A61L - Definition

Definition statement

This subclass covers:

Apparatus or methods specifically adapted for use in treating air either:

• by destroying noxious microorganisms within the air,
• by removing microorganisms from the air,
• by otherwise rendering air aseptic,
• by removing unwanted odor constituents from air, or
• by covering up unwanted odor constituents, or potential constituents, by adding scent to air.

Apparatus or methods of general applicability for use in destroying noxious microorganisms on or otherwise rendering completely aseptic articles or materials (e.g., destroying bacteria or fungus).

Apparatus or methods that are not covered as a whole in another subclass and are specially adapted for use in destroying noxious microorganisms on or otherwise rendering completely aseptic specific articles (e.g., contact lenses) or specific materials (e.g., refuse).

Materials that are specially adapted for devices that are to be affixed to, placed on, placed within, or cover either:

• portions of the surfaces of human bodies having sores (e.g., blisters, boils) or wounds (e.g., cuts, abrasions) for extended periods of time (i.e. at least several minutes, but frequently for days) during their healing process to absorb fluids from, protect, or medicate them (e.g., poultices),
• naturally occurring cavities of or passageways within human bodies to absorb bodily discharges or other fluids from bodies (e.g., urine), protect, or medicate them (e.g. sanitary towels, tampons), or
• incisions or openings in human bodies formed during surgery.

Chemical compounds or compositions that are used in conjunction with, or compose a portion of, the above type of specially adaptive devices or their materials and increase their effectiveness by:

• enhancing their ability to heal or treat sores, wounds, surgical incisions, or surgical openings,
• changing in some manner the absorbability of the devices or materials, or
• otherwise influencing their operation (e.g., prolongs useful life) of the devices or materials.

Materials specially adapted to be used in devices that:

• joining together the edges of wounds, surgical incisions, or surgical openings (e.g., sutures) or
• forming a tissue mass by compressively encircling the mass and holding it (e.g., ligatures).

Adhesives specially adapted for surgical uses.

Materials specially adapted for forming devices used as substitutes for a part of the body that is missing or non-functional or materials specially adapted for coating these devices (e.g., skin grafts).

Materials specially adapted to be used in:

• surgical construction of artificial excretory openings from colons or
• devices that travel up colons to inspect, clean, or treat them.

Materials specially adapted for use within the structure of hollow flexible tubes that are intended to be:

• inserted into human bodies to put in or take out fluids (e.g. cannulae, catheters),
• used to open up or close blood vessels, passageways, or body cavities, or
• passed inside of blood vessels, passageways, or body cavities for diagnostic or treatment purposes (e.g. endoscopes).

Materials specially adapted to be used for other surgical uses or devices (e.g. stents, materials for adhesion prevention).

Materials specially adapted for use as antithrombogenic treatments for at least one of the above type of devices or materials or the chemical compounds or compositions that form, or compose a portion of, these antithrombogenic treatments.

Specially adapted components or steps for at least one of the above types of apparatus, methods, or devices.

Auxiliary appliances or accessories specially adapted for use with at least one of the above types of apparatus or devices (e.g., devices for testing effectiveness of sterilization).

References relevant to classification in this subclass

This subclass does not cover:

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Special rules of classification

Sets of groups wherein Last-place rule is applied

Within each one of the following sets of groups, at each hierarchical level, in the absence of an indication to the contrary, classification is made in the last appropriate place:

• A61L 15/08-A61L 15/12
• A61L 15/18-A61L 15/40
• A61L 17/04-A61L 17/14
• A61L 24/02-A61L 24/04
• A61L 27/02-A61L 27/40
• A61L 29/02-A61L 29/12
• A61L 31/02-A61L 31/12
• A61L 33/02-A61L 33/18

Secondary classification based on use of materials characterised by particular function or physical properties when of interest

When the inventive thing is classified based upon its chemical composition within one of the sets of groups A61L 15/08-A61L 15/12, A61L 15/18-A61L 15/40, A61L 27/02-A61L 27/40, A61L 29/02-A61L 29/12, or A61L 31/02-A61L 31/12; classification of this subject matter is also made to cover its function or physical properties for each set of groups into their corresponding group, (i.e., respectively group A61L 15/14, A61L 15/42, A61L 27/50, A61L 29/14, or A61L 31/14) when this aspect is of interest.

Secondary classification based on use of materials with antithrombogenic properties

When the inventive thing is fully provided for and classified within groups A61L 17/00, A61L 24/00, A61L 26/00, A61L 27/00, A61L 28/00, A61L 29/00, and A61L 31/00 classification should also be made within group A61L 33/00 if a material used is antithrombogenic in nature.

Use of indexing codes

When classifying in group A61L 2/00-A61L 12/00, it is desirable to add the indexing codes of group A61L 101/00, relating to the chemical composition of materials used in disinfecting, sterilising or deodorising.

Glossary of terms

In this subclass, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated: