, appropriatesubclasses for a process of treatingmetal or metal alloy that becomessuperconducting above 30° Kelvinand for cross-reference art collectionsrelating to superconducting technol-ogy.

97 Particle (e.g., ion, neutron, etc.) bombard-ment or electromagnetic wave energy (e.g.,laser, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 96.Process wherein a superconducting precursoror superconducting metal is subjected (1) to



particle (e.g., ion, neutron, etc.) bombardmentfor purposes other than implantation or (2) toelectromagnetic wave energy (e.g., laser, etc.).

98 Producing or treating an A3B (e.g., Nb3Sn,V3Ga, Nb3Al, etc.) superconducting alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 96.Process wherein an intermetallic superconduct-ing alloy having three parts of metal A to onepart of metal B present, often identified as anA3B (e.g., Nb3Sn, V3Ga, Nb3Al, etc.), andsaid to have an A-15 crystal structure is pro-duced or treated.

(1) Note. This subclass accepts implanta-tion of another metal or element into theA3B structure.

99 Treating in extraterrestrial environment(e.g., space, moon, etc.) or zero gravity envi-ronment:This subclass is indented under subclass 95.Treating in extraterrestrial environment (e.g.,space, moon, etc.) or zero gravity environment:Process wherein a metal or metal alloy istreated at any stage in an environment outsideof the atmospheric mantel surrounding earth(e.g., space, moon, etc.) or in a zero gravityenvironment.

100 Magnetic materials:This subclass is indented under subclass 95.Processes which include developing, improv-ing, modifying, or preserving the magneticproperties of a free metal or alloy, occurringalone or mixed with one or more other compo-nents.

(1) Note. Most of the patents in subclasses100 through 122 relate to the productionof stock material such as billets, rods,dust cores, powder, etc., having mag-netic properties which are different fromthose of the starting material.

(2) Note. Subclasses 100 through 122 takeall types of processes of the type definedtherein except those restricted to chang-ing the magnetic properties of a metal,and wherein such change is effected by:

(a)electrolysis, provided for in Class205, Electrolysis: Processes, Composi-

tions Used Therein and Methods of Pre-paring the Compositions.

(b)casting a metal and treatment of themetal before removal from a mold, pro-vided for in Class 164, Metal Founding.

(c)Class 335, Electricity: MagneticallyOperated Switches, Magnets, and Elec-tromagnets, subclasses 209+ for magnetsand electromagnets in general especiallysubclass 284 for patents relating to mag-netizing or demagnetizing, also Class336, Inductor Devices, appropriate sub-classes.

(d)the formation of a coating on a metalbase provided for in subclasses 240+ ofthis class or Class 427, Coating Pro-cesses, appropriate subclasses, respec-tively, depending on whether the coatingis accomplished with or without a chem-ical reaction with the metal base.

(3) Note. The material being treated mustcontain a free metal or alloy componentwhich is intentionally included therein.Treatment of such material, except asindicated in (2) Note, will result in clas-sification in Class 148 unless there is aclear indication that such treatment hasno effect upon the internal structure ofthe metal. This factor is of particularimportance in connection with subclass104.

(4) Note. Processes reciting some step inaddition to heat treatment and/or work-ing are classified in this subclass, ratherthan in one of subclasses 120, 121 or122, e.g., combined processes recitingheat treatment and/or working com-bined with any of the steps of manipula-tion, pickling, impregnating, etching,winding, broad magnetizing, etc., areplaced in this subclass and cross-refer-enced to the appropriate one of sub-classes 120 to 122. However, someoperations which amount to no morethan that of “providing” the material,such as a broad casting of the metal orthe mere alloying of specified metalsmaking up the material whose magneticproperties are to be altered, are not suffi-



cient, by themselves, to place a com-bined process in this subclass. In suchcases classification will be in the appro-priate indented subclass.

(5) Note. Processes of producing metalpowder, of the type classifiable in Class420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions,accompanied by broad treatment in amagnetic field, not carried out simulta-neously with another operation, are clas-sified in Class 148 subclass 100 and inindented subclass 108 when such treat-ment is significantly recited. Where thematerial has permanent magnet proper-ties, such processes are classified in sub-classes 101+.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:300+, for magnetic stock resulting from pro-

cesses of subclasses 100 through 122,not recited in terms of significantexternal structure. A claim reciting aparticular orientation of crystalsrelates to internal structure andbelongs in subclasses 300+.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:29, Metal Working, subclasses 602.1+,

for (1) methods of manufacturingmagnets or parts thereof, havingmetallic material as an active mag-netic component which, in addition tothe manufacturing steps, recite noprocedure other than broad treatmentin a magnetic field, for intentionallymodifying the magnetic properties ofthe work, or (2) methods of manufac-turing magnets from nonmetallicmaterials which recite some step inaddition to one or more of the follow-ing: making the composition, mold-ing, heat treatment, magnetizing.Processes restricted to any or all of thefour named operations are classifiedin Class 252, Compositions, sub-classes 62.51+, unless the molding isrecited significantly in which case theprocess is classified in Class 264,Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shap-ing or Treating: Processes, subclasses427+.

75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes,Compositions for Use Therein, Con-solidated Metal Powder Composi-tions, and Loose Metal ParticulateMixtures, subclasses 343+ for pro-cesses of preparing free metals oralloys, or mixtures thereof in powderform, where the process does notmodify any inherent magnetic proper-ties that may be present in the materialor where the magnetic properties ofthe material produced are due entirelyto the size and/or shape of the parti-cles.

252, Compositions, subclasses 62.51+ forprocesses of preparing magnetic com-positions and the compositions result-ing therefrom as well as suchprocesses combined with heat treat-ing, magnetizing and broad molding,taken singly or in combination, exceptwhere a metallic component is inten-tionally present in the compositionand the magnetic properties of suchcomponent are modified by some stepof the process, in which case the pro-cess belongs in Class 148, MetalTreatment, subclasses 100+.

335, Electricity: Magnetically OperatedSwitches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclasses 296+ for magnets orelectromagnets with significant struc-tural details.

336, Inductor Devices, appropriate sub-classes for inductor devices with sig-nificant structural details.

361, Electricity: Electrical Systems andDevices, subclass 267 for demagne-tizing methods and apparatus.

420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, appropriate subclasses for alloys des-ignated as “magnetic” or “permanentmagnet” where no more specific des-ignation of their magnetic propertiesis set forth.

428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Arti-cles, subclass 611 for metallic stockmaterial having magnetic propertiescoordinated with its shape.

101 Permanent magnet:This subclass is indented under subclass 100.Processes carried out with material intendedfor use as a permanent magnet.



(1) Note. Processes conforming to theabove definition, including broad treat-ment in a magnetic field or broad mag-netizing, not carried out simultaneouslywith another operation, are placed in thissubclass. Such processes including aspecific step of treatment in a magneticfield or of magnetizing, are placed insubclass 103 unless age hardening isincluded, in which case the patent isplaced in subclass 102 and cross-refer-enced in subclass 103.

(2) Note. This subclass and the indentedsubclasses 102 and 103 take processes oftreating magnetic material under the def-inition thereof, wherein the material atsome stage of the process is in commi-nuted form.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:300+, for permanent magnetic material

resulting from processes classifiablein subclasses 101 to 103, not recitedin terms of significant external struc-ture.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:29, Metal Working, subclasses 607 and

608 for processes of manufacturingpermanent magnets not coming withinthe definitions of Class 148, sub-classes 101 to 103, or Class 252,Compositions, subclasses 62.51+.The line involving these three classesis stated in (3) Note and in the searchnote to Class 29 under the definitionof subclass 100 of Class 148.

252, Compositions, subclasses 62.51+ forprocesses as described in the searchnote to Class 252 under the definitionof subclass 100 of Class 148, wherethe products are permanently mag-netic.

102 Age hardening:This subclass is indented under subclass 101.Processes which include age hardening.

103 Treatment in a magnetic field:This subclass is indented under subclass 101.Processes , including a significant treatment ina magnetic field.

(1) Note. The processes of this subclassinclude at least one step of magnetizingor other treatment in a magnetic field,e.g., making the material magneticallyanisotropic.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:108, for methods of modifying the mag-

netic properties of a metal not capableof use as a permanent magnet, and notclassifiable in subclasses 104 or 105,involving the significant applicationof a magnetic field to the work.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated

Switches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclass 284 for devices formagnetizing or demagnetizing mag-nets or electromagnets.

361, Electricity: Electrical Systems andDevices, subclass 267 for demagne-tizing methods and apparatus.

104 Dust cores:This subclass is indented under subclass 100.Processes in which comminuted metallic mate-rial, the particles of which are usually sepa-rated from each other by electrically insulatingmaterial, is compacted into self-sustainingform, or in which a previously produced dustcore is subjected to a treatment not classifiableelsewhere.

(1) Note. For the line involving Classes 29,148 and 252 relative to methods of pro-ducing magnetic material or stock, see(3) Note and the search notes followingthe definition of subclass 100 of thisclass.

(2) Note. To be classified in this subclass, aprocess must recite a treatment in addi-tion to that of compacting, which altersor preserves the magnetic properties ofthe material.



SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:513, for processes of heat treating particu-

late metal not involving altering themagnetic properties thereof.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:252, Compositions, subclass 62.51 for pro-

cesses of making magnetic composi-tions, including the steps ofmagnetizing and/or broad molding,even though a metallic component isintentionally included in the composi-tion providing the composition is notsubjected to a heat treatment whichalters the internal structure of suchcomponent. See the search note toClass 252 under Class 148, subclass100.

336, Inductor Devices, subclass 223 and234 for dust cores recited in terms ofsignificant structure.

105 Particulate material:This subclass is indented under subclass 100.Processes wherein the material is in particulateform at the time its magnetic properties arealtered, as well as at the end of the process.

(1) Note. The products of processes of thissubclass are in the form of powder, gran-ules, flakes, lumps, etc.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:513, for processes of heat treating particu-

late metal not involving altering themagnetic properties thereof.

108 Treatment in a magnetic field:This subclass is indented under subclass 100.Processes including the significant applicationof a magnetic field to the work.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:100, for combined processes not classifi-

able in subclasses 101 through 105,reciting a broad step of magnetizingwhich is not performed simulta-neously with another operation.

103, for processes involving the significantapplication of a magnetic field to per-manent magnet material.

110 Silicon steel:This subclass is indented under subclass 100.Processes, restricted to the treatment of steelhaving at least 0.4% silicon.

(1) Note. A process reciting “silicon steel”,and not specifying the silicon content,will be placed in this subclass if it comeswithin the definition of subclass 100.

(2) Note. The patents of this subclassembrace a larger combination of stepsthan those which are classified inindented subclasses 111 to 113, e.g.,many of the patents of this subclassrecite coating, pickling, or manipulationin addition to working and/or heat treat-ment. However, some operations whichamount to no more than that of “provid-ing” the material, such as a broad castingof the metal or the mere alloying of spec-ified metals making up the materialwhose magnetic properties are to bealtered, are not sufficient, by themselves,to place a combined process in this sub-class. In such cases, classification willbe in the appropriate indented subclass.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:120+, for processes not classifiable in sub-

classes 100 to 108 for altering themagnetic properties of metallic mate-rial other than silicon steel.

579+, for processes of treating silicon steelswhich do not alter the magnetic prop-erties of the material.

111 Working:This subclass is indented under subclass 110.Processes restricted to working or working andheat treatment.

112 Heat treatment:This subclass is indented under subclass 110.Processes restricted to heating and/or cooling.



113 With special compositions:This subclass is indented under subclass 112.Processes wherein in the work is in contactwith a special composition or atmospherewhich does not form a reactive coating with thebase, and wherein the work is not subjected toa mechanically applied force.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:110, for processes wherein silicon steel is

subjected to a substantial force, as byclamping, while in contact with a spe-cial material or composition withouteffecting any change in shape ordimensions.

240+, for processes wherein the only treat-ment employed, to alter the magneticproperties of a metallic material, is areactive coating of a metal base.

625+, for other heat treating of ferrous metalwith special compositions.

120 Working:This subclass is indented under subclass 100.Processes restricted to working, or workingand heat treatment.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:111, for processes of the type defined

above when the material being treatedis a silicon steel.

121 Heat treatment:This subclass is indented under subclass 100.Processes restricted to heating and/or cooling.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:112, for processes of the type defined

above when the material being treatedis a silicon steel.

122 With special compositions:This subclass is indented under subclass 121.Processes wherein the work is in contact with aspecial composition or atmosphere which doesnot form a reactive coating with the base andwherein the work is not subjected to a mechan-ically applied force.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:100, for processes wherein the work is sub-

jected to a substantial force, as byclamping, while in contact with a spe-cial material or composition.

240+, for processes wherein the only treat-ment employed, to alter the magneticproperties of a metallic material, is areactive coating of a metal base.

194 Chemical-heat removing (e.g., flame-cut-ting, etc.) or burning of metal:This subclass is indented under subclass 95.Process which is directed to utilizing chemi-cally generated heat to remove or sever a por-tion from a solid or semisolid metal workpieceby localized burning (i.e., oxidization) or bylocalized melting (e.g., flame-cutting, etc.).

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:164, Metal Founding, particularly sub-

class 460, wherein there is flame-cut-ting of a cast product while a continu-ous portion of the cast product is stillassociated with the casting mold andsee (2) Note thereunder.

166, Wells, particularly subclass 297 for aprocess of in situ chemical-heat cut-ting of metal structures in the earth.

219, Electric Heating, appropriate sub-classes for the utilization of arc,plasma, laser or other electrically gen-erated heat cutting and particularlysubclass 69.1 for oxygen assisted arccutting, per se.

(1) Note. In general, heat cutting andchemical-heat removing or burn-ing of metal will go to Class 148.A special line evolved in Class219 wherein arc-cutting in air orwith Oxygen assisted arc-cutting(see Class 219, subclass 69.1, (1)Note) remained in Class 219regardless of the oxidation reac-tion involved.

195 Control responsive to sensed condition ofworkpiece:This subclass is indented under subclass 194.Process including sensing or determining avariable condition of a metal workpiece and



controlling the process in response to thesensed or determined condition.

196 Program or pattern control:This subclass is indented under subclass 194.Process wherein a template or program gener-ated function controls a cutting action by caus-ing a chemical-heating means to move inresponse to the template or program.

197 Utilizing fluid contact other than flame:This subclass is indented under subclass 194.Process wherein an auxiliary gas or liquid, uti-lized for purposes other than chemical genera-tion of heat, is brought into contact with aworkpiece for any reason; such as, for collect-ing or ensnaring solid refuse or waste materialproduced by the removing or burning processor for quenching or cooling operations.

198 With solid additive:This subclass is indented under subclass 194.Process wherein a solid treating agent is uti-lized on a workpiece or within a flame to assistremoving material from or burning of a work-piece.

199 Metal powder:This subclass is indented under subclass 198.Process wherein a solid agent is in the form offree metal powder.

200 Of edge or corner (e.g., deburring, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 194.Process wherein an edge or corner of a work-piece is subjected to chemical-heat removingor burning, per se, of all or a portion of anexisting edge or corner of a workpiece.

201 Cylindrical workpiece:This subclass is indented under subclass 194.Process wherein a workpiece is of circularcross-section (e.g., rod, roll, tube, etc.).

202 Scarfing (e.g., desurfacing, planing, gouging,etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 194.Process wherein a surface of a metal workpieceis subjected to chemical-heat to remove shardsor small protuberances therefrom in a desurfac-ing, planing, or gouging operation.

203 Simultaneous removing or burning of multi-ple sides of workpiece:This subclass is indented under subclass 202.Process wherein a removing or burning heatconcurrently impinges plural faces of a work-piece.

204 Flame piercing:This subclass is indented under subclass 194.Process wherein a metal workpiece is subjectedto chemical-heat to form an aperture or open-ing by completely burning away a portion thatinitially resided at the location of an aperture oropening without actually providing pluralpieces.

205 Plural nozzles or plural work-contactingjets:This subclass is indented under subclass 194.Process wherein plural nozzles or plural gas-eous jets contact a workpiece for purposes ofchemical-heat cutting or other treatmentthereof.

(1) Note. This subclass excludes gaseousjets either as surrounding or combininggaseous streams which mix or combinein a single nozzle or which result in onlyone gaseous stream that contacts theworkpiece.

206 Carburizing or nitriding using externallysupplied carbon or nitrogen source:This subclass is indented under subclass 95.Process wherein a metal substrate or workpieceis treated with an externally supplied source ofcarbon or nitrogen or both resulting in the car-burization or nitriding of a metal by chemicalreaction or diffusion.

(1) Note. Carburizing or nitriding mostoften results in a chemical reaction form-ing a metal compound. However, ifthere is a positive indication of merelydiffusion into the metal substrate withouta chemical reaction (e.g., carbide ornitride formation, etc.) placement isproper hereinunder if from an externalsupply of carbon or nitrogen.

(2) Note. Carburizing or nitriding combinedwith a step of melting a metal surface isproper hereinunder.



SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:278, for processes of reactive coating

wherein a carbide coating is obtainedby reaction of a noncarbon containingexternal reactive agent (e.g., metal,etc.) which deposits on a metal alloybase and carbon in the alloy base out-diffuses or reacts with the agent toform a metal carbide coating on saidbase.


Compositions for Use Therein, Con-solidated Metal Powder Composi-tions, and Loose Metal ParticulateMixtures, appropriate subclasses forprocesses of reacting a carbon ornitrogen source with a molten mass ofmetal to increase the carbon or nitro-gen content of the metal.

423, Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, appropriate subclasses for processesof producing a metal carbide or metalnitride (i.e., not a coated metal), perse, by reacting a metal with a sourceof carbon or nitrogen.

427, Coating Processes, appropriate sub-classes for processes, per se, of depos-iting a carbide or nitride on a metal ormetal alloy base wherein the basedoes not supply the source of the car-bon or nitrogen or the metal whichforms the carbide or nitride(e.g.,chemical vapor deposition of ametal carbide on a metal base).

(1) Note. A metal layer on a metaloxide layer if completely reactedwith an external source of carbonto provide a metal carbide layer onthe metal oxide layer goes as orig-inal to Class 427 since no metallayer remains adjacent the metalcarbide layer and there was nometal substrate directly carbur-ized. To simplify the line remem-ber that, if coating is involved, thecarburized or nitridized reactionproduct must remain adjacent orcontiguous with a metal substratefor the process to remain in Class

148. This will apply whether ornot the metal substrate remainingafter reaction was the source of themetal in the reacted layer. Also, ifno metal substrate remains withthe product, placement goes toClass 427 even if the reactionproduct was produced from ametal substrate.

207 Carburizing or nitriding uniformlythroughout the entire mass (i.e., internalcarburizing):This subclass is indented under subclass 206.Process in which carburizing or nitridizing isnot limited to the surface of a metal or metalalloy and which occurs throughout the entiremetal substrate.

(1) Note. This is not to be confused withcarburizing or nitriding which producesa case or layer of increased carbon ornitrogen content on the external surfaceof a metal or metal alloy substrate.

208 With decarburizing or denitriding:This subclass is indented under subclass 206.Process which includes at some stage in theprocess a procedure for elimination or reduc-tion of the carbon content or the nitrogen con-tent of a metal substrate by chemical orphysical-chemical procedures and does notinclude mechanical procedures (e.g., grinding)for removal of the carbon or nitrogen contain-ing metal.

209 Utilizing particulate fluid bed:This subclass is indented under subclass 206.Process in which a particulate fluid bed is uti-lized at any stage in a process of treating ametal or metal alloy for purposes of heat trans-fer or carburization or nitridization or both.

210 Of selected surface area (e.g., zone, top only,etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 206.Process wherein only a partial area (e.g., zone,etc.) or portion (e.g., top only, etc.) of a work-piece surface is subjected to carburization ornitridization.

(1) Note. During carburizing or nitridizing,penetration of carbon or nitrogen into themetal substrate or reaction therewith cre-



ates what is often referred to as a gradi-ent referring to variation in compositionwith depth. This should not be confusedwith the zone or portion of the surfacereferred to in this subclass.

211 With working, machining, or cutting:This subclass is indented under subclass 210.Process which includes a step of deforming asolid metal or mechanically cutting or grindingaway of portions of a solid metal to produce adesired shape or form.

212 Nitriding:This subclass is indented under subclass 210.Process which involves exposing a metal sub-strate or workpiece to an external reactiveagent containing nitrogen that causes formationof a nitrogen enriched layer by reacting withthe metal substrate or workpiece at any stage inthe process.

213 Utilizing attached protective shield, mask orcoating:This subclass is indented under subclass 210.Process wherein a portion of a workpiece iscovered with a temporary protective shield,mask or coating that prohibits the carburizingor nitridizing action in an area to which it isattached and which is not intended to remain apart of the final product and acts in transitorymanner to achieve the carburizing or nitridiz-ing of a selective surface area.

214 With noncarburizing or non-nitriding coat-ing:This subclass is indented under subclass 213.Process which includes a coating step otherthan carburizing or nitriding.

215 Measuring, sensing, or testing:This subclass is indented under subclass 206.Process which includes a recited step of mea-suring, sensing, or testing at any stage in theprocess.

216 Of gas composition (e.g., carbon content,etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 215.Process which includes a step of measuring,sensing, or testing of the composition of a gas-eous environment or of input or exhaust gasesof the process.

217 With noncarburizing or non-nitriding reac-tive coating (e.g., oxidizing, siliconizing,boronizing, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 206.Process which includes a distinct and separateoperation involving coating of a metal or metalalloy substrate with a material that reacts withthe metal to provide a coating thereon contain-ing the reaction product of the metal with anexternally supplied reactant other than a car-burizing or nitriding reactant.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:240, through 297, for processes of reactive

coating of metal not involving carbur-izing or nitriding.

218 Combined carburizing and nitriding (e.g.,carbonitriding, nitrocarburizing, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 206.Process wherein a carburizing and a nitridingreaction occurs in the same process.

219 With working, machining, cutting, or post-carburizing and post-nitriding heating orquenching:This subclass is indented under subclass 218.Process which includes either (1) a step ofdeforming solid metal or mechanically cuttingor grinding away of portions of solid metal toproduce a desired shape or form, or (2) a post-carburizing or post-nitriding heating or suddencooling (i.e., quenching) operation.

220 With producing or treating of workpiecehaving plural noncarburized or non-nitrided layers or mechanically engagedarticle or stock:This subclass is indented under subclass 206.Process which includes producing or treatingof (1) a workpiece having plural noncarbur-ized or non-nitrided layers, or (2) mechanicallyengaged article or mechanically engaged stock.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:516, for noncarburizing or non-nitriding

processes of producing or treating oflayered, bonded, welded, or mechani-cally engaged stock or article.



221 With casting or solidifying from melt:This subclass is indented under subclass 206.Process wherein a metal or metal alloy is castor a total mass (i.e., not just a portion or coat-ing) of metal is solidified from a melted state.

(1) Note. Coating from a melt is excludedfrom this subclass even though the coat-ing is solidified.

222 Utilizing ionized gas (e.g., plasma, etc.) orelectron arc or beam:This subclass is indented under subclass 206.Process which uses at any process stage an ion-ized gas (e.g., plasma, etc.) or an electron arcor beam.

223 Including use of vacuum:This subclass is indented under subclass 206.Process which includes use of a vacuum at anystage in the process.

224 Utilizing wave energy (e.g., laser, etc.) orelectric heating with work as conductor:Process under 206 which uses wave energy(e.g., laser, etc.) or electric heating with a metalworkpiece as a conductor by passing a currentof electricity through the workpiece to causeheating thereof at any stage in the process.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:222, for a process which uses ionized gas

(e.g., plasma, etc.) or an electron arcor beam.

225 Iron (Fe) or iron base alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 206.Process wherein a metal workpiece undergoingcarburizing or nitriding is iron or an iron alloycontaining greater than 50 percent iron.

226 With working, machining, or cutting:This subclass is indented under subclass 225.Process which includes a step of deforming thesolid metal or mechanically cutting or grindingaway of portions of the solid metal to producea desired shape or form.

227 Utilizing fused agent or media:This subclass is indented under subclass 225.Process wherein an agent or media in themelted or molten state is utilized at any stage inthe process for any purpose.


229 With post-carburizing quenching:This subclass is indented under subclass 227.Process which includes a post-carburizing sud-den cooling (i.e., quenching) operation.

230 Nitriding:Process under 225 which involves exposing ametal substrate or workpiece to an externalreactive agent containing nitrogen that causesformation of a nitrogen enriched layer by react-ing with the metal substrate or workpiece.

231 Utilizing nitrogen containing agent otherthan ammonia or elemental nitrogen:This subclass is indented under subclass 230.Process wherein a nitrogen containing agentother than ammonia or elemental nitrogen isutilized.

232 With post-nitriding heating or quenching:This subclass is indented under subclass 230.Process which includes a post-nitriding heatingor sudden cooling (i.e., quenching) operation.

233 With post carburizing heating or quench-ing:This subclass is indented under subclass 225.Process which includes a post-carburizingheating or sudden cooling (i.e., quenching)operation.

234 Utilizing agent containing cyano (CN) radi-cal or halogen (X) radical or metal carbon-ate:This subclass is indented under subclass 225.Process which utilizes at any stage an agentcontaining a cyano (CN) radical or halogen



(X=Fluorine, Chlorine, Bromine or Iodine)radical or a metal carbonate.

235 Utilizing hydrocarbon, oil or oxygenatedhydrocarbon (e.g., alcohol, furan, carbohy-drate, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 225.Process wherein hydrocarbon, oil or oxygen-ated hydrocarbon (e.g., alcohol, furan, carbo-hydrate, etc.) is utilized at any stage in theprocess.

236 Utilizing solid carbonaceous material con-taining free carbon, coal, peat, or coke:This subclass is indented under subclass 225.Process wherein a solid carbonaceous materialcontaining free carbon, coal, peat, or coke isutilized at any stage in the process.

237 Refractory metal (i.e., Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo,Hf, Ta, W) or refractory base alloy:Process under 206 wherein a metal workpieceundergoing carburizing or nitridizing is arefractory metal (i.e., Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf,Ta, W) or alloy thereof containing greater than50 percent of any one of the refractory metals.


239 With ion implantation:This subclass is indented under subclass 95.Process wherein an ionic species is directed ata substrate with sufficient energy to be depos-ited within the microstructure or interstitialspaces of a metal substrate.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:206+, for ion implantation of carbon or

nitrogen which combines with themetal or metal substrate to form acoating thereon or to affect a compo-sition change throughout.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave

Energy, appropriate subclasses forprocesses of coating a substrate utiliz-ing ionic bombardment and sputteringfrom a target wherein the sputteredmaterial becomes deposited on ametal substrate to form a coatingthereon.

(1) Note. There is no intent to takesputter coating in this particularsubclass of Class 148.

250, Radiant Energy, subclass 492.3 forprocesses of, per se, ion or electronbeam irradiation.

427, Coating Processes, appropriate sub-classes for processes of ion implant-ing, per se, or ion plating of the nearsurface region of substrates in generalto provide a coating thereon.

(1) Note. There is no intent to takeion plating in this subclass ofClass 148.

(2) Note. Class 427 will take simulta-neous ion implantation and diffu-sion as proper for Class 427 ifcoating is present. However, inclu-sion of a separate step which byitself would be classifiable inClass 148 is enough to place thecombination in Class 148. More-over, a combination of a metalworking step proper for one of themetal working classes and ionimplantation for coating purposeswill be proper for this subclass.Ion implantation throughout ametal substrate is not merely coat-ing for Class 427 and since micro-structural change is involved,placement will be consideredproper for Class 148.

438, Semiconductor Device Manufactur-ing: Process, appropriate subclassesfor ion implantation of a semiconduc-tor substrate (e.g., for gettering, amor-phousizing, or doping ofsemiconductor material to alter elec-trical characteristics, etc.).



240 Processes of coating utilizing a reactive com-position which reacts with metal substrateor composition therefore:This subclass is indented under subclass 95.Processes involving forming a layer of a coat-ing on an elemental or alloyed metal substrateby applying thereto a material which reactswith the metal substrate to form a layer inwhole or part thereon distinct from the metal,per se, to a composition which reacts with ametal substrate to form a coating thereon and toprocesses of preparing said reactive coatingcompositions.

(1) Note. This subclass also includes com-positions and processes of preparingsame and methods of use which are notspecifically provided elsewhere andwhich perfect the reactive coating pro-cesses. The perfecting of the reactivecoating process may be either prior orsubsequent to the coating process.Included herein are subcombinationswhere the reactive coating step is notclaimed, per se, or wherein the composi-tion or treatment involves a prior reactedmetal substrate. In all instances theremust be disclosure consistent with acoating process proper for this subclass.

(2) Note. Coating for purposes of this sub-class is consistent with the definition ofcoating as elaborated in Class 427, Coat-ing Processes.

(3) Note. Each of the subclasses under sub-class 240 also provides for compositions.In those instances where the process ofcoating is not claimed or wherein a com-position is claimed which is not coexten-sive with the coating process it isincumbent for proper placement to ana-lyze the claim from the perspective ofthe step which allows the claim to beproper in subclass 240.

(4) Note. Unless specifically noted as, forinstance, that the material is reactive(subclasses 252, 254, and 256) or nonre-active (subclass 248) the material in thecoating composition may or may not bereactive with the metal substrate. Theremust be, however, at least one material

in the composition which reacts with thebase. For instance, a composition con-taining a nonreactive dicarboxylic acidand a reactive inorganic phosphorusmaterial is classified in subclasses 253+.

(5) Note. Included herein are processes ofcoating a nonmetallic material with ametal or alloy coating and subsequentlyforming a base supplied reacted coatingthereon.

(6) Note. This and the indented subclassesdo not include case hardening, i.e., car-burizing or nitriding processes and com-positions therefore.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:206, through 238, for carburizing, nitrid-

ing, or both (e.g., carbonitriding)using an externally supplied source ofcarbon or nitrogen.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:106, Compositions: Coating or Plastic,

appropriate subclass for a coatingcomposition which does not reactwith a metal substrate to form a coat-ing thereon and wherein the metalsubstrate does not supply an ingredi-ent of the formed coating.

134, Cleaning and Liquid Contact WithSolids, appropriate subclass for pro-cesses of cleaning a metal surface.

204, Chemistry: Electrical and WaveEnergy, subclasses 471+ for electro-phoretic or electro-osmotic coatingand subclasses 192.12+ for glow dis-charge sputter deposition. Plural coat-ing processes wherein a Class 148process precedes or is subsequent to aClass 204 process are proper in Class204. A process involving electro-phoresis, electro-osmosis, or cathodesputtering and wherein a chemicalreaction between a metal substrateand a reactive coating material isinvolved is proper in Class 204.

205, Electrolysis: Processes, Composi-tions Used Therein, and Methods ofPreparing the Compositions, sub-classes 67+ for electroforming andsubclasses 80+ for electrolytic coat-



ing. Plural coating processes whereina Class 148 process precedes or issubsequent to a Class 205 process areproper in Class 205. A processinvolving electrolysis and wherein achemical reaction between a metalsubstrate and a reactive coating mate-rial is involved is proper in Class 205.

252, Compositions, subclasses 79.1+ forcompositions for treating a metal sub-strate and wherein the disclosure issilent as to a subsequent chemicalreaction with a reactive coating com-position and which may react with ametal surface and subclasses 387+ foranticorrosion compositions whichmay react with a metal surface andwhich are added to a metal surfaceindirectly as through a circulating sys-tem rather than directly surface treat-ing the metal with a composition.

427, Coating Processes, appropriate sub-class for plural coating, processeswherein none of the steps involves areaction of a metal or metal substratewith an exteriorly applied chemicallyreactive coating material. All combi-nations of plural coating methods, oneof which is applied by a Class 148method, are provided for in Class 148.Metals merely applied to a metal baseunless otherwise stated are not consid-ered to result in a reaction and are thusproper for Class 427. Nonmetals, e.g.,C, B, Si, P, etc., applied to a metalsubstrate are considered to result in achemical reaction unless otherwisestated are proper for Class 148.

428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Arti-cles, appropriate subclass for a coatedmetal product formed by a process ofthis subclass, and in particular, sub-classes 472.1, 472.2 and 473.3.

445, Electrical Lamp or Space DischargeComponent or Device Manufacturing, subclasses 9+ for creating a deposi-tion layer within a space dischargedevice by reaction with a gaseousmaterial or aerosol and subclass 14 forcoating on a particular base materialpart or place.

510, Cleaning Compositions for Solid Sur-faces, Auxiliary Compositions There-

for, or Processes of Preparing theCompositions, appropriate sub-classes, particularly subclasses 245+for compositions for cleaning a metalsubstrate and wherein the disclosure issilent as to a subsequent chemicalreaction with a reactive coating com-position and which may react with ametal surface.

520, Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, appropriate subclass for a coatingcomposition containing a syntheticresin or natural rubber and whichcomposition does not react with ametal substrate to form a coatingthereon and wherein the metal sub-strate does not supply an ingredient ofthe formed coating.

241 Testing or electrical or wave energy utilized:This subclass is indented under subclass 240.Subject matter wherein a test, or electrical orwave energy is involved.

(1) Note. For purposes of this subclass thetest or the use of electrical or waveenergy need not be part of the actualcoating process. It is sufficient if anypart of the claim involves a test, orinvolves electrical or wave energy.

242 Molten bath or molten surface utilized dur-ing reaction:This subclass is indented under subclass 240.Subject matter wherein the coating material is asolid at ambient temperature but is in a par-tially or fully melted state or wherein the nor-mally solid metal substrate is in a partiallymelted condition.

243 Liquid reactive coating composition uti-lized:This subclass is indented under subclass 240.Subject matter wherein a material which is inliquid form contacts a metal substrate andreacts at the surface therewith to form a layeron the substrate which is distinct from the sub-strate.

(1) Note. The material need not be liquid atambient conditions, it must, however, beliquid under the conditions of use, e.g.,molten, etc.



(2) Note. A liquid for purposes of the sub-class can contain solid materials, e.g.,suspensions, slurries, dispersions, etc.The material must, however, have a con-tinuous phase that allows it to flowreadily and assume the form of its con-tainer.

(3) Note. A solid reactant material which isto be dissolved in a liquid dispersant isproper for this subclass, additionally, aconcentrate of a material which is to beapplied to a metal substrate upon furtherdilution or which must be dissolved in aliquid for application is proper herein.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:242, wherein a reactive solid material in

molten form is applied to a substrate.

244 Dye or organic pigment containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 243.Subject matter wherein the reactive liquid coat-ing composition contains an organic colorant,e.g., organic, dye, etc.

(1) Note. The organic colorant can beapplied simultaneously with the reactivecoating material or can be the reactivematerial.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:8, Bleaching and Dyeing; Fluid Treat-

ment and Chemical Modification ofTextiles and Fibers, in particular sub-classes 506+, for processes of dyeingnontextile materials, and for processesof dyeing previously modified metalsurfaces wherein the surface has beenmodified so as to be no longer in afree metal or alloyed state, and noclaim exists as to the metal modifica-tion step.

245 Electrically insulating coating formed whichis more than mere oxide formation:This subclass is indented under subclass 243.Subject matter wherein the reaction product ofthe metal substrate and the reactive material isclaimed or disclosed as being electrically insu-lating and is more than the formation of anoxide, per se.

(1) Note. Processes wherein a materialreacts with a metal substrate to provide anonoxide coating are proper for this sub-class.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:284+, for the formation of an oxide dis-

closed or claimed as being electricallyinsulating.

246 Contains lubricant or oil or overcoatthereof:This subclass is indented under subclass 243.Subject matter wherein the coating composi-tion contains an oil, or a material disclosed orclaimed as a lubricant wherein the reactedproduct's surface is overcoated with an oil or amaterial disclosed or claimed as a lubricant.

(1) Note. In a reactive coating compositioncontaining an oil or lubricant material itis possible for the oil or lubricant to bereactive with the metal substrate.

247 Contains an atom of hafnium, titanium orzirconium (excludes activating composi-tion):This subclass is indented under subclass 243.Subject matter wherein the reactive liquid coat-ing composition contains at least one atom ofhafnium, titanium or zirconium in either ele-mental or compound form and wherein saidmaterials are not activators.

(1) Note. The hafnium, titanium or zirco-nium materials need not be reactive withthe substrate to be proper for placementin this subclass.

248 Contains nonreactive organic liquid atambient temperature (e.g., solvent, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 243.Subject matter wherein the liquid reactive coat-ing composition contains a nonreactive organicmaterial which is normally liquid at ambienttemperature (e.g., solvents, etc.).

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:259, for a liquid organic material at ambi-

ent temperature which is disclosed asbeing a reactant with the metal sub-



strate, and for solid organic materialsat ambient temperature which may ormay not react with the metal sub-strate.

249 Nonreactive halogenated hydrocarbon:This subclass is indented under subclass 248.Subject matter wherein the nonreactive liquidcontains only atoms of carbon, hydrogen andhalogen or atoms of halogen and carbon.

(1) Note. Halogen for purposes of this sub-class is limited to fluorine, chlorine, bro-mine, iodine and astatine.

250 Contains organic phosphorus or organicchromium compound:This subclass is indented under subclass 243.Subject matter wherein the liquid reactive coat-ing composition contains at least one atom ofphosphorus or chromium as part of an organiccompound and which organic compound mayor may not be chemically reactive with themetal substrate.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:258+, for a liquid reactive coating composi-

tion containing elemental chromiumor an inorganic chromium compound.

251 Contains solid synthetic polymer:This subclass is indented under subclass 243.Subject matter wherein the liquid reactive coat-ing composition contains a solid syntheticpolymer which may or may not be chemicallyreactive with the metal substrate.

(1) Note. See Class 520 for a definition ofthe term “solid synthetic polymer”.

252 Contains dicarboxylic acid or salt thereofwhich reacts with metal substrate:This subclass is indented under subclass 243.Subject matter wherein the liquid reactive coat-ing composition contains a dicarboxylic acidcompound or salt thereof which must be chem-ically reactive with the metal substrate.

(1) Note. A dicarboxylic acid compound forpurposes of this subclass requires thepresence of two carboxylic acid groups.

A. A carboxylic acid denotes:

(A1) The C- C -OH structure wherein nis one or greater and the C- atom is notdouble bonded to oxygen, sulfur, sele-nium, or tellurium, or is not triplebonded to nitrogen.

(A2) The -C- C- C-OH structurewherein n is an integer, e.g., oxalic acidwhen n=1

B. The salt of a carboxylic acid denotesthe structure:

(B1) C- C -O-X wherein n is one ormore and the (C-C-O-) group and the Xcomponent are held together primarilyby ionic forces; the carbon atom bondedto the -C- group is not double bonded tooxygen, sulfur, or tellurium, or triplebonded to nitrogen.

(B2) The structure Z- C -C-O-Xwherein n is an integer, Z is -C-OH or aderivative as defined in the (1) Note ofthis subclass and wherein the X compo-nent and the (Z- C -O-) component areheld together primarily by ionic forces.

253 Contains phosphorus:This subclass is indented under subclass 243.Subject matter wherein the liquid reactive coat-ing composition containing elemental phos-phorus or an inorganic phosphorus compoundis applied to a metal substrate and reacts there-with.

(1) Note. In most instances the phosphorusmaterial reacts with the metal substrate.This is not a necessary criteria for classi-fication in this area. It is possible that acomposition containing a phosphorusatom will react with the metal whereinthe phosphorus atom itself does notreact. In subclasses 254, 256 and 257the phosphorus must react.

254 Liquid composition applied prior to reactionof metal substrate with phosphorus (e.g.,cleaning, activating, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 253.Subject matter wherein a liquid composition isapplied to the metal substrate prior to the appli-



cation of the liquid reactive composition con-taining a phosphorus atom in either anelemental or compound form which is reactivewith the metal substrate.

(1) Note. This subclass takes liquid prepara-tory treatments of the metal substrateprior to reaction with the metal substrate.In certain instances, however, the stepprior to reaction with phosphorus caninvolve an additional reaction with thesubstrate.

(2) Note. This subclass provides for pro-cesses and compositions wherein thepreliminary step of applying a materialto the substrate prior to reaction isclaimed and no claim provides for thesubsequent reaction with phosphorus.

255 With additional coating composition con-taining an atom of chromium, phosphorusor sulfur:This subclass is indented under subclass 253.Subject matter wherein the process involvestwo or more coating steps, at least one stepinvolves a coating composition containing aphosphorus atom, and at least one of the two ormore coating steps requires a composition con-taining chromium or sulfur or an additionalphosphorus atom.

(1) Note. The requirement for this subclassis met as long as one of the coating stepsinvolves a liquid coating compositioncontaining phosphorus.

(2) Note. This subclass provides for pro-cesses and compositions wherein thestep of utilizing a coating compositioncontaining phosphorus, chromium, orsulfur is claimed and no claim specifi-cally provides for a preliminary coatingprocess of using a coating compositioncontaining at least one phosphorus atom.(It must be disclosed as a preliminarytreatment of the substrate.)

256 Specified liquid or gaseous coating composi-tion applied after reaction with phosphorus:This subclass is indented under subclass 253.Subject matter wherein a specified liquid orgaseous coating composition is applied subse-quent to the process of coating the metal sub-

strate with a liquid coating compositioncontaining a reactive phosphorus atom in eitherelemental or compound form.

(1) Note. Specified for purpose of this sub-class requires that at least one chemicalatom of the coating material be identi-fied in the claims. The term “organic” isnot sufficient to be considered as beingspecified.

(2) Note. This subclass provides for pro-cesses and compositions wherein theactual step of chemically modifying abase substrate with a phosphorus con-taining reactant is not claimed and theclaim itself is to the treating of a basewhich has already been reacted with aphosphorus material.

257 Specified coating composition containsorganic material:This subclass is indented under subclass 256.Subject matter wherein at least one of theatoms in the liquid or gaseous coating compo-sition is part of an organic compound.

258 Contains an atom of chromium:This subclass is indented under subclass 253.Subject matter wherein the liquid reactive coat-ing composition contains at least one atom ofphosphorus and at least one atom of chromium.

259 Contains organic additive other than for pHcontrol:This subclass is indented under subclass 253.Subject matter wherein the liquid reactive coat-ing composition contains at least one phospho-rus atom and at least one organic compoundand which organic compound is more thanmerely an agent for controlling the acidity orbasicity of the coating composition.

(1) Note. The organic compound may ormay not be a reactant with the metal sub-strate.

260 Nitrogen-containing organic compound:This subclass is indented under subclass 259.Subject matter wherein the organic compoundcontains at least one nitrogen atom.



261 Contains an atom of arsenic, boron or metalatom other than alkali metal:This subclass is indented under subclass 253.Subject matter wherein the liquid reactive coat-ing composition contains at least one phospho-rus atom and at least one atom of arsenic,boron or of a metal atom other than alkalimetal.

(1) Note. Excluded herefrom as alkali met-als are lithium, sodium, potassium,rubidium, cesium and francium.

262 Contains an atom of iron or manganese or agroup II metal atom (Be, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd,Hg):This subclass is indented under subclass 261.Subject matter wherein the metal atom is ironor manganese or a group II metal atom (i.e.,Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Zn, Cd, Hg).

263 Contains an atom of calcium:This subclass is indented under subclass 262.Subject matter wherein the group II metal atomis calcium.

264 Contains an atom of chromium:This subclass is indented under subclass 243.Subject matter wherein a reactive liquid com-position containing elemental chromium orinorganic chromium compound is applied to ametal substrate.

(1) Note. The chromium in elemental formor as part of an inorganic compound mayor may not be reactive with the metalsubstrate.

265 Post chromium treatment with specifiedmaterial (other than mere air drying):This subclass is indented under subclass 264.Subject matter wherein the process includes atreatment with a specified composition subse-quent to the treatment with the chromium con-taining composition and wherein said specifiedcomposition involves more than air, per se.

(1) Note. Specified, for purposes of thissubclass, requires at least one chemicalatom of the material to be identified inthe claims. The term “organic” is notsufficient to be considered as “speci-fied”.

(2) Note. This subclass provides for pro-cesses and compositions wherein theactual step of chemically modifying thesubstrate with a chromium containingcomposition is not claimed and the claimis to the treating of a base which hasalready been reacted with a compositioncontaining chromium.

266 Contains an atom of sulfur, selenium or tel-lurium:This subclass is indented under subclass 264.Subject matter wherein the liquid reactive coat-ing composition contains at least one atom ofchromium and at least one atom of sulfur, sele-nium or tellurium.

267 Contains trivalent chromium ion or reduc-ing agent or an organic additive:This subclass is indented under subclass 264.Subject matter wherein the liquid reactive coat-ing composition contains at least one atom ofchromium in trivalent form or contains a mate-rial disclosed or claimed as a reducing agent orcontains an organic additive.

268 Contains an atom of boron, silicon or metalatom other than alkali metal:This subclass is indented under subclass 264.Subject matter wherein the liquid reactive coat-ing composition contains at least one atom ofchromium and at least one atom of boron, sili-con or of a metal atom other than an alkalimetal atom.

(1) Note. Excluded herefrom as being alkalimetals are Li, Na, K, Ru, Cs and Fr.

269 Metal substrate contains elemental Ti, Zr,Hf, Cu, Ta, or Th or alloy thereof:This subclass is indented under subclass 243.Subject matter wherein a liquid composition isapplied to a metal substrate containing at leastone elemental or alloyed form of Ti, Zr, Hf, Cu,Ta or Th and reacts therewith.

(1) Note. This subclass provides for a metalsubstrate containing any of the aboveelements regardless of the amounts ofthose elements therein.

(2) Note. The particular elements enumer-ated above need not be involved in the



reaction process. It is sufficient for pur-poses of the subclass if the particular ele-ment is present in the substrate.

270 Contains an atom of sulfur, selenium or tel-lurium:This subclass is indented under subclass 243.Subject matter wherein a reactive liquid com-position containing an atom of sulfur, seleniumor tellurium is applied to a metal substrate.

(1) Note. The sulfur, selenium or tellurium,required for this subclass may or maynot be reactive with the metal substrate.

271 Contains organic sulfur compound:This subclass is indented under subclass 270.Subject matter wherein sulfur is in the form ofan organic compound.

272 Coating or treating a metal oxide with aspecified composition:This subclass is indented under subclass 243.Subject matter wherein the process includes asubsequent treatment of a disclosed or claimedmetal oxide layer with a specified composition.

(1) Note. Specified for purposes of this sub-class requires that at least one chemicalatom of the composition be identified inthe claims.

(2) Note. This subclass provides for pro-cesses and composition wherein theactual step of producing the metal oxideis not claimed and the claim itself is totreating the metal oxide disclosed asformed by a process proper under sub-class 243 with a “specified” composi-tion.

273 Contains an atom of arsenic or metal atomother than alkali metal:This subclass is indented under subclass 243.Subject matter wherein a reactive liquid com-position containing an atom of arsenic or ametal atom other than an alkali metal is appliedto a metal substrate and reacts therewith.

(1) Note. The arsenic or metal atom otherthan alkali metal required for this sub-class may or may not be reactive withthe metal substrate.

(2) Note. Excluded herefrom as being alkalimetals are Li, Na, K, Ru, Cs, and Fr.

274 Contains organic material:This subclass is indented under subclass 243.Subject matter wherein a reactive liquid com-position containing an organic compound isapplied to a metal substrate.

(1) Note. The organic compound requiredfor this subclass may or may not be reac-tive with the metal substrate.

275 Metal substrate contains elemental alumi-num or magnesium or alloy thereof:This subclass is indented under subclass 243.Subject matter wherein a reactive liquid com-position is applied to a metal substrate contain-ing at least one elemental or alloyed form ofaluminum or magnesium.

(1) Note. This subclass provides for a metalsubstrate containing any of the aboveelements regardless of the amounts ofthose elements therein.

(2) Note. The particular elements enumer-ated above need not be involved in thereaction process. It is sufficient for pur-poses of this subclass if the particularelement is present in the metal substrate.

276 Coating during or after metal oxide forma-tion:This subclass is indented under subclass 240.Subject matter wherein a reactive compositionis applied to a metal substrate and reacts at thesurface to form an oxide layer and whereinconcurrent with or subsequent to said oxideformation an additional coating process isinvolved.

(1) Note. This subclass provides for pro-cesses and compositions wherein the ini-tial step of forming the metal oxide is notclaimed (it must be disclosed as formedby a process proper under subclass 240)and the claim itself is to the other coatingsteps required for this subclass and com-positions therefore.



277 Metal oxide formed after applied coating:This subclass is indented under subclass 240.Subject matter wherein a reactive material isapplied to the surface of a modified substrateand a reaction is caused thereby to convert thepreviously formed surface into an oxide layer.

(1) Note. This subclass provides for pro-cesses and compositions wherein the ini-tial step of treating the elemental metalor alloy containing substrate with achemical reactant is not claimed (it mustbe disclosed as a process proper for sub-class 240 and the claim is to the treatingstep of forming the metal oxide and tocompositions therefore.

278 Carbide formation, decarburization or car-bonizing:This subclass is indented under subclass 240.Subject matter wherein a carbide is formed,decarburizing occurs, or a carburizing reactionis involved.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:206, through 238, for carburizing, nitrid-

ing, or both (e.g., carbonitriding)using an external source of carbon ornitrogen.

(1) Note. Thus, for this subclass thecarbide formation or carbonizingrequires an external noncarbon ornonnitrogen containing externalreactant and the source of the car-bon is the substrate. Metallizationof high carbon content alloy sub-strate by vapor deposition of ametal without diffusion of carbonto form a carbide containing coat-ing thereon is an example of thetype reactive coating provided inthis subclass.

279 Contains an atom of boron or silicon thatreacts with metal substrate:This subclass is indented under subclass 240.Subject matter wherein a reactive material con-taining at least one atom of boron or silicon isapplied to the metal substrate and a silicon orboron atom is disclosed or claimed.

280 Reactive material applied nonuniformly orreacted selectively:This subclass is indented under subclass 240.Subject matter wherein the reaction with themetal substrate is of a nonuniform nature.

(1) Note. Included herein, but not limitedthereto, are metal treatments utilizing amask to shield a portion of the metal sur-face and to expose a portion of the sur-face to be treated or chemical treatmentsinvolving a single side of a sheet mate-rial.

281 Metal substrate contains elemental Ti, Zr,Nb, Ag, Ta or W or alloy thereof:This subclass is indented under subclass 240.Subject matter wherein the metal substrate con-tains elemental or an alloyed form of titanium,zirconium, niobium, silver, tantalum or tung-sten.

(1) Note. This subclass provides for a metalsubstrate containing any of the aboveelements regardless of the amount ofthose elements therein.

(2) Note. The particular elements enumer-ated above need not be involved in thereaction process. It is sufficient for pur-poses of this subclass if the particularelement is present in the substrate.

282 Metal substrate contains elemental copperor alloy thereof:This subclass is indented under subclass 240.Subject matter wherein the metal substrate con-tains elemental copper or an alloy thereof.

(1) Note. This subclass provides for a cop-per containing substrate regardless of theamount of copper.

(2) Note. The copper need not be involvedin the reaction process. It is sufficient ifcopper is merely present in the metalsubstrate.

283 Contains an atom of halogen, organic mate-rial or gaseous sulfur:This subclass is indented under subclass 240.Subject matter wherein the material whichreacts with the metal surface contains at least



one halogen atom (F, Cl, Br, I, At) or is anorganic material, or is gaseous sulfur.

(1) Note. See Class 260, Chemistry of Car-bon Compounds for a definition of theterm “organic”.

284 Coating composition applied forms oxidecoating:This subclass is indented under subclass 240.Subject matter wherein an oxide of a metal isformed on a metal containing substrate.

285 Oxide of aluminum, beryllium or magne-sium formed:This subclass is indented under subclass 284.Subject matter wherein an oxide layer of alu-minum, beryllium or magnesium is formed onan aluminum, beryllium or magnesium con-taining substrate.

(1) Note. This subclass provides for oxideformation, regardless of the degree ofoxide formation or the amount of alumi-num, beryllium, or magnesium in themetal containing substrate.

286 Oxide of cobalt, chromium or nickelformed:This subclass is indented under subclass 284.Subject matter wherein an oxide layer of chro-mium, cobalt, or nickel is formed on a chro-mium, cobalt or nickel containing substrate.

(1) Note. This subclass provides for oxideformation, regardless of the degree ofoxide formation, or the amount of chro-mium, cobalt, or nickel in the metal con-taining substrate.

287 Oxide of iron formed:This subclass is indented under subclass 284.Subject matter wherein an oxide layer of iron isformed on an iron containing substrate.

(1) Note. This subclass provides for ironoxide formation regardless of the degreeof oxide formation or the amount of ironin the metal containing substrate.

300 Magnetic:This subclass is indented under subclass 400.Stock material for magnetic material which isclaimed as resulting from a Class 148 treat-

ment, as having an internal structure whichresulted from a Class 148 treatment, which isclaimed in terms of a specified magnetic prop-erty, e.g., coercive force, etc., or for coatedmagnetic material wherein the coating is fol-lowed by a Class 148 treatment.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:100+, for processes of developing, improv-

ing, modifying or preserving the mag-netic properties of metallic materialby a Class 148 process.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:252, Compositions, subclasses 62.51+ for

magnetic compositions which do notcontain a continuous phase of metal.The recitation that metallic particlesare present in a nonmetallic (e.g., res-inous) vehicle, matrix or binder willbe taken as meaning that no continu-ous phase of metal is present.

420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, appropriate subclasses for alloys ormetallic compositions defined only as“magnetic”, “magnetized” or “perma-nent magnet”, material even thoughdisclosed as resulting from a Class148 treatment as well as alloys ormetallic compositions claimed, per se,which are inherently magnetic.

427, Coating Processes, subclasses 127+for coating processes, per se, whereinthe base or coating are magnetic andwherein there is no separate step ofmodifying or maintaining the internalphysical structure (i.e., microstruc-ture) or chemical properties of themetal.

428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Arti-cles, subclasses 692.1 and 693.1 forstock materials having a defined mag-netic layer and subclasses 800-848.9for magnetic recording component orstock.

301 Rare earth and transition metal containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 300.Stock material which contains both a rare earthmetal and a transition metal, e.g., Co5 Sm etc.



302 Boron containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 301.Stock material which additionally containsboron.

303 Copper containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 301.Stock material which additional contains cop-per.

304 Amorphous:This subclass is indented under subclass 30.Stock material which has no regular crystalstructure but rather has a series of noncrystal-line areas much like a glass.

(1) Note. The recitation that a material is“glassy” will be taken as an indication ofamorphous structure.

(2) Note. Amorphous Structure is usuallycreated by cooling certain alloys atextremely high rates of speed such thatthe alloy can be cooled before having achance to crystallize.

305 With inclusion:This subclass is indented under subclass 304.Amorphous stock material which internalstructure interspersed within an amorphousmatrix.

(1) Note. These inclusions may be formedwithin the amorphous matrix or causedto form by later treatment, e.g., precipi-tate, etc.

306 Iron base (i.e., ferrous):This subclass is indented under subclass 306.Stock material which contains over 50 percentiron.

307 Silicon containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 306.Stock material which additionally contains sili-con.

308 Specific crystallos:graphic orientations:This subclass is indented under subclass 307.Stock material wherein the material is definedas having its crystals oriented in a particularmanner, e.g., by Miller indices, “cube on edge”etc.

(1) Note. A specification of random orienta-tion is excluded and placed in subclasses307 or 309.

309 Containing over 1 percent aluminum:This subclass is indented under subclass 307.Stock material which additionally containsmore than 1 percent aluminum.

310 Nickel containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 306.Stock material which additionally containsnickel.

311 Cobalt containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 306.Stock material which additionally containscobalt.

312 Nickel base:This subclass is indented under subclass 300.Stock material which contains over 50 percentnickel.

313 Cobalt base:This subclass is indented under subclass 300.Stock material which contains over 50 percentcobalt.

314 Manganese base:This subclass is indented under subclass 300.Stock material which contains over 50 percentmanganese.

315 No single metal over 500 percent:This subclass is indented under subclass 300.Stock material which contains 50 percent orless of any single metal, i.e., no base metal.

316 Carburized or nitrided:This subclass is indented under subclass 400.Stock material wherein the surface of the mate-rial contains additional carbon or nitrogen dif-fused therein.

(1) Note. So called “case hardened” mate-rial is presumed to have carbon only dif-fused into the surface unless indicated tothe contrary.



317 Nitrided:This subclass is indented under subclass 316.Stock material wherein the surface of the mate-rial contains additional nitrogen diffusedtherein.

(1) Note. This and the indented subclasscontain patents to so called “carboni-trided” material wherein both carbon andnitrogen have been diffused into the sur-face.

318 Ferrous (i.e., iron base):This subclass is indented under subclass 317.Stock material which contains over 50 percentiron.



321 1.7 Percent or more carbon containing (e.g.,cast iron):This subclass is indented under subclass 320.Stock material which additionally contains 1.7percent or more carbon.

(1) Note. Most so called “cast iron” con-tains over 1.7 percent carbon. A patentclaiming “cast iron” will be placed inthis or indented subclasses in theabsence of a specific disclosure that thecarbon content is less than 1.7 percent.

322 Malleabilized:This subclass is indented under subclass 321.Stock material which is chill cast iron (see sub-class 323 for definition) which has been subse-quently heat treated to allow the combinedcarbon of the white chill cast iron to substan-tially precipitate as fine globules of graphite ina matrix of iron of much lower carbon contact(usually in the range of .4 to .6 percent).

(1) Note. The terms “malleabilized” or“malleable iron” will be taken as mean-ing a patent is proper for this subclass in

the absence of disclosure that the carboncontent is less than 1.7 percent or the dis-closure that the heat treatment of whitecast iron is not intended.

323 Chill cast:This subclass is indented under subclass 321.Stock material which has been cast in such amanner that substantially all the carbon in theiron is combined with the iron rather thanallowed to precipitate out as inclusions of freegraphite carbon.

(1) Note. The presence of combined carbonand absence of free graphite causes thechill cast iron to have a white rather thana grey appearance when fractured. Therecitation that a cast iron is “white” willbe taken to mean that it has been chillcast. So called “mottled iron” whichcontains areas of white iron mixed withgrey iron will also be classified hereun-der.

324 Six percent or more group IV, V or IV tran-sition metal containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 321.Stock material which additionally contains oneor more of the elements titanium, zirconium,hafnium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chro-mium, molybdenum or tungsten in a totalamount of 6 percent or more.

325 Nine percent or more chromium containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 320.Stock material which additionally contains 9percent of more chromium.

(1) Note. This subclass contains most socalled stainless steels. The recitationthat a stock material is “stainless steel”will cause it to be placed in this orindented subclasses unless it is clear thatthe material does not contain 9 percentor more chromium.

326 Age or precipitation hardened or strength-ened:This subclass is indented under subclass 325.Stock material which has been first heated to arelatively high temperature to cause ingredientsthereof to dissolve to form a solid solution andthen aged, or heated to a lower temperature foran extended period of time whereby phases are



precipitated which increase the hardness, orstrength of the material.

(1) Note. Often after the first high tempera-ture heating “solution treatment” thematerial is quenched to room tempera-ture before being heated to age or precip-itate.

(2) Note. The aging, or precipitation maytake place at room temperature for somematerial, but there must be a positiverecitation of “aging”, or “precipitation”,or words to that effect in the claims toplace a material here.

(3) Note. “Solution” treated material whichhas not been positively claimed as givenan aging, or precipitation treatment isexcluded herefrom and placed in sub-classes 325 or 327 as appropriate.

327 Eight percent for more total content ofnickel and/or manganese:This subclass is indented under subclass 325.Stock material which additionally contains acombined total of 8 percent or more.

(1) Note. The stock material need not con-tain any nickel or manganese at all if thecontent of the other element is 8 percentor more.

328 Age or precipitation hardened or strength-ened:This subclass is indented under subclass 320.Stock material which has been first heated to arelatively high temperature to cause ingredientsthereof to dissolve to form a solid solution andthen aged, or heated to a lower temperature foran extended period of time whereby phases areprecipitated which increase the hardness, orstrength of the material.

(1) Note. Often after the first high tempera-ture heating “solution treatment” thematerial is quenched room temperaturebefore being heated to age, or precipi-tate.

(2) Note. The aging, or precipitation maytake place at room temperature for somematerial, but there must be a positiverecitation of “aging”, or “precipitation”,

or words to that effect in the claims toplace a material here.

(3) Note. “Solution” treated material whichhas not been positively claimed as givenan aging, or precipitation treatment isexcluded herefrom and placed in appro-priate subclasses below.

329 Eight percent or more manganese contain-ing:This subclass is indented under subclass 320.Stock material which additionally contains 8percent or more manganese.

330 Beryllium or boron containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 320.Stock material which additionally containsberyllium or boron.

331 Rare earth metal containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 320.Stock material which additionally containsscandium, yttrium or a lanthanide metal.

332 Copper containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 320.Stock material which additionally containscopper.

333 Chromium containing, but less than 9 per-cent:This subclass is indented under subclass 320.Stock material which additionally containschromium in an amount of less than 9 percent.

334 Molybdenum containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 333.Stock material which additionally containsmolybdenum.





337 Three percent or more manganese contain-ing or containing other transition metal inany amount:This subclass is indented under subclass 320.Stock material which additionally contains atleast one of 3 percent or more manganese orany amount of one or more other transitionmetals not provided for above.

(1) Note. Transition metals are those ele-ments with atomic numbers 21 through30, 39 through 48 and 57 through 80.

400 STOCK:Elemental metal, alloys or metallic composi-tions which (a) are the product of a process orthis class (148) e.g., heat treated, age hardenedetc., (b) are claimed in terms of specific mag-netic properties, (c) are amorphous, (d) possessthe property of shape memory, (e) are the prod-uct of significant Class 164, Metal Founding,step, e.g., chill cast, directionally solidifiedetc., or (f) are the product of the dispersion ofparticulate matter in molten metal which par-ticulate matter retains its identity in the finalproduct, e.g., dispersion strengthened.

(1) Note. An alloy or metallic compositiondefined solely in terms of its elementalconstituents is classified in Class 420,Alloys or Metallic Compositions,whether or not such a claim includes arecitation of physical or chemical prop-erties such as noncorrosiveness, hard-ness or ductility which are inherent inthe alloy or metallic composition.

(2) Note. As to (a) of this subclass defini-tion the recitation of chemical or physi-cal properties which are the result of aClass 148 process of treatment is properfor this or indented subclasses. As to (e)of this subclass definition a significantClass 164 step is one in which there is aparticular Class 164 manipulationintended to control the internal structureof the product. The recitations “chillcast” and “directionally solidified” areconsidered to be significant Class 164manipulations. As to (f) of this subclassdefinition there must be a clear disclo-sure that the particles remain as such inthe product for placement hereunder.

Cases of doubt will be resolved by place-ment in Class 420.

(3) Note. The order of superiority amongvarious alloy, metallic composition andmetal stock areas and methods of manu-facture involving them is as follows:

1. Class 419, Powder Metallurgy Pro-cesses.

2. Class 75, Specialized MetallurgicalProcesses, Compositions for UseTherein, Consolidated Metal PowderCompositions, and Loose Metal Particu-late Mixtures, subclasses 228+, consoli-dated metal powder composition.

3. Class 420, Alloys or Metallic Compo-sitions, claimed as products.

4. Class 148, Metal Treatment, sub-classes 2 through 30 in class scheduleorder, providing for methods of treat-ment of solid metal.

5. Class 148, Metal Treatment, sub-classes 400+, stock.

6. Class 420, Alloys or Metallic Compo-sitions, processes of making includingmelting.

7. Class 164, Metal Founding.

This list is not complete but may beadded to as the proper relationship ofother areas is determined. For a morecomprehensive discussion of other met-allurgical areas and the relationshipamong them see the definition, of Class420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions.

(4) Note. In general, no cross-referenceshave been placed in this, or indentedsubclasses based on disclosure fromClass 420, Alloys or Metallic Composi-tions. Thus a search for unclaimed dis-closure of stock for this and indentedsubclasses should be made in the appro-priate subclasses of Class 420 based onthe composition of the material. Theonly exception of this rule is subclasses402 to 404 of this class which serve as



digests for their subject matter disclosedin Class 420 original patents. Also, ingeneral no cross-references have beenplaced in Class 420 from this andindented subclasses based on disclosureof the composition of the stock in thisand indented subclasses. The onlyexception to this rule is the cross-refer-ence are collections of Class 420, sub-classes 901 to 903 which also serve as acollection point for pertinent disclosurefrom this and indented subclasses.

(5) Note. The rules for determining Classplacement of the Original Reference(OR) for claimed chemical compositionsare set forth in the Class Definition ofClass 252 in the section LINES WITHOTHER CLASSES AND WITHINTHIS CLASS, subsection COMPOSI-TION CLASS SUPERIORITY, whichincludes a hierarchical ORDER OFSUPERIORITY FOR COMPOSITIONCLASSES.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Arti-

cles, subclasses 411.1+ and 615+ fornonmetallic and metallic composites,respectively, defined in terms of thecomposition of their components, andthe main Class Definition of the class(428), sections VI, B, VI, C4 and VI,C6, for the distinction between stockmaterials for that class (428) and a“stock” classified herein.

401 Radioactive:This subclass is indented under subclass 400.Stock material which is claimed as being radio-active, containing an isotope of an elementwhich is radioactive, or containing an elementof which all the known isotopes are radioac-tive.

(1) Note. The elements of which all knownisotopes are radioactive are technetium,promethium, and all the elements ofatomic number 84 and higher.

402 Mechanical memory:This subclass is indented under subclass 400.Stock material which when shaped at a firsttemperature, and reshaped at a different tem-

perature resumes its first shape when returnedto the first temperature, or at some intermediatetemperature.

(1) Note. This subclass is placed in thisclass since this “memory” of the firstshape is believed to occur due to changesof crystal form at different tempera-tures. However, all metallic stock pos-sessing mechanical memory is placedhereunder no matter what the disclosedtheory may be.

403 Amorphous, i.e., glassy:This subclass is indented under subclass 400.Stock material which has no regular crystalstructure, but rather has a series of noncrystal-line areas much like a glass.

(1) Note. This structure usually is createdby cooling certain alloys at extremelyhigh rates of speed, such that the alloycan be solidified and cooled before hav-ing a chance to crystallize.

404 Directionally solidified:This subclass is indented under subclass 400.Stock material in which solidification of thealloy, or metallic composition has been carriedout along one plane only, usually resulting in a“columnar” crystalline structure.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Arti-

cles, subclass 611 for metallic stockmaterial with preformed fibers whichhave an orientation coordinate withthe shape of the body.

405 Age or precipitation hardened or strength-ened:This subclass is indented under subclass 400.Stock material which has been first heated to arelatively high temperature to cause ingredientsthereof to dissolve to form a solid solution andthen aged, or heated to a lower temperature foran extended period of time whereby phases areprecipitated which increase the hardness, orstrength, of the material.

(1) Note. Often after the first high tempera-ture heating “solution treatment” thematerial is quenched to room tempera-



ture before being heated to age, or pre-cipitate.

(2) Note. The aging, or precipitation maytake place at room temperature for somematerial, but there must be a positiverecitation of “aging”, or “precipitation”,or words to that effect in the claims toplace a material here.

(3) Note. “Solution” treated material whichhas not been positively claimed as givenan aging, or precipitation treatment isexcluded herefrom and placed in appro-priate subclasses below.

406 Magnesium base:This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Stock material which contains over 50 percentmagnesium.

407 Refractory metal base:This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Stock material which contains over 50 percentby weight of a single metal selected from tita-nium, vanadium, chromium, zirconium, nio-bium, molybdenum, hafnium, tantalum, ortungsten.

408 Cobalt base:This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Stock material which contains over 50 percentof cobalt by weight.

409 Nickel base:This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Stock material which contains over 50 percentof nickel by weight.

410 Chromium containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 409.Stock material which additionally containschromium.

411 Copper base:This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Stock material which contains over 50 percentof copper by weight.

412 Tin containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 411.Stock material which additionally contains tin.

413 Zinc containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 411.Stock material which additionally containszinc.


415 Aluminum base:This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Stock material which contains over 50 percentof aluminum.


417 Magnesium containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 416.Stock material which additionally containsmagnesium.

418 Vanadium, niobium or tantalum containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 417.Stock material which additionally contains atleast one of the metals vanadium, niobium, ortantalum.

419 Containing over 50 percent metal, but nobase metal:This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Stock material which contains over 50 percentof total metal by weight, but wherein no singlemetal is present in an amount over 50 percentby weight.

420 Magnesium base:This subclass is indented under subclass 400.Stock material which contains over 50 percentof magnesium.

421 Titanium, zirconium or hafnium base:This subclass is indented under subclass 400.Stock material which contains over 50 percentof titanium, over 50 percent, zirconium or over50 percent hafnium by weight.



422 Vanadium, niobium or tantalum base:This subclass is indented under subclass 400.Stock material which contains over 50 percentvanadium, over 50 percent niobium, or over 50percent tantalum by weight.

423 Chromium, molybdenum or tungsten base:This subclass is indented under subclass 400.Stock material which contains over 50 percentof chromium, over 50 percent of molybdenum,or over 50 percent of tungsten by weight.

424 Manganese base:This subclass is indented under subclass 400.Stock material which contains over 50 percentof manganese by weight.

425 Cobalt base:This subclass is indented under subclass 400.Stock material which contains over 50 percentof cobalt by weight.

426 Nickel base:This subclass is indented under subclass 400.Stock material which contains over 50 percentof nickel by weight.

427 Chromium containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 426.Stock material which additionally containschromium.

428 Aluminum containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 427.Stock material which additionally contains alu-minum.


430 Noble metal base:This subclass is indented under subclass 400.Stock material which contains over 50 percentby weight of a single metal selected fromruthenium, rhodium, paladium, osmium, irid-ium, platinum, gold, or silver.

431 Silver base containing in situ formed oxides:This subclass is indented under subclass 430.Stock material which contains over 50 percentof silver by weight and additionally contains

metal oxides formed in the silver containingthe material by chemical reaction.

(1) Note. The oxide may be formed, e.g., byreaction of a metal oxide with another toproduce a different metal oxide, e.g.,AgO + Cd --- CdO + Ag, or by reactionof silver base alloy with elemental oxy-gen to oxidize part of the alloy, etc.

432 Copper base:This subclass is indented under subclass 400.Stock material which contains over 50 percentof copper by weight.

433 Tin containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 432.Stock material which additionally contains tin.

434 Zinc:This subclass is indented under subclass 432.Stock material which additionally containszinc.



437 Aluminum base:This subclass is indented under subclass 400.Stock material which contains over 50 percentof aluminum by weight.






441 Zinc base:This subclass is indented under subclass 400.Stock material which contains over 50 percentof zinc by weight.

442 Containing over 50 percent metal, but nobase metal:This subclass is indented under subclass 400.Stock material which contains over 50 percentof total metal by weight, but wherein no singlemetal is present in an amount of over 50 per-cent by weight.

500 Utilizing disclosed mathematical formula orrelationship:This subclass is indented under subclass 95.Process wherein a mathematical formula orrelationship containing variables is disclosedand utilized in the claimed process.

(1) Note. The mere use of constants or per-centages, per se, does not meet the crite-ria for this subclass.

501 Nonferrous metal, nonferrous alloy or no-base alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 500.Process wherein the metal is a nonferrousmetal, an alloy having greater than 50 percentof one of the nonferrous metals or an alloy hav-ing no one metal present in an amount greaterthan 50 percent.

502 Aluminum (Al) or aluminum base alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 501.Process wherein aluminum or an alloy contain-ing greater than 50 percent aluminum is thenonferrous based metal.

503 Utilizing therein symbol for temperature:This subclass is indented under subclass 500.Process which utilizes, in a mathematical for-mula or relationship therein, a symbol to repre-sent temperature other than abbreviationsrepresenting the temperature scale (e.g., C forcentigrade, etc.).

(1) Note. Utilization of a temperature ortemperature range, per se, is not properhereinunder unless the temperature ortemperature range is part of the mathe-matical formula or relationship.

504 With working step:This subclass is indented under subclass 503.Process which includes a working step.

505 Utilizing therein factors or percentagesrelated to metal or metal alloy composition(i.e., including carbon content):This subclass is indented under subclass 500.Process wherein a mathematical formula orrelationship utilizes factors or percentagesrelated to a metal or alloy composition includ-ing all materials whether metal or not (e.g., car-bon content).

(1) Note. For this subclass, the mere use ofpercentages or moles utilized to define ametal or metal alloy composition is notsufficient by itself for placement herein.An actual mathematical formula or rela-tionship must be present which includesas a part thereof factors or percentagesrelated to the composition.

506 With chromium (Cr) in the mathematicalrelationship:This subclass is indented under subclass 505.Process wherein a factor or percentage relatedto chromium (Cr) content is utilized in a math-ematical formula or relationship.

507 With titanium (Ti) in the mathematical rela-tionship:This subclass is indented under subclass 505.Process wherein a factor or percentage relatedto titanium (Ti) content is utilized in a formulaor mathematical relationship.

508 With measuring, testing, or sensing:This subclass is indented under subclass 95.Process which includes a step involving mea-suring, testing, or sensing of a reaction condi-tion.

(1) Note. The adjustment of a condition to aspecified level (e.g., temperature) is notproper hereinunder unless there is anactual recitation in the claim of measur-ing, testing or sensing.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:73, Measuring and Testing, appropriate

subclasses for processes of measuringor testing, per se.



324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, appropriate subclasses for processesof determining electrical properties byelectrical means, per se, even thoughnonelectrical values are derived fromthe electrical values determined.

356, Optics: Measuring and Testing, appropriate subclasses for processeswhich utilize visible light to measureoptical properties, per se, or for pro-cesses of testing visible light for opti-cal properties and which utilizevisible light to test for nonopticalproperties, per se, when not elsewhereprovided.

374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, appropriate subclasses for thermaltesting, per se, or the combination ofthermal testing and nonthermal test-ing, per se.

509 Magnetic or electrical property:This subclass is indented under subclass 508.Process wherein a magnetic or electrical prop-erty is measured, tested, or sensed.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:100+, for processes which include the intent

of developing, modifying or preserv-ing the magnetic properties, per se, ofa free metal or alloy.

(1) Note. In many cases of metaltreatment, magnetic properties areinherently changed. The mere useof magnetic property changes todetermine other microstructuralchanges or to follow the course ofthe process is proper hereinunderunless the emphasis and intent isconsistent with subclasses 100+.If there is any doubt as to intent,hierarchy prevails and a cross-ref-erence to other parts of this class isadvisable.

510 Change in dimension (e.g., expansion, elon-gation, distortion, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 508.Process wherein a change in dimension (e.g.,expansion, elongation, distortion, etc.) of atreated metal or alloy is measured, tested orsensed.

511 Temperature:This subclass is indented under subclass 508.Process wherein there is an actual step of mea-suring, sensing, or testing of temperature.

512 Surface melting (e.g., melt alloying etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 95.Process wherein only a surface of the solid orsemisolid metal is melted during the process.

(1) Note. Alloying a melted metal surfaceby application of nonreactive alloyingingredients (e.g., other free metals, etc.)which diffuse into the melted metal toform an alloyed (i.e., not chemicallyreactive coating) surface compositionincluding the ingredients of the meltedmetal surface and the infused ingredientsis one of the species acceptable here-inunder.

(2) Note. Some other species of surfacemelting involve purposes of hardeningor relieving stress.

(3) Note. Surface melting, per se, utilizing aheat source for purposes of sealing orreflowing the metal to close pores orremove cracks goes to the appropriateheating class. If homogenizing, alloy-ing, or other modifying of metal micro-structure (e.g., rehardening, diffusing,etc.) is present, this subclass is proper.

(4) Note. There is no intent to take castingor melt coating, per se, into this subclasswhich relates only to melting of a solidmetal substrate surface.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:206+, for processes of carburizing or nitrid-

izing a metal substrate from an exter-nal source of carbon or nitrogen.

240+, for processes of reactive coating ametal substrate an externally suppliedreactive ingredient as defined thereun-der.


Compositions for Use Therein, Con-solidated Metal Powder Composi-



tions, and Loose Metal ParticulateMixtures, particularly subclass 10.11for processes of zone melting or frac-tional crystallization wherein solidmetal is traversed by a melt zonecausing migration of the impuritieswithin the metal resulting in purifica-tion of the metal or for processes ofrefinining (e.g., smelting) moltenmetal zones by selective crystalliza-tion and separation of the crystalliza-tion phase from the melt to effectpurification (i.e., fractional crystalli-zation) thereof.

228, Metal Fusion Bonding, appropriatesubclasses for processes of welding orjoining of metal preforms by fusionbonding wherein there may be surfacemelting.

(1) Note. The combination of metalfusion bonding, as in Class 228with processes acceptable underthe Class 148 definition, is properfor Class 148. However, this sub-class specifically is excludingmetal fusion bonding of the typefound in Class 228. See particu-larly subclasses 516+ hereinunderfor the combination of metalfusion bonding with processesacceptable under the Class 148definition.

427, Coating Processes, appropriate sub-classes for processes including apply-ing a melted metal coating, per se, to asolid metal substrate.

(1) Note. The distinction for Class427 is that the total composition ofthe applied coating comes froman external source as opposed toany portion thereof, except for theinterface therewith, coming fromthe metal substrate to which thecoating is applied. Also, in Class148 coating, the metal substrate isnot in a molten condition when thecoating is applied. However, if amelted metal substrate has a non-reactive coating or alloying mate-rial applied to it, placement isproper in this subclass if theresultant coating includes ingredi-

ents of the melted substrate andinfused alloying ingredient. More-over, if coating of a solid substrateby a Class 427 operation isinvolved in a combined process,melting of the metal coating sur-face occurring during a meltingstep separate from the coatingoperation must also include melt-ing of the substrate to be proper inthis subclass of Class 148.

513 Treating loose metal powder, particle orflake:This subclass is indented under subclass 95.Process wherein (1) loose metal or metal alloypowder, particle or flake in a solid or semisolidstate is cooled or heat treated to modify ormaintain the internal physical structure (i.e.,microstructure) or chemical properties and notelsewhere provided or (2) solid or semisolidmetal or metal alloy is cooled or heat treated tomodify or maintain the internal physical struc-ture (i.e., microstructure) or chemical proper-ties and loose metal powder, particle or flake isproduced therefrom (e.g., comminuting).


Compositions for Use Therein, Con-solidated Metal Powder Composi-tions, and Loose Metal ParticulateMixtures, appropriate subclasses forprocesses of producing or purifyingloose metal or metal alloy powder orfor loose metal powder compositions.

(1) Note. Class 75 takes purificationof metal powder compositions thatinvolve washing or cleaning oper-ations and includes utilization of avacuum, per se, therefor. How-ever, Class 148 takes heat-treat-ment of solid or semi-solid metalpowder involving chemical orphysio-chemical operations toalter the metal composition (e.g.,decarburizing, dehydrogenating,denitridizing, etc.).

502, Catalyst, Solid Sorbent, or SupportTherefor: Product or Process of Mak-ing, particularly subclasses 300+ forprocess of making metal catalysts.



The line to other classes are expressedin Class 502.

514 Treating consolidated metal powder, per se(i.e., no sintering or compacting steppresent):This subclass is indented under subclass 95.Process wherein a metal or metal alloy powderin a preconsolidated state is treated and there isno sintering or no consolidating step present.


Compositions for Use Therein, Con-solidated Metal Powder Composi-tions, and Loose Metal ParticulateMixtures, subclasses 228+ for con-solidated metal powder compositions.

419, Powder Metallurgy Processes, appro-priate subclasses for processes of con-solidating metal powdercompositions having a sintering orcompacting step therein and whichmay additionally have post-consoli-dating treatment therein.

(1) Note. If a sintering or compactingstep is present, placement goes toClass 419 even if there is a subse-quent treatment controlling themicrostructure or chemical prop-erties. However, if in the recitedprocess the starting material ispreconsolidated and no furthersintering or consolidating isincluded, Class 148 will control.

515 With explosive or exothermic agent:This subclass is indented under subclass 95.Process wherein an explosive or exothermicchemical agent is utilized to treat a metal arti-cle or stock.

(1) Note. Since the use of an explosiveagent may be considered to involveworking, the metal working classes pro-vide for the use of an explosive agent. Itis emphasized here that the line betweenClass 148 and the metal working classesrequires that there be a separate stepfrom the explosion in which there is achange in the internal physical structure(i.e., microstructure) or chemical proper-ties or that the explosive force changes

the microstructure without deforming ofthe metal to be placed in this subclass.

(2) Note. The use of the exothermic agentmust be to produce heat for modifying ormaintaining the internal physical struc-ture or chemical properties of the metalwhich is in a separate step from the stepof bonding by fusing or welding which isprovided for in the mechanical treatingclasses.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:29, Metal Working, subclass 421.2 for a

process using an explosive agent toshape metal.

516 Producing or treating layered, bonded,welded, or mechanically engaged article orstock as a final product:This subclass is indented under subclass 95.Process wherein a layered, bonded, welded, ormechanically engaged (e.g., inserts, etc.) arti-cle or stock having at least one layer or integralportion thereof made of metal or metal alloy isthe product of a process consistent with theclass definition.

(1) Note. To remain in this subclass, itmakes no difference whether layered,bonded, welded, or mechanicallyengaged article or mechanically engagedstock is the starting material of the pro-cess. It is however essential that thefinal product of the process be layered,bonded, welded, or mechanicallyengaged.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:538+, particularly subclasses 582, 591, 596,

606, 615, 625, 703, or 708, if the layeris a treating agent (e.g., protectiveannealing shield such as CaO,CaCO3, etc.) which is intended as atemporary layer but not part of thefinal product.

517 Subambient temperature:This subclass is indented under subclass 516.Process wherein any metal portion of the arti-cle or stock undergoing treatment is actuallycooled to a temperature identified as eitherbelow ambient temperature or below 20°C to



control the internal physical structure (i.e.,microstructure) or chemical properties thereof.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:577, for processes of treating nonlayered

metal or metal alloy at subambienttemperature.

518 With electrocoating (e.g., electroplating,anodizing, sputtering, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 516.Process which includes a step of electrocoating(e.g., electroplating, anodizing, etc.) by appli-cation of an externally supplied electrical cur-rent or by sputtering.

(1) Note. If during a post-treatment opera-tion the substrate becomes subjected to aClass 148 treatment that goes beyond themere interdiffusion at the interface toperfect the coating, placement goes inthis subclass whether or not the coatinglayer is involved. However, an electro-coating step must be present for thissubclass.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:205, Electrolysis: Processes, Composi-

tions Used Therein, and Methods ofPreparing the Compositions, appro-priate subclasses for processes involv-ing electrocoating of metal substratesand which include Class 148 opera-tions as herein defined which are pre-paratory to the electrocoating or areposttreatment operations limited tothe coating layer or involving diffu-sion affecting only the interface.Electrorefining is not considered to beelectrocoating in Class 205 or for thissubclass in Class 148.

519 Pipe or tube:This subclass is indented under subclass 516.Process wherein a pipe or tube is produced ortreated.

520 With induction heating:This subclass is indented under subclass 519.Process which includes a step of heating themetal workpiece by utilizing a magnetic fieldto induce a flow of electrons in the workpiecethat results in production of heat.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:219, Electric Heating, appropriate sub-

classes for induction heating, per se,of a metal or for working and induc-tion heating of metal which does notmeet the criteria for significant heat-ing as described under the notes insubclass 95 of Class 148.

521 With metal fusion bonding:This subclass is indented under subclass 519.Process which includes a step of metal fusionbonding of metal.


classes for processes of fusion bond-ing of metal, per se, by electricheating without a separate stepinvolving significant heat treatment asdefined in the notes under subclass 95of Class 148.

228, Metal Fusion Bonding, appropriatesubclasses for processes of weldingmetal, per se, without a separate stepinvolving significant heat treatment asdefined in the notes under subclass 95of Class 148.

522 With casting or solidifying from melt:This subclass is indented under subclass 516.Process wherein a metal or metal alloy, articleor stock is subjected to a casting operation or atotal metal mass (i.e., not just a portion or coat-ing) is solidified from a melted state.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:538, for casting or solidifying from a

melted state nonlayered, bonded,welded or mechanically engagedstock or article. See the notes there-under for locations of related classes.

523 Of aluminum (Al) or aluminum alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 522.Process wherein a metal or metal alloy beingcast or solidified is aluminum or an alloy con-taining greater than 50 percent aluminum.



524 With metal fusion bonding step utilizingelectron arc or beam:This subclass is indented under subclass 516.Process which utilizes an electron arc or beamfor fusion bonding metal to metal.


classes for processes of metal fusionbonding which use an electron arc orbeam, per se, without a separate sig-nificant heating step as defined in thenotes of subclass 95 of Class 148.

525 Utilizing wave energy (e.g., laser, electro-magnetic wave energy, etc.) plasma or elec-tron arc or beam:This subclass is indented under subclass 516.Process which utilizes wave energy (e.g., laser,electromagnetic wave energy, etc.), plasma oran electron arc or beam for (1) modifying ormaintaining the internal physical structure (i.e.,microstructure) or chemical properties of metalor a metal alloy or (2) in a combined processthat includes a step of modifying or maintain-ing the internal physical structure or chemicalproperties of metal or a metal alloy, the use ofelectromagnetic wave energy, plasma, electronarc or beam for any purpose.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:565, for processes of treating nonlayered

metal with electromagnetic waveenergy or electron arc or beam.

526 Electric heating with work as electrical con-ductor (e.g., alternating current, induction,etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 516.Process wherein an electrical current passesthrough the workpiece or is made to flow in aworkpiece or through induction to cause theheating thereof.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:566+, for processes of electric heating with

nonlayered metal as an electrical con-ductor.

527 With metal next to or bonded to metal:This subclass is indented under subclass 516.Process wherein the article or stock being pro-duced or treated has a metal layer or part nextto or bonded to an adjacent metal layer or part.

528 With brazing or soldering:This subclass is indented under subclass 527.Process wherein a step of brazing or solderingis present or wherein brazed or soldered articleor stock is being treated.

529 Iron (Fe) or iron base alloy present:This subclass is indented under subclass 527.Process wherein at least one of the layers orparts is iron (Fe) or an iron alloy containinggreater than 50 percent iron.

530 Next to nonferrous metal or nonferrous basealloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 529.Process wherein the iron or iron base alloy isnext to a second layer or part which is identifi-able as a nonferrous metal or nonferrous basemetal alloy containing greater than 50 percentof any one of the nonferrous metals.

531 Aluminum (Al) or aluminum base alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 530.Process wherein the nonferrous metal is alumi-num(Al) or the nonferrous base alloy hasgreater than 50 percent aluminum.

532 Copper (Cu) or copper base alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 530.Process wherein the nonferrous metal is cop-per (Cu) or the nonferrous base alloy containsgreater than 50 percent copper.

533 Zinc (Zn), zinc base alloy or unspecified gal-vanizing:This subclass is indented under subclass 530.Process in which the nonferrous metal is zinc(Zn) or the nonferrous base alloy containsgreater than 50 percent zinc or in which there isa galvanizing step that does not specify thecoating metal.

534 With working:This subclass is indented under subclass 529.Process in which there is a metal deformingstep.



535 Aluminum (Al) or aluminum base alloypresent:This subclass is indented under subclass 527.Process wherein at least one of the layers orparts is aluminum(Al) or an aluminum alloycontaining greater than 50 percent aluminum.

536 Copper (Cu) or copper base alloy present:This subclass is indented under subclass 527.Process wherein at least one of the layers orparts is copper or copper alloy containinggreater than 50 percent copper.

537 With coating step:This subclass is indented under subclass 516.Process which includes a coating step.

538 With casting or solidifying from melt:This subclass is indented under subclass 95.Process which includes a step of casting metalor solidifying a total metal mass (i.e., not just aportion or coating) from a melted condition.

(1) Note. Class 148 will take all processesof casting and significant heating withworking or casting and heating whereina change in microstructure occurs duringa post-casting operation. In Class 148,both electrical and nonelectrical heatingis acceptable. See the notes under theClass 148 definition to determine whatconstitutes significant heating for distin-guishing over the other metal workingand heating classes.

(2) Note. Treating of a cast or solidifiedmetal starting material without an actualrecitation of the casting or solidifyingstep is improper for this subclass and thesubclasses indented hereinunder.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:221, for processes of casting combined

with carburizing or nitriding.512, for processes of treating metal by

melting only the surface thereof.522+, for processes of producing or treating

layered, bonded, welded or mechani-cally engaged article or stock as afinal product when combined with acasting operation.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:29, Metal Working, appropriate sub-

classes for a process combining cast-ing and working of metal.

164, Metal Founding, appropriate sub-classes for a process of casting, per se,of metal.

219, Electric Heating, appropriate sub-classes for processes of casting, perse, or casting and working involvingnonsignificant heat treating usingelectrical heating.

539 Centrifugal casting:This subclass is indented under subclass 538.Process wherein melted metal is cast from arotating means by centrifugal force (e.g., spincasting).

540 Iron (Fe) or iron base alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 538.Process wherein the metal being cast is iron(Fe) or an iron alloy containing greater than 50percent iron.

541 Continuous casting:This subclass is indented under subclass 540.Process wherein the metal being cast is contin-uously cast in an endless manner without inter-ruption from the casting apparatus.

542 Containing at least nine percent chromium(Cr) (e.g., stainless steel, etc.):Process under 540 wherein the iron alloy con-tains at least nine percent chromium (Cr) (e.g.,stainless steel, etc.).

543 Containing at least 1.5 percent carbon:This subclass is indented under subclass 540.Process wherein the iron alloy contains at least1.5 percent carbon.

544 With working:This subclass is indented under subclass 543.Process which involves a metal deformingstep.

545 With tempering, ageing, solution treating(i.e., for hardening), precipitation hardeningor strengthening, or quenching:This subclass is indented under subclass 543.Process which includes a step of tempering,ageing, solution treating (i.e., for hardening),



precipitation hardening or precipitationstrengthening, or quenching as a literallyexpressed operation.

546 With working:This subclass is indented under subclass 540.Process which includes a metal deforming step.

547 With tempering, ageing, solution treating(i.e., for hardening), precipitation hardeningor strengthening, or quenching:This subclass is indented under subclass 546.Process which involves a step of tempering,ageing, solution treating, precipitation harden-ing or precipitation strengthening, or quench-ing as a literally expressed operation.

548 With tempering, ageing, solution treating(i.e., for hardening), precipitation hardeningor strengthening, or quenching:This subclass is indented under subclass 540.Process which involves a step of tempering,ageing, solution treating (i.e., for hardening),precipitation hardening or precipitationstrengthening, or quenching as a literallyexpressed operation.

549 Aluminum (Al) or aluminum base alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 538.Process wherein the metal being cast is alumi-num(Al) or an aluminum alloy containinggreater than 50 percent aluminum.

550 With extruding or drawing:This subclass is indented under subclass 549.Process wherein there is a step of extruding ordrawing of the aluminum or aluminum alloy.

551 Continuous casting:This subclass is indented under subclass 549.Process wherein the metal being cast is contin-uously cast from the casting apparatus in anendless manner without interruption.


553 Copper (Cu) or copper base alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 538.Process wherein the metal being cast is copper(Cu) or a copper alloy containing greater than50 percent copper.


555 Nickel(Ni) or nickel base alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 538.Process wherein the metal being cast isnickel(Ni) or a nickel alloy containing greaterthan 50 percent nickel.



558 With vibration (e.g., mechanical, sound,etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 95.Process which involves the use of mechanicalvibration (e.g., high frequency sound, etc.) tomodify the microstructure of the metal withoutdeformation of the metal in the vibrating oper-ation.

559 Heating or cooling of solid metal:This subclass is indented under subclass 95.Process wherein metal remaining in the solid orsemisolid state (i.e., unmelted) throughout theentire process is subjected to a heating or cool-ing operation.

560 Actinide or trans-actinide metal or alloyhaving greater than 50 percent actinide ortrans-actinide metals:This subclass is indented under subclass 559.Process wherein the metal undergoing treat-ment is a metal or metal alloy having greaterthan 50 percent of actinide or a trans-actinidemetal or greater than 50 percent of a combina-tion of different actinide and/or trans-actinidemetals in the alloy.

(1) Note. The actinide or trans-actinidemetals include: actinium (Ac); thorium(Th); protactinium (Pa); uranium (U);neptunium (Np); plutonium (Pu); ameri-cium (Am); curium (Cm); berkelium



(Bk); californium (Cf); einsteinium (Es);fermium (Fm); mendelevium (Md); nbe-lium (No); and lawrencium (Lr).

561 Passing through an amorphous state ortreating or producing an amorphous metalor alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 559.Process wherein a metal or metal alloy havingno regular crystalline structure or periodicity(i.e., amorphous) in any amount is produced ortreated by a process under the class definitionor wherein a metal or metal alloy passesthrough a physical state having no regular crys-talline structure or periodicity during the treat-ment of the metal or metal alloy.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:100, for a process of developing, improv-

ing, modifying, or preserving themagnetic properties of an amorphousmetal or metal alloy.

403, for stock material which is in anamorphous state.

562 Treating single crystal:This subclass is indented under subclass 559.Process wherein a single crystal metal or metalalloy is the material being treated.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:117, Single-Crystal, Oriented-Crystal, and

Epitaxy Growth Processes; Non-Coat-ing Apparatus Therefor, for pro-cesses and non-coating apparatus forgrowing therein-defined single-crystalof all types of materials, includingmetal, alloy, or intermetallic single-crystal (except those proper for Class164, subclass 122.2). Class 117 isproper for metal, alloy, or intermetal-lic single-crystal growing in any phys-ical state, including solid phaserecrystallization. Class 117 is properfor metal, alloy, or intermetallic sin-gle-crystal growing and such com-bined with perfecting operations forthe growing step, except that Class148 provides for single-crystal grow-ing combined with a subsequent stepof heat treatment (which hereinincludes controlled cooling) when thepurpose of the heat treatment (or con-

trolled cooling) is to modify the inter-nal physical structure or chemicalproperty of a metal, alloy, or interme-tallic material. When the subsequentheat treatment (or controlled cooling)merely operates on the single-crystal-linity, such as stress or strain anneal-ing or to remove point defects, thecombined process is proper for Class117; when the subsequent heat treat-ment (or controlled cooling) operatesto effect significant metal, alloy, orintermetallic material heat treatment(or controlled cooling) purposes, suchas solutionizing, homogenizing, orprecipitation hardening, then the com-bined process is proper for Class 148.Class 117 provides for simultaneousor prior perfecting operations com-bined with single-crystal growing.See Class 117 definition, section C,(4) Note, for discussion of perfectingoperations.

563 Mechanical memory (e.g., shape, heat-recoverable, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 559.Process wherein a metal or metal alloy havingthe ability when originally shaped at a firsttemperature and reshaped at a second tempera-ture to undergo a reversible thermoelastic tran-sition and resume its original shape whenreturned to the first temperature or an interme-diate temperature is produced or treated in aprocess under the Class 148 definition.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:402, for stock material exhibiting a

mechanical memory effect.

564 Superplastic (e.g., dynamic recrystallization,etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 559.Process wherein a metal or metal alloy possess-ing the characteristic of not rupturing or “neck-ing down” when extensively deformed isproduced or treated by a process under theclass definition and wherein, if metal workingis part of the process, a working temperature isprovided as an indication of significant heat-ing.



(1) Note. The term “superplastic” or“dynamic recrystallization hot working”is indicative of microstructural change.However, if a metal working step ispresent, placement goes to the metalworking classes, unless the operationprovides a working temperature whichin combination with said terms will besufficient criteria for placement in Class148. Moreover, a combination of (1) themetal class working of “superplastic”metal or metal alloy at a nonspecifiedtemperature and (2) a Class 148 opera-tion goes in Class 148.

(2) Note. Superplastic deformation (1) isoften induced by heating and working ametal or metal alloy, possessing a veryfine grain structure, resulting in defor-mation exceeding 100 percent (i.e.,based on elongation) and (2) is associ-ated with phase change or allotropictransformation during the deformation.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:72, Metal Deforming, appropriate sub-

classes for a process of working ametal undergoing dynamic-recrystal-lization or plastic deformation, if notemperature is provided.

420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, subclass 902 for metal alloys exhibit-ing superplastic behavior.

565 Utilizing wave energy (e.g., laser, electro-magnetic, etc.), plasma or electron arc orbeam:This subclass is indented under subclass 559.Process which utilizes wave energy (e.g., laser,electromagnetic, etc.), plasma or electron arcor beam for (1) modifying or maintaining theinternal physical structure (i.e., microstructure)or chemical properties of metal or metal alloyor (2) in a combined process including a step ofmodifying or maintaining the internal physicalstructure or chemical properties of a metal ormetal alloy, the use of wave energy, plasma,electron arc, or beam for any purpose.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:512, for process of using wave energy

wherein the surface of the metal is

melted as defined for the purposesthereunder.

525, for processes of utilizing electromag-netic wave energy or electron arc orbeam to treat layered metal work-pieces or articles.


classes for process of heating metal,per se, or for process of workingmetal that utilizes nonsignificant heat-ing of the metal as set forth herein-above in the line to the metal workingclasses.

566 Electric heating with work as conductor(e.g., alternating current, induction, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 559.Process wherein an electric current from anexternal source is passed through a metal ormetal alloy workpiece or is made to flow in ametal or metal alloy workpiece through induc-tion to cause heating thereof.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:526, for processes of electric heating

wherein an electric current is passedthrough a layered metal or metal alloyworkpiece or article.

567 Induction:This subclass is indented under subclass 566.Process wherein electricity is caused to passthrough the workpiece by inducing currentflow through influence of an external electricalfield

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:509, for processes of measuring or testing

of electrical or magnetic propertiesutilizing induction therefor or coinci-dent with the heating of a metal work-piece for Class 148 purposes.

526, for processes of inductively heating alayered metal or metal alloy work-piece or article.



568 Wire or filament:This subclass is indented under subclass 567.Process wherein the metal or metal alloy work-piece undergoing treatment is a wire or fila-ment.

569 Railway stock (e.g., rails, wheels, axles, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 567.Process wherein the metal or metal alloy work-piece being treated is stock including rails,wheels, axles, or other metal parts utilized witha railway system.

570 Of hollow bodies (e.g., pipe, sphere, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 567.Process wherein the metal or metal alloy work-piece being treated is hollow.

571 Inside only:This subclass is indented under subclass 570.Process wherein the hollow workpiece beingtreated is heated by induction applied onlyfrom the inside thereof.

572 Rod, axle, shaft, or roller:This subclass is indented under subclass 567.Process wherein the metal or metal alloy work-piece undergoing treatment is a rod, axle, shaft,or roller.

573 Gear, threaded article, drill or serratedwork surface (e.g., saw blade, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 567.Process wherein the metal or metal alloy work-piece undergoing treatment is a gear, threadedarticle, drill or serrated work surface (e.g., sawblade, etc.).

574 And cooling with fluid contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 567.Process which includes a step of cooling themetal or metal alloy by contacting the samewith a fluid cooling agent or medium.

575 Iron (Fe) or iron base alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 574.Process wherein the metal or metal alloy work-piece undergoing treatment is iron (Fe) or aniron alloy containing greater than 50 percentiron.

576 Wire or filament:This subclass is indented under subclass 566.Process wherein the metal or metal alloy work-piece undergoing treatment is a wire or fila-ment.

577 Chilling to subambient temperature:This subclass is indented under subclass 559.Process wherein the metal is subjected to treat-ment at below ambient temperature (i.e., below20°C).

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:517, for processes using subambient tem-

perature to treat a layered workpieceor article.

578 Iron (Fe) or iron base alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 577.Process wherein the metal undergoing treat-ment is iron (Fe) or an iron alloy containinggreater than 50 percent iron.

579 Iron (Fe) or iron base alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 559.Process wherein the metal being treated is iron(Fe) or an iron alloy containing greater than 50percent iron.

580 Spring or spring material:This subclass is indented under subclass 579.Process wherein the metal being treated isdescribed as a spring or spring material (e.g.,coils, leaf, etc.).

581 Railway stock (e.g., rails, wheels, axles, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 579.Process wherein the metal being treated is indi-cated to be stock including rails, wheels, axles,or other metal parts utilized with a railway sys-tem.

582 Treating with specified agent (e.g., heatexchange agent, protective agent, decarbur-izing agent, denitriding agent, etc.) or vac-uum:Process under 581 wherein a vacuum or a treat-ing agent (e.g., heat exchange agent, protectiveagent, decarburizing agent, denitriding agent,etc.) specified as an element, compound orcomposition other than air or water is utilizedto treat the iron or iron alloy.



583 Wheel:This subclass is indented under subclass 581.Process wherein the metal being treated is awheel.

584 With working:This subclass is indented under subclass 581.Process which includes a step of deforming themetal.

585 With work handling:This subclass is indented under subclass 581.Process wherein a metal workpiece is manipu-lated for positioning or moving about duringany stage of the process.

586 Gear:This subclass is indented under subclass 579.Process wherein the metal undergoing treat-ment is a part, which is usually toothed or spi-raled and referred to as a gear, by which motionis transmitted from one portion of machinery toanother.

587 Threaded article (e.g., screws, drill bits,etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 579.Process wherein the metal being treated con-tains a threaded portion (e.g., screws, drill bits,etc.).

588 Serrated work surface (e.g., saw blades,etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 579.Process wherein there is a serrated surface por-tion on the metal (e.g., saw blades, etc.) beingtreated.

589 Ring:This subclass is indented under subclass 579.Process wherein the metal undergoing treat-ment is in the shape of an annular band of lim-ited length (i.e., ring).

590 Pipe or tube:This subclass is indented under subclass 579.Process wherein a hollow elongated cylinder(i.e., pipe or tube) is the metal undergoingtreatment.

591 Treating with specified agent (e.g., heatexchange agent, protective agent, decarbur-

izing agent, denitriding agent, etc.) or vac-uum:This subclass is indented under subclass 590.Process wherein a vacuum or treating agent(e.g., heat exchange agent, protective agent,decarburizing agent, denitriding agent, etc.)specified as an element, compound or compo-sition other than air or water is utilized to treatthe iron or iron alloy.

592 Nine percent or more chromium (Cr) (e.g.,stainless steel, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 590.Process wherein the pipe or tube is an ironalloy containing nine percent or more chro-mium (Cr) (e.g., stainless steel, etc.).

593 With working:This subclass is indented under subclass 590.Process which includes metal deforming.

594 With work handling:This subclass is indented under subclass 590.Process wherein a metal workpiece is manipu-lated for positioning or moving about duringany stage of the process.

595 Wire, rod, or filament:This subclass is indented under subclass 579.Process wherein the workpiece undergoingtreatment is a wire, rod, or filament.

(1) Note. The diameter of the rod makes nodifference to this subclass.

596 Treating with specified agent (e.g., heatexchange agent, protective agent, decarbur-izing agent, denitriding agent, etc.) or vac-uum:This subclass is indented under subclass 595.Process wherein a vacuum or a treating agent(e.g., heat exchange agent, protective agent,decarburizing agent, denitriding agent, etc.)specified as an element, compound, or compo-sition other than air or water is utilized to treatthe wire, rod, or filament.

597 Nine percent or more chromium (Cr) (e.g.,stainless steel, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 595.Process wherein the wire, rod, or filament is aniron alloy containing nine percent or morechromium (Cr) (e.g., stainless steel, etc.).




599 With working at or below 120°C or unspeci-fied cold working:This subclass is indented under subclass 598.Process wherein there is a metal deformingoperation that occurs from below 120°C downto 20°C or reciting a cold working at anunspecified temperature.

600 With work handling:This subclass is indented under subclass 595.Process wherein the wire, rod, or filament ismanipulated for positioning or moving about atany stage of the process.

601 With coiling or treating of coiled strip:This subclass is indented under subclass 579.Process which includes a coiling step or treat-ing of a coiled strip.

602 With working:This subclass is indented under subclass 601.Process which includes a metal deforming stepin addition to the coiling step.

603 With working at or below 120°C or unspeci-fied cold working:This subclass is indented under subclass 602.Process wherein there is a metal deformingoperation that occurs from or below 120°Cdown to 20°C or reciting cold working at anunspecified temperature.

604 Of stacked plural workpieces:This subclass is indented under subclass 579.Process wherein plural workpieces are verti-cally stacked, one above the other.

(1) Note. Side-by-side or other arrange-ments for treating plural workpieces arenot provided in this subclass.

(2) Note. The presence of inserts or spacersbetween the plural workpieces for facili-tating the treatment is acceptable for thissubclass.

605 Nine percent or more chromium (Cr) (e.g.,stainless steel, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 579.Process wherein the Iron alloy undergoingtreatment contains nine percent or more chro-mium (Cr) (e.g., stainless steel, etc.).

606 Treating with specified agent (e.g., heatexchange agent, protective agent, decarbur-izing agent, denitriding agent, etc.) or vac-uum:This subclass is indented under subclass 605.Process wherein a vacuum or treating agent(e.g., heat exchange agent, protective agent,decarburizing agent, denitriding agent, etc.)specified as an element, compound, or compo-sition other than air or water is utilized to treatthe iron or iron alloy.

607 Ageing, solution treating (i.e., for harden-ing), precipitation strengthening or precipi-tation hardening:This subclass is indented under subclass 605.Process which includes operations designatedas ageing, solution treating (i.e., for harden-ing), precipitation strengthening or precipita-tion hardening.

(1) Note. See the main lines for Class 148 todetermine placement herein, over themetal working classes, if metal workingis present. Specifically, the presence ofthe terms ageing, solution treating, orprecipitation strengthening or precipita-tion hardening are sufficient for place-ment in Class 148, over the metalworking classes.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:545, 547, 548, or 622 for other Class 148

processes treating iron alloys by age-ing, solution treating, precipitationstrengthening or precipitation harden-ing.





610 With working at or below 120°C or unspeci-fied cold working:This subclass is indented under subclass 609.Process wherein there is a metal deformingoperation that occurs from below 120°C downto 20°C or cold working at an unspecified tem-perature.

611 Austenitic phase structure:This subclass is indented under subclass 605.Process wherein there is an Austenitic phasestructure identified as present in the iron alloy.

612 Starting material contains 1.7 percent ormore carbon (e.g., cast iron, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 579.Process wherein the iron alloy contains 1.7 per-cent or more carbon (e.g., cast iron, etc.).

613 Decarburizing:This subclass is indented under subclass 612.Process which includes a treatment thatreduces the carbon content present in the work-piece.

614 Starting material is spherulitic (i.e., spheroi-dal) or vermicular (i.e., wormlike):This subclass is indented under subclass 612.Process wherein there is a spherulitic (i.e.,spheroidal) or vermicular (i.e., wormlike) car-bon state present in the starting iron alloyundergoing treatment.

615 Treating with specified agent (e.g., heatexchange agent, protective agent, decarbur-izing agent, denitriding agent, etc.) or vac-uum:This subclass is indented under subclass 612.Process wherein a vacuum or treating agent(e.g., heat exchange agent, protective agent,decarburizing agent, nitridizing agent, etc.) isspecified as an element, compound, or compo-sition other than air or water is utilized to treatthe iron or iron alloy.

616 Treating or producing white or malleablecast iron:This subclass is indented under subclass 612.Process wherein the iron alloy undergoingtreatment is white or malleable cast iron orwherein the product of the process is white ormalleable cast iron.

617 Producing malleable cast iron:This subclass is indented under subclass 616.Process wherein the product of the process is amalleable cast iron.

618 With spheroidal graphite production:This subclass is indented under subclass 617.Process for producing a malleable cast ironproduct, also includes the production of sphe-roidal graphite.

619 Containing 10 percent or more manga-nese(Mn) (e.g., Hadfield steel, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 579.Process wherein the iron alloy undergoingtreatment contains 10 percent or more manga-nese(Mn) (e.g., Hadfield steel, etc.).


621 Highly alloyed (i.e., greater than 10 percentalloying elements):This subclass is indented under subclass 579.Process wherein the iron based alloy containsgreater than a total of 10 percent alloying ele-ments.

(1) Note. Steels of the types referred to ashigh speed tool alloys, maraging alloys,and iron-based super alloys are assumedto be highly alloyed for this subclasslacking an indication to the contrary.

622 Ageing, solution treating (i.e., for harden-ing), precipitation strengthening or precipi-tation hardening:This subclass is indented under subclass 579.Process which includes operations designatedas ageing, solution treating (i.e., for harden-ing), precipitation strengthening or precipita-tion hardening.

(1) Note. See the main Class 148 lines todetermine placement herein over themetal working classes if metal workingis present. Specifically, the presence ofthe terms ageing, solution treating, orprecipitation strengthening or precipita-tion hardening are sufficient for place-ment in Class 148 over the metalworking classes.



SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:545, 547, 548, or 607 for other Class 148

processes or treating iron alloys byaging, solution treating, or precipita-tion strengthening or precipitationhardening as a literal expression.

623 Overageing:This subclass is indented under subclass 622.Process which defines the aging operation as“overageing”.


625 Treating with specified agent (e.g., heatexchange agent, protective agent, decarbur-izing agent, denitriding agent, etc.) or vac-uum:This subclass is indented under subclass 579.Process wherein a vacuum or a treating agent(e.g., heat exchange agent, protective agent,decarburizing agent, denitriding agent, etc.)specified as an element, compound, or compo-sition other than air or water, per se, to treat theiron or iron alloy.

626 With preserving, recovering, separatelytreating or handling of the specified treatingagent:This subclass is indented under subclass 625.Process which includes preserving, recovering,separately treating or manipulating for posi-tioning or moving about of the specified treat-ing agent.

627 With localized or zone heating or cooling:This subclass is indented under subclass 625.Process wherein a heating or cooling operationis applied to a discontinuous area of the metalworkpiece to provide treatment limited to oneor several local areas or zones and not to otheradjacent areas.

628 Using vacuum:This subclass is indented under subclass 625.Process which involves the use of a vacuum atany stage of the process.

629 Decarburizing or denitriding:This subclass is indented under subclass 625.Process which includes a step decarburizing ordenitriding.

630 Utilizing particulate fluid bed:This subclass is indented under subclass 625.Process which involves the use of a bed of par-ticulate material in gaseous suspension servingas the treating agent.

631 Fused treating agent:This subclass is indented under subclass 625.Process wherein the treating agent is fused.


633 Gaseous agent:This subclass is indented under subclass 625.Process which includes the use of a specifiedgaseous agent other than air or water.

634 Hydrogen:This subclass is indented under subclass 633.Process wherein the gaseous treating agentcontains molecular hydrogen gas and exclud-ing air.

(1) Note. While water is excluded as a treat-ing agent for this subclass, the presenceof molecular hydrogen, as may be foundin equilibrium in steam, is acceptable ifthe specification discloses the usethereof for molecular hydrogen content.

(2) Note. Although there is molecularhydrogen present in air, the mere use ofair is not intended as proper for this sub-class.


636 Liquid agent:This subclass is indented under subclass 625.Process wherein the specified treating agent isa liquid other than liquid air, per se, or water,per se.



637 And cooling or quenching:This subclass is indented under subclass 636.Process which includes a cooling or quenchingoperation.

638 Treating composition contains water:Process under 637 wherein the treating agentcomposition includes water, but is not water,per se.

639 Localized or zone heating or cooling:This subclass is indented under subclass 579.Process wherein a heating or cooling operationis applied to a discontinuous area of the metalworkpiece to provide treatment limited to oneor several local areas or zones and not toanother adjacent area.

640 Utilizing protective or insulating shieldingfrom heat:This subclass is indented under subclass 639.Process wherein a mechanical barrier or shieldis utilized to protect or insulate the local area orzone of metal from heat.

641 Simultaneous heating and cooling treat-ment:This subclass is indented under subclass 639.Process which includes a step of simultaneousheating and cooling.

642 Heating with flame treatment:This subclass is indented under subclass 639.Process which involves use of a flame to heat ametal workpiece.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:194+, for a process of flame cutting or burn-

ing of a metal workpiece.

643 With working:This subclass is indented under subclass 639.Process which involves metal deforming.

644 CoolingThis subclass is indented under subclass 639.Process which includes cooling of metal.

645 With flattening, straightening or tensioningby external force:This subclass is indented under subclass 579.Process wherein the metal workpiece is sub-jected to a flattening, straightening, or tension-ing operation which utilizes an external force.

(1) Note. The tensioning applies externalpulling force in diverse directions to themetal workpiece without any actualbending or plastic deformation of theworkpiece during the tensioning step.

646 With restraining of metal from expanding orcontracting during heating or cooling:This subclass is indented under subclass 579.Process wherein the expansion or contractionof the metal workpiece creates a force which isopposed by a holding or confining means torestrain the metal workpiece from expanding orcontracting.

647 Die quenching:This subclass is indented under subclass 646.Process wherein the workpiece is restrained ina die while undergoing a rapid cooling (i.e.,quenching) operation.


649 Forging:This subclass is indented under subclass 648.Process which includes a metal deformingoperation by heating and hammering (i.e., forg-ing).

650 With working at or below 120°C or unspeci-fied cold working:This subclass is indented under subclass 648.Process wherein there is a metal deformingoperation that occurs at a temperature frombelow 120°C down to 20°C or cold working atan unspecified temperature.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:577, for processes of treating a metal or

metal alloy at temperatures below20°C.



651 Heating step follows cold working:This subclass is indented under subclass 650.Process wherein at least one heating operationfollows a cold working operation.

652 Separate cooling step follows cold workingstep:This subclass is indented under subclass 651.Process wherein there is a separate coolingoperation performed subsequent to the coldworking step.

653 With additional nonworking heating step:This subclass is indented under subclass 648.Process wherein in addition to the step inwhich metal working occurs, there is a separatestep of heating for modifying the microstruc-ture of a metal workpiece.

654 Including cooling (e.g., quenching, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 648.Process which includes, in addition to themetal working step, a separate cooling opera-tion (e.g., quenching, etc.).

655 With separate handling or treating of theair, water, or unspecified fluid treatingmedia:This subclass is indented under subclass 579.Process wherein air, water, or an unspecifiedfluid treating media is subjected to a separatestep of manipulation or treating outside of themetal treating operation.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:625, for process of treating the metal work-

piece with a specified treating agent.

656 Work handling:This subclass is indented under subclass 579.Process wherein a metal workpiece is manipu-lated for positioning or moving about at anystage in the process.

657 Continuous strip or sheet:This subclass is indented under subclass 656.Process wherein the workpiece is in the form ofa continuous strip or sheet of metal.

658 During cooling step:This subclass is indented under subclass 656.Process wherein the handling of the workpiecetakes place during a cooling step.

659 Including spheroidizing:This subclass is indented under subclass 579.Process which involves production of spheroi-dal microstructural components.

660 Including cooling (e.g., quenching, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 579.Process which includes a cooling step (e.g.,quenching, etc.).

661 Strip, sheet, or plate:This subclass is indented under subclass 660.Process wherein the metal workpiece is in theform of a strip, sheet, or plate.

662 Heating step follows cooling step:This subclass is indented under subclass 660.Process in which a heating step follows a cool-ing step.

663 Tempering:This subclass is indented under subclass 662.Process which includes a tempering heat treat-ment at any stage whereby a crystal structuresuch as martensite is transformed to carbidesresiding in austenite.

664 Multiple cooling steps:This subclass is indented under subclass 660.Process wherein there are multiple coolingsteps.

665 Beryllium (Be) or beryllium base alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 559.Process wherein the metal being treated isberyllium(Be) or a beryllium alloy containinggreater than 50 percent beryllium.

666 Magnesium (Mg) or magnesium base alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 559.Process wherein the metal being treated ismagnesium (Mg) or a magnesium alloy con-taining greater than 50 percent magnesium.

667 With working:This subclass is indented under subclass 666.Process wherein there is a step of metaldeforming.



668 Refractory metal (i.e., titanium (Ti), zirco-nium (Zr), hafnium (Hf), vanadium (V), nio-bium (Nb), columbium (Cb), tantalum (Ta),chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), tung-sten (W)), or alloy base thereof:This subclass is indented under subclass 559.Process wherein the metal being treated is tita-nium (Ti), zirconium (Zr), hafnium (Hf), vana-dium (V), niobium (Nb), columbium (Cb),tantalum (Ta), chromium (Cr), molybdenum(Mo), tungsten (W), or an alloy thereof con-taining greater than 50 percent of one of saidmetals.

669 Titanium (Ti) or titanium base alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 668.Process wherein the metal being treated is tita-nium (Ti) or titanium alloy containing greaterthan 50 percent titanium.

670 With working:This subclass is indented under subclass 669.Process which includes a step of metal deform-ing.

671 With ageing, solution treating (i.e., for hard-ening), precipitation hardening or strength-ening:This subclass is indented under subclass 670.Process which includes a step of ageing, solu-tion treating (i.e., for hardening), precipitationhardening or precipitation strengthening as aliterally expressed condition.

(1) Note. See the main definition for thisclass (148), Lines With Other Classesand Within This Class, “A. Metal Cast-ing, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.,” todetermine placement over the metalworking classes, if metal working ispresent. Specifically, the presence of theterms aging, solution treating, for pre-cipitation strengthening or precipitationhardening are sufficient for placement inClass 148 over the metal workingclasses.

672 Zirconium (Zr) or zirconium base alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 668.Process wherein the metal being treated is zir-conium (Zr) or a zirconium alloy containinggreater than 50 percent zirconium.

673 Tungsten (W) or tungsten base alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 668.Process wherein the metal being treated istungsten (W) or a tungsten alloy containinggreater than 50 percent tungsten.

674 Cobalt (Co) or cobalt base alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 559.Process wherein the metal being treated iscobalt(Co) or a cobalt alloy containing greater50 percent cobalt.

675 Nickel (Ni) or nickel base alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 559.Process wherein the metal being treated isnickel(Ni) or a nickel alloy containing greaterthan 50 percent nickel.


677 With ageing, solution treating (i.e., for hard-ening), or precipitation hardening orstrengthening:This subclass is indented under subclass 676.Process which includes a step of ageing, solu-tion treating (i.e., for hardening), or precipita-tion hardening or precipitation strengthening asa literal expression.

(1) Note. See the main definition for thisclass (148), Lines With Other Classesand Within This Class, “A. Metal Cast-ing, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.,” todetermine placement over the metalworking classes, if metal working ispresent. Specifically, the presence of theterms ageing, solution treating, or pre-cipitation strengthening or precipitationhardening are sufficient for placement inClass 148 over the metal workingclasses.

678 Noble metal (i.e., silver (Ag), gold (Au),osmium (Os), iridium (Ir), platinum (Pt),ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), palladium(Pd)) or alloy base thereof:Process under 559 wherein the metal beingtreated is silver(Ag), gold(Au), osmium(Os),iridium(Ir), platinum(Pt), ruthenium(Ru), rhod-ium(Rh), palladium(Pd), or an alloy base



thereof containing greater than 50 percent ofany one of said metals.

679 Copper (Cu) or copper base alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 559.Process wherein the metal being treated is cop-per (Cu) or a copper alloy containing greaterthan 50 percent copper.

680 With working above 400°C or nonspecifiedhot working:This subclass is indented under subclass 679.Process wherein there is a metal deformingstep that takes place at a temperature above400°C or there is nonspecified hot working.

(1) Note. See the main definition for thisclass (148), Lines With Other Classesand Within This Class, “A. Metal Cast-ing, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.,” todetermine placement over the metalworking classes, if metal working ispresent.

681 Multiple working steps:This subclass is indented under subclass 680.Process which includes plural metal deformingsteps and wherein at least one of said metaldeforming steps is performed above 400°C oris a nonspecified hot working.

682 With ageing, solution treating (i.e., for hard-ening), precipitation hardening or strength-ening:This subclass is indented under subclass 681.Process which includes a step of ageing, solu-tion treating (i.e., for hardening), or precipita-tion hardening or precipitation strengthening asa literally expressed expression.


683 With ageing, solution treating (i.e., for hard-ening), precipitation hardening or strength-ening:This subclass is indented under subclass 680.Process which includes a step of ageing, solu-tion treating (i.e., for hardening), or precipita-tion hardening or precipitation strengthening asa literally expressed expression.

(1) Note. See the main definition for thisclass (148), Lines With Other Classesand Within This Class, “A. Metal Cast-ing, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.,” todetermine placement over the metalworking classes, if metal working ispresent. Specifically, the presence ofthe terms ageing, solution treating, pre-cipitation strengthening or precipitationhardening are sufficient for placement inClass 148 over the metal workingclasses.

684 With working:This subclass is indented under subclass 679.Process which includes a metal deforming stepat from 400°C down to 20°C or cold workingat an unspecified temperature.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:577, for processes treating solid or semi-

solid metal at temperatures below20°C.

685 With ageing, solution treating (i.e., for hard-ening), precipitation hardening or strength-ening:This subclass is indented under subclass 684.Process which includes a step of ageing, solu-tion treating (i.e., for hardening), or precipita-tion hardening or precipitation strengthening asa literally expressed condition.

(1) Note. See the main definition for thisclass (148), Lines With Other Classesand Within This Class, “A. Metal Cast-ing, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.,” todetermine placement herein over themetal working classes if metal workingis present. Specifically, the presence ofthe terms ageing, solution treating, orprecipitation strengthening or precipita-tion hardening are sufficient for place-



ment in Class 148 over the metalworking classes.


(1) Note. See the main definition for thisclass (148), Lines With Other Classesand Within This Class, “A. Metal Cast-ing, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.,” todetermine placement over the metalworking classes, if metal working ispresent. Specifically, the presence of theterms aging, solution treating, or precipi-tation strengthening or precipitationhardening are sufficient for placement inClass 148 over the metal workingclasses.

687 Treating with specified agent (e.g., heatexchange agent, protective agent, decarbur-izing agent, denitriding agent, etc.) or vac-uum:Process under 679 wherein a vacuum or a treat-ing agent (e.g., heat exchange agent, protectiveagent, decarburizing agent, denitriding agent,etc.) specified as an element, compound, orcomposition other than air or water is utilizedto treat the copper or copper alloy.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:206, for carburizing or nitriding of metal

using an externally supplied source.240, for processes of coating metal utiliz-

ing a reactive agent that reacts withthe metal substrate.

688 Aluminum (Al) or aluminum base alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 559.Process wherein the metal being treated is alu-minum(Al) or an aluminum alloy containinggreater than 50 percent aluminum.

689 With extruding or drawing:This subclass is indented under subclass 688.Process wherein the metal is extruded or drawnthrough a shaping orifice for purpose of shap-ing the metal.

690 And ageing, solution treating (i.e., for hard-ening), precipitation hardening or strength-ening:This subclass is indented under subclass 689.Process which includes a step of ageing, solu-tion treating (i.e., for hardening), precipitationhardening or precipitation strengthening as aliterally expressed condition.


691 With working above 400°C or nonspecifiedhot working:This subclass is indented under subclass 688.Process wherein there is a metal deformingstep that takes place at a temperature above400°C or there is nonspecified hot working.

692 Multiple working steps:This subclass is indented under subclass 691.Process which includes plural metal deformingsteps and wherein at least one of said metaldeforming steps is performed above 400°C orat an unspecified hot working temperature.


(1) Note. See the main definition for thisclass (148), Lines With Other Classes



and Within This Class, “A. Metal Cast-ing, Metal Fusion Bonding, etc.,” todetermine placement over the metalworking classes, if metal working ispresent. Specifically, the presence of theterms ageing, solution treating, or pre-cipitation strengthening or precipitationhardening are sufficient for placement inClass 148 over the metal workingclasses.



695 With working:This subclass is indented under subclass 688.Process which includes a metal deforming stepat 400°C down to 20°C.



696 Multiple working steps:This subclass is indented under subclass 695.Process which includes plural metal deformingsteps and wherein each of said metal deformingsteps are performed at from 400°C down to20°C.



697 With ageing, solution treating (i.e., for hard-ening), precipitation hardening or strength-ening:This subclass is indented under subclass 696.Process which includes a step of ageing, solu-tion treating (i.e., for hardening), precipitationhardening or precipitation strengthening as aliterally expressed condition.






699 Copper (Cu) containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 698.Process wherein the aluminum alloy containscopper (Cu) in any amount.

700 Magnesium (Mg) containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 699.Process wherein the aluminum alloy containscopper (Cu) and magnesium (Mg) in anyamount.

701 Zinc (Zn) containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 700.Process wherein the Aluminum alloy containscopper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn)in any amount.

702 Magnesium (Mg) containing:This subclass is indented under subclass 698.Process wherein the aluminum alloy containsmagnesium (Mg) in any amount.

703 Treating with specified agent (e.g., heatexchange agent, protective agent, decarbur-izing agent, denitriding agent, etc.) or vac-uum:This subclass is indented under subclass 688.Process wherein a vacuum or a treating agent(e.g., heat exchange agent, protective agent,decarburizing agent, denitriding agent, etc.)specified as an element, compound, or compo-sition other than air or water is utilized to treataluminum or aluminum alloy.



ing a reactive agent that reacts withthe metal.

704 In fused state:This subclass is indented under subclass 703.Process wherein the specified agent is in afused or melted state.

705 Zinc (Zn) or zinc base alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 559.Process wherein the metal being treated is zinc(Zn) or zinc alloy containing greater than 50percent zinc.

706 Lead (Pb) or lead base alloy:This subclass is indented under subclass 559.Process wherein the metal being treated is lead(Pb) or a lead alloy containing greater than 50percent lead.

707 Over 50 percent metal, but no base:This subclass is indented under subclass 559.Process wherein the metal alloy being treatedcontains over 50 percent metal and in whichthere is no one metal present over 50 percent.

708 Treating with specified agent (e.g., heatexchange agent, protective agent, decarbur-izing agent, denitriding agent, etc.) or vac-uum:This subclass is indented under subclass 559.Process wherein a vacuum or treating agent(e.g., specified heat exchange agent, protectiveagent, decarburizing agent, denitriding agent,etc.) is specified as an element, compound, orcomposition other than air or water.



ing a reactive agent that reacts withthe metal.

709 With preserving, recovering, or separatelyhandling or treating of the agent:This subclass is indented under subclass 708.Process wherein the specified treating agent orcomposition is itself treated (e.g., preserving,recovering, regenerating) in an operation dis-tinct from the metal treating operation.

710 Utilizing particulate form in fluid bed:This subclass is indented under subclass 708.Process wherein the specified agent is utilizedin particulate form in a fluid bed to treat themetal or metal alloy.

(1) Note. Utilizing a particulate material forheat exchange purposes is acceptable forthis subclass, if a fluid bed is involved.



711 In fused state:This subclass is indented under subclass 708.Process wherein the specified agent is utilizedin a fused or melted state to treat the metal ormetal alloy.

712 In gaseous state:This subclass is indented under subclass 708.Process wherein the specified agent is utilizedto treat the metal or metal alloy is in the gas-eous state during the treatment operation.

713 In liquid state:This subclass is indented under subclass 708.Process wherein the specified agent is in theliquid state during the treatment of the metal ormetal alloy.

714 Localized or zone heating or cooling treat-ment:This subclass is indented under subclass 559.Process wherein a portion or several portionsbut less than the total of a metal workpiece issubjected to a heating or cooling treatment thatlimits the change in microstructure to localizedareas or zones as opposed to the entire work-piece.

CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS

These Cross-Reference Art Collections pertain to sub-classes 400+ stock.

900 Ion implanted:Art collection pertaining to subclasses 400+wherein the metal is treated by being bom-barded by high velocity ions to drive them intothe surface of the metal stock.

(1) Note. This subclass is most closelyrelated to subclasses 316+ since it is pos-sible to use ion implantation rather thanthermal diffusion to increase the carbonor nitrogen content of a metal surface.

901 Surface depleted in an alloy component(e.g., decarburized):Art collection pertaining to subclasses 400+wherein the surface of the metallic stock hasbeen intentionally depleted in an alloy compo-nent, e.g., decarburized.

902 Having portions of different metallurgicalproperties or characteristics:Art collection pertaining to subclasses 400+wherein different parts of the metal stock havedifferent metallurgical characteristics, usuallyas the result of differing Class 148 treatments.

(1) Note. The stock material generally hasthe same composition throughout as dif-ferentiated from stock for Class 428,Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articleswhich has plural identifiable compo-nents, usually of different composition.

903 Directly treated with high energy electro-magnetic waves or particles (e.g., laser, elec-tron beam):This subclass is indented under subclass 902.Art collection for stock material which hasbeen treated with high energy electromagneticwaves or particles. This usually causes the sur-face of the stock to be suddenly heated, themass of the stock then quickly cools the surfacegiving the effect of a quench resulting in ahardened surface.

904 Crankshaft:This subclass is indented under subclass 902.Art collection wherein the stock material is acrankshaft.

905 Cutting tool:This subclass is indented under subclass 902.Art collection wherein the stock material is acutting tool.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:30, Cutlery, subclass 350 for blades

wherein the cutting edge is treated indifferent manner than the rest of theblade.

906 Roller bearing element:This subclass is indented under subclass 902.Art collection wherein the stock material is aroller bearing element e.g., race, ball, roller,etc.

907 Threaded or headed fastener:This subclass is indented under subclass 902.Art collection wherein the stock material is athreaded or headed fastener, e.g., bolt, nut, nailetc.



908 Spring:This subclass is indented under subclass 902.Art collection wherein the stock material is aspring, e.g., coil, leaf, etc.

909 Tube:This subclass is indented under subclass 902.Art collection wherein the stock material istubular.

(1) Note. This subclass is not limited totubular conduits, e.g., steam pipe, butalso includes hollow tubular articles,e.g., internal combustion engine wristpins, etc.

910 In pattern discontinuous in two dimensions(e.g., checkerboard pattern):Stock material which the portions of differingmetallurgical properties vary in two differentdirections, e.g., checkerboard pattern.

END

CLASS 148, METAL TREATMENT · July 2006 CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS 148 - 1 December 2004 Edition

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Transcript of CLASS 148, METAL TREATMENT · July 2006 CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS 148 - 1 December 2004 Edition