Examples - Scientific or Mathematical Theory

General. The following hypothetical examples teach this concept:

Hypothetical Example No. 1. Isaac discovers how to quantify the force of attraction between any two particles. He is informed that the International Search Authority will not search the invention and that the International Preliminary Examining Authority will not carry out an international preliminary examination of it.

Hypothetical Example No. 2. Albert discovers that the energy contained in a particle is equal to the mass of the particle times the speed of light squared. He is informed that the International Search Authority will not search the invention and that the International Preliminary Examining Authority will not carry out an international preliminary examination of it.

Hypothetical Example No. 3. Henry discovers that the force of gravity can be used to improve the operation of a paper making machine if the machine is configured to use gravity in a new way. He is informed that the International Search Authority will search the invention and that the International Preliminary Examining Authority will carry out an international preliminary examination of it.

Hypothetical Example No. 4. Dorothea discovers a new physical theory of semiconductivity and uses the theory to invent new semiconductor devices and processes for manufacturing the devices. She attempts to claim the theory, the devices and the processes in an international patent application. She is informed that the devices and processes will be searched and examined, but the theory will not be searched or examined.

Hypothetical Example No. 5. Beulah discovers a shortcut method for division and uses that new knowledge to invent a calculating machine to operate according to the method. She attempts to claim the mathematical method and the machine in a U.S. patent application. She is informed that the machine will be searched and examined but the abstract mathematical method will not be searched or examined.