B08B CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
Description
B08B covers general cleaning methods and apparatus not specific to particular surfaces or objects, along with techniques for preventing fouling (unwanted accumulation of deposits, biological growth, or corrosion). This subclass includes mechanical cleaning processes, chemical cleaning treatments, and combined cleaning systems applicable across diverse industrial and commercial contexts. It encompasses preventive measures such as coatings, additives, and operational methods designed to inhibit fouling on equipment and structures. More specialized cleaning directed at particular substrates, machinery types, or applications is classified in related subclasses.
Filing statistics
CPC subclass B08B recorded 210,638 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 6,498 in 2013 to 24,988 in 2023 (+285%), peaking at 32,580 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class B08 are TOKYO ELECTRON (982 applications), SCREEN HOLDINGS (980 applications) and APPLIED MATERIALS (739 applications).
Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings
17 direct subcodes
Child Classifications
Navigate with arrow keys, Enter to open
- B08B 1/00 Cleaning by methods involving the use of tools (cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto B08B9/00)
- B08B 11/00 Cleaning flexible or delicate articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B 13/00 Accessories or details of general applicability for machines or apparatus for cleaning
- B08B 15/00 Preventing escape of dirt or fumes from the area where they are produced; Collecting or removing dirt or fumes from that area
- B08B 17/00 Methods preventing fouling
- B08B 2203/00 Details of cleaning machines or methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
- B08B 2205/00 Details of machines or methods for cleaning by the use of gas or air flow
- B08B 2209/00 Details of machines or methods for cleaning hollow articles
- B08B 2215/00 Preventing escape of dirt or fumes from the area where they are produced; Collecting or removing dirt or fumes from that area
- B08B 2220/00 Type of materials or objects being removed
- B08B 2230/00 Other cleaning aspects applicable to all B08B range
- B08B 2240/00 Type of materials or objects being cleaned
- B08B 3/00 Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam (B08B9/00 takes precedence)
- B08B 5/00 Cleaning by methods involving the use of air flow or gas flow (cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto B08B9/00)
- B08B 6/00 Cleaning by electrostatic means
- B08B 7/00 Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass
- B08B 9/00 Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
Top Applicants
Top 10 applicants by patent filingsfor class B08, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT
- TOKYO ELECTRON JP 982
- SCREEN HOLDINGS JP 980
- APPLIED MATERIALS US 739
- SGCC(STATE GRID CORPORATION OF CHINA) 721
- SEMES COMPANY KR 691
- ECOLAB US 515
- SCREEN HOLDINGS 510
- TOKYO ELECTRON 505
- PHILIPS ELECTRONICS NL 493
- EBARA CORPORATION JP 475