Skip to Main Content
NAU Cline Library logo

A Guide to Engineering Research

This research guide was designed to introduce you to the field of engineering. You'll find books, article databases, and other resources you need to start your research.

Anatomy of a Patent

Code  Descriptions

(11)  Document number:

  • The prefix US indicates that this is a U.S. patent.

(19) Document type

  • Patent

(21) Application number
(22) Date of application

  • When the patent application was filed

(45) Date of patent 

  • Date the patent was granted (this patent took almost three years to process)

(51) International classification
(52) U.S. classification
(54) Title of the invention
(56) References:

  • Publications cited as related prior art by the inventor and patent examiner.

(57) Abstract

  • A brief, non-technical description of the invention.

(58) Field of search:

  • Classifications consulted by the patent examiner during the prior art search.

(73) Assignee:

  • Owner at the time the patent issued. The assignee can be a person, company or organization.

(75) Inventors

NOT SHOWN: Continuation of Classifications and References Cited, Applicant, Drawings, Background, Summary, Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, Claims, Term Adjustment

Subjects: Engineering