Patentable inventions are new and useful machines, processes, manufactures, compositions of matter, and improvements thereof.
MACHINES
A machine is a device having mechanical and/or electrical components invented to perform a useful function. We use machines everyday. Examples of machines are: cars, tools, computers, and games.
PROCESS
A process is a series of steps that, when followed, manupulate material or information and produce a desired result or product. A process may be the steps involved in the use of a new device or the steps involved in a new use of an already existing device.
COMPOSITIONS OF MATTER
Inventions that are compositions of matter are typically compounds or alloys. Table salt, Sodium Choloride, is a compound and would be considered a composition of matter. Similarly, steel, which is an alloy of iron with impurities such as carbon, is an alloy and also would be considered a composition of matter.
MANUFACTURE
A manufacture is a new and useful item that is not a machine, process or composition of matter.
IMPROVEMENTS THEREOF
The patent laws also provide for patents covering improvements of already existing technology. This means that an invention does not have to be entirely new.