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Class 376 - Induced nuclear reactions: processes, systems, and elements

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383 Subclasses


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Definition

This class provides for patents directed to processes involving induced nuclear reactions and structures which implement such processes.

(1) Note. For purposes of classification in this class, an induced nuclear reaction is defined as a change in the nucleus of an atom brought about by subjecting it (the nucleus) to (a) an impact with other nuclei of the same or different type, or (b) an impact with, or bombardment by, subatomic particles or high energy electromagnetic radiations. (2) Note. Reactions of type (a) in (1) Note, above, include those which cause or result in the combining or uniting of at least two nuclei to form a different nucleus which reactions are generally referred to as fusion reactions. Reactions of type (b) in (1) Note, above, include (1) those which cause a splitting or subdivision of the nucleus (usually a heavy nucleus) into a plurality of different nuclei and are generally referred to as fission reactions, and (2) those which result in a single but different nucleus of the same or a different element and are generally referred to as transmutations. (3) Note. A basis for placing a patent into this class is that a nuclear reactor be claimed or that it be utilized to obtain a nuclear reaction even though the sole or primary aim of the patent in regard to the reactor is to obtain useful nuclear energy or to utilize such nuclear energy yielding system for conversion into other forms of useful energy or power. This is true even though from a chemical view there may be nothing novel, or from an economical view, nothing of value, with respect to the products or materials resulting from the nuclear reaction. (4) Note. Patents to processes are not segregated from patents to the structure, but are classified together depending upon the type of structure claimed or used in the claimed process. Included within the scope of the class are patents directed to (a) the nuclear reactor as a system of elements or parts so interrelated as to produce induced nuclear reactions and to (b) such elements or parts, per se, as are essential and peculiar components of nuclear reactors. Included among (a), for example, are neutron detectors wherein the detection takes place by means of an induced nuclear reaction. Included among (b), for example, are fuel element structures (including fuel "targets" or "pellets"), control component structures, moderator component structures, fuel element storage structures, and refueling machines.

Lines with other classes and within this class

Also included in this class are the following (see Subclass References to the Current Class, below, for subclass references):

(1) Note. Patents to processes or apparatus including a step or means for (a) converting the nucleus of a substance other than the reactor fuel to a nucleus of another substance, (b) treating or irradiating of material, or (c) making a material radioactive, all within such reactor, including for such purposes as the production of nuclear fuel or experimentation, study or research, etc. (2) Note. Patents to processes or apparatus including a step or means for converting the nucleus of a substance or for making a substance radioactive by bombardment with accelerated particles from a source other than a nuclear reactor. (3) Note. Patents directed to combination of a process or apparatus under the class definition with a step or means, e.g., (a) of cooling or heat exchange even though the purpose is to generate steam for extraneous uses, or (b) with a step or means for carrying out of a chemical reaction, etc. (4) Note. Patents to processes or apparatus including an arrangement of steps or means for amplifying neutrons of a subcritical mass to controllable fission reaction levels, i.e., subcritical reactors. (5) Note. Patents to all devices, structures, and processes for irradiating a nucleus with its antinucleus (e.g., protonantproton) so as to produce annihilation radiation, i.e., induced matter-antimatter reaction. (6) Note. Patents to processes or devices that utilize a gaseous or light element fuel material, the particles of which are electrically charged or excited to the point where they become highly ionized and the forces of repulsion of like nuclei is overcome, or substantially so, wherein it is the intent of the patent that this be the result of such ionization, to the end that nuclear fusion of such like nuclei is obtained or sought to be obtained. Reactor structure in combination with any other art device is classified in this class. (1) Note. The line between the subject matter of this class and those classes utilizing nuclear energy reactors or reactions in an ancillary fashion for such purposes as the production of power either electrical or mechanical and for similar purposes is as follows: this class provides for claimed apparatus and processes wherein the reactor or reaction is recited either specifically or broadly and wherein structure utilizing the reactor or reaction, e.g., motor, generator, ship, aircraft, etc., is recited either specifically or broadly. (2) Note. Patents to processes utilizing nuclear energy to bring about chemical reactions between either inorganic or organic compounds in order to provide a different compound or product, provided neither reactor structure nor a nuclear reaction is claimed are classified elsewhere (see References to Other classes, below). Class 376, however, takes such patents if some reactor structure is claimed or if the resulting compound or product is either claimed, or is disclosed as being radioactive. (3) Note. This class also provides for patents to all processes and to certain devices or structures for irradiating a substance of a subject specimen or sample for research and related purposes or for making such substance radioactive. This holds true however only if the irradiation produces a transformation or similar modification of the nucleus of the substance, or if the treatment makes the substance radioactive. For other types of irradiation, see References to Other classes, below. (4) Note. Elements and subcombinations of nuclear reactors which may, if recited in general terms, be provided for elsewhere, are classified in this class if recited in terms of the subject matter of this class. (5) Note. A process of utilizing nuclear energy to bring about chemical reactions that treat or prepare a synthetic resin or rubber, provided neither nuclear reactor structure nor a nuclear reaction is claimed, is elsewhere (see References to Other Classes, below). Class 376, however, takes such patents if some reactor structure is claimed or if the resulting product is either claimed or disclosed as being radioactive.

 
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