D03C SHEDDING MECHANISMS; PATTERN CARDS OR CHAINS; PUNCHING OF CARDS; DESIGNING PATTERNS
Introduced: September 1968
Classification Context
- Section:
- TEXTILES; PAPER
- Class:
- WEAVING
- Subclass:
- SHEDDING MECHANISMS; PATTERN CARDS OR CHAINS; PUNCHING OF CARDS; DESIGNING PATTERNS
Description
D03C covers the mechanical and control systems that manage warp thread separation during weaving, along with the devices and methods used to create and store weaving patterns. This includes shedding mechanisms (apparatus that raise and lower warp threads to form sheds), pattern cards and chains used for pattern control, card-punching technology for pattern encoding, and pattern design methodologies. The classification encompasses both traditional mechanical solutions such as harness frames and Jacquard mechanisms, as well as the supporting infrastructure for pattern generation and application in looms.
Filing statistics
IPC subclass D03C recorded 3,573 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 314 in 2013 to 347 in 2023 (+11%), peaking at 399 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class D03 are TORAY INDUSTRIES (461 applications), TORAY INDUSTRIES (324 applications) and SHANDONG RIFA TEXTILE MACHINERY COMPANY (279 applications).
Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings
Related Keywords
10 direct subcodes
Child Classifications
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- D03C 1/00 Dobbies
- D03C 11/00 Selvedge shedding mechanisms not forming part of main shedding mechanism
- D03C 13/00 Shedding mechanisms not otherwise provided for
- D03C 15/00 Pattern cards or chains
- D03C 17/00 Card-punching apparatus
- D03C 19/00 Methods or devices concerned with designing or making patterns, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- D03C 3/00 Jacquards
- D03C 5/00 Cam or other direct-acting shedding mechanisms, i.e. operating heald frames without intervening power-supplying devices
- D03C 7/00 Leno or similar shedding mechanisms
- D03C 9/00 Healds; Heald frames
Top Applicants
Top 10 applicants by patent filingsfor class D03, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT
- TORAY INDUSTRIES JP 461
- TORAY INDUSTRIES 324
- SHANDONG RIFA TEXTILE MACHINERY COMPANY 279
- TOYOTA INDUSTRIES CORPORATION 260
- JIANGSU COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY 259
- ZHEJIANG SCI TECH UNIVERSITY 244
- PICANOL BE 213
- TOYOTA INDUSTRIES CORPORATION JP 192
- FEDERAL-MOGUL POWERTRAIN US 175
- NATIONAL DONG HWA UNIVERSITY 171