| Always check the law itself. Here's Section 101 of US
Patent Law:
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Sect. 101. Inventions patentable
Whoever
invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or
composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a
patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title [35
USCS Sects. 1 et seq.].
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It isn't just machines
that are patentable. You can also
patent a process, manufacture or composition
of matter or any improvement of any of the above. All laws and contracts
usually start with a list of definitions. Here's Section 100, the
definitions section:
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Sect. 100. Definitions
When used
in this title [35 USCS Sects. 1 et seq.] unless the context otherwise
indicates-
(a) The term "invention" means invention or discovery.
(b)
The term "process" means process, art or method, and includes a new use of a
known process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, or material.
(c)
The terms "United States" and "this country" mean the United States of America,
its territories and possessions.
(d) The word "patentee" includes not only
the patentee to whom the patent was issued but also the successors in title to
the patentee.
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