CASINGS, LININGS, WALLS OR DOORS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR COMBUSTION CHAMBERS, e.g. FIREBRIDGES; DEVICES FOR DEFLECTING AIR, FLAMES OR COMBUSTION PRODUCTS IN COMBUSTION CHAMBERS; SAFETY ARRANGEMENTS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR COMBUSTION APPARATUS; DETAILS OF COMBUSTION CHAMBERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR

Description

F23M covers the structural and functional components of combustion chambers, including refractory linings, walls, doors, and casings designed to withstand high temperatures and combustion forces. This classification encompasses internal chamber details such as firebridge structures, deflectors for controlling air and flame flow, and safety devices integrated into combustion apparatus. Inventions relating to the arrangement and protection of combustion chamber surfaces, as well as thermal and mechanical safeguards specific to combustion equipment, fall within this scope. Adjacent classes address fuel supply systems (F23D), ignition and flame stabilization (F23Q), and general furnace construction (F23L).

Filing statistics

CPC subclass F23M recorded 5,205 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings declined from 521 in 2013 to 364 in 2023 (-30%), peaking at 609 applications in 2016. The most active applicants in class F23 are GE (GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY) (2,581 applications), UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION (UTC) (1,180 applications) and SIEMENS (1,157 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings