24AB

24AB refers to a specific designation within the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) classification system. This system is used to categorize and organize patents based on their technological subject matter. The "24" in 24AB denotes the class, and the "AB" signifies the subclass. These classifications help patent examiners and the public locate relevant prior art and understand the landscape of inventions within a particular field.

The exact technology covered by 24AB is determined by the USPTO's official classification schedule. Generally, this class and subclass would pertain to a specific area of engineering or science. For instance, patent classes often relate to broad categories like electrical engineering, chemistry, or mechanics. Subclasses then further refine these broad categories into more specific technological niches. Therefore, a patent classified under 24AB would be related to inventions that fall precisely within the scope defined by that particular subclass.

Researchers and inventors utilize the USPTO classification system, including designations like 24AB, to conduct prior art searches. This process is crucial for determining the patentability of a new invention and for understanding existing technologies. The system is regularly updated to reflect advancements in technology and the emergence of new fields of innovation. The specific details of what 24AB encompasses can be found by consulting the official USPTO classification definitions.