美國專利分類號（classification）

美國專利分類號（classification）提供比IPC多樣化的分類，並聽說幾年會有一次修正（re-classification），由於多數國家依循IPC分類，變動的話影響甚大，但是美國專利自己的分類卻相對彈性不少

USPTO網站中提供很詳細的美國專利分類號的細節，如下表顯示各種分類的點選按鈕，並提供與IPC間的關係


使用者可透過以下介面搜尋特定類別的內容，非常方便：


列舉一例
類別D14是有關記錄、通訊、資訊的擷取裝置的設計專利
內容包括電腦、傳真機、電報機、記錄媒體與其產生的影像的設計專利
[原文]
CLASS D14, RECORDING, COMMUNICATION, OR INFORMATION RETRIEVAL EQUIPMENT
SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION
This class provides for design patents claiming ornamental designs for:
1. Computer, Data Processor Equipment
2. Facsimile Equipment
3. Telegraph Equipment
4. Recording Medium or Carrier Therefor
5. Generated Image
6. Video or Audio Recording, Transmission or Playing Equipment
7. Miscellaneous
(1) Note. Design patents in this class are classified by what is claimed and shown in full lines only. Broken, hatched, or stippled lines, which may be included in design patent drawings, are considered as environment only.

其中細節子分類有多種階層，列舉D14的第一階層（Level 1，一個點）


列舉D14的第二階層（Level 2，兩個點）


更進一步，點這些類別前的連結，可以連到所對應的專利，讓檢索更準確

再如類別700為資料處理，一般控制系統與應用
其中700/245則為機器人控制
[原文]
700/245 Robot control:
This subclass is indented under 90. Subject matter wherein a data processing or calculating computer apparatus (or corresponding methods for performing data processing or calculating operations) (1) is designed for or utilized for controlling a robot as a unit or a robot end effector for general use, or (2) uses a specific control scheme, such as plural processors or plural robots or knowledge processing, in a computer system for controlling at least one robot.

下表顯示，此類別700中各子類別與IPC的對應


Ron