CPC field-specific training

Transcription

1 CPC field-specific training B63 "Ships or other Waterborne Vessels; related Equipment" Laurent Mauriès Examiner, European Patent Office June 2018

2 Table of contents Introduction Essential principles for classification in B63, definitions Specific terminology Overall structure European Patent Office 2

3 Introduction The class B63 is very large 5 subclasses B63B, B63C, B63G, B63H and B63J Over main- and subgroups, thereof 53 main groups and 10 main indexing groups, resulting in over 100 pages B63-scheme and definitions documents have a confirmed CPC-classification in B63, corresponding to simple patent families (database EPODOC ). European Patent Office 3

4 Introduction B63B B63C B63G B63H B63J Ships or other waterborne vessels; equipment for shipping Launching, hauling-out, or dry-docking of vessels; lifesaving in water; equipment for dwelling or working under water; means for salvaging or searching for underwater objects Offensive or defensive arrangements on vessels; mine-laying; mine-sweeping; submarines; aircraft carriers Marine propulsion or steering Auxiliaries on vessels docs docs docs docs docs European Patent Office 4

5 Introduction Where to find CPC classification scheme and definitions of B EPOQUE net Classification rules IPC Guide: guide_ip c.pdf CPC training material: European Patent Office 5

6 Table of contents Introduction Essential principles for classification in B63, definitions Specific terminology Overall structure European Patent Office 6

7 Essential principles for classification in B63, definitions The aim of classification Retrieval of technical subject-matter (IPC-Guide VIII.75.) When classifying, keep in mind how a search examiner searches, i.e. what are the concepts useful for search and what is trivial. European Patent Office 7

8 Essential principles for classification in B63, definitions The main kinds of search Figure-feature search, i.e. a search of features shown in figures Text-feature search, i.e. a search for written features When flipping through documents, in B63, the search examiner mostly only looks at the figures, i.e. a classification based on the figures is usually more important than a classification based on the wording of a broad and vague claims. European Patent Office 8

9 Essential principles for classification in B63, definitions B63: Ships or other waterborne vessels; related equipment Are classified in B63 all floating bodies except vessels which are specially adapted or used for a particular purpose or incorporated in a larger system, e.g. : anti-pollution vessels, fire-fighting vessels, dredging vessels, flying boats, floating bridges. These are only classified in the use field. Salvaging and rescue equipment, equipment for working underwater are included. European Patent Office 9

10 Essential principles for classification in B63, definitions B63: example Dredging device not to be classified in B63, but instead in neighbouring field: E02F9/06 Diving equipment to be classified in B63 European Patent Office 10

11 Essential principles for classification in B63, definitions Essential principles Are not classified in B63 all bodies anchored to the ground, e.g. certain types of platforms, quays, mooring poles, docks. Equipment specific to vessels and the marine environment are also classified (e.g. details of water cooling intakes vs details of an engine block cooling system). A periscope, a marine mine or an hydrophone per se would not be classified in B63. European Patent Office 11

12 Essential principles for classification in B63, definitions B63: example Details of an air-cushioned vehicle B60V1/16 Details of a structure for fixing a bollard on a quay E02B3/24 European Patent Office 12

13 Essential principles for classification in B63, definitions Essential principles A class is not given when the features in the document are obviously of no technical value, or a mere reference (e.g. a pump that is suitable for marine application). Neighbouring fields are not to be forgotten when searching and classifying In B63, everything is at least classified under invention information. Try to go as deep as possible in the tree structure European Patent Office 13

14 Essential principles for classification in B63, definitions Neighbouring fields B63 E21B, F16L, H02G, E02F, G01V, A47, F17C, F41H, G01C... European Patent Office 14

15 Essential principles for classification in B63, definitions What is covered Boats, barges of all sizes Submarines, aircraft-carriers, all types of naval vessels surfboard, SUP, jetskis ROV (also underwater) floating offshore platform Diving chambers buoys, inflatable rafts European Patent Office 15

16 Essential principles for classification in B63, definitions What is usually not covered Torpedoes, ordnance wind or water turbines dredgers, anti-pollution, fire-fighting vehicles nuclear propulsion fishing nets/parks amphibious vehicles air-cushion vehicles port/harbour facilities swimming aids European Patent Office 16

17 Essential principles for classification in B63, definitions Examples European Patent Office 17

18 Table of contents Introduction Essential principles for classification in B63, definitions Specific terminology Overall structure European Patent Office 18

19 Specific terminology Very specific terms such as leech, yaw, mooring, trolling, or acronyms such as SWATH (for Small Area Twin Hull), ROV (remotely Operated Vehicle) are used in the marine field. They usually have a well recognized and unambiguous meaning. Difficulty of interpretation often comes with generic or more common expressions, whose meaning may vary substantially. Assessment of the scope of a claim is then much more complex. Hereunder are some examples of such terms or expressions. "Shell" "Port" "Bunker" the structural watertight skin of a ship s hull a door, gate of closable opening a compartment for solid or liquid fuel European Patent Office 19

20 Specific terminology "Dynamic anchoring" positioning of vessels or floating structures by means of propulsive elements "Salvaging" saving a ship or its cargo from wreck, capture, stranding or the like "Superstructure" Those parts of a ship, other than mast and rigging, which protrude above the main deck "Waste water" "Auxiliaries" any kind of water adversely affected in quality by human activities apparatus, equipment or installations assisting in making a ship/waterborne vessel habitable or putting it in working order European Patent Office 20

21 Table of contents Introduction Essential principles for classification in B63, definitions Specific terminology Overall structure European Patent Office 21

22 Main sub-classes 01. B63B Ships or other waterborne vessels; equipment for shipping 02. B63C Launching, hauling-out, or dry-docking of vessels; life-saving in water; equipment for dwelling or working under water; means for salvaging or searching for underwater objects 03. B63G Offensive or defensive arrangements on vessels; minelaying; mine-sweeping; submarines; aircraft carriers 04. B63H Marine propulsion or steering 05. B63J Auxiliaries on vessels European Patent Office 22

23 B63B main groups 27 main groups 10 indexing main groups Codes under B63B 2700/00 are no longer used for classifying new documents European Patent Office 23

24 B63B definitions (1) This place covers: Details of hulls, hydrofoils and keels: Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils Constructions of hulls Hulls characterised by their construction of non-metallic material Collapsible, foldable, inflatable, or like vessels Interior subdivision of hulls Hull protection peculiar to vessels Drop keels, e.g. centre boards, side boards Other structural parts of ships or other waterborne vessels: Superstructures Arrangements or adaptations of masts Arrangements or adaptations of ports, doors, windows, port-holes, or other openings or covers Vessels parts, details, or accessories, not otherwise provided for European Patent Office 24

25 B63B definitions (2) Docking, moving and anchoring equipment: Tying-up Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment Anchoring Equipment for navigation, position-marking, signalling, or lighting: Arrangement or adaptation of signalling or lighting devices Arrangements of nautical instruments or navigational aids Marking of navigational route Buoys for marking a navigational route Equipment for controlling and indication vessel attitude: Equipment to decrease pitch, roll, or like unwanted vessel movements Apparatus for indicating vessel attitude European Patent Office 25

26 B63B definitions (3) Onboard safety features: Improving safety of vessels, e.g. damage control, not otherwise provided for Equipment for handling lifeboats or the like Fenders Cleaning of ships or other waterborne vessels: Tank or cargo hold cleaning specially adapted for vessels Cleaning devices peculiar to vessels Means for controlling ballast water or for removing unwanted onboard water: Conduits for emptying or ballasting Self-bailing equipment Scuppers European Patent Office 26

27 B63B definitions (4) Loading equipment or accommodation for cargo or passengers: Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers Accommodation for crew or passengers not otherwise provided for. Other Vessels or like floating structures adapted for special purposes Vessels or like floating structures not otherwise provided for Methods of designing, building, maintaining, converting, refitting, repairing, or determining properties of vessels, not otherwise provided for Equipment for shipping not otherwise provided for, whereby shipping is interpreted in its broadest sense within the naval context. European Patent Office 27

28 Examples B63B1 B63B7 Details of hulls, hydrofoils and keels: Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils Constructions of hulls Hulls characterised by their construction of non-metallic material Collapsible, foldable, inflatable, or like vessels Interior subdivision of hulls Hull protection peculiar to vessels Drop keels, e.g. centre boards, side boards. European Patent Office 28

29 Example B63B11 B63B19 Other structural parts of ships or other waterborne vessels: Superstructures Arrangements or adaptations of masts Arrangements or adaptations of ports, doors, windows, port-holes, or other openings or covers Vessels parts, details, or accessories, not otherwise provided for. European Patent Office 29

30 Examples B63B21 B63B22 Docking, moving and anchoring equipment: Tying-up Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment Anchoring. Equipment for navigation, position-marking, signalling, or lighting: Arrangement or adaptation of signalling or lighting devices Arrangements of nautical instruments or navigational aids Marking of navigational route Buoys for marking a navigational route. European Patent Office 30

31 Examples B63B23 B63B29 Loading equipment or accommodation for cargo or passengers: Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers Accommodation for crew or passengers not otherwise provided for. European Patent Office 31

32 Examples B63B35/00 B63B35/85 Vessels or like floating structures adapted for special purposes Vessels or like floating structures not otherwise provided for Methods of designing, building, maintaining, converting, refitting, repairing, or determining properties of vessels, not otherwise provided for Equipment for shipping not otherwise provided for, whereby shipping is interpreted in its broadest sense within the naval context. European Patent Office 32

33 Examples B63B38 B63B69 Equipment for navigation, position-marking, signalling, or lighting: Arrangement or adaptation of signalling or lighting devices Arrangements of nautical instruments or navigational aids Marking of navigational route Buoys for marking a navigational route Equipment for controlling and indication vessel attitude: Equipment to decrease pitch, roll, or like unwanted vessel movements Apparatus for indicating vessel attitude Onboard safety features: Improving safety of vessels, e.g. damage control, not otherwise provided for Equipment for handling lifeboats or the like Fenders Cleaning of ships or other waterborne vessels: Tank or cargo hold cleaning specially adapted for vessels Cleaning devices peculiar to vessels Means for controlling ballast water or for removing unwanted onboard water: Conduits for emptying or ballasting Self-bailing equipment Scuppers European Patent Office 33

34 B63B example 1: hydrofoil for catamaran European Patent Office 34

35 B63B: example 2: Safety release bitt for ships mooring connection European Patent Office 35

36 B63B example 3: articulated mast European Patent Office 36

37 B63C main groups European Patent Office 37

38 B63C definitions (1) This place covers: Launching, hauling-out, or dry-docking of vessels and related equipment: Dry-docking of vessels or flying-boats Launching or hauling-out by land-borne slipways, Slipways Equipment usable both on slipways and in dry docks Equipment forming part of or attachable to vessels facilitating transport over land Storing of vessels on land otherwise than by dry-docking Salvaging of disabled, stranded, or sunken vessels; Salvaging of vessel parts or furnishings, e.g. of safes; Salvaging of other underwater objects Life-saving in water European Patent Office 38

39 B63C definitions (2) Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects Dwelling and working under water: Diving equipment Diving bells and the like Remotely controlled underwater vehicles Underwater tools Arrangements on vessels for viewing under water European Patent Office 39

40 B63C1 B63C5 examples Launching, hauling-out, or dry-docking of vessels and related equipment: Dry-docking of vessels or flying-boats Launching or hauling-out by land-borne slipways, Slipways Equipment usable both on slipways and in dry docks European Patent Office 40

41 B63C7 examples Salvaging of disabled, stranded, or sunken vessels Salvaging of vessel parts or furnishings, e.g. of safes Salvaging of other underwater objects European Patent Office 41

42 B63C9 examples Life-saving in water European Patent Office 42

43 B63C11 examples Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects Dwelling and working under water: Diving equipment Diving bells and the like European Patent Office 43

44 B63C13, B63C15 examples Storing of vessels on land otherwise than by dry-docking European Patent Office 44

45 B63C example 1: liferaft European Patent Office 45

46 B63C example 2: righting system European Patent Office 46

47 B63G main groups European Patent Office 47

48 B63G definitions This place covers: Arrangements of offensive or defensive equipment on vessels and vessels characterized thereby: Arrangements of guns or missile launchers on vessels Arrangements of ammunition stores or handlers on vessels Vessels adapted to torpedo-launching Offensive or defensive arrangements on vessels against submarines, torpedoes, or mines Other offensive or defensive arrangements on vessels Marine mine-laying and mine-sweeping Mine-laying and vessels therefor Mine-sweeping and vessels therefor Naval water craft for particular purposes Underwater vessels (naval and civilian) Aircraft carriers European Patent Office 48

49 B63G6 B63G7, B63G9 definitions Marine mine-laying and mine-sweeping Mine-laying and vessels therefor Mine-sweeping and vessels therefor European Patent Office 49

50 B63G8,B63G11 definitions Naval water craft for particular purposes Underwater vessels (naval and civilian) Aircraft carriers European Patent Office 50

51 B63G1 - B63G5, B63G13 definitions Arrangements of offensive or defensive equipment on vessels and vessels characterized thereby: Arrangements of guns or missile launchers on vessels Arrangements of ammunition stores or handlers on vessels Vessels adapted to torpedo-launching Offensive or defensive arrangements on vessels against submarines, torpedoes, or mines Other offensive or defensive arrangements on vessels European Patent Office 51

52 B63G example: floating periscope European Patent Office 52

53 B63H main groups European Patent Office 53

54 B63H definitions (1) This place covers: Propulsive elements directly acting on water, e.g.: Paddle wheels Voith-Schneider propellers Propellers and propeller blades Endless-track type propulsive elements Fishtail-type propulsive elements Propeller-blade pitch changing Arrangements of propulsive elements directly acting on water Effecting propulsion by jets, e.g. using reaction principle Jet propulsion using ambient water as propulsive medium Jet propulsion using steam or gas as propulsive medium Arrangements of propulsive elements directly acting on air European Patent Office 54

55 B63H definitions (2) Propulsive devices directly acted on by wind, e.g.: Sails Magnus-rotors Arrangements of propulsive devices directly acted on by wind Wind motors driving water-engaging propulsive elements Effecting propulsion by use of vessel-mounted driving mechanisms co-operating with anchored chains or the like Effecting propulsion by muscle power Effecting propulsion vessels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. Using energy from ambient water By direct engagement of the ground Outboard propulsion units and Z-drives European Patent Office 55

56 B63H definitions (3) Use of propulsion power plant or units on vessels: Use of e.g. steam, internal combustion, electric or nuclear power plants Arrangements of power plant control exterior of the engine room Mounting of propulsion plant or unit Arrangements of propulsion-unit exhaust uptakes Apparatus or methods specially adapted for use on marine vessels, for handling power plant or unit liquids, e.g. lubricants, coolants, fuels or the like Transmitting power from propulsion power plant to propulsive elements, e.g. Mechanical power transmission Electric or hydraulic power transmission Propeller or paddle-wheel shafts European Patent Office 56

57 B63H1 B63H5 definitions Propulsive elements directly acting on water, e.g.: Paddle wheels Voith-Schneider propellers Propellers and propeller blades Endless-track type propulsive elements Fishtail-type propulsive elements Propeller-blade pitch changing Arrangements of propulsive elements directly acting on water European Patent Office 57

58 B63H7, B63H9, B63H11 definitions Effecting propulsion by jets, e.g. using reaction principle Jet propulsion using ambient water as propulsive medium Jet propulsion using steam or gas as propulsive medium Arrangements of propulsive elements directly acting on air Propulsive devices directly acted on by wind, e.g.: Sails Magnus-rotors Arrangements of propulsive devices directly acted on by wind Wind motors driving water-engaging propulsive elements European Patent Office 58

59 B63H16, B63H19 definitions Effecting propulsion by muscle power Effecting propulsion vessels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. Using energy from ambient water By direct engagement of the ground European Patent Office 59

60 B63H21, B63H23, B63H25 definitions Outboard propulsion units and Z-drives Use of propulsion power plant or units on vessels: Use of e.g. steam, internal combustion, electric or nuclear power plants Arrangements of power plant control exterior of the engine room Mounting of propulsion plant or unit Arrangements of propulsion-unit exhaust uptakes Apparatus or methods specially adapted for use on marine vessels, for handling power plant or unit liquids, e.g. lubricants, coolants, fuels or the like Transmitting power from propulsion power plant to propulsive elements, e.g. Mechanical power transmission Electric or hydraulic power transmission Propeller or paddle-wheel shafts European Patent Office 60

61 B63H example: jet drive for outboard motor European Patent Office 61

62 B63J main groups European Patent Office 62

63 B63J definitions This place covers: Auxiliaries on vessels Arrangements of installations for producing fresh water Arrangements of installations for ventilating, heating, cooling, or air-conditioning Arrangements of installations for treating ballast water, waste water, sewage, sludge, or refuse Arrangements of installations for preventing or minimizing environmental pollution, not otherwise provided for Driving of auxiliaries Vessel auxiliaries not otherwise provided for European Patent Office 63

64 B63J1, B63J2 examples Auxiliaries on vessels Arrangements of installations for producing fresh water Arrangements of installations for ventilating, heating, cooling, or air-conditioning European Patent Office 64

65 B63J3, B63J4, B63J99 examples Arrangements of installations for treating ballast water, waste water, sewage, sludge, or refuse Arrangements of installations for preventing or minimizing environmental pollution, not otherwise provided for Driving of auxiliaries Vessel auxiliaries not otherwise provided for European Patent Office 65

66 B63J example: sailing vessel with photovoltaic panels European Patent Office 66

67 Thank you for your attention! European Patent Office 67