Note the class and subclass numbers assigned to the terms selected. Major coordinate subclasses have the same left hand margin. Each dot or series of dots indicates subclasses that are hierarchically part of a major coordinate subclass, with each additional dot indicating a further level of subdivision. Consult the Patent Classification Definitions for the class and subclass selected. The definitions explain which subject areas the Patent Office includes and excludes in the class and its subclasses.
Notes explain exceptions and suggest other classes to consult, based on concept.
The purpose of doing this is to determine that your idea is unique and to supply prior art for your patent application. If you cannot load the images in your web browser you need to download the Medical AlternaTIFF software or equivalent TIFF reader for Apple Computers. See PTO's page concerning images for details. The full text of nearly all U.S. patents can now be found on the web from 1790 to the present. Use the index on USAPat to convert your patent numbers into corresponding volume numbers, and page the disks at Circulation.