Class 83 is the residual locus of patents directed to methods
and machines for penetrating material, without substantial reshaping
flow of such material, by means of (1) a solid tool, or fluid current,
either of which applies mechanical deforming force to the material
by direct physical contact therewith, the fluid current forcing
the material against a solid tool whose edge defines the line of
cut; (2) a heated solid tool which directly engages the material
(to effect penetration thereof by melting, or by transmission of
mechanical energy, or both); or (3) opposed, controlled fluid currents.
(A) Specifically (as well as implicitly) excluded, is a patent
to apparatus or process for cutting by the transmission of heat
to the work material from a hot gas, such as flame cutting (for
the location of which, see Lines With Other Classes, subsection
A, Relationship to Other Classes Including, per se, Cutting, Severing,
or Incising, paragraph 8, Classes related to flame or other heat-cutting).
(B) While a disclosure of the production of a reshaping flow,
in the operation of its apparatus or accomplishment of its method,
will preclude original placement of a patent in this class, a disclosure
of a flow of the material which is inherent in, or purely incidental
to, the act of cutting will not operate as such a bar. The following types
of factual situations illustrate the rule:
(1) A disclosure that the work material flows, due to melting,
will not preclude placement herein of the patent so disclosing;
but the further teach-that the flow accomplishes a significant or
definable reshaping of the work beyond that inherent in the penetration
there-of will bar such placement. Exemplary of such reshaping is
the formation of a rim or bead around a hole coincident with the
penetration which forms the hole.
(2) A patent to a cutting machine or process employing a tool
which, as disclosed, creates a flow of the material while penetrating
the material only partially (that is, it fails to reach the surface
opposite the surface of entry) will be excluded from this class
only if there is a teaching from which it can be fairly inferred
that there is no severance of the surface fibres of the work, but
rather that the material is compacted, creased, forged or otherwise
plastic worked, thus indicating that the reshaping is not an incident
of a cutting operation. A disclosure that a "cutting" tool
penetrates only partially through tacky, flowable, or green, plastic
work material (such as soft synthetic "plastics",
food dough, etc.) will be considered to supply such a teaching,
unless (by the same disclosure) the work attains its flowable or
soft condition by the action of the cutting tool (e.g., a hot tool).
If such tool is disclosed as softening or plasticizing the work,
a patent directed to same would be proper for this class (83).
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
SCOPE OF CLASS 83
Class 83 is an elemental or basic class. That is, its subject
matter is restricted (so far as possible) to means for, or steps
of, accomplishing the following functions: cutting something (the "work");
or cutting, and handling the work to be cut; or cutting, and handling
the product of the cutting operation. As a result, the great preponderance
of patents directed to cutting combined with some other work treatment
will be found in the respective class of the other treatment or
in some more general class of combined operations, such as Class
156 or Class 29 (particularly subclasses 33+ and 566+).
The few exceptions to this general statement are set forth explicitly
in section II, Lines With Other Classes, subsection B, Relationship
to Other Treating Classes (which appears later in this class definition).
The class does not act as the sole repository for patents directed
to cutting machines or even to cutting machines of the functional
types signalized in the subclasses of the class. Based upon past
development of the system of patent classification, such patents
are to be found in many classes, their disposition depending mainly
upon the nature of the material disclosed as constituting work for
the cutting operation. A listing of such classes is included in
Lines With Other Classes, subsection A, Relationship to Other Classes
Including, per se, Cutting, Severing, or Incising (which appears
later in this class definition). With respect to such classes,
Class 83 is residual.
As an incident of such residual nature, this class will not receive
for original placement a patent disclosing alternative embodiments
(claimed generically, or with a specific claim to each), one of
a type proper for this class and one of a type related to another
cutting class or subclass. Nor will it so receive a patent disclosing
two purposes for a claimed cutting machine, one general or related
to the art of this class (as shearing metal) and another specific
to another cutting class or subclass (as, for instance, cutting
plastic block or earthenware; or nail making). In both such cases,
the original patent will be placed in the other cutting class or
subclass.
A. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER CLASSES INCLUDING, PER SE, CUTTING,
SEVERING, OR INCISING
The following enumeration and discussion of such classes,
although including the loci of patents relating to many and varied
types of cutting, does not purport to be exhaustive:
1. The class of cutting implements, Class 30.
Other than as governed by the exception set forth immediately
following description 4 below, a patent is deemed to be directed
to a cutting implement, and thus to be placeable originally in Class
30, if its claimed subject matter fits any one of following descriptions:
a. A cutting device which as an entirety is disclosed to be
supported or held against the force of gravity by the operator during
cutting.
b. A cutting device which as an entirety is disclosed as deriving
from the work a substantial amount of its support against gravity
(i.e., work-supported) during cutting, including a cutting device
which is disclosed as being guided and supported during cutting
by a member which is itself supported on the work (i) a cutting device
which is disclosed as having a loose, work supported tool and powered
means for driving the tool into the work, will be placed in Class
83; (ii) a cutting device which includes means to affix, hold, or
positively locate a portion of the device relative to the work,
for support of the device against gravity, and means to guide movement
of the cutter relative to the work-affixed or work-located portion,
will be placed in Class 83; (iii) a cutting device which includes
(1) means to position or positively locate a portion of the device
relative to the work in such a manner that said portion remains
in said relative position during cutting and (2) means to guide
the cutter in predetermined path with respect to said portion, will
be placed in Class 83.
c. A cutting device which is disclosed as being capable of
movement in a random path instantaneously under the control of the
operator during cutting, including a cutter suspended or supported
near the work; e.g., a cutter mounted at one end of a flexible shaft
whose other end is anchored to a table, or a cutter suspended from
a trolley, or a cutter mounted on a steerable vehicle.
d. A cutting device of the type referred to in the preceding
paragraph in combination with a work support or work holder wherein
neither the cutting tool itself nor the tool support is modified
or constructed to either constrain the motion of the cutter or to
guide it in a predetermined path with respect to the work support
or work holder.
However, a patent drawn to a device including a cutting tool
and means to support a reserve stock of the work in which the work
supply is in the form of a web or strand wrapped upon itself and
the supply is supported for rotation upon an axis will be placed
originally in this class (83) even though it fits one or more of
the above listed descriptions.
A patent for the combination of a cutting device meeting any
of the criteria set forth above and a work holder provided for in
Class 269 will be placed originally in Class 30, although a patent
for the work holder, per se, will be placed in Class 269.
A patent which only claims a cutting tool nominally, that
is, in which the claimed structure does not sufficiently define
a cutting tool substantially in its ultimate use form, or elements,
adjuncts, or materials structurally limited to such use, is regarded
as proper subject matter for original placement in Class 428, Stock
Material or Miscellaneous Articles.
2. The class of severing by tearing or breaking.
Class 225 includes patents for process or apparatus for severing
determinate portions of work material by causing failure of the
work under tension at the point or line of separation, effected
by moving one part of the work relative to another part. In such
devices or processes, the tension is applied by stretching, bending,
twisting, manually or mechanically grasping the work on one side of
a fixed edge and forcing it against the edge, or moving a breaking
or tearing tool and supported work material relative to each other.
Also included in the reference class are tearing or breaking devices
combined with any other type of severing means.
For a detailed statement of the distinction between Classes
83 and 225, see the (1) Note and (2) Note under section I, Class
Definition, subsection B, Breaking or Tearing, of Class 225.
3. The class of comminuting.
Class 241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, includes
original patents for process or apparatus directed to the cutting
or severing of solid material into a number of smaller solid masses,
which smaller masses do not have imparted to them any desired or
significant shape. As between Classes 83 and 241, the provision
of means for (or steps of) retaining an original dimension of the
work in the cut up product will exclude a patent for the apparatus
(or process) from Class 241.
4. The class of selective cutting.
The art of selective cutting is collected in Class 234, Selective
Cutting (e.g., Punching). The distinction between a selective cutting
device or a method of selective cutting (either of which is proper
for Class 234) and a cutting means or method of this class (83)
is set forth in the following statement:
Class 234 is superior to Class 83, and takes or contains original
patents directed to cutting devices as defined in Class 83 which
are further distinguished by the claimed inclusion of a plurality
of cutting tool pairs and an actuating power train for each pair
(one power train may be common to all), so that power may be delivered
to any or all pairs for any cutting cycle, and wherein each and all
of the tool pairs assembled in the machine are constantly available
to be chosen for cutting or noncutting (in any desired number, from
one to the total number available) by (a) a pattern (b) combinational
coding means [defined in section III, Glossary, of the
class definition of Class 234, Selective Cutting (e.g., Punching)], or
(c) means not a part of the tool actuating power train and which
does not partake of all the movements of either tool or the pair;
which pattern or means conditions which pair so chosen to (a) enable,
or (b) prevent, a cutting operation thereby when its driving power
train is actuated.
The distinction expressed above is intended to exclude from
Class 234 patents for devices wherein, for example, (a) there is
no distinct conditioning means [see U.S. Patent No. 682,197
(subclass 225 of Class 83) to Hollerith: each punch is selected
and actuated by its individual key-connected linkage];
or (b) less than the whole number of tools is constantly available [see
U.S. Patent No. 878,775 (subclass 552 of Class 83) to Colbert:
a turret of tools]; or (c) the tool conditioning means
move bodily with their associated tools [see U.S. Patent
No. 746,625 (subclass 559 of Class 83) to Allen: manipulable locking
pins are fixed to the tools]; and is intended to include,
for example, devices wherein a tool-actuating power train common
to all tools is tripped, manually or automatically, after operation
of selected conditioning means [see U.S. Patent No. 1,110,261
(234/111) to Hollerith: initial depression of a key conditions
one punch for actuation, and further depression of the key trips
a common punch hammer or actuator], and devices wherein
a plurality of combinations of less than the total number of tools
are actuated or conditioned for actuation, by coding means (see
U.S. Patent No. 422,728 to Clark: a turret of coded interposers
is positionable to select groups of tools from an array thereof).
5. The class of mechanical manufacturing (metal working).
The class of reference (29, Metal Working) includes patents
for machines for bias cutting of tubular stock (subclasses 2.1+);
shredding metal; e.g., metal wool making (subclasses 4.51+);
spiral cutting of flat stock (subclass 20.1); and filing (subclass
76.1). Patents for files and rasps are found in subclasses 78+.
6. The class of presses.
The class of reference, (100, Presses) includes patents for
reciprocating press structures, which (as both claimed and disclosed)
may perform, alternatively, a cutting operation or some other forming
operation (such as forging, drawing, bending), as well as patents
containing such equivocal disclosures of forming devices that the
type of forming operation such devices are intended to perform cannot
be ascertained accurately.
7. The class of abrading.
With few exceptions (such as those found in Class 132, Toilet),
patents claiming a cutting means, or a step involving the use of
a cutting means, which (as disclosed) is composed of crystalline
material-removing particles, are placed originally in Class 451,
Abrading.
8. Classes related to flame or other heat-cutting.
In addition to the classes enumerated below, it will be noted
that subclasses 18.1+ of Class 33, Geometrical Instruments,
contained original patents for flame-cutting scribers, and that
Class 65, Glass Manufacturing, subclass 113, provides for glass
preform treating including flame severing, and subclasses 269+ provides
for glassworking means including flame severing means.
a. The class of metal treatment.
Subclasses 194+ of Class 148, Metal Treatment, includes
original patents for methods of flame-cutting metals.
b. The class of metallurgical apparatus.
Original patents for flame-cutting apparatus are collected
in subclasses 48+ of Class 266, Metallurgical Apparatus.
In addition, subclass 271 of Class 266 contains original patents
for devices used for drilling or cutting taphole plugs of metallurgical
furnaces.
c. The class of combustion.
Class 431, Combustion, contains original patents for a torch
comprising a fluid fuel distributor and a feature which specializes
it for producing a flame; e.g., pilot burner etc., or which depends
on the heat generated by the flame to perform its function; e.g.,
vaporize fuel.
d. The class of electric heating.
Class 219, Electric Heating, includes original patents directed
to methods or apparatus effective to sever, part, or burn or melt
away, a portion of a workpiece without using a solid tool which
engages and penetrates the work. Examples will be found in subclasses
68+.
e. The class of fluid sprinkling, spraying, and diffusing.
Class 239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, includes
original patents for fluid distributing nozzles or tips, per se,
even though disclosed as burners.
9. Classes related to the cutting of metal.
In addition to the classes enumerated herein, attention is invited
to the discussion of patents directed to improvements in the flame-
or heat-cutting arts, contained in paragraph H, above.
a. The class of nail making.
Patents directed to apparatus for cutting nails to shape are
found as originals in subclasses 157+ and 192+ of Class
470, Threaded, Headed Fastener, or Washer Making: Process and Apparatus.
b. The class of chain, staple, and horseshoe making.
Cutting machines disclosed as being useful in making such
products are the subject of patents in subclass 29 of Class 59,
Chain, Staple, and Horseshoe Making.
c. The class of tool making.
A patent for a cutting machine or process employed in the
manufacture of a tool will be found, as an original copy, in Class
76, Metal Tools and Implements, Making, (e.g., in subclasses 12+,
28, 29, 30, 31+, 37+, 82+).
d. The class of wireworking.
Patents for methods of, or means for, cutting wire will be
found, as original copies, in many subclasses of Class 140, Wireworking,
particularly subclasses 58+, 66, and 67.
e. The class of type casting.
Original copies of patents for machines or processes for cutting
cast type are included in subclass 59 of Class 199, Type Casting.
f. A patent directed to cutting metal (or other hard substance
whose cutting is not the subject of a subclass is some other class)
will be placed originally in one of the following classes, if not
earlier placed on the basis of product (e.g., nails) according to
the criteria expressed:
i. Class 408, Cutting by Use of Rotating Axially Moving Tool,
will take original patents to machines for making a hole, reducing
the outside of a round workpiece, trepanning, screw threading either
the outside or the inside of a tubular workpiece, as well as any
other cutting operation by use of a tool turning about an axis and
moving along that axis toward a workpiece; provided, there is no
additional motion of the operating tool. Class 408 is intended
to ultimately include all cutting in the manner provided in the
definition of that class; however, not all classes have now been
screened for art proper for Class 408. Included among the classes
likely to include patents proper for Class 408 that have not been
screened are Classes 82, 142, and 451.
ii. Class 82, Turning. Original patents for devices or processes
for severing or cutting off work, wherein the cutting movements
of tool and work relative to each other include (1) rotation of
either or both about an axis passing through the work (except as
provided for in Class 408) and (2) relative translation substantially
normal to said axis, are in Class 82 as meeting the general concepts
of "turning".
iii. Class 409, Gear Cutting, Milling, or Planing, includes
original patents for a process and apparatus for shaping material,
usually metal, by means of (1) a toothed rotary cutter to produce
an article of desired configuration or (2) a nonrotary tool for
making a series of comparatively light cuts or a series of such
tools, between which tool(s) and the workpiece there is a relative
reciprocatory movement in substantially a straight line. Generally,
Class 409 is broad enough to take any patent for shaping by means
of a toothed rotary cutter not provided for in Class 77 or Class
82. Included in Class 409, subclasses 288+, is a patent
for a single edge cutter device which shapes work (e.g., grooving,
shaving, slotting, or flash trimming) by means of relative movement
between tool and work in one or more passes. See (1) Note under
Class 409, subclass 288.
10. Classes related to the cutting of wood.
a. The class of coopering.
Patents for machines adapted to cut barrels, or staves therefor,
will be found as original copies in many subclasses of Class 147.
b. Other patents whose claimed method or apparatus is disclosed
as being directed to the cutting of wood will be placed originally
in the proper woodworking class; Class 142, Wood Turning; Class
144, Woodworking (including pencil sharpening in subclasses 28.1+);
or Class 30, Cutlery (including pencil sharpening implements in
subclasses 451+); except for patents directed to veneer-web
or -sheet clippers (including those intended to cut a layer to be
laminated) which are placed in this class (83).
11. Classes related (in whole or in part) to cutting the earth
or the fruits thereof in situ, or well tubing imbedded in the earth.
A patent directed to a machine or process for accomplishing
any one of the above enumerated purposes will be placed in the appropriate
earth exploring or exploiting, or agricultural, class. A list (not
intended as exhaustive) of such classes follows: 37, Excavating;
47, Plant Husbandry; 56, Harvesters; 111, Planting; 166, Wells;
171, Unearthing Plants or Buried Objects; 172, Earth Working (e.g.,
subclasses 13-22); 175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth; 299, Mining
or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material.
12. Classes related to the cutting of plastic material, stone,
or hard glass.
A patent directed to apparatus for cutting plastic, green ceramic
or cementitious preformed material will be found as an original
in Class 83 unless shaping other than by cutting is involved. See
Class 65, Glass Manufacturing, appropriate subclasses for a process
of, or apparatus for, cutting or scoring glass combined with glassworking
or treating, and subclass 133 for a process of severing a stream
of molten glass and also see the collection of search notes under
subclasses 112 and 133; Class 125, Stone Working, for stone cutting;
Class 264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes, particularly subclasses 138+ for a process
of plastic shaping by or with cutting; and Class 425, Plastic Article
or Earthenware Shaping or Treating: Apparatus, for means shaping
or reshaping of plastic material combined with cutting means.
13. Classes related to the treatment, care, or handling of living
animal (including human) bodies.
a. The class of surgery.
A patent directed to the cutting of a live animal body will
be placed as an original copy in Class 128, Surgery.
b. The class of dentistry.
Original patents for devices for trimming plaster bases of
dental models will be found in subclass 38 of Class 433, Dentistry.
c. The class of toilet.
Patents for cutting, scraping, or filing devices, disclosed as
useful in manicure or pedicure operations, are placed originally
in subclasses 75.4+ and 75.8 of Class 132.
d. The class of farriery.
The reference class (168), in subclass 48.1+, contains original
patents to apparatus for sawing, milling, scraping, filing, or otherwise
cutting animal hooves.
e. The class of fishing, trapping, and vermin destroying.
In addition to the typical fish hook and tackle therefor, the
class of reference (43) contains patents for such cutting devices
as spears and harpoons subclass 6 and impaling traps subclasses
77+.
14. Classes related to the preparation of food.
a. The class of butchery.
A patent directed to the cutting of the dead body of a previously
living creature, preparatory to its use as food, will be found in
Class 452, Butchering. For instance, patents relating to fowl beheading,
carcass splitting, or fish cutting are found, respectively, in subclasses
12, 23, or 53+ thereof.
b. Bakery and confectionery type foods.
A manipulative process of shaping edibles combined with preform
severing is provided for in Class 99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus,
subclasses 450.1+ and 537+, whereas comparable
apparatus is provided for in Class 425, Plastic Article or Earthenware
Shaping or Treating: Apparatus, appropriate subclasses. Cutting
of edible preforms, per se, is provided for by Class 83 whereas severing
of same by tearing or breaking is provided for by Class 225.
c. Other classes of food cutting.
A patent directed to one of the following types of food cutting
will be placed originally in the appropriate food preparation class:
Class 99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, for a cutting device
which is adapted to a peculiar characteristic of the food, or wherein
the cutting device separates distinguishable portions of the food,
(e.g., leafy top portion, seeds, core, skin portion, eyes, etc.).
15. Classes related to the working of leather, skins, or hides.
a. The class of leather working.
Class 69, Leather Manufactures, includes patents directed
to means and processes for splitting, skiving, defleshing, whitening,
or buffing of hides or leather, and for cutting, (per se), in the
production of certain articles typical of the class (e.g., leather
straps, the subject of patents in subclass 17 of Class 69).
b. The class of boot and shoe making.
Patents for cutting means or methods specialized or peculiarly
adapted to operation upon footgear are placed originally in Class
12, Boot and Shoe Making, particularly subclasses 27, 28, 40, 41.05,
41.7, 46, 47, 47.1, 57.5+, 62, and 85+.
16. Textile classes.
a. The class of cloth finishing.
Subclasses 7+ of Class 26, Textiles: Cloth Finishing, constitutes
the locus of original patents limited to apparatus or process for
severing threads or fibers projecting from textile fabrics. Such
patents may relate, for instance, to shearing or to the cutting
of float threads, pile loops, or weft ends.
b. The class of fiber preparation.
Patents for "tow-to-top" staplizing machines
or methods are placed originally in Class 19, Textiles: Fiber Preparation.
The type of severance therein involved is that in which a bundle
of filaments of indefinite length (termed "tow")
is subjected to a treatment which reduces the individual filaments
to staple length fibers without disrupting the continuity or integrity
of the bundle (which, when emerging from the machine or processes,
is known as "top"). In Class 83, on the other
hand, are found patents for machines or processes for the reduction
of isolated individual filaments to staple length fibers (for instance,
Beria-type cutters) or for the disruptive reduction of filament
bundles to such fibers, in both cases without further textile treatment.
c. The class of weaving.
Original copies of patents for cutting devices mounted on
loom parts (e.g., temple mounted cutters) are found in subclasses
302+ of Class 139.
d. The class of sewing machines.
Patents for cutting devices disclosed as attached to sewing
machines will be found, as original copies, in subclasses 45 and
285-301 of Class 112.
e. The class of apparel apparatus.
Means for trimming the bottoms of dresses or skirts, for trimming
hat brims, or for cutting (e.g., clipping) the nap of hats comprise
subject matter of patents in subclasses 1.1, 16, and 19 of Class
223.
f. The general class of textiles.
Subclass 144 of the class of reference (28, Textiles) contains
original patents for machines for making chenille yarn by cutting
a woven fabric.
17. Classes pertaining to the communications and information
arts.
a. The class of typewriters.
Subclasses 127+ and 135+ of Class 400, Typewriting Machines,
includes original copies of patents drawn to keyboard operated means
for cutting intelligence-bearing indicia, as, for instance, stencil
cutting, and to processes utilizing such means.
b. The class of printing.
Generally speaking, the recording of intelligence by cutting
is proper subject matter for Class 101, Printing. More particularly,
individual cases of cutting machines or method may be tested for
aptness to Class 101 by reference to the following statements:
i. A patent for a machine or process for cutting on or adjacent
the printed or written matter on a document to prevent unauthorized
or fraudulent alteration of such matter due to the proximity of
the cut surfaces to the printed or written matter (e.g., check protecting)
will be placed originally in Class 101, subclasses 3.1+.
ii. A patent for a machine or process for cutting work in the
form of a character, a design, or a pattern which will impart information
to an observer is proper for Class 101, subclasses 3.1+,
if a cut is disclosed as extending only part way through the thickness
of the work (e.g., embossing). If all of the cuts forming such character, design,
or pattern are disclosed as extending all the way through the thickness
of the work, the patent will be found in Class 83.
iii. If in addition to a cutting machine or process of this class
(83) there is claimed a means or step peculiar to Class 101, (e.g.,
the application of ink to the cutting tool to additionally outline
or mark an aperture made by the punch), such addition has been considered
sufficient to place a patent directed to such combination in Class 101,
subclasses 3.1+. This is in accordance with the general
rule that a patent for a combination of cutting with another treatment
of the work will be placed in the class of the other treatment.
(See subsection B, Relationship to Other Treating Classes, below).
iv. An original patent claiming both the process and apparatus
for the manufacture of stencils by cutting, or only such process,
will be found in Class 101, subclass 128.4.
c. The class of recorders.
A process or apparatus which would be otherwise proper for
Class 346, Recorders, will not be removed from the scope of that
class merely by virtue of the fact that the recordation, as claimed,
is accomplished by an incising or penetrating means or method step.
d. The class of registers.
Original patents directed to means for cutting or punching
a record medium, in response to the results of the operation of
a calculating machine or register, will be found in Class 235, Registers,
particularly subclasses 58+ and 60.27+ (especially
subclass 60.29).
e. The class of railway signaling.
Patents for apparatus which cuts or punches a record medium,
in response to the operation of a block-signal system or of a cab
signal or train control device, are placed originally in subclasses
107 and 185 (respectively) of Class 246, Railway Switches and Signals.
f. The class of telegraphy.
A patent for a cutting device which is actuated by means responsive
to a telegraphically transmitted signal will be placed originally
in Class 178, Telegraphy, those in subclass 92 being typical.
g. The class of binder devices releasably engaging aperture
or notch of sheet.
A sheet binder device of that class (402) (i) in combination
with a discrete sheet aperture forming device, which device perforates
a sheet prior to placing the same on the retainer, (ii) including
means to force a sheet upon the sheet retainer and (iii) including
a sheet retainer which penetrates and inserts a pliant strand through
a sheet will be found in subclasses 1, 7, and 25, respectively,
of Class 402.
18. Receptacle classes.
a. The class of deposit and collection receptacles.
Patents claiming a ticket receiving and collection receptacle,
with means to punch or cut tickets introduced into the receptacle,
will be found placed originally in Class 232, Deposit and Collection
Receptacles.
b. The class of special receptacles.
Patents for cigar- or tobacco-containing receptacles having
an attached cutter are placed originally in Class 206, Special Receptacle
or Package, subclasses 238+.
c. The class of paper receptacles.
Original patents for paper receptacles with attached means
for opening a receptacle by cutting, tearing, or ripping will be
found in subclasses 87.05, 200+, and 307 of Class 229,
Envelopes, Wrappers, and Paperboard Boxes.
d. The class of metallic receptacles.
Subclasses 265+ of Class 220, Receptacles, includes original
patents for general-utility receptacles with attached openers which
function to open the receptacle by cutting part thereof.
19. Certain other classes distinguished by the nature or identity
of work or product.
a. The class of tobacco.
Patents for machines which are disclosed as being specially
adapted to the cutting of tobacco or cigars will be found, as original
copies, in subclasses 248+ and 281 of Class 131. (Patents
for tobacco cutting machines of more general utility are placed
originally in appropriate subclasses of Classes 30 and 83).
b. The class of button making.
Patented machines or processes for cutting button blanks are
disclosed in subclasses 15 and 16 of Class 79.
c. The class of brush, broom, and mop making.
The class of reference (300) includes a subclass (17) restricted
to the, per se, trimming of articles of the class. Most of the
devices represented by patents therein operate to accomplish such
trimming by cutting.
d. The class of wheelwright machines.
Patents directed to machines and processes for lacerating
or buffing the exterior surface of vehicle tires are collected in
subclass 13 of Class 157, Wheelwright Machines, except those claiming
an abrading means or step, which latter are to be found in Class
451, Abrading.
e. The class of ships.
Patents for ships carrying means to cut or break ice are placed
originally in subclasses 40-42 of Class 114.
f. The class of chemical manufacture and adhesive bonding
of articles.
Class, 156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,
provides in subclasses 625+ for severing a workpiece by
the action of a reactive or solvent fluid. It also provides for
the combination of laminating and cutting in subclasses 250+ and
510+.
20. The class of geometrical instruments.
Subclasses 18.1+ of Class 33, Geometrical Instruments, include
original patents for means for scoring or indenting a reference
point, respectively.
B. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER TREATING CLASSES
1. This class is an elementary class and generally does not
include patents claiming the combination of a cutting method or
means with a process or apparatus for other treatment(s). Certain
specific exceptions to this general rule exist, as follows:
a. Heating or cooling work and cutting same.
Subject matter of subclasses 15+ and 170.
b. Cleaning work and cutting same;
subject matter of subclass 168.
2. Means for, or steps of, performing certain other operations
whose character as treating or nontreating operations, it is recognized,
will vary with individual judgement also are included in patents
of this class in claimed combination with cutting instrumentalities
or steps, as follows:
a. Weighing the cut product in subclass 77.
b. Separating or assorting product in subclasses 102+
c. Applying a transient, nonpropellant fluid (e.g., lubricant
or coolant) to work in subclasses 22 and 169.
d. Temporarily deforming work; in subclasses 17+,
175, and 176.
e. Unwinding material from, or supporting material on, a spool,
beam, bobbin, or the like, for presentation to a cutting device
for operation thereon; note particularly subclasses 649+.
(The combination of a cutting machine and significantly claimed
means for winding the product thereof is subject matter for Class
242, Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding, as is the Combination of a
winding machine and a means to cut the tail, extending from a package
wound by such machine, from the source of material to be wound.
See Class 242, subclasses 487.1+, 521, and 522+.
3. As to methods, the claimed recitation of a step of performing
a treatment other than cutting will exclude a patent from original
placement in this class, regardless of whether such treating step
is claimed in detail.
4. In interpreting a claimed combination of cutting and noncutting
treating means, a purely nominal recitation of the other (noncutting)
treating means will not exclude an original patent from this class
if all of the following conditions are met:
a. No means or instrumentality is claimed as being synchronized
with the other treating means.
b. A single material handling means presents work to both
such treating means; or, the means which presents material (as work)
to a second treating means in line is the means which removes it
(as product) from a first treating means in line.
c. No support or guide means is claimed as orienting or redirecting
the material (work or product) between treating means.
C. RELATIONSHIP TO MATERIAL HANDLING CLASSES
1. Product handling means.
a. This class (83) receives original patents claiming significantly
both a cutting tool of the class and means to separate or assort
portions of the product resulting from the cutting operation. An
original patent claiming such separating or assorting means in structural
terms, and the cutting tool in nominal terms only, will be placed
in Class 209, Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids.
b. Original patents drawn to the combination of cutting means
of this class and product weighing means which does not govern the
operation of the cutting means will be placed in this class (83)
without regard to the degree of specificity with which the cutting
means is claimed therein. If the weighing means is claimed as controlling a
cutting device, which cutting device terminates feed or flow of
material to the weighing means, a patent thereto is placed originally
in Class 177, Weighing Scales.
c. As to other product handling devices (i.e., instrumentalities
which effect or affect motion of the product of a cutting machine),
the claimed combination of such device with a cutting machine constitutes
subject matter for this class (83), regardless of the degree of
specificity with which the cutting means is claimed.
2. Work handling means.
a. As between this class (83) and Classes 193, Conveyors,
Chutes, Skids, Guides, and Ways; 198, Conveyors: Power-Driven;
212, Traversing Hoists; 414, Material or Article Handling; 226,
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length; 406, Conveyors: Fluid
Current; and 271, Sheet Feeding or Delivering; the claimed recitation in
purely nominal terms, of a cutting instrumentality with respect
to which a work handling means may move or feed work will not of
itself exclude placement of an original patent for such work handling
means in the respective material handling class listed above. However,
when such instrumentality is set forth with structural specificity,
the claimed congregation of elements is properly placed with the
work modifying instrumentality (class 83). For example: A claim
reciting a structurally defined work handling means (not claimed
as synchronized with a work modifying means), and a "work
station" (or "tool station", or "work
modifying means", or "tool", or "cutter",
or "punch", or "knife", etc.)
in so many words, is properly placed on the basis of the work handling
means. A claim reciting a work handling means and, for instance,
a work station including a "reciprocating tool element",
or a "tapered tool", or a "round cutter",
or a "rotary punch", is properly placed in the
class of the specific tool set forth. The true test for proper
placement in this class (83) is whether or not the combination of
a tool and work-feed means is a significant tool-to-work-relationship.
For further notes on this relationship see (2) Note, under subclass
703 of this class (83) referring to Class 414.
c. Further, this class (83) receives original patents claiming
a cutting tool (of the type provided for in the class) synchronized
with or in power-transmitting driving relation with, a work handling
means, regardless of whether such tool is claimed significantly
or merely nominally.
3. Tool handling means.
Class 483 provides for a Class 83 cutting process or apparatus
combined with tool changing.
D. RELATIONSHIP TO CLASS OF TOOL DRIVING OR IMPACTING
Class 173, Tool Driving or Impacting, provides for subject
matter directed to driving or impacting a tool, when such subject
matter includes combined features peculiar to tool driving, but
which does not include features limiting the subject matter to a
specific tool art such as specific shape of the work contacting
portion of a tool, related tools, or an opposed work support. Class
83 has not been cleared as to subject matter in conflict with this line.
E. RELATIONSHIP TO THE CLASS OF WORK HOLDERS
This relationship is set forth in section II, Lines With Other
Classes, of the class definition for Class 269.
F. STRUCTURE OF THE CLASS
1. A perusal of the first line or skeleton schedule of the class
will reveal that the class is composed of a relatively small number
of major subclass groups. Generally, in order of superiority, these
major subclass groups provide search fields for:
a. a method including a step of cutting (subclasses 13-56).
b. noncyclic means to halt or prevent motion of a part or all
of a cutting machine (subclasses 58-68).
c. means to monitor and control operation of a cutting machine
(subclasses 72-76).
d. means to handle the product of a cutting operation (subclasses
78-166).
e. means to cut hollow work from the inside (subclasses 178-195).
f. means to cut work while cyclically halted (subclasses 202-283).
g. a flying cutter (subclasses 284-349).
h. a cutter (of a type other than those previously enumerated)
synchronized with work moving means (subclasses 350-357).
i. a cutting machine with an appurtenance such as a clamp,
work stop or gauge, work guide; firstly, synchronized with the tool
cycle (subclasses 373-398), and secondly, not so synchronized (subclasses
438-468).
j. means to control the operation of a part (at least) of
the machine in response to means to sense the work, product, or
another part of the machine (subclasses 358-372, 399, 400).
k. a cutting machine having work moving means not claimed
as synchronized with the tool cycle; providing for tool-station-type
work moving means (subclasses 401 through 437.7).
l. a rotatable disc type cutting machine (subclasses 469-508).
m. means to produce or facilitate the cutting motion of a tool
or tools (subclasses 513-519; 523-647).
n. a cutting tool, per se, or combined with its support (subclasses
651-699.61).
o. a method of, or means for, cutting other than all the way
through the work thickness-wise, providing for scoring, skiving,
and related operations (subclasses 6-12).
2. In addition, a limited number of groupings have been established
on secondary bases of classification, to facilitate state-of-the-art
searches. These subclasses, which contain no original patents are
numbered from 901.
The following index is provided for convenience in locating
certain elements or types of cutting machines according to keywords
generally of art terminology. This index is not intended to be exhaustive.
SECTION III - SUBCLASS REFERENCES TO THE CURRENT CLASS
A tool comprising a smooth-faced, imperforate member, the
smooth face having the purpose of contacting the work and providing
a reaction surface against which a relatively movable tool may abut
in its work penetrating movement.
DETECTOR
A mechanism for sensing a physical property or characteristic
of, or the presence or absence or passage of, the work or the product
or a movable element of a machine; which mechanism effects a signal
or impulse as a result of such sensing. The signal or impulse is
sent through a transmitter, (see definition of "transmitter" below)
and effects or initiates the functioning of a machine part or assembly
controlled by the detector.
FLYING
Moving with the work material. The term "flying" means
that the part so described has, at the time of cutting, a motion
component in the direction of the work as it moves to and through
the cutting station.
GUIDE
Passive means to direct the movement of something (e.g.,
work, product, machine part) in a desired path. (Note: although
a guide may be movable for the purpose of adjustment, yet it accomplishes
its directing function by presenting an obstacle to movement in
an undesired direction, rather than by causing the directed thing
or part to move with it).
NOTCHING
The cutting of a discrete product from a workpiece through
the thickness of the workpiece with the line of cut starting at
an edge of the workpiece and returning to the same edge. The edge
of the workpiece may be either an exterior edge or an interior edge.
A cut which extends solely along a single straight line is not
considered to be a notching cut.
PRODUCT
Material which has been treated by the cutting tool;
the result of a cutting operation. (Note: material which is "product" for
one cutting operation may be "work" for an ensuing
operation).
PUNCHING
The cutting of a discrete product out of the confines
of a workpiece through the thickness of the workpiece so that the
cut does not intersect any edge (exterior or interior) of the workpiece.
SHEARING
Cutting effected by the relative motion of two cutting tools
having edges which are initially on opposite sides of the work with
the cutting taking place by one tool moving towards the other tool
and the edge on the moving tool moving past and in close and overlapping
relationship to the edge of the other tool.
TOOL
The instrumentality that contacts the work for effecting directly
the operation of the class either by itself or by cooperation with
another tool.
TOOL CYCLE
The elapsed time between, and all of the motion traced by
the tool between, the time the tool leaves any particular datum
point in its approach to (or recession from) the work until it again
leaves that point in its next succeeding approach to (or recession
from) the work, the location of such datum point for a series of
recurring cycles being determined without giving significance to
mere positioning movements of the tool with respect to the work
(Note: positioning movements of the tool are considered to be part
of the cycle of motions constituting the tool cycle, and the time
they occupy is part of the span of the cycle. They are disregarded
only for the purpose of establishing the datum point of one cycle
with respect to that of a preceding or succeeding cycle).
TOOL PAIR
A plurality of tools, each having a work contacting portion,
said portions being initially separated from each other and cooperating
to effect cutting of the work when they have relative movement toward
each other.
TOOL STROKE
The motion of the tool toward and into the work to effect
a cut, and the motion of retraction of the tool from the product
to its base position.
TOOL SUPPORT
An element connected to the tool for supporting it against
gravity and that partakes of all of the movement of the tool and
has no relative movement with respect to the tool except for purposes
of adjustment.
TRANSMITTER
A system for sending the signal or impulse which has been
effected by a detector (see definition of "detector" above)
to a means for establishing (in response to receipt of such signal
or impulse) a driving connection between a source of power and a
machine part or assembly; or sending such signal or impulse to a
mart or assembly directly (as by a linkage).
WORK
Article, material, or stuff to be treated (cut). (Compare "product").
WORK-FEED MEANS
An instrumentality for advancing work to the treating (cutting)
zone.
WORK THICKNESS
In general, the least dimension along a substantially
planar outer surface of work. As to hollow workpieces, the thickness
dimension at an annular section is taken as the wall thickness;
at a solid section, it is the thickness of the entire workpiece
as though it were not hollow. The thickness dimension of a strand
is defined as follows: (a) as to those of circular, triangular
or elliptical cross-section, by any line passing through the strand
from surface point to surface point, (b) as to those of other polygonal
cross-section, by any line passing through the strand from one outer
surface to a nonintersecting outer surface. As to spheres a line
extending through the sphere from one point on the surface to another
is deemed to define the thickness dimension. As to all other shapes
of work pieces, thickness is not considered significant for the
purpose of this classification.
Throughout the definitions of subclasses herein below, the
appearance of an asterisk (*) will indicate a word or term
which has been defined in this section. However, the words "product", "tool",
and "work", defined in this section, occur so
frequently in the subclass definitions, that the use of the asterisk
in reference thereto has been omitted.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Method which includes a step of cutting.
(1)
Note. A step of cutting, as herein applied, consists in moving
a tool and work into contact with and relative to each other such
that the tool moves entirely through the thickness of the work.
Once the cut through the wall thickness has been achieved, then,
an interruption of said relative movement, or of cutting contact
extending throughout said wall thickness, shall be construed as
a termination of said "step".
(2)
Note. A special exception to the limitations expressed in
these definitions (i.e., the limitations which require a moving tool
and/or an edge backup member) exists in the case of wherein
sound waves (e.g., supersonic sound) cause work to be cut through
its thickness. Such a step will be proper for this class and this
subclass as a process of cutting.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Process which includes a step, either before or during the
cutting step, of performing an operation (other than a cutting operation)
which changes the shape or state of the work, which change of shape
or state facilitates the cutting.
(1)
Note. The operation may either facilitate the operation of
the tool upon the work or effect a necessary or desired change of
shape of the work with respect to the tool.
(2)
Note. Included in this subclass (14) are processes which
recite a step of placing the work under tension or compression; however,
applying such force for the purpose of merely immobilizing the work,
as by clamping, has not been considered a treatment step to admit
the patent to this subclass. Such patents are classified below
on other steps of their method.
Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes,
subclasses 138+ for molding or shaping processes within the class
definition when combined with a cutting or severing step.
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Process in which the treatment is confined to a specific
portion of the work, as by applying a heated tool on the line on
which the separation is effected.
Electric Heating,
subclasses 260+ for a process of burning a hole by means of electrically
generated heat, and subclasses 69.1+ for a process of cutting
by means of an electric arc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Process which includes a step of temporarily altering the
shape or dimension of the work within the cutting zone and concurrently
with the cutting operation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Process which includes a step of subjecting the work to
forces which are directed away from each other (i.e., tensile forces)
to elongate the work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Process which includes a step of subjecting the work to
forces directed toward each other, which forces density, reduces
the volume, or reduces a dimension of the work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Process which includes a step of bending the work by engaging
the work with a tool so as to thereby distort or deform the work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 20. Process which includes a step of subjecting the work to
bending forces which direct the work toward a tool so as to compel
the work to assume the shape of the tool.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Process which includes a step of manipulating a product
resulting from the severing step.
(1)
Note. Moving cut work between claimed cutting steps has been
considered work-feeding rather than subsequent handling of a product;
and patents thereto have been placed below on the basis of other
steps.
This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Process in which the manipulation of the product is effected
by contacting the product with a gas or liquid.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, may include a nominal recitation of a supply or take-up
coil (e.g., less than a support for such a coil or a cooperative
relationship between a tension or exhaust detector* and
reel driving or reel stopping means, etc.),
subclass 7 for a process of or subclasses 97.1+ for
apparatus using fluid current to advance the material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Process which includes a step of holding or replacing the
product in the workpiece from which it was separated.
(1)
Note. The retention or reinsertion is usually for the purpose
of conveying the product away from the cutting station by means
of the workpiece.
(2)
Note. This subclass has been designated a collecting place
for disclosures of methods of, and means for, retaining a product
in position in a workpiece.
This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Process wherein the speed of product being delivered is
increased with respect to that of the work being fed or with respect
to the speed of an adjacent product piece.
(1)
Note. Such process usually accomplishes the purpose of conveying
the product away from the following work, or out of the path of
a tool, or moving one product with respect to another product while
both are moving away from the cutting zone.
This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Process in which the work has an adhesive on one surface,
which surface is adhered to a work holder to which the product remains
adhered subsequent to the cutting step, and which includes a step
of manipulating the support with the product adhered thereto.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Process which includes a step of assembling workpieces one
upon another prior to the cutting step, and cutting the assembled
workpieces.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Process which includes a step of shaping an opening in the
work, as by a sharp, pointed tool, so that no substantial amount
of material is removed from the work; i.e., there is only one product.
Fluid Handling,
subclass 15.14 for a process of tapping a pipe or tank (e.g., gas
main, water main, keg, etc.) having an aperture forming cutter or
cutting tool.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Process which includes a step of positioning a wear preventing
material between one tool of a tool pair and the work, and repositioning
the material relative to both the tool and work between cutting
steps.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Process which includes a step of severing a plurality of
products from a workpiece, each of which products has an interfitting
portion which lies within a recess of the other product, the product
portions which define the cooperating interfitting portions constituting
the parts of the whole of a common area of the workpiece, and at
least part of the separation being effected along the lines of the
interfitting portions.
(1)
Note. The mere longitudinal separation of a web of indefinite
length into two or more ribbonlike products by means of an undulant
cut, or the mere transverse separation of a product from a web of
indefinite length by means of an undulant cut, is not considered
sufficient to bring the patent within this subclass but will be found
below in subclasses 48 and 56.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Process which includes the steps of effecting a cut upon
the work and then utilizing that cut (as by engaging the edges thereof)
or orient, locate, or feed the work with respect to a tool, for
a subsequent cut.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Process which includes a step of shifting the tool intermediate
successive cutting steps to rearrange or readjust the tool with
respect to the work.
(1)
Note. The mere movement of the tool toward and from the work
in its normal cutting cycle has not been considered reorienting.
The reorientation is superimposed upon the tool stroke, resulting in
such additional movements as a change from the previously normal
path of the tool during the tool feeding cycle, and inversion of
the tool, or an indexing of the tool.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Process which includes a step of shifting the work intermediate
successive cutting steps to rearrange or readjust the work with
respect to a tool or a cutting station.
(1)
Note. The mere advancement of the work into the cutting zone
has been considered feeding rather than reorienting. The reorientation
is superimposed upon the work-feeding motion, resulting in such
additional movements as: a change in the path of an established
direction of feed, an inversion of the work, or a turning end-for-end
of the work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 35. Process wherein the reorientation is effected with respect
to the tool which has accomplished the earlier of the successive
cutting steps.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Process which includes a step of cutting while the work
is moving through a cutting zone, which step includes moving the
tool, at the time of cutting, in the direction the work is moving.
(1)
Note. A method of slitting the work longitudinally of the
direction of work movement by means of a rotatable disc tool has
been excluded. Patents thereto will be found in subclass 56 below; whereas
patents for slitting apparatus will be found in subclasses 426+.
(2)
Note. Apparatus used to practice this process is usually
called a flying cutter, patents to which will be found in subclasses
284+.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Process which includes a step of changing either the speed
of the tool during a portion of its cyclic travel, (i.e., toward,
from, or concurrent with, the moving work) or the speed of the work
as it traverses the cutting zone.
(1)
Note. Oscillating and reciprocating tools of necessity have
a period of nonuniform rate of travel due to the reversals of direction.
Since such tools inherently operate in this manner, patents for
methods of operating them have not been included in this subclass
and will be found in other subclasses indented under subclass 13.
However, all patents for methods of operating unidirectionally moving
rotary tools which start their cycle of movement from a position
of rest have been placed here because of the difficulty distinguishing
between rotary tools which stop and those which merely slow down.
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Process which includes a step of blanking, as defined in
(1) Note to subclass 55, below; and further includes a step of making
some other kind of cut.
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Process in which a series of blanking steps is accompanied
by a cutting step which connects the blanked out areas.
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Process which includes the steps of feeding the work to
and through a cutting station and making serial cuts each of which
separates a product(s) from the advancing edge of the work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Process in which a product is separated from a portion only
of the transverse extent of such advancing edge of the work, and
the remaining portion of the transverse extent is subsequently severed
in the formation of one or more separate products.
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Process which includes a step of cutting the work along
a line generally parallel to the direction of work-feed.
for process of cutting transversely of the work
combined with longitudinal severing along a zigzag or wavy line where
the cuts make interdigitating products.
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Process wherein the step of longitudinal cutting is made
before that of transverse cutting in the severance of each product
piece from the advancing edge of the work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Process which includes a plurality of blanking steps as
defined in (1) Note to the definition of subclass 55.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Process in which plural cutting tools penetrate work disposed
between them and meet in cutting engagement interiorly of the work.
(1)
Note. Included are patents for process of "nipping".
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Process which includes a step of making in a single cutting
step, either (a) two or more cuts differing in kind (e.g., cut,
slit, punch) or (b) similar cuts effected serially and overlapping
in time.
(1)
Note. See (1) Note to subclass 13 for the definition of a
cutting step.
for plural tools with individually actuated tool
supports, and particularly subclass 519 for successively acting tools,
and subclass 518 for diverse tools.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Process which includes the step of cutting solely by contacting
the work with a pressure medium which conforms to the configuration of
a passive supporting tool, on or against which the work is supported.
(1)
Note. The pressure medium may be liquid, gaseous or of a
readily yieldable material such as rubber.
Turning,
subclass 47 for process of cutting hollow work while effecting relative
rotary movement about an axis passing through the work, and subclass
82 for corresponding apparatus.
Fluid Handling,
subclass 15.14 for a process of tapping a pipe or tank (e.g., gas
main, water main, keg, etc.) having an aperture forming cutter or
cutting tool.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Process which includes a step of blanking.
(1)
Note. Blanking is defined as separating a product from within
the confines of the work so that not more than one of the edges
of the product is an edge of the workpiece, or so that less than
1/2 of the circumference of a curved product is a part
of the circumference of initially curved work. Mere serration does
not in itself comprise more than "one edge" of the
workpiece.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Process which includes a step of making a continuous cut
which extends through the work thickness wise and which proceeds
in a direction toward or from one edge of the work, which may be
a leading or trailing edge.
(1)
Note. Included are processes of "drawcutting" and "slitting".
WITH MANUALLY ACTUATED MEANS TO DISTURB CYCLIC OPERATION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device which comprises means, actuatable by force applied
by and at the will of an operative, to override the normal cyclic
functioning of a part(s) of the device, which part(s) returns to
normal functioning when the application of the intervening force
ceases.
(1)
Note. The disturbance referred to is temporary and exists
only during the application of force by an operative. (Example:
A machine, set to cut products of a given size, is controlled by
a pushbutton to cut small pieces for sampling purposes).
(2)
Note. The disturbance herein contemplated does not embrace
stopping. For disclosures, of noncyclic stopping means, see subclasses
58+; and, for cyclic stopping means, see other appropriate
subclasses whose titles include the work "stopping" or
equivalent term (e.g., subclasses 202+).
(3)
Note. Adjustment of a device establishes a new condition
which persists indefinitely, and is thus distinguishable from a "disturbance" which
permits the disturbed part to return to the previous condition upon
withdrawal of the intervening force.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device provided with means capable of bringing any or all
of the moving parts of the device to a halt, such means acting to
accomplish its halting effect in response to a signal or impulse
which cannot be predicted to occur during any particular one of
a number of recurring cycles of operation (either of the machine as
a whole, of the tool, or of any part of the machine which has a
cyclic law of operation).
(1)
Note. Such means may comprise, for example, a device effective
to disrupt the flow of power to a part or all of the machine, as
by effecting the disconnection of the parts of a clutch.
(2)
Note. It is not a bar to original placement of a patent in
this subclass, that the claimed power train disrupting, braking or
other "stopping" means may be activated at a time
when the part to be halted is, purely adventitiously, at a standstill due
to its normal cyclic operation.
(3)
Note. If, however, the normal and intended operation of power
disrupting, friction gripping, or other motion preventing means,
is to forestall the impending start of movement or activation of
a part of the device, then the motion preventing means is regarded
as an interlock and its claimed combination with an instrumentality
of a cutting machine is found in subclasses 399+, below.
(4)
Note. If the normal and intended operation of power disrupting
means is to forestall or prevent future movement of a tool or tool
support by disrupting its power-transmitting connection to an uninterruptedly
moving tool-actuating mechanism, the claimed combination of the
power-disrupting means with the tool support and tool actuating
mechanism is found in subclasses 572+, indented under subclass
571 in this schedule.
Clutches and Power-Stop Control, appropriate subclasses, for stopping means in general;
and
subclass 134 for a device applicable to a punch press which
is peculiarly designed to stop machine operation in response to detection
of the unauthorized presence of a part of an operative"s
body.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Device provided with means which may be actuated manually
to thereby cause at least a portion of the device to go through
its normal cyclic motions after the stopping has been effectuated.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Device provided with means whereby the signal or impulse
also brings into action means to bring the work into cutting engagement
with another cutter or to cause such other cutter to engage and
cut the work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Device wherein the signal or impulse is generated by a detector* for
either (a) a product of the cutting operation, or (b) means to accomplish
direct, or otherwise affect movement of such product.
Conveyors: Power-Driven, appropriate subclasses for different types of conveyors
or systems of plural conveyors having operation control means responsive
to a condition of a conveyor or to a condition of the conveyed load.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Device in which the signal or impulse is generated by a
detector* which directly or indirectly senses a condition
or location of the tool or of the work-moving means.
(1)
Note. The direct contact of the detector with the tool or
work-moving means may be that which occurs in the normal, uninterrupted
operation of the device, in which case the signal for stopping is generated
by failure of the detector to make such direct contact.
This subclass is indented under subclass 64. Device in which a portion of the work normally moves in
a predetermined bent or arcuate path, or in any one of a number
of possible bent or arcuate paths in a zone whose limits are defined
by two such paths, and the signal is generated upon departure of
the work from the predetermined path or zone.
This subclass is indented under subclass 63. Device in which the detector is under the influence of gravity
or any other force which tends to keep it constantly in contact
with the work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Device wherein the impulse or signal which brings about
or initiates the stoppage is entirely a product of the will of an
operative.
(1)
Note. This subclass excludes means for halting a machine
part solely by the application of braking force, or the interposition
of blocking means, in a yieldable drive train. Examples of such excluded
subject matter may be found in the patents of subclass 593.
for disconnecting means between tool and tool actuator,
as for changing a machine set-up, and subclasses 572+, indented
thereunder, for means capable of connecting or disconnecting a tool,
or tool and its support, to or from an actuating element while the
latter is in motion (i.e., "gag" or "gag
block"), and see (4) Note under subclass 58, above.
WITH STOPPING MEANS EFFECTIVE ON COMPLETION OF PREDETERMINED
NUMBER OF TOOL CYCLES:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device including means to bring one or more parts to a halt
after a tool has carried out a fixed (but not necessarily unalterable)
plurality of tool cycles*.
(1)
Note. Where the part stopped is a cutter, the tool cycle
of reference is the cycle of such cutter itself, not that of another
cutter operating on a different cycle.
for a cutting machine in which the operative relationship
between the work-feed means and tool actuating means thereof is
interrupted, once for every cutting cycle, by the stoppage of a
part or parts, so that the intervention of human will is necessary
to restore such interrelationship and bring about another cutting
cycle.
WITH MEANS TO ACCOMPLISH DELAYED STOPPING AFTER CESSATION
OF CYCLIC OPERATION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device which includes means effective to bring a part or
all of the device to a halt upon the lapse of a certain limited
period of time subsequent to the termination of feeding and cutting
operations.
(1)
Note. Examples are the tape "run-out" devices
on message-handling tape punches.
WITH MEANS TO MONITOR AND CONTROL OPERATION (E.G., SELF-REGULATING
MEANS):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus, each of whose parts has a desired operating condition
according to a law of operation; such apparatus being provided with
a detector for sensing a deviation of a part(s) (or all of the apparatus)
from its or their desired operating condition; and including means
to modify - in response to a signal or impulse transmitted by said
detector - (a) the cyclical operation of such part(s) (or the entire apparatus)
to correct the deviated operating condition; and/or, (b)
the normal cyclical operation of another part(s) to compensate for
the deviated condition; whereby, in either event, the maintenance
of a normal cyclical desired operating condition of the apparatus
as a whole is achieved.
(1)
Note. The sensing or detecting may be direct; i.e., by determining
the operation of a component of the device (as, for example, in
U.S. Patent No. 2,175,828, wherein a driven feed roller is coupled
to a roller-speed detector); or may be indirect, i.e., by determining
the result of the operation of a component of the device (as, for
example, in U.S. Patent No. 1,961,538, wherein work is moved by feed
rollers, indicia on the work are scanned stroboscopically to detect
any variations in work speed imparted by the feed rollers, and such
speed variations are eliminated by correcting the feed roller speed).
(2)
Note. Merely stopping or starting a cyclic component of the
device to effect the functioning thereof is not considered to be
modifying the operation of a component. However, a regulating means, which
accomplishes such modification of a cyclic operation, may itself
be started or stopped (to effect the cyclic operation), in response
to the detection of a deviation in the desired condition. (See,
for example, U.S. Patent No. 2,023,243, wherein the leading edge
of the work initiates the actuation of a regulating means, which
means compares the position and speed of the entering work relative
to the angular position and speed of a flying cutter and modifies
the angular position of the cutter to compensate for the entrance
timing of the work).
(3)
Note. The imposition of a change upon a component by an operator
(e.g., physical relocation of a component) is not considered a deviation
within the meaning of the definition above. Thus, patents claiming
means for detecting operator-imposed changes, and means to vary
the operation of the device in response to detection of such changes,
will be found in other subclasses; e.g., subclasses 399+,
below.
(4)
Note. Detection of an irregularity in the work, which irregularity
is not the result of a deviation in the desired operation, but is
a part of the work, is not considered a deviation detection within
the meaning of the definition above. Thus, devices claiming means
to detect such irregularities and means to vary the operation of
a cutting device in response to the detecting means, will be found
in other subclasses; e.g., subclasses 360+, below.
(5)
Note. For Search Note relating to other Control Functions,
see the Notes in subclass 399, below.
This subclass is indented under subclass 72. Device in which a deviation in the operating condition of
the device is indicated indirectly by the means to detect or sense
the product.
This subclass is indented under subclass 72. Device in which the means to vary the cyclic operation effects
a revision in the operating condition of the component whose deviation
is detected or sensed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Device in which the means to vary the cyclic operation also
effects a revision in the operating condition of a component different
from the component whose deviation is detected or sensed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Device including means to compare the work, the desired
product and the stored data to better utilize that particular piece
of work to produce more or better product.
This subclass is indented under subclass 72. Device in which the detecting means senses the speed or
position of the work and in which the means to vary the cyclic operation
effects a revision in the speed of a cutting tool in response to
the detected speed or position of the work.
Conveyors: Power-Driven, appropriate subclasses for different types of conveyors
or systems of plural conveyors having operation control means responsive
to a condition of a conveyor or to a condition of the conveyed load.
WITH CONTROL MEANS RESPONSIVE TO REPLACEABLE OR SELECTABLE INFORMATION
PROGRAM:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device provided with memory means, i.e., a member in which
digital or analog data can be impressed for subsequent recall, and including
means to detect the data on the memory means and accordingly regulate
the operation of the device.
(1)
Note. The "memory" means of this subclass
may comprise permanently installed structure of the device or it
may comprise a removable tape or card.
(2)
Note. A templet, per se, is not considered to be a replaceable
information supply; however, a device including a templet from which
information is retrieved and stored in the device is included in
this subclass.
for a cutting machine with a portion thereof controlled
by a remote member and see the Search Notes thereunder for a comprehensive
listing of subclasses in this class including "control" features.
This subclass is indented under subclass 76.1. Device particularly adapted to severing a portion of an
animal, either living or dead.
(1)
Note. Included herein is a hair clipping (or wool shearing)
machine on which an animal is placed, having a control means responsive
to replaceable or selectable information program which guides the cutter.
This subclass is indented under subclass 76.1. Device wherein the member on which the replaceable data
is impressed is physically detachable from the device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 76.3. Device wherein the removable member on which replaceable
data is stored is generally elongated and wherein the device either engages
no end of the removable member or engages only the leading or trailing
end thereof.
(1)
Note. The replaceable member may be endless, or it may be
wound on a spool.
This subclass is indented under subclass 76.4. Device wherein the magnetic characteristics of the removable
member are utilized in storing data thereon.
This subclass is indented under subclass 76.6. Device also having means to alter the operation thereof
(without changing the program) at the control of the person operating
the device.
Weighing Scales, appropriate subclasses for the combination of a cutting
machine and a weighing scale which received material cut or to be cut
by the cutting machine, characterized by means for actuating, or
modifying the operation of, the cutting machine in response to determination of
the weight of material accumulated on the weighing scale; and
subclasses 60+ for weigh chamber responsive material control.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus including means to move, guide, or otherwise affect
the motion of, the product of a cutting operation - other than by the
mere provision of a receptacle or support into or onto which product
may descend at random (i.e., without necessarily assuming any regular
arrangement).
(1)
Note. A cutting machine including such receptacle or support
for receiving product in random arrangement constitutes subject
matter of subclass 167, below.
(2)
Note. The handling given recognition by this and indented
subclasses is additional to that which inherently is accomplished by
the tool(s) in the cutting operation. A tool, qua tool, is therefore
not to be considered a product handling means. But a specific element
fixed to, or a portion integral with, a tool will be recognized
as a product handling means if there is a clear teaching, in the
disclosure of the device, that the element or portion performs a
product handling function.
(3)
Note. Inasmuch as many work moving means of the cutting arts
also function to carry away the product of the cutting operation,
a patent whose only claimed means capable of product handling is
a device for moving, guiding, supporting, or stopping motion of,
work will not be placed originally in this subclass unless such
work handling device is claimed in terms of its specific product
handling function. (Of course, a patent claiming work handling means
in combination with additional means to give the work handling means
a product handling effect - such as means to tilt a work table to
effect product sliding - will be placed originally in this or an
indented subclass).
(4)
Note. For the purpose of original placement in this classification,
a means to handle the product of one of a claimed series of tool
stations, while proceeding from such one station to a succeeding station,
will be considered a work handling means for the succeeding station rather
than a product handling means for the earlier station. (Disclosures
of such means may be placed as cross-reference copies in this or
indented subclasses, where deemed pertinent).
Conveyors: Power-Driven,
subclass 339.1 for a conveyor arranged to facilitate working on
the conveyed load at a work station, and subclasses 373+ for
a conveyor having means for changing the attitude of the conveyed load
relative to the conveying direction.
Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding,
subclasses 487.1+ and particularly subclasses 522+ and 911
for cutting a product which is subsequently wound classified along
this line: Patents which claim a device for cutting material and
for winding are placed in Class 242 whereas patents which claim
a device for cutting material supplied from a wound source, or in which
disclosed structure for winding a cut product is not significantly claimed
are placed in Class 83 or related Class 225 (Severing by Tearing
or Breaking).
Sheet Feeding or Delivering,
subclasses 278+ for a device for removing individual sheets to
some determined position (where no means to treat the sheet is claimed
specifically).
Material or Article Handling, appropriate subclasses, for an instrument or mechanism
for placing or displacing articles in a particular manner, as in stacks
or piles; also for a carrier or forwarding mechanism of general type
combined with special means for placing the load on the carrier
or removing it therefrom (where no means to treat the material is
claimed specifically).
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Device including a detector* for sensing product
or work, a transmitter*, and means to effect or initiate
product handling or delivery as a direct or indirect result of the
receipt by said means of a detected and transmitted signal or impulse.
(1)
Note. As between Classes 83 and 209, patents claiming significant
assorting of the work for, or the product of, a disclosed cutting
device will be placed as an original copy in Class 209 unless the cutting
device also is claimed significantly, in which latter case the original copy
will be placed in this class (class 83).
(2)
Note. Included in this subclass are patents disclosing the
sensing of product and the initiation of product handling responsive
thereto, whereas subclass 80 (indented hereunder) is the repository
for patents disclosing product handling responsive to work sensing.
Conveyors: Power-Driven, appropriate subclasses for different types of conveyors
or systems of plural conveyors having operation control means responsive
to a condition of a conveyor or to a condition of the conveyed load.
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Device including a detector* for sensing the presence
of a moving tool, or of an element partaking of all tool motions,
at a predetermined point in the path of motion of said tool or element;
and including a transmitter* and means to effect or initiate
product handling or delivery as a direct or indirect result of the receipt
by said means of a detected and transmitted signal or impulse.
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Device which comprises, as part at least of the product
handling means, or is additionally provided with, means adapted
to receive and support the cut product with the ends of the product
depending downwardly on opposite sides of the support means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Device which includes structure for placing or retaining
product pieces in some regular order relative to, and in contact
with, one another.
(1)
Note. Included in this group of subclasses are patents which
disclose that elongated product pieces are arranged in substantial
parallelism or that flat product pieces are arranged sequentially
in face-to-face contact.
(2)
Note. As indicated by the subclass definition, a patent claiming
a receptacle or support which is disclosed as serving to receive
and retain the product pieces in an orderly arrangement will be
included in this group of subclasses. However, where there is no
teaching that the product pieces are placed or held in the receptacle
or on the support in some regular order the patent will be placed
in subclass 167, below.
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Device which has means to place together, or retain, a plurality
of similar nonplanar cut pieces in sequential interfitting order,
with at least a portion of one piece located within, and in contact
with, a mating hollow portion of the next adjacent piece.
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Device which has means to place together, or to receive
and retain, a multiplicity of substantially planar-faced cut pieces
in sequential face-contacting relation, supported one on another
or edgewise on a common base.
(1)
Note. A stack or pack is formed by superposition or juxtaposition
of the pieces thicknesswise. Herein, and in the indented subclasses,
the term "stack" will be used to designate the
concepts generally included in both the terms "stack" and "pack".
(2)
Note. Such stack need not be static but may be in motion,
such as one which is continually diminished at one end and replenished
at the other end.
(3)
Note. A patent disclosing a device which includes a mere
product-conforming cavity in a hollow tool or in the tool and its
support, though it inherently holds the pieces in stack formation,
is not included in this group of subclasses (86+) but is
placed on the basis of other features. However, a stack holding means
which communicates with such tool or its support, or which is incorporated
as an added element within the tool or its support, its proper subject
matter for this group.
for a hollow tool having a product diverting conduit
within it or extending therefrom which does not include a stack
holding means within the definition of subclass 86.
Sheet Feeding or Delivering,
subclasses 207+ for a sheet delivery device having means for receiving and
retaining the sheets in stacked or packed relation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Device including means to support product pieces, individually
or in stacks, in spaced relationship in substantially parallel planes
so that an edge of one such piece or stack is above the adjacent
edge of the next or adjacent piece or stack, and including stacking
means which moves along the support means for engaging the pieces
or stacks sequentially and moving them into superposed stacked relation
with each other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Device including means to arrange a series of cut pieces
on a product-moving support so that each piece of the series rests
partly in contact with the support and partly on an adjacent piece.
(1)
Note. Included in this subclass are patents disclosing apparatus
as above defined and further including means to place additional
cut pieces on the overlapped series.
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Device including means to move one or more product pieces
from a stack, or to cause product pieces to proceed, or be directed
to, a stack, and other product pieces to proceed or be guided in
another direction (as, for instance, but not necessarily, to another
stack).
for a device under the class definition which includes
means to divert one portion of product from another, but without
means to stack the product pieces.
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Device which is effective in itself to move, or is provided
with additional means for moving, a formed stack of product pieces
as a unit.
This subclass is indented under subclass 90. Device in which the bodily movement of the stack is accomplished
by moving the support on which the pieces are received to form the stack.
This subclass is indented under subclass 91. Device in which means is provided to move the support progressively
broadside away from the source of product pieces as product pieces
are added to the stack.
(1)
Note. A typical device of this kind operates to keep the
product receiving end of the stack at all times in the same position with
respect to the source of pieces for the stack.
This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Device including means to vary the progressive broadside
movement of the product, which means is operatively linked to the
mechanism which adjusts the extent that a work-feeding device moves
between each cutting cycle.
(1)
Note. Included in this subclass are devices having means
to vary the thickness of product pieces being cut, which means effects
the adjustment of the movement of the product holder to compensate
for such variance in thickness.
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Device which includes means to oppose broadside movement
of the stick away from the source of product pieces as product pieces
are added to the stack.
(1)
Note. Devices including a receptacle telescoped over a stack
holder or guide in which the receptacle is moved by the growing
stack are typical of the art of this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Device including means to move or guide cut product pieces
singly to a means for supporting a plurality of the pieces in stacked
relation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Device in which the stack holder is provided with a rod-like
projection which is introduced into an aperture in each product
piece so as to hold the pieces in stacked relation, the aperture being
either preformed or formed by the projection upon placement of the
piece thereon.
Binder Device Releasably Engaging Aperture or
Notch of Sheet,
subclass 1 , for a sheet binder device of that class which
includes in combination, an impaling type sheet retainer and a discrete
sheet aperture forming device, which device perforates a sheet prior
to placing the same on the retainer; subclass 7 for such device including
an impaling type sheet retainer which penetrates and inserts a pliant
strand through a sheet surface, and subclass 25, for a sheet binder device
including an impaling type sheet retainer including means to force
a sheet upon the sheet retainer.
Material or Article Handling,
subclasses 1+ for a device having a projection engaged in the
apertures of a series of articles for holding the articles in stacked
relation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Device which functions to engage a piece of cut work on
its surface of greatest area and move it in a direction perpendicular
to that surface into face-contacting relation with a previously
cut piece.
for means to hold a stack of product pieces which
may be discharged broadside from within a hollow cutter but not
by means to deliver individual pieces.
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Device in which the stack is formed by means which receives
pieces, formed by a tool having a cavity or aperture and a continuous
cutting edge bounding the open end of said cavity or aperture, after
the pieces have left the confines of the tool.
(1)
Note. The stack former may be claimed in some general term
such as "a chute"; but if, as disclosed, it actually
forms a stack, a patent therefor is placed here regardless of the
breadth commonly assigned to the name applied to such stack former.
(2)
Note. For the distinction between this subclass and subclass
164, below, see (3) Note under the definition of subclass 86 above.
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Device which effects movement of product directly by means
of one or more jets or streams of liquid or gaseous material.
(1)
Note. The pressure of the fluid current may be superatmospheric
or subatmospheric.
(2)
Note. Fluid pressure means (blast or vacuum) which function
merely to push or pull product into contact with a mechanical product-moving
or product-braking means do not constitute subject matter for this
subclass. Original patents claiming such fluid blast devices will
be placed in the subclass based on the nature either of the mechanical
product-moving means or the mechanical product-braking means.
(3)
Note. The Notes under the definition of subclass 402, below,
include a comprehensive listing of subclasses in this class and
in other classes which deal with material handling by fluid current.
This subclass is indented under subclass 98. Device comprising a number of fluid jets each of which impinges
upon a separate, independent, unitary part of the product resulting
from the completion of one cutting cycle.
This subclass is indented under subclass 98. Device including means to produce a zone of subatmospheric
pressure so related spatially to the cutting zone or product path
that the product will move under the influence of atmospheric pressure
toward or through said zone of subatmospheric pressure.
(1)
Note. See (2) Note and the search subclass note under the
definition of subclass 98 above.
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Device in which movement of the product is effected by frictional
engagement with bristles mounted on a backing having relative motion with
respect to the product.
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Device including means for accomplishing one of the following
functions:
causing contiguous (either touching or
adjacent) products which have been traveling along parallel paths
to now travel in diverging directions; or preventing their paths
from merging or overlapping;
(b) causing, or permitting, product pieces which have been proceeding
seriatim along a common path to now follow respective discrete and
individual paths;
(c) causing, or permitting, one or more product pieces to follow
a path away from the zone of separation while restraining one or
more pieces from proceeding away from the zone of separation (i.e.,
holding one piece back while another moves away);
(d) dividing a moving group of products into smaller groups (or
units) traveling in the same direction of general path as that before
division; or
(e) positively moving products from the zone of separation in
different directions.
(1)
Note. Such separation must be additional to that inherently
accomplished by the tool(s) in the act of cutting.
(2)
Note. The removal (or facilitation of removal) of one product
portion from the as-cut position, while leaving the portion from
which it has been cut in the cutting zone to serve as work for a
succeeding cut by the same tool, is not considered to be separation.
(3)
Note. The separation signalized by this subclass is distinct
from that brought about by means for moving a product from contacting
engagement with a tool (such as stripping or ejecting means). So,
the movement of product out of contact with a tool, even though
it may involve a motion away from another product portion, is not
considered a separation for the purpose of patent placement in this
and indented subclasses.
(4)
Note. On the other hand, a product portion which has been
subjected to the action of a stripper- or ejector-type means (as
defined in subclass 111) is not considered (for the purpose of this
classification) to be closely adjacent to other product portions
from which the stripper or ejector has moved it apart, so that a further
movement of the portions in different directions will not be deemed
to be a separation. (A positive teaching that a stripper or ejector
places a product portion in actual contact with another portion,
however, will not be ignored). For patents claiming means to strip
or eject a product portion and thereafter convey it away, see subclass
112.
(5)
Note. The combination with cutting, of separation accomplished
in response to a sensing of a physical characteristic of the pieces
to be separated (such as quality separation), is provided for in
subclass 79.
(6)
Note. Merely allowing pieces to fall freely from a common
height or place of departure is not considered to permit them to
travel in substantially different directions. But diverting guides
which cause certain of the so dropped pieces to travel in one path
and others to follow a different path constitute separating means.
(7)
Note. Since this subclass is specific to that of produce,
(i.e., cut work) handling, which requires the operation of motion-affecting
means additional to the work-feeding means, at least one of the
separated product portions must be directed to its destination by
means other than the work moving means.
(8)
Note. Although separation inherent in a cutting operation
(e.g., the removal of certain product pieces through a hollow cutter)
is not sufficient to place here a patent disclosing such, a patent
directed to product separating means carried by a cutter is proper
for this and indented subclasses.
Conveyors: Power-Driven,
subclasses 348+ for a system of plural conveyors having selectable
plural sources or destinations for the conveyed load, subclasses
418+ for a system of plural conveyors having means for
establishing and moving a group of items, and subclasses 434+ for
a system of plural conveyors having means for arranging or rearranging
a stream, or streams, of items.
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Device in which a kerf* entering means engages
the contiguous sides of the work to prevent their paths from merging
or overlapping.
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Device wherein means are provided to dislodge a severed
product from the surrounding material from which it has been cut
but with which it is still in contact; or to dislodge from such material
a severed product which has been cut, removed, and reinserted into
its original position.
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Device in which means are provided to permit the earth"s
gravitational field to act selectively on a plurality of product
portions; with the result that one portion or piece will move along a
path have a downward component, under the gravitational impetus,
while another portion or piece will move along some other path or
will be restrained from moving away from the zone of separation.
for means for tilting or withdrawing a product support
so that the product is left without support against gravity, such
means not having a product separating function.
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Device provided with passive means for guiding a product
into a path diverging from that followed by another product.
(1)
Note. The deflecting guide of this subclass is effective
to direct a moving product portion into a desired path, not to hold
it from further movement. Stationary means (catchers) which prevent
a product portion from moving, while another portion continues in
motion, will be found in subclass 102 and in subclass 104 indented
thereunder.
(2)
Note. The divergence effected by a guide of this type may
be either simultaneous with the passage of another product portion
through the zone of separation or may be temporarily spaced therefrom.
That is, the guide may operate on one or more product portions
traveling along parallel paths or moving seriatim along the same
path.
for means to hold back one product portion positively
while another portion proceeds to travel past the area of such holding
back, and indented subclass 104 for such means wherein the product
portion not held back escapes from the zone of separation under
the impetus of gravity; and see (1) Note, above.
Conveyors: Power-Driven,
subclasses 351+ , 367, 442, 525+, 599, and 633+ for
passive means for guiding a load from one conveying path to another
conveying path diverging therefrom.
This subclass is indented under subclass 105. Device, provided with passive means for guiding a product
portion into any one of a number of different paths, which means
may be reoriented (either at will or cyclically) with respect to
oncoming product so as to effect such selective guidance.
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Device which includes plural dynamic product moving means
which function to effect separation by directly and positively moving
one product from the zone of separation in a direction or path different
from that in which another product is directly and positively moved.
(1)
Note. One of the product moving means may be a work moving
means, which may be claimed as such.
(2)
Note. Means which move a product portion out of contact with
a tool (e.g., stripper or ejector) are not considered product moving
means for the purpose of this subclass, in accordance with (3) Note
to subclass 102.
Conveyors: Power-Driven,
subclasses 370.07 through 370.09,370.1, 370.11 through 370.13, 426+, 432, 433,
434+, 597+, and 601 for power-driven conveyor
means for moving a load from one conveying path to another conveying
path diverging therefrom.
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Device wherein means is provided to re-engage the product
piece with the surrounding material, from which it was severed,
by inserting the piece into the aperture formed when the piece was
produced.
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Device having active means to propel the product or passive
means in the form of a guide* to define, limit or change
(without terminating) the path of moving product; or means which allows
or facilitates motion of unsupported product; or means, other than
the cutter or work-feed means, to cause relative motion between
the product and a member of the cutting pair.
(1)
Note. A mere support for product is not a guide.
This subclass is indented under subclass 109. Device including means to move the product away from the
cutting zone at a speed which is greater or less than the speed
of the work as it moves toward the cutting zone.
(1)
Note. For a device which includes a brake or abutment for
stopping the product completely, see subclass 78, above.
This subclass is indented under subclass 109. Device, provided with means for causing or assuring relative
motion between a product piece or portion and a cutter which has
produced for penetrated it so as to remove from contact with such
cutter a product piece or portion which tends to cling thereto.
(1)
Note. A device of this type may be termed a "stripper" or "ejector".
Metal Deforming,
subclasses 257 , 328, 344+, and 427 for a press-type metal
deforming device including a means to eject or strip a product from a
forming die.
This subclass is indented under subclass 111. Device in which the means for removing the product from
the cutter delivers the product to means for thereafter transporting
such product away from the first product moving means, or to means
for supporting the cut product as it continues to move under the
influence of gravity.
This subclass is indented under subclass 111. Device which cooperates with a tool having a cutting edge
located on the outer or arcuate periphery of a circular disc or
cylinder turning unidirectionally about an internal axis.
This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Device in which the relative-motion-producing means is physically
attached to, or otherwise supported by, the stripped tool or cooperating revolving
tool.
This subclass is indented under subclass 115. Device which is effective to produce the relative motion
in a radial direction, from or towards the axis of rotation of the
rotating tool.
This subclass is indented under subclass 116. Device including elastic or springlike means deformable
to urge or move the relative-motion-producing means from one position
to another.
(1)
Note. Springlike means may function to move a "stripper" or "ejector" to
its normal position after movement to its operative position by
a cam means, etc.
(2)
Note. A typical device of this type is a coil spring, which
may directly contact the product or urge another device which directly
contacts the product.
This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Device including elastic or springlike means deformable
to urge or move the relative-motion-producing means from one position
to another.
(1)
Note. The springlike means may be integral with the stripping
or ejecting means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Device including relative-motion-producing means which is
mounted to permit limited oscillatory movement thereof about an
axis while it is exerting force on the product.
This subclass is indented under subclass 119. Device including means which functions to move product relative
to at least one of two cooperating tools which revolve about spaced parallel
axes.
This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Device including a relative-motion-producing means located
in a fixed position relative to immovable parts of the machine.
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Device including means which functions to move product relative
to at least one of two cooperating tools which revolve about spaced parallel
axes.
This subclass is indented under subclass 111. Device wherein the product lies within, and in contact with
the walls of, a cavity in a tool which has produced it, said tool
having a continuous cutting edge bounding said cavity, and in which
the relative-motion-producing means removes the product from the
cavity.
This subclass is indented under subclass 123. Device wherein means is also provided to remove product
from the outer surface of either the hollow tool, a cooperating
tool, or a tool mounted on the hollow tool support.
This subclass is indented under subclass 123. Device wherein the actuation of the product-moving means
is synchronized with movement of the hollow tool in its retraction
from the work and cooperating cutter after said tool has made its
cut.
This subclass is indented under subclass 123. Device wherein the product-moving means is carried by the
other tool which coacts with the hollow tool to form a tool pair*.
This subclass is indented under subclass 123. Device wherein the ejector slides back and forth within
the tool cavity under the influence of a smooth surface, irregularly
shaped member rotatable or slidable operating against the ejector
or against a motion-transmitting means between said member and the
ejector.
This subclass is indented under subclass 123. Device wherein the ejector slides back and forth within
the tool cavity and includes, or is provided with, compressible
or extensible elastic means for urging it in one of said directions when
compressed or extended.
This subclass is indented under subclass 111. Means including an instrumentality for moving the means
(a stripper) which causes relative motion between the cutter and
product, such instrumentality moving stripper in a definite temporal
relationship with respect to the cutter"s movement into
and out of cutting engagement with the work.
(1)
Note. This and indented subclasses do not include patents
for strippers or ejectors operating upon the product of circumferentially
edged revolving tools, for which see subclasses 113+.
(2)
Note. For a holddown clamp (or other form of clamp) timed
with tool stroke, see subclasses 375+.
This subclass is indented under subclass 129. Device in which the stripper may be removed from or placed
in product-moving relation with the tool, to disable the stripper
or enable it to perform its function, either at the will of the operator
or by the machine itself during its operation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 129. Device in which means are provided to lock the stripper
in product contacting position, and the movement of the tool out
of cutting engagement with the work actuates a mechanism to release
the lock after the tool is withdrawn from the product, so as to
permit the stripper to withdraw.
This subclass is indented under subclass 129. Device wherein more than one stripper is provided to strip
a multiplicity of tools, and each stripper acts to remove the product
from only one tool.
This subclass is indented under subclass 129. Device wherein one stripper is provided which acts to remove
the product simultaneously from more than one tool.
This subclass is indented under subclass 129. Device in which the part of the stripper which contacts
the product comprises, or is mounted on one end of, a thin flexible
resilient element; and the other end of the element is fixedly attached
to some part of the machine.
This subclass is indented under subclass 129. Device wherein the stripper-moving instrumentality comprises
one or more levers which are pivoted to a part of the machine or
to each other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 129. Device in which the stripper is mounted on a moving tool
or its support* and moves with respect to, and in timed
relation with, said tool and support.
This subclass is indented under subclass 136. Device in which the stripper is actuated by means applying
a force to a gas or liquid, which gas or liquid applies a moving
force (directly or indirectly) to the stripper.
This subclass is indented under subclass 136. Device in which (a) the stripper or its mounting includes
an elastic, resilient and/or flexible element, which element
is compressed or extended during the cycle of operation, and whose
tendency to return to its normal state urges the product away from
the tool; or in which (b) the stripper is mounted on the tool or tool
support by means of a lost-motion connection (in which gravity acts
on the stripper to urge the stripper into contact with the product as
the tool is withdrawn).
(1)
Note. An original patent for an elastic, rubberlike, resilient
mounting for a nonelastomeric stripper will be found in this subclass
(138).
This subclass is indented under subclass 138. Device in which that portion of the stripper which engages
the product is made of an elastic, rubberlike, resilient material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 138. Device in which the compressed or extended element is an
elongated or coiled flexible and resilient metallic member (e.g.,
coil spring).
This subclass is indented under subclass 138. Device in which the mounting of the stripper on the tool
or tool support* permits relative motion of the stripper
with respect to such tool or support, and in which the force of
gravity acts to urge the stripper against the product to separate
the product from the tool.
This subclass is indented under subclass 129. Device in which (a) the stripper or its mounting includes
an elastic resilient and/or flexible element, which element
is compressed or extended during the cycle of operation, and whose
tendency to return to its normal state urges the product away from
the tool; or in which (b) the stripper is mounted on its support by
means of a lost-motion connection in which gravity acts on the stripper
to urge the product away from the tool.
This subclass is indented under subclass 142. Device in which the compressed or extended element is an
elongated or coiled flexible and resilient metallic member (e.g.,
coil spring).
This subclass is indented under subclass 111. Device wherein movement of the means (stripper) for causing
relative motion between the cutter and product is effected by hand
manipulation of the stripper itself or of a device which controls
its movement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 111. Device in which the means (stripper) for causing relative
motion between the cutter and product is fixed with respect to machine
parts which do not have a cyclic motion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 109. Device which includes a housing having a product delivery
opening, which opening is adapted to be selectively obstructed so
as to prevent egress of the product (thus also preventing entry
of undesired objects) therethrough.
(1)
Note. The instrumentality which effects the blocking may
be a cutting tool.
This subclass is indented under subclass 109. Device in which a flexible element is located between the
tool and the work such that, in cutting, the flexible member will
take the shape of the tool, transmit the cutting force of the tool
to the work, and then urge the product away from the tool which
has produced it.
(1)
Note. The subject matter of this subclass is distinguished
from that of subclasses 111+, in that a tool provided with
a flexible element of the type of this subclass does not directly
engage the work or product.
This subclass is indented under subclass 109. Device comprising a guideway, inclined to the horizontal
and vertical planes and so disposed as to receive cut pieces for
movement therealong, provided with means for engaging a cut piece
to urge it along the guideway, or to brake it, while it is disposed
on or within the confines of the guideway.
This subclass is indented under subclass 109. Device including means for positively moving the product,
said means being supported against gravity by a tool support*.
This subclass is indented under subclass 109. Device in which the means for propelling the product includes
means to engage and firmly secure the product against movement relative to
the propelling means at least during movement of the product away
from the cutting zone.
(1)
Note. Included within the scope of the term "gripper
means" are devices which engage and grasp two opposed surfaces of
the product as well as devices which engage one surface and retain
it against the propelling means (e.g., a magnet, clamp jaw, perforating
pin, suction gripper, etc.).
Conveyors: Power-Driven,
subclasses 468.2+ and 470.1+ for a conveyor having load
gripping members, subclasses 679 and 690 for a conveyor having magnetic
load holders, and subclasses 692+ for a conveyor having
load impalers.
This subclass is indented under subclass 151. Device in which the securing means includes a perforated
surface and means to draw air through the surface so as to cause
the product to adhere to said surface under the influence of atmospheric
pressure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 151. Device in which the propelling means moves in an arc of
a circle, either in the same direction or to and from the cutting
zone.
This subclass is indented under subclass 109. Device which comprises a continuous web- or strand-like
member (e.g., a belt or chain) which moves the product while the
product is supported thereby.
(1)
Note. In the case wherein the product conveyor also is effective
to move the work into cutting position, a patent directed to such
device will be placed originally in this subclass only if the conveyor
is claimed in terms of its specific product handling function.
Conveyors: Power-Driven,
subclasses 367+ , 370.07 through 370.09, 370.1, 370.11 through 370.13,
426+, 463.1+, 497, 597+, 599, 637, and
others for means for moving an article or material off a conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 109. Device which includes one or more cylindrical or spherical
members, each rotatable about an axis transverse to the path of
the product and supporting, guiding or moving the product in said
path.
(1)
Note. Patents disclosing either idling or powered rollers,
in train or in opposed pairs, are included in this subclass.
Conveyors: Power-Driven,
subclasses 385+ , 387, 501, 604, 608, 611+, 624, 779, and
780+ for rollers carrying a load, subclass 840 for rollers
guiding a load supported on an endless belt conveyor, and subclasses 359+ and
539 for a nonpowered roller conveyor combined with a power-driven
conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 109. Device which permits downward movement of the product by
either pivotal movement of a means holding the product against gravity, thereby
to provide an inclined surface down which the product may slide;
or by complete removal of such means from beneath the product, thereby
to permit free fall.
(1)
Note. The platform of this subclass must be moved after,
or simultaneously with, the cutting stroke which produces the product
to be handled by the platform. If a platform is, for instance,
tilted to an inclined position prior to the cutting stroke (so that
the product, instead of being supported on a platform which may
tilt to urge the product to slide, is allowed to drop onto an inclined
plane), such platform is considered an adjustable or movable chute
or plane, the search for which is in subclass 165.
This subclass is indented under subclass 109. Device provided with means to engage a product piece and
move it bodily in a straight line path in a direction which is opposite
or transverse to the direction in which (a) the piece is moving
as it leaves the tool or (b) the work is moving as it enters the
cutting zone.
Conveyors: Power-Driven,
subclasses 370.07 through 370.09, 370.1, 370.11 through 370.13, 426+, 468.1+,
598 and others for a swingable conveyor that shifts a load laterally
of another conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 158. Device in which the product engaging portion of the product
moving means has a translatory to-and-fro motion in a plane.
Conveyors: Power-Driven,
subclasses 370.07 through 370.09, 370.1, 370.11 through 370.13, 429+, 597+,
and others for a linearly reciprocating conveyor that shifts a load laterally
of another conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 109. Device including passive means which is operative to define,
limit, or change the path of (without terminating), product movement
(i.e., to direct, wholly or partially, the course of moving product).
This subclass is indented under subclass 162. Means in which the product is moved by the work or by means
that moves work to the tool station, and in which the passive means
is so disposed as to present an obstacle or obstruction to the unimpeded
passage of product being so moved; the result being initiation of,
or a change in, relative directions of motion of the product and
the work or work moving means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 162. Device in which the guide is a tubular cavity within a hollow
tool or its support, or in a member rigid with the tool or its support,
said tool having an aperture and a continuous cutting edge bounding
the open end of said aperture and together with said tubular cavity forming
a path for the product pieces, away from the cutting zone, which
does not follow only a single straight line.
(1)
Note. A mere passage coextensive with the cutting edge opening
and extending rectilinearly within the hollow tool is not considered
a guide for this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 162. Means including a supporting surface or tubular body, disclosed
as extending generally from an upper location at one end to a lower
at the other (but not extending solely straight up and down vertically)
and so positioned that product may travel therealong or therethrough.
(1)
Note. The traveling product on or in the chute, plane, or
conduit may be moving under the influence of gravity. If, however,
it is moved by claimed mechanical moving means, a patent claiming
such guide and moving means will be placed originally in subclass
149 or another subclass devoted to product moving means, and may
be cross-referenced in this subclass; if no product moving means
is claimed, a patent disclosing such combination (and claiming only
the cutter and guide) will be placed originally in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 162. Means comprising an obstacle so placed as to be struck by
a product piece as the latter travels through space while unsupported
against the force of gravity.
for product handling device including fluid current
application means which means may also be utilized to remove waste
products of the cutting operation.
WITH MEANS TO APPLY TRANSIENT NONPROPELLANT FLUENT MATERIAL
TO TOOL OR WORK:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device that includes means to direct upon or to the tool
or work a quantity of liquid, gaseous, or pulverulent material;
which material is not intended to form a permanent coating on, and
does not effect movement of, such tool or work.
WITH MEANS TO CONTROL OR MODIFY TEMPERATURE OF APPARATUS OR
WORK:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device which includes means to maintain or alter the temperature
of the device or work.
(1)
Note. Heating or cooling of the work to the extent of changing
its state (e.g., from solid to liquid), other than for the purpose
of effecting a cut by means of a solid tool, has been considered
a shaping or treating operation beyond the scope of this class (83).
Patents for such treating or shaping means combined with cutting means
have been placed elsewhere; for example, on the basis of the type
of material so shaped or treated.
(2)
Note. The patents of this and the indented subclass primarily
differ from related devices in Class 219, Electric Heating, in that
the tool herein disclosed maintains physical contact with, and bodily
penetrates the workpiece during the cutting operation; even though
melting of the workpiece is achieved during such tool penetration.
for apparatus for applying a transient, nonpropellant
fluid to the tool or work, which liquid may heat, cool, or maintain
the temperature of, the tool or work.
Refrigeration, appropriate subclasses, particularly
subclasses 56+ for methods and subclasses 320+ for apparatus,
for cutting combined with freezing or combined with cooling of the
type classified in that class (62).
Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes,
subclasses 138+ for processes of molding and shaping within the
class definition, when combined with a cutting or severing step
and see (1) Note above.
This subclass is indented under subclass 174. Device wherein the dressing means acts on a tool which is
(a) immovable, or (b) rotatable or oscillatable in one plane about
a single, immovable axis.
(1)
Note. A tool sharpener in combination with a tool which is
rotatable about a movable axis or about two or more axes. (e.g.,
band saw) or movable into another plane, will be found in this class,
subclass 174.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus including means to subject the work within the
cutting zone to tensile forces to effect elongation of same within
its elastic limit.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus including means to impart an impermanent change
of shape (i.e., within the elastic limit) to work material located
in the cutting zone - except apparatus in which such means comprises
a rotatable cylindrical anvil about which work is trained and which
cooperates with another cutter to produce substantially the same
cut that would be produced if the work were presented rectilinearly
to such other cutter.
(1)
Note. This subclass includes (but is not limited to) patents
for devices which deform the work material, as above defined, and
in whose operation such deformation is prerequisite to effect a predetermined
line of cut; that is to say, the desired cut could not be effected
in the absence of the deformation while operating the machine in
the intended manner.
(2)
Note. Thus, a patent directed to means for compressing, or
stretching, a resilient workpiece and subsequently cutting same
to impart a dished product surface configuration upon release of
the deforming forces would be properly placed in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus wherein one tool comprises a fluent pressurized
medium which directly contacts the workpiece to effect a predetermined line
of cut by displacing the portion of work so contacted past the cutting
edge of a cooperating tool element or by coaction with a controlled directly
opposed second fluent pressurized medium.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Means in which a tool is disposed within a generally tubular
portion of a workpiece and, either alone or in cooperation with
another tool, operates on the internal surface of the piece.
(1)
Note. The "generally tubular portion" comprises
a wall which presents, in transverse cross-section, a substantially closed
perimeter.
(2)
Note. The internal tool must be in position within the hollow
work at initiation of cutting.
(3)
Note. Patents disclosing a tool oscillating about a fixed
center during the cutting stroke and its retraction therefrom will
be found in this subclass. Patents disclosing other tool motions
will be found in subclasses indented hereunder.
Boring or Penetrating the Earth,
subclasses 2+ for subject matter relating to a device for firing
a bullet or exploding a shaped charge within an inaccessible bore
to penetrate the earth formation or perforate or cut a casing or
other wall member in the bore.
This subclass is indented under subclass 178. Apparatus wherein a tool (or tools) is inserted within a
workpiece, prior to the introduction of the workpiece into the cutting
zone, in such manner that the tool derives substantially all of its
support either directly or indirectly from the workpiece itself.
This subclass is indented under subclass 178. Apparatus provided with a work support including means to
enlarge a cross-sectional portion thereof, so that such support
will frictionally engage the internal surface of the tubular work.
(1)
Note. The expanding mandrel may function to immobilize for
work and/or to position the internal tool for cutting.
This subclass is indented under subclass 178. Apparatus wherein means to move, or render active, means
to maintain or retain work, or means to move, or render active means
presenting an obstacle or bar to work movement; is identical with
or cooperates significantly with means to move the tool in its cutting cycle.
This subclass is indented under subclass 181. Means wherein a work immobilizing element cooperates with
a work support to grip the work frictionally, to move the work into aligned
relation with the tool, and to hold it in such position.
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