F15 FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
Description
F15 encompasses fluid-pressure actuators and general hydraulic and pneumatic systems that convert fluid pressure into mechanical motion or force. This class covers pumps, motors, cylinders, accumulators, valves, and control systems used in hydraulic and pneumatic applications across various industries including manufacturing, construction, and automation. Related technologies include pressure regulation, flow control, energy storage, and fluid transmission through pipes and hoses. Adjacent classes F16 (engineering elements and general mechanical engineering) and specific application classes handle specialized mechanical components and domain-specific implementations.
Filing statistics
CPC F15 recorded 71,969 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 3 subclasses. Annual filings grew from 4,894 in 2013 to 5,564 in 2023 (+14%), peaking at 8,060 applications in 2018. The most active applicants in class F15 are ROBERT BOSCH (1,281 applications), SMC CORPORATION (865 applications) and HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY COMPANY (814 applications).
Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings
3 direct subcodes
Child Classifications
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- F15B SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15C FLUID-CIRCUIT ELEMENTS PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR COMPUTING OR CONTROL PURPOSES (transducers F15B5/00, ; fluid dynamics in general F15D; computer comprising fluid elements G06D, G06G; )
- F15D FLUID DYNAMICS, i.e. METHODS OR MEANS FOR INFLUENCING THE FLOW OF GASES OR LIQUIDS
Top Applicants
Top 10 applicants by patent filings, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT
- ROBERT BOSCH DE 1,281
- SMC CORPORATION JP 865
- HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY COMPANY JP 814
- KYB CORPORATION JP 584
- SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES & COMPANY DE 536
- CATERPILLAR US 532
- FESTO & COMPANY DE 486
- JOHN DEERE US 419
- KAWASAKI HEAVY IND JP 368
- HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND US 368