A power-driven conveyor is an assemblage of elements for moving
a load over a predetermined path or path section. The assemblage
generally includes a single frame structure mounting a power-driven
load-advancing means which is used to advance the load over the predetermined
path.
The load-advancing means may comprise either a single load-advancing
element or a group of like members acting as a single load-advancing
device. A group of like members may be considered as acting as
a single unit if they coact one with the other to effect movement
of the load, where said coaction occurs along the entire length of
said path or path section. Some other criteria which generally
indicate that a group of like members is acting as a single unit
are: a common frame structure supporting all the members; or a
drive means for all the members, with the elements being driven
at the same speed or over the same speed range. The above are merely certain
parameters that most groups acting as a single unit exhibit. As
with any rule or definition, there will be exceptions.
See the Glossary, below, for clarification and limitation of
the concepts of the terms Chute and Condition Responsive, applying
to the manner in which they are encountered in this class (193).
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
ORGANIZATION OF THE CLASS
Perusal of the first-order (capitalized) titles of the schedule
will show that the class is composed of a relatively few major collections
of subclasses. Search fields are provided for special-purpose and
particular-function conveyors as well as for particular combinations
of conveyor structure and subcombinations of conveyor structure.
Generally, in order of superiority, the major collections provide
for the following search fields.
1. Conveyor on a vehicle (subclasses 300+) or for
people (subclasses 321+).
2. Selective conveyor (subclasses 348+).
3. Conveyors handling a specific article or specific group
of articles, including: (a) a conveyor "orienting" an
article (subclasses 667+); or (b) a system of conveyors
grouping plural articles into a group (subclasses 418+);
or (c) a system of conveyors conveying articles as a stream wherein
articles are successively arranges (subclasses 434+); or
(d) a system of conveyors conveying articles each as a separate
article (subclasses 463+).
4. Special conveyor or one having special features (subclasses
339+, 493+, 502.1, 506+, and 347).
5. Arrangement of plural conveyors of which (a) one conveyor
is not power-driven (subclasses 523+); and (b) all conveyors
are power-driven (subclasses 570+).
6. Methods of conveying (subclass 617).
7. Conveyor, per se, including subcombinations (subclasses
618+).
8. Stopping of a conveyor (subclasses 854+).
9.The frame or supporting structure for a conveyor (subclasses
860.1).
In some of the collections summarized above (step 3), the
disclosed intent of the claimed apparatus is significant and important.
Mechanisms that are apparently similar in structure are used for
different functions by modifying the arrangement or providing a
different adjunct to the structure.
See Subclass References to the Current Class, below, for subclasses
with apparently similar structure used for different functions.
Subclass 584 of this class (198) should be limited to a conveying
system composed of a plurality of sections which are joined to each
other by means allowing ready connection or disconnection of the
sections, said means further allowing the sections, to partake of
a pivotal motion relative to each other. Examples of the type of patent
which will be placed here are nonambulant articulated trains or
movable articulated trains which are connected to a stationary element
in the system.
LINE BETWEEN CLASS 198, CLASS 193, CLASS 226, CLASS 242, CLASS
414, AND CLASS 72
The conveyor, per se, is in Class 198. As between Class 193,
Conveyors, Chutes, Skids, Guides, and Ways; Class 198, Conveyors:
Power-Driven; Class 226, Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length;
Class 242, Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding; Class 294, Handling:
Hand and Hoist-Line Implements; Class 414, Material or Article Handling,
Class 72 is superior.
However, in the case of a subcombination for structure or
process wherein it is not clear from the claims whether handling
or deforming is involved, a reasonable interpretation of the total
disclosure will determine whether classification should be in Class
72, as a deforming subcombination. For example, a claim reciting
a "roller pair" may be considered as a feeding
subcombination in the absence of disclosure of deformation. On the
other hand, "a configured roller" will usually
be a deforming device unless it is feeding a correspondingly configured
workpiece. A claimed "pinch-roll couple" may be
disclosed (a) with many details showing its effectiveness as a feeder,
or (b) may be sparsely described as a deforming device and still
be clearly a deformer.
A patent including a claim involving both metal deforming
and work handling is classified in Class 72, unless both the following
criteria are met (a) there is no claim limited to deforming, per
se, and (b)the claims to handling and deforming recite deforming
by name only. Search subclasses 137.1+ for the combination
of a conveyor with provision to load or unload a buoyant vehicle.
LINE BETWEEN CLASS 241, CLASS 198, AND CLASS 83
See Class 241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration,
especially the various feeding and discharging subclasses, for comminutors
combined with power conveyors. See the Class 241 main class definition, "Material
Handling, Excavating, Distributing, Harvesting" for a statement
of the line. 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 structurally defined work-handling
means (not claimed as synchronized with "work-modifying
means", or "tool", or "cutter",
or "punch", or "knife", etc.)
is properly placed in Class 198, on the basis of the work-handling
means. A claim reciting a power conveyor and, for instance, a work
station including "a reciprocating tool", or "a
tapered tool", or "a round cutter", or
a "rotary cutter", etc., is properly placed in
the class of the specified tool set forth.
In addition, Class 83, Cutting, receives patents for classification
therein which claim a cutting tool (of the type provided for in
Class 83) synchronized with, or in power transmitting relation with,
a work handling means, regardless of whether such tool is claimed
significantly or merely nominally.
See References to Other Classes, for various fields of search
for devices related to those in this class (198)
SECTION III - SUBCLASS REFERENCES TO THE CURRENT CLASS
384+, 393, 397, 404+, and 408
for an endlessly orbiting conveyor, either as one belt or chain
or as a plurality of connected components when used for orienting
articles.
for a control means responsive to a sensing means
when part of an orienting mechanism, and particularly for a reciprocating
or oscillating conveyor when part of a conveyor section.
most of the subclasses for a control means responsive
to a sensing means when used to control the operation of a group-forming
mechanism control of this operation is so much a part of grouping
that the control subclasses have not been specifically set out.
and 449+, particularly for an endlessly
orbiting conveyor, either as one belt or chain or as a plurality
of connected components when used in a stream-moving conveyor system.
particularly for an endlessly orbiting conveyor, either
as one belt or chain or as a plurality of connected components when
used to separate or convey a particular article.
particularly for an endlessly orbiting conveyor, either
as one belt or chain or as a plurality of connected components when
part of a structure to collect load from the ground.
particularly for an endlessly orbiting conveyor, either
as one belt or chain or as a plurality of connected components when
part of a system having a nonpower-driven conveyor; and particularly
for a rotating screw or helix when part of a system having a nonpower-driven
conveyor.
particularly for an endlessly orbiting conveyor, either
as one belt or chain or as a plurality of connected components when
part of a system having a nonpower-driven conveyor.
725+, 793+, and 804+,
particularly for an endlessly orbiting conveyor, either as one belt
or chain or as a plurality of connected components when part of
a conveyor section.
639, 718, 751, 794, and 810.1+, for a control means
responsive to a sensing means when part of a conveyor section each
noted subclass number is applicable to a different kind of conveyor section.
Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, for conveyors claimed in combination with added means to
promote a drying action or contact of gases or vapors with solids
conveyed, and see
subclass 203 , Notes (2), (3) and (4).
Excavating, for conveyors particularly adapted for digging in
the earth. If no actual digging element, as teeth, wheel, plow,
scoop, or the like, is claimed, and if the conveyor is not particularly
adapted to trench, it is classified in this class (198). If other
operations are included, as a melting snow, classification is in Class
37. If the presence of a wagon to be loaded is essential to the
intended operation of the device, classification is in Class 414,
Material or Article Handling.
Harvesters,
subclasses 158+ for conveyors limited to use on harvesters. For
excavating and loading machines of the type having a scoop or a
rake delivering to an endless or rotary carrier, see Class 56, subclasses
344+. The line between conveyors of this type and harvesters of
the raking or loading type is that where tines, prongs, or the like
are the raking means and the apparatus is particularly designed
for raking up loose material while moving across a field, or if
it can be so used without modification, classification is in harvesters.
If the conveyor alone and not the raking conveyor is claimed, classification
is in the conveyor class.
Metal Deforming,
subclasses 199+ , and in particular subclasses 227+ and
250+, for a rolling mill having a conveyor to carry work
to the rolls or to manipulate or guide the work for proper shaping.
Cutting, the line between Class 198 and Class 83, Cutting,
is in concert with the general line which distinguishes Class 198
from other classes having a greater combination. That is, the claimed
recitation of a power-driven conveyor (or a power-driven work-feeding
means) in combination with a cutting instrumentality, in name only
or in nominal terms, with respect to which the work feed means may
move work, will not of itself exclude original placement of the
patent in Class 198. (Also see Lines With Other Classes, above for
the line between Class 83, and this class - 198).
Conveyors, Chutes, Skids, Guides, and Ways, for gravity conveyors. Power-driven conveyors combined
with gravity conveyors are classified in this class (198). See Subclass
References to the Current Class.
Foods and Beverages: Apparatus,
subclasses 360 through 366for a conveyor designed to receive food, a food
article or a beverage containing receptacle, and having a heat generator, a
heat exchanger, other means physically effecting the food or beverage
during the conveying, or an enclosure or tank having more than enough
structure for the operation of the conveyor.
Railways, for tracks or road beds with endless traction means which
are detachably connected to or which push the carrier or car, and
subclass 25 , for endless railways and moving sidewalks combined
with an endless railway.
Animal Husbandry,
subclasses 52.1+ , for the combinations of a source of supply, which
is disclosed as being feed for creatures of that class, a conveyor
for removing material therefrom, and a receiver in the form of a
receptacle (trough, bank, etc.) or surface in or upon which the
feed is placed for consumption.
Unearthing Plants or Buried Objects, for conveyors which (1) are used to dig, convey,
and separate from the earth desired objects; or (2) are combined
with digging or excavating means and function to separate from the
soil flowing from the digging or excavating means the desired plant
or buried object; or (3) are combined with an unearthing device
and function merely to feed material to or from such device.
Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids, for a conveying system for separating conveyed articles
employing means to sense variations in size or other physical characteristics
of the article.
Liquid Purification or Separation,
subclasses 400+ , for belt-type filters and subclasses 523+, for
gravitational separators having a mechanical mover constituent.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, provides the search for methods of and apparatus
for feeding material without utilizing the leading or trailing ends
thereof to effect movement of the material.
Metallurgical Apparatus, for apparatus for treating solid metal. Cooling
beds in which a bar of metal is conveyed while cooling are classified
in Class 198, even though the bar may be rotated while being conveyed
to keep it straight.
Sheet Feeding or Delivering, appropriate subclasses, for a machine having one or more
of the following functions: A. Separating a sheet from a stack of
such sheets and conveying the separated sheet, usually to a station
whereat an operation (e.g., printing, cutting, etc.) is to be performed,
B. Conveying a sheet, usually from a station whereat an operation
has been performed, to a receiver whereat the sheet is stacked together
with other such sheets, C. Conveying a sheet (e.g., from a stack
to an operation), and concurrently performing an operation-related
function (e.g., aligning the conveyed sheet relative to the operation
station, interrupting the feed in response to absence or excess
of sheets, intermittently moving a sheet relative to an operation
station, etc.). Also see
subclass 213 , (1) Note for a particular combination of conveyor
on which a plurality of sheets is stacked and subsequently moved
as a stack, and for a line note distinguishing structure proper
for Class 271 and this class (198).
Material or Article Handling, for instruments and mechanical methods for placing
or displacing particular articles in a particular manner or with
reference to a particular support, for loading or unloading vehicles
with materials or objects in general, charging or discharging furnaces,
ovens, bins or other containers, stacking or piling articles or
materials, also combination of general types of carriers or forwarding mechanisms,
which types, per se, are separately classified elsewhere, and general
types of elevators, cranes or hoists when associated with special
means for handling the load to place it on the carrier or remove
it therefrom.
Supports: Cabinet Structure, for endless conveyors used in dispensing environments;
see
subclass 97 , if the conveyor moves the load to a door for manual
removal from within a cabinet.
Supports: Racks, for endless conveyors used in dispensing environments;
subclasses 121+ for an endless support rack not claiming cabinet structure
or dispensing (e.g., endless filing system, etc.).
SECTION V - GLOSSARY
The following explanations represent an attempt
to clarify and limit the concepts of certain conveyor art terms, the
first two applying to the manner in which they are encountered in
Class 193, Conveyors, Chutes, Skids, Guides, and Ways, subclasses
44+.
CHUTE
A structure capable of guiding a gravity induced flow
of material therethrough or thereon. While a chute is more often
than not an inclined passageway in the form of a trough, it occasionally
takes the form of a conduit. Inasmuch as a chute with a gate, especially
a chute in the form of a conduit, presents structure closely related
to that of a hopper, such structures are distinguished on the basis
of whether a storage concept exists (hopper) or does not exist (chute).
A receptacle positioned in such manner as to impart the property
of gravity induced flow to material contained therein, and, therefore,
to be a source of supply to components "downstream" thereof.
While it is not essential that the contained material be "stored" for
a finite period of time, there should be a concept of supporting
it for an interval longer than that required for mere passage therethrough. A
hopper has an inlet and an outlet, although the inlet may be merely
an open side (of the receptacle). The outlet, however, will have
a provision whereby passage of the contents can be controlled (e.g.,
possibly a conveyor). The provision of chutelike structure integral with
the hopper, whereby material is guided into the inlet or out of
the outlet, should not be considered as constituting a separate
element. (This is in line with what appears to be a basic difference
between chutes and hoppers; namely, a chute guides whereas
a hopper stores and may
guide). "Gravity-induced" is not intended
to be construed to exclude those nondriven conveyors which utilize
mechanical means (e.g., a vibrator) to start to maintain flow (i.e.,
bridge breaking).
CONDITION RESPONSIVE
Apparatus having (1) means to sense a condition of the environment
surrounding the conveyor and means responsive to said sensing means
to cause a change in the operating condition of the conveyor, or
(2) means to sense a particular condition which may or may not exist
relative to the conveyor itself, such as speed, overload, motor
temperature, etc., and means responsive to said sensing means to
act to change the operating condition of the conveyor.
CONVEYING APPARATUS ENTIRELY SUPPORTED BY MOBILE GROUND ENGAGING
MEANS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus wherein the load conveyor or conveyor system is
wholly supported upon a carrier having wheels, treads, skids, or
other means permitting its free movement on the ground or a floor.
(1)
Note. The words "wholly supported upon a carrier
having wheels, skids, . . ." in the definition of this
subclass excludes a conveyor or conveying system partially sustained
by such a carrier or a plurality of such carriers and partially sustained
by any other support except the ground or a floor. Thus the subclass includes
a conveyor support frame mounted on a carrier of the type described
so that one end of said frame can slide on the ground, but the subclass does
not include a conveyor partially supported on such a carrier and
partially supported by (1) fixed ground supports such as stanchions
or (2) a mobile carrier of a different type, such as a track traversing
vehicle.
(2)
Note. Assignment of a patent in this subclass or its indents
does not require a claim that a conveyor is mounted on specific
ground vehicle type supports such as wheels, skids, or caterpillar
tracks, but may be based on any claim language indicating that a
conveyor is freely movable on the ground, e.g., by claim limitations
stating that a conveyor is mounted on a "carriage," "truck," "slidable
support" or "movable support means," where
such terms are clearly supported by the disclosure of a ground vehicle type
support for a conveyor. However, a conveyor defined only as being "portable" has
not been included here.
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Apparatus having separate means which senses the occurrence
of a condition or a change in condition and in response thereto
acts to start, stop, or change the manner of operation of either
the load conveyor or its carrier.
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Apparatus including means for lifting a wheel of the carrier
from its supporting surface, e.g., to transfer the weight of the
apparatus to a fixed support leg while the conveyor is operated
at a selected site.
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Apparatus wherein at least three separate carriages having
wheels or tracks are joined together to support the conveyor assembly
and are independently movable relative to each other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 304. Apparatus including flexible means connected to a reel mounted
on the carrier, the free end of said flexible means being anchored
at a selected point and the reel then rotated to thereby pull the
carrier toward said point.
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Apparatus including at least one carrier support wheel securable
in two ground engaging positions disposed 90o a part relative to
the carrier frame, thus permitting selective travel of the carrier
in either one of two perpendicular directions merely by shifting
the position of said wheel.
(1)
Note. This subclass does not include a conveyor supported
on a vehicle equipped with a caster wheel that is not lockable in
two positions spaced 90° apart.
Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing,
subclass 742 , for sprinkling apparatus carried on a train of
vehicles with adjustable wheels permitting travel of the train in
the direction of its length or in the direction normal to its length.
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Apparatus wherein the conveyor includes at least one holder
having a pocket formed thereon for retaining a load.
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Apparatus including lifting means, such as a scoop or a
row of closely spaced teeth, movable under a load by translation
of the carrier or by movement of said means itself, usually for the
purpose of transferring the load to another section of the conveyor
assembly.
(1)
Note. Included here is a vehicle equipped with a ground-engaging
ramp having mounted thereon a rotatable arm which gathers ore or
other loose material and moves it up said ramp.
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Apparatus including conveyor drive means operated by motion
of a wheel or other support element of the carrier.
Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting,
subclass 43 , for an endless belt used as a display device and
actuated from the revolving axle or wheel of a vehicle, and subclass
48, for an endless belt of the same type that is actuated by mechanism
which contacts an obstacle located along the track of a vehicle
carrying the device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Apparatus wherein the load is moved along at least a portion
of the conveyor by the force of gravity alone, or including a bin
from which material is removed by a conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Apparatus including means permitting movement of a conveyor
to different working positions or orientations relative to the carrier
on which it is mounted.
(1)
Note. Included here is a conveyor vertically adjustable relative
to ground engaging supports of the carrier vehicle.
This subclass is indented under subclass 312. Apparatus wherein a conveyor can be telescoped or swung
to a more compact configuration that it has when operating, e.g.,
to facilitate transporting the conveyors along a road.
This subclass is indented under subclass 312. Apparatus including separate conveyors mounted on a single
carrier so that they successively convey a load.
This subclass is indented under subclass 315. Apparatus wherein the conveyor moving means includes a cylinder
and piston mechanism operated by fluid pressure.
(1)
Note. Included here is a ram operated by fluid pressure derived
from any means, including a manually worked pump.
This subclass is indented under subclass 312. Apparatus including a conveyor rotatable to extend in different
directions circumferentially of the carrier.
This subclass is indented under subclass 312. Apparatus including a conveyor inclinable at different angles
relative to the ground.
(1)
Note. Not included here as vertically swingable is a conveyor
support frame that pivots about the axle of a two-wheeled vehicle
in the same way that the drawbar and bed of a two-wheeled trailer pivot
about the trailer axle. The support frame of the conveyor must
be vertically swingable relative to a supporting frame of the vehicle.
This subclass is indented under subclass 318. Apparatus having means for retaining a support platform
for a conveyor drive motor in the same position as the conveyor
swings to different inclinations.
This subclass is indented under subclass 318. Apparatus including flexible means connected to a support
frame for the conveyor and to a reel mounted on the carrier, whereby
rotation of said reel changes the inclination of said conveyor.
CONVEYOR OR ACCESSORY THEREFOR SPECIALIZED TO CONVEY PEOPLE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Devices wherein a conveying section is provided with structure
which particularizes the section to move people from one location
to another. Further included herein are the subcombinations peculiar
to such sections, e.g., handrails, guards, etc.
(1)
Note. Examples of structure particularizing a section for
conveying people are moving steps, conveyors having handrails, conveyors
having serrated foot engaging surfaces and entrance or exit comb
plates, passenger operated drive control means, etc.
Railways,
subclass 25 , for endless railways or moving sidewalks combined
with an endless railway. Some of the features indicative of an
endless railway are cabs or other passenger enclosures, releasable
drivers for the cars, seats, etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 321. Device wherein the section is provided with means to regulate
the operation of the section, which means effects such regulation
in response to an operating instruction which is either originated
by a condition sensing means or is introduced into the system by
the operator.
(1)
Note. Examples of structure to be found herein include passenger
controlled conveyors, jam prevention safety circuits, section speed
controllers, etc.
for means to drive, start or stop a conveying section,
especially subclass 856, for controls responsive to abnormal operating
conditions of a conveying section.
This subclass is indented under subclass 322. Device wherein a means to sense the operation of the section
is provided which originates an operation command to vary the speed
of or to stop the section if some condition is sensed which is dangerous
or potentially dangerous to either the conveying mechanism or to
the passengers moved by the mechanism.
This subclass is indented under subclass 321. Device wherein the section is provided with means located
at a terminal end of the section to aid in the movement of passengers
onto or off of the section.
This subclass is indented under subclass 324. Device wherein the means to facilitate entry or exit, includes
a platform formed with a plurality of elements which interleaf with
grooves formed on the conveying surface to effect or to aid movement
of passengers to or from the section.
This subclass is indented under subclass 321. Device wherein the section includes a continuous train of
moving tread members which are either attached one to the other
so as to form a closed loop or are mounted to an interminable belt-like
member and which form a moving flight of stairs as they are moved
along an inclined surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 326. Device wherein the endless member includes a plurality of
pivotally connected tread and riser members which alternate one
with the other and wherein the moving flight of stairs is formed
by flexing the endless member to displace the risers to a vertical
attitude and the treads to a substantially horizontal attitude.
This subclass is indented under subclass 326. Device wherein the endless member includes a plurality of
articulated steps which are arranged to bend about an axis which
is generally normal to the horizontal.
(1)
Note. Moving stairways having side-by-side ascending and
descending flights formed from the same endless member will be found
herein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 326. Device wherein the section is provided with means which
will take up undesired slack in the endless member or will accommodate
for misalignments which occur when such slack is taken up.
This subclass is indented under subclass 330. Device wherein the system is provided with a moving hand
supporting and guiding structure and means are provided for moving
the steps and the hand support structure in unison.
This subclass is indented under subclass 326. Device wherein the section is provided with two guide rail
means which simultaneously coact with followers carried by each
step to maintain the tread portion of the step in a horizontal attitude
as it moves through that portion of its path which constitutes the
flight of stairs.
This subclass is indented under subclass 326. Device wherein the section includes the specific structural
features of the passenger supporting platforms, i.e., the steps,
carried by the endless member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 321. System wherein the means specialized to handle people includes
a) a conveying means or an accessory therefore which is adapted
to move at different rates at different points along its path of
travel, or b) a system of plural conveying sections which operate
at different speeds and which are arranged such that a passenger may
move from one section to another.
This subclass is indented under subclass 321. Device wherein a structure is provided which has a moving
member adapted to be grasped by the hand of a passenger to steady
the passenger while entering, riding on or exiting from the conveying
section.
This subclass is indented under subclass 335. Device wherein the moving member is a flexible belt and
the structure further includes means to take up slack which may
develop in the belt.
This subclass is indented under subclass 335. Device preventing the entry of a passenger"s hand
into an entrance or exit hole formed in a balustrade for the moving
member.
WITH MEANS TO FACILITATE WORKING, TREATING, OR INSPECTING
CONVEYED LOAD AT A STATION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus including specialized structure, either part of
the conveyor or separate means associated therewith, specifically
provided for the purpose of aiding the working, treating, or inspecting
of the load by separate means at a station situated along the conveying path.
(1)
Note. Included herein is a conveyor having associated therewith
claimed means for working or treating a load, where the combination
of such means and the conveyor is not classifiable elsewhere on
the basis of the working or treating means.
(2)
Note. A nominal recitation that a conveyor operates in a
machine for performing some work operation, that the load passes
through a treating station or that a conveyor is intermittently
driven in a working or treating apparatus does not warrant placement
of a patent here. Such patens should be classified in other subclasses
of this class on the basis of the claimed structure.
(3)
Note. Combinations of a conveyor and a treating tank are
found in the appropriate treating class such as Class 118, 134 or 204.
This subclass is indented under subclass 339.1. Apparatus including indicia or other identification means
associated with the conveyed load, or a signalling device associated
with either the conveyor or separate work means, which provides
an attendant or workman with information regarding operation of
the conveyor or handling of the load.
This subclass is indented under subclass 339.1. Subject matter including means for sensing (1) a change
in the conveyed load or (2) a change in (a) the mode of operation
of the conveyor or (b) the load-working, treating, or inspecting apparatus
and in response to the change controlling the conveying of the load
or the operation of the conveying system, e.g., means for stopping
a conveyor if the load is not properly positioned at a station for
a work operation to be performed thereon.
This subclass is indented under subclass 341.01. Subject matter wherein the sensing means detects the advancement
of the conveyor along the conveying path and the sensing means in
response to the advancement actuates a device which controls the
apparatus for performing the work operation on the load.
This subclass is indented under subclass 341.01. Subject matter wherein the sensing means has a characteristic
which changes in response to a detection of a property of or the presence
or absence of the load being conveyed on the conveyor and in response
to the detection actuates a device which controls the apparatus
for performing the work operation on the load.
This subclass is indented under subclass 341.03. Subject matter wherein the characteristic being detected
is a particular dimension (e.g., length, width, height) of the load
on the conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 341.03. Subject matter wherein the characteristic being detected
is one of many possible locations of the load on the conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 341.03. Subject matter wherein the characteristic being detected
is a specific number of conveyed loads on the conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 341.03. Subject matter wherein the characteristic being detected
is the existence of the loads on the conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 341.01. Subject matter wherein the sensing means detects an activity
of the load conveying apparatus and in response thereto regulates
a movement of the conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 339.1. Subject matter wherein the load and its respective supporting
conveyor portion are caused to move relative to the remainder of
a moving endless or rotary conveyor such that the load advancement
relative to the station is halted or slowed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 343.1. Subject matter wherein the load supporting means is pivotally
or slidably secured to its endless or rotary drive means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 339.1. Subject matter including separate aligning means, such as
a locator pin or clamp, which temporarily engage the conveyor or
the load to position said load at the station.
This subclass is indented under subclass 345.1. Subject matter wherein at least the conveyor or conveyor
portion is engaged by the locator pin or clamp to position the load
at the station.
This subclass is indented under subclass 345.2. Subject matter wherein a detachable conveyor portion or
pallet is engaged by the aligning means to position the load at
the station.
This subclass is indented under subclass 339.1. Apparatus including fixedly positioned means for supporting
the load or a workman beside a conveyor while said load is being
worked on, treated, or inspected.
This subclass is indented under subclass 339.1. Apparatus wherein the load is supported by a carrier which
is separable from a conveyor which transports the load and the pallet
in both directions between an initial location (e.g., a main conveyor)
and the working, treating or inspection station.
(1)
Note. Included herein are reversibly driven conveyors and
loop path forming conveyors which convey both the load and the pallet
to and from a station and an initial location.
This subclass is indented under subclass 339.1. Apparatus wherein only the load is transported in both directions
between the mainline conveyor and the working, treating, or inspecting stations.
This subclass is indented under subclass 339.1. Apparatus wherein the load is lowered to at least one of
a plurality of fixed working, treating or inspecting stations by
a conveyor and is then raised away from the station before continuing
along the conveyor path.
CONVEYOR SYSTEM HAVING AUXILIARY SECTION FOR STORING ITEMS MOVING
BETWEEN SOURCE AND DESTINATION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including at least one primary path conveyor
for the purpose of conveying articles from a supply to a destination
and a laterally adjacent supplemental conveyor for the temporary
repository of articles which have been diverted from the primary
path conveyor and which will subsequently be reintroduced onto
the primary path conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 347.1. Subject matter wherein the supplementary section receives
and discharges articles relative to the primary path conveyor through
the same passageway.
This subclass is indented under subclass 347.2. Subject matter wherein at least one conveyor in the supplemental
section is capable of being driven in one direction during removal
of articles from the main path conveyor and being driven in the
opposite direction during return of articles to the primary path
conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 347.1. Subject matter wherein articles are diverted onto one of
several laterally separated auxiliary conveyors which are all driven
in the same direction to return articles to the primary path conveyor
at a point upstream or downstream from the point of initial diversion.
CONVEYOR ARRANGEMENT FOR SELECTING AMONG PLURAL SOURCES
OR DESTINATIONS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus having at least one driven conveyor section, said
apparatus further having either a plurality of supply points or
zones or a plurality of discharge points or zones arranged such
that a discrimination may be made as to which supply or discharge
point is to be used.
(1)
Note. An outlet which is in constant communication with a
conveying system and which can be pointed to direct the flow in
different directions is not considered to constitute a selective
or changeable destination and will not be found herein.
(2)
Note. Recycling of the load back to a supply is not considered
to comprise plural destinations.
(3)
Note. The word arrangement as used in this title and the
definitions indented hereinunder includes a single conveying section
which is provided with either means to alter the length of travel
of the load along the section so that different sources or destinations
may be communicated with the section or means which allows selective
supply or delivery of the conveying section from either side.
for a conveyor system having a gravity section and
wherein the last section of the system is adjustable, usually for
the purpose of changing the exit path of material leaving the system.
for a conveyor system having a gravity conveyor
section and having means to handle a portion of the load which becomes
separated from the main flow path and wherein the separated portion
may comprise a portion which is shunted to an auxiliary path for
return to the main supply and eventual recirculation.
Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids, appropriate subclass, for conveying arrangements which
function to separate or sort conveyed articles based on either a
physical characteristic of the articles or a load carried code;
further, see
subclasses 703+ and 705 for power-driven sorting tables and carriers,
respectively. If a destination code is carried by a reusable load
carrier in lieu of a article itself, the patent will be placed as
an original in this class (198). Also, a conveyor to transfer material
(or an article) to a selected destination by use of computer memory
is to be found in this class (198). The combination of a Class
198 device with a Class 209 sorting means is to be found in Class
209.
Material or Article Handling,
subclass 133 , for conveying arrangements having some additional
means external to the conveyor structure which allows an operator
to control the destination of a conveyed load. Thus, Class 414
provides for patents claiming a conveying system having a central
control means and a synchronous memory means, e.g., coded memory
wheels, shift register system, etc. Examples of such arrangements are
devices wherein a code would be impressed by an operator at a central station
onto an analog system associated with a conveying section; that
is, the code would be placed in a device separate from, but which
operates in synchronism with the conveying structure. Operator
actuated keyboards used to effect destination selection will likewise
be found in Class 414.
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus wherein the arrangement is provided with an operations
control means which is arranged with respect to the systems" load transferring
means such that it controls the manner of communication of the transferring means
with a selected source or destination in response to changeable
operating instructions introduced into the conveyor arrangement
by the operator, said instructions being either introduced into
the system at a point remote from the control means by means of
an information carrying element moved in association with said transferring
means or being contained in information storage means associated
with the control means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 349. Apparatus including a driven conveyor section for movement
in a particular manner and including a memory member for movement
in direct relationship thereto, such that movement of the conveyor
is accompanied by corresponding movement of the memory member.
(1)
Note. The "memory member" of this subclass
stores the "changeable operating instructions" as
set forth in the definition of parent subclass 349. "Memory" allows
utilization of information at a time later than input time later than
input time.
(2)
Note. A memory member riding on a conveyor
is not considered to be a "synchronous" for placement
herein.
(3)
Note. The synchronous signal carrier of this subclass may
be called a "timer", but ever "timer" is
not a synchronous signal carrier.
This subclass is indented under subclass 349.1. Apparatus wherein the memory member is driven at a different
speed or in a different manner (e.g., about an axis rather than
linearly) than the linearly) than the conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 349.2. Apparatus wherein the memory member is generally circular
in cross-section and is driven to turn about its concentric axis.
This subclass is indented under subclass 349.3. Apparatus (a) wherein the turning memory member includes
a sensor responsive to prescribed magnetic characteristics of the
surrounding structure or, (b) including a fixed sensor responsive
to prescribed magnetic characteristic of the turning memory member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 349. Apparatus including a memory member to allow selection in
advance of the particular supply/discharge point/zone
of the material on the conveyor and to store such selection until disposition
of such material.
(1)
Note. The "memory member" of this subclass
stores the "changeable operating instructions" as
set forth in the definition of parent subclass 349. "Memory" allows
utilization of information at a time later than input time.
(2)
Note. The following terms are common among the patents of
this subclass: "central memory", "computer", "timer",
etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 349.5. Apparatus wherein the memory member is intended to allow
selection of multiple supply/discharge points/zones
of the portions of material and stores such selections until disposal thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 349.6. Apparatus also including provision to determine placement
of material in the conveyor arrangement and to store that information
substantially permanently for later retrieval or replacement of
the material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 349.6. Apparatus having a material sensor positioned along the
conveying path to cause the changeable operating instructions to
be revised as the material travels through the conveyor arrangement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 349.8. Apparatus having multiple sensors positioned along the conveying
path to cause the changeable operating instructions to be revised
as the material travels through the conveyor arrangement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 349.6. Apparatus having a sensor responsive to the position of
a portion of the conveyor to cause the changeable operating instructions
to be revised as the conveyor moves.
This subclass is indented under subclass 349. Apparatus wherein means are provided which contain or store
the operating instructions as the lines of force emanating from
a magnetic element within said means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 349. Apparatus wherein the arrangement is provided with relatively
moveable members, one of which carries means containing or introducing changeable
operating instructions. Said means containing or introducing the
changeable instructions comprises a contact element, the position
of which may be varied. Another of said members is provided with
structure which is contacted by and coacts with said contact element,
when said element is aligned therewith, to effect communication
between a particular source or destination and the transferring
means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 351. Apparatus wherein said means containing or introducing the
operating instructions is provided with a plurality of contact elements which
are capable of being arranged in different arrays. The structure
contacted by said elements is constructed so that it will only coact with
single specific array of said elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 351. Apparatus wherein the member carrying the means containing
or introducing the operating instructions includes a support upon
which said contact element is mounted for sliding movement, said
contact element being moveable along said support to a plurality
of positions at each of which said element is aligned with the coacting
structure of a different other member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 351. Apparatus wherein said containing or introducing means includes
a contact element supporting structure having a plurality of apertures
or recesses within which said element is releasably retained.
This subclass is indented under subclass 349. Apparatus wherein the means containing the operating instructions
includes a movable member which coacts with an electric circuit
to energize the circuit for effecting delivery of the conveyed load
to a selected destination.
(1)
Note. The term switch as used herein includes any circuit
completing device, some of which need not be physically contacted
by the switch actuator, as for example, a photocell and repositionable reflector.
Also the switch actuator is generally an element mounted on or
carried by some part of the conveying structure and is movable or
repositionable relative to the part carrying it and is not merely
the load units themselves. Thus, a counter which merely responds
to the passage of a predetermined number of load units will not
be found herein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Condition responsive control means to prevent collision
on merging conveyors: Apparatus wherein the arrangement is provided
with means responsive to the feeding of a load from a source and
means to regulate or position a load from another source or its
conveyor when the danger of impacting upon one another exists.
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus, wherein the arrangement has means to detect a
condition at a source or destination and means responsive to said
means to control the operations of selected transfer means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 360. Apparatus wherein a gravity conveyor section includes either
a cylindrical member which is mounted to freely rotate about its
longitudinal axis or a frame carrying a plurality of such cylindrical
members, the attitude of either of which may be altered so as to
direct the load to or from the arrangement at a selected source
or destination.
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus wherein a section has a plurality of means to
supply it with material to be conveyed, which supply means are so
interconnected and regulated that the composition of the load is
controllable.
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus wherein the coacting means is adapted for travel
along the length of the conveying path so that said means can be
shifted to different supply or discharge positions.
(1)
Note. Means for distributing bales of hay along either side
of a bale conveyor will be found herein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus wherein the selecting means includes a member
which is adapted to be placed athwart the path of movement of the conveyed
load to direct the load to a selected conveying path.
This subclass is indented under subclass 367. Apparatus including a circuit of travel for the material
to the chosen destination having two or more shutters along that
circuit that are actuated to directed the material therealong.
This subclass is indented under subclass 367. Apparatus including a material directing shutter manipulated
as a result of manual input from a keyboard or a plurality of hand
or foot operated control members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus wherein one or more of the conveying paths is
provided with an abutment member which is capable of being shifted
into the path of movement of the conveyed load to arrest load movement
along that path.
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Subject matter wherein an adjacent source or destination
route is physically separated from a principal carrying route having
two or more carriers and including a particular means for effecting
a relative movement of one of the carriers in the principal carrying
route between the separated source or destination and the remainder
of the principal carrying route to close the gap when it is desired
to carry a load to or from the adjacent source or destination route.
for a system for distributing articles of succession
which are moved by one conveyor and are apportioned among plurality
of second conveyors arranged to be one above the other and further
convey or retain the apportioned articles.
This subclass is indented under subclass 369.1. Subject matter wherein a continuous carrier or a part of
the continuous carrier selectively tilts about a horizontal straight
line extending normal to the principal carrying route to connect the
principal carrying route with the spaced source or destination.
This subclass is indented under subclass 369.1. Subject matter wherein a continuous carrier or a portion
thereof selectively tilts about a longitudinal straight line extending
parallel to the carrying route to connect the principal carrying route
with a spaced source or destination.
This subclass is indented under subclass 369.1. Subject matter wherein the main conveying path includes
at least one revolving cylinder or similar element which supports
the load and selectively swivels around an upward or downward straight
line to convey the load to or from a selected source or destination.
This subclass is indented under subclass 369.1. Subject matter wherein a continuous carrier or a part of
the continuous carrier selectively swivels around an upward or downward straight
line connecting the main line conveying path to a spaced source
or destination.
This subclass is indented under subclass 369.1. Subject matter wherein the main line conveying path includes
revolving cylinders or similar elements which move upward or downward
as a unit to selectively transfer loads between the main line conveying
path and the selected spaced source or destination.
This subclass is indented under subclass 369.1. Subject matter wherein the carrier moves selectively on
a smooth continuous surface along or laterally of the carrier route
to create an opening in the carrier route to selectively receive
or discharge the load.
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Subject matter wherein (a) a main line conveyor has two
or more supply or discharge points at intervals along the conveyor"s
path and (b) a means to select which of these points is to be used
to receive a load to the carrier or to discharge the load from the
carrier.
(1)
Note. The selected locations along the length may be merely
the ends of the conveyor and do not necessarily include the selective
locations in between.
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.01. Subject matter wherein the carrier includes more than two
force or pressure exerting elements which selectively move the loads
sideway of the carrier for discharge or receipt at the selected
location along the conveyor"s path.
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.01. Subject matter wherein the carrier includes more than two
load holding members which are moved along the carrying path and each
member is capable of partaking of a motion separate from other members
of the carrier to affect the discharge or receipt of the load at
a selected location along the carrier.
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.03. Subject matter wherein the load holding members pivot transverse
to the carrying route around a straight line in the same direction
as the track of load movement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.03. Subject matter wherein the load holding members pivot in
an upright plane relative to the carrying route around a straight
line at a right angle to the route of load movement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.03. Subject matter wherein the load holding members are endless
or segments of flexible bands having their conveying surfaces driven
transverse to the conveying path.
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.01. Subject matter wherein an independent fixed location force
exerting means having a back and forth or arcuate movement impels
the load to or from the conveyor along the conveyor"s length.
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.01. Subject matter wherein the conveyor is serviced by an independent
fixed location with a continuous or circular motion force exerting
means to impel the load to or from the conveyor along the conveyor"s
length.
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.01. Subject matter wherein the conveyor is provided with an
independent fixed location revolving cylinders or similar means
which hold and impel the load to or from the conveyor along the
conveyor"s length.
(1)
Note. Rollers are not directly used to convey the load along
the main conveying path.
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.01. Subject matter including an independent fixed location continuous
or circular motion carrier to hold and impel the load to or from
the carrier.
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.01. Subject matter wherein an independent fixed location forceful
rush of liquid, gas, or vapor through a narrow or restricted opening impels
the load to or from the conveyor along the conveyor"s length.
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.01. Subject matter wherein a specific amount of load is impelled
from a main line conveyor by the force produced due to a reduced
air pressure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.01. Subject matter wherein a body having a property of attracting
a ferrous material is placed at specific locations on the main line conveyor
to guide or remove the load having a ferromagnetic property.
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.01. Subject matter wherein the selecting means includes a device
to operate a portion of the main line conveyor selectively in the
direction opposite to its normal direction of operation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 371.1. Subject matter includes a continuous band of flexible material
(e.g., leather, rubber, fabric) or a continuous band constructed
of links of metal, plastic or similar material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 371.1. Subject matter wherein the reversible section of the conveyor
includes a revolving cylinder or similar element.
CONVEYOR FOR CHANGING ATTITUDE OF ITEM RELATIVE TO CONVEYED
DIRECTION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus wherein a conveyor section or a conveyor system
moves an article along a predetermined path, and wherein said article
is turned to have its posture*, or its heading, or its leaning* intentionally
or significantly varied with relation to said path. (*These
terms are discussed in (2) Note below.)
(1)
Note. In this and indented subclasses the disclosed intent
of the claimed apparatus is important. Therefore, although the structure
of two devices may be similar, a patent disclosing such structure
will be placed into this portion of the schedule only if its claimed
disclosure is clearly for accomplishing one of the functions set
forth in the definition by asterisk (*) and further discussed
in (2) Note that follows. The similar structure that is disclosed
in terms of its structure and not disclosing such a function will
be found elsewhere in accordance with its claimed function or its
claimed structure that is provided for in other subclasses of this schedule.
(2)
Note. For the purpose of helping to visualize the terms to
be discussed herein, assume a three-dimensional-line figure consisting
of three axes (i.e., an "X-axis", a "Y-axis" and
a "Z-axis") that intersect at a mutual point,
each axis being perpendicular to the plane in which both of the
other two axes lie. Assume further that said mutual point lies
within the article to be conveyed and that a) the conveyor moves
the article in the direction of the "X-axis",
b) the conveyor has a major article-support surface that extends
transversely (i.e., athwart) of said direction along the "Z-axis",
and c) the remaining axis that extends perpendicularly of the plane
formed by both of the previously-mentioned axes is the "Y-axis".
With these assumptions in mind, variation in "posture" will
refer only to a turning of an article about a "Z-axis",
variation in "heading" will refer only to a turning
of an article about a "Y-axis", and variation
in "leaning" will refer only to a turning of an
article about an "X-axis". It is understood that
any or all of these turnings may occur sequentially or simultaneously,
and if there is a major dimension of the article being conveyed,
such major dimension may coincide with any or none of the axis mentioned.
(3)
Note. This note is in amplification of preceding notes regarding
intent of disclosure and attitude of article relative to its conveyed
direction. The predetermined path of an article may be straight, or
arcuate, or crooked, but whatever the path, if the conveyed article
is at a first point on the path with a particular dimension in a
particular relationship to the path (e.g., its length is parallel
to the path), and is thereafter at a second point with the same
dimension in a different relationship to the path (e.g., its length
is perpendicular to the path), its attitude relative to the path
has been changed. For proper placement of a patent into this, or
an indented subclass, the claim thereof must recite the change in
attitude of the article in significant terms; that is, the recitation
must be clear, and the change must be intentional. A patent that
discloses a change in attitude that is incidental to the movement
of an article on a conveyor system (e.g., an article on a nonrectilinear
system could change its attitude relative to a particular compass direction,
but not necessarily change relative to conveyed direction) will
not be placed herein, but will be placed on the basis of the claimed
function or structure of the conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus wherein the articles move sequentially past a
station at which the articles are either turned or not turned in
a preset pattern, which pattern occurs repeatedly, whereby groups
of articles are formed, each group appearing like other similar
groups.
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus wherein a) a member retains an article with respect
to itself, b) the member is mounted on a conveyor section that thereby moves
the member and the article concurrently in the conveyed direction,
and c) the member is moved with respect to the conveyor section, whereby
the member and its retained article are both turned with respect
to the conveyed direction.
(1)
Note. The limitation that the member retains the article
does not preclude the movement of the article into or out of the member
as long as the article is held in the member during the conveyance thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 375. Apparatus provided with means for detecting the presence
or attitude of an article, and provided with means for regulating
or changing the operation of said apparatus, wherein said regulating
means is caused to operate as a result of the detection of the article
by the detecting means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 375. Subject matter wherein the conveyor section comprises a
plurality of components that are connected together and moved in
a closed-loop path such that each component is followed by and preceded
by another component and a part of the closed-loop path coincides
with a part of the path of a movement of the article holder.
This subclass is indented under subclass 377.01. Subject matter wherein the holder conveying the article
is turning the article about referenced straight line which lies
outside the physical boundary of the article.
This subclass is indented under subclass 377.02. Subject matter wherein the holder includes either (1) a
device which holds or attracts the article by friction or by use
of a force field, or by fluid current or (2) a device which attracts
the article by the force field or fluid pressure difference on the
conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 377.03. Subject matter wherein the holder includes a gaseous fluid
medium under subatmospheric or atmospheric pressure to hold the article
during conveyance.
This subclass is indented under subclass 377.03. Subject matter wherein the holder includes the force field
from either the attraction or repulsion of (1) magnetic charges
(i.e., magnetism), or (2) electric charges at rest (i.e., static
electricity) to hold the article during conveyance.
This subclass is indented under subclass 377.02. Subject matter wherein the rotating holder stops at a previously
established location relative to the conveyor portion supporting
the holder.
This subclass is indented under subclass 377.01. Subject matter wherein the holder includes either (1) a
device which holds or attracts the article by friction or by use
of a force field, or by fluid current, or (2) a device which attracts
the article by the force field or fluid pressure difference on the
conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 377.07. Subject matter wherein the holder includes a gaseous fluid
medium under subatmospheric or atmospheric pressure to hold the article.
This subclass is indented under subclass 377.07. Subject matter wherein the holder includes the forced field
from either attraction or repulsion of (1) magnetic charges (i.e.,
magnetism) or (2) electric charges at rest (i.e., static electricity).
This subclass is indented under subclass 377.01. Subject matter wherein the rotating holder stops at a previously
established location relative to the conveyor portion supporting the
holder.
This subclass is indented under subclass 377.01. Apparatus wherein said member moves relative to the conveyor
in a step-by-step manner, or the conveyor section moves in a step-by-step
manner relative to the path of the article being conveyed.
(1)
Note. The described movement permits the article to be "indexed" in
a stop-and-go fashion in order to permit an operation to be performed
on the conveyed article during periods of stopping, and then convey
the article to its next operation, or convey another article to
an operation station.
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus wherein an article moving on a conveyor is momentarily
stopped in its movement, the stoppage occurring by reason of the
article being securely held, and wherein the article so held is
rotated about a stationary axis of rotation before the article is
released for further conveyance by the same, or a different conveyor.
(1)
Note. The holding can be performed by a suction member, or
a magnetic member, or a gripper couple comprising two surfaces engaging
the article frictionally on opposing sides thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus wherein a gas or a liquid pressure impinges against
the article being conveyed by a conveyor section to effect a turning
of the article.
(1)
Note. The pressurized fluid that effects the turning is in
addition to whatever mechanism that effects the conveyance of the
article.
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus wherein a device that generates lines of magnetic
flux acts upon the article being conveyed by a conveyor section
to effect a turning of the article.
(1)
Note. The magnetism that effects the turning is in addition
to whatever mechanism that effects the conveyance of the article.
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus wherein the initial attitude of any article is
unpredictable and wherein as the article is conveyed on or by a
conveyor its attitude relative to its path of conveyance is caused
to be predictable.
(1)
Note. Included in this and indented subclasses are devices
wherein articles are supplied in a hopper or on a conveyor in a
haphazard array, or faced in a direction relative to the conveyor
in a manner which cannot be predicted to occur. If, by change,
a particular article is properly faced on the conveyor, no change
in its attitude will occur. However, if an article is improperly
faced, either its attitude or its facing will be corrected, or it
will be returned to supply for reconveyance and proper refacing;
in either event, the attitude must be changed or corrected to be
moved through the conveyor.
(2)
Note. In this and indented subclasses, the meaning of the
word "uniform" will vary with the intent of the
disclosure. For example, if in one disclosure the article at its
source is in a haphazard (i.e., random) array, and at its destination
the article is in an attitude which is acceptable as disclosed (e.g.,
one of two attitudes, either of which is acceptable), then the occurrence
of that attitude is predictable and, therefore, is "uniform" in
accordance with the disclosed intent. However, if in another disclosure
the article at its source is in one of the two attitudes, the occurrence
of which attitude is not predictable (i.e., random), and at its
destination the article must be faced in only one particular attitude
to be acceptable as disclosed, then only the proper attitude is
predictable and, therefore, is "uniform" in accordance
with the other disclosed intent.
This subclass is indented under subclass 382. Apparatus wherein the article to be conveyed has a particular
configuration, and wherein the conveyor, or an adjunct thereto,
has a particular configuration, and wherein the two configurations
conform one to the other, whereby only an article whose configuration
conforms to the conveyor configuration will be conveyed.
(1)
Note. To be properly placed into this or an indented subclass,
a patent must include a claim to a conveyor portion that is clearly
shaped so as to match or fit or be inserted into an article, and
the claim should be clear that cooperation between the conveyor
portion and the conveyed article occurs, such that articles that
fit the conveyor pass and articles that do not fit the conveyor
do not pass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 383. Apparatus wherein the conveyor comprises a plurality of
components that are connected together and moved in a closed-loop
path such that each component is followed by and preceded by another
component and a part of said closed-loop path coincides with a part
of the path an article to be conveyed, one or more components forming
a receptacle for an article during its conveyance and each receptacle
having means associated therewith for moving the article relative
to the receptacle as it is conveyed therein, whereby each article
is turned to a uniform facing in each receptacle.
This subclass is indented under subclass 384. Apparatus wherein the means for moving the article relative
to the component comprises a rotating wheel having a periphery that
contacts the surface of the article is received within the receptacle,
and wherein the article is a spheroidal object having a relatively
small portion of its surface depressed within the outline of the major
portion of its surface to an extent that when the wheel or an auxiliary
finger fits the small, depressed surface the wheel periphery will
not contact the depressed portion, at which time the wheel will
cease moving the article within the component.
(1)
Note. In most of the devices of this subclass, the roller
serves the dual purpose of turning the object until the roller periphery "finds" the
depression in the object; in some of the devices the roller periphery
turns the object and an auxiliary finger, or "finder",
senses the depression and causes the wheel to stop its rotation
or move out of contact with the object; in either event, the object
will stop turning when it is properly faced within the receptacle
or pocket.
(2)
Note. The objects being conveyed and faced in this and the
indented subclasses are usually peaches, apricots, or other "drupe" fruits
having a line of cleavage along which line a pit is aligned, or
are other food objects such as apples, olives, whole pears, that
are characterized by having a surface depression or indentation
with respect to which depression the fruit is to be faced for further
processing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 385. Apparatus wherein the rotating wheel turns about an internal
axis of turning, and can be further turned about a different axis
of turning.
(1)
Note. Usually the roller is mounted between the branches
of a bifurcated stem, the length of which is perpendicular to the
axis of the roller. Thus, the roller rotates in a vertical plane
on its own horizontal axis, whereas the stem rotates on its longitudinal
axis, thereby changing the vertical plane in which the roller rotates.
This subclass is indented under subclass 384. Apparatus wherein the components comprise rotatable shafts
extending laterally across the direction of movement of the conveyor
and moving perpendicular to their extent in said direction, each
shaft having one or more peripheral depressions in the circumference thereof,
adjacent shafts having their peripheral depressions aligned along
the direction of movement, whereby the peripheral depressions of
two adjacent shafts form a receptacle for the conveyed article.
(1)
Note. The device of this subclass conveys an ovid object,
such as a egg, supported between adjacent rollers in the grooves
of the rollers. By rotating the objects on the roller, the longitudinal axis
of the ovid is caused to extend parallel to the axes of the rollers
and perpendicular to the direction of movement thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 383. Apparatus wherein the configuration on the conveyor is a
part, on or adjacent the conveyor, that juts out or protrudes into
the path of articles being conveyed, wherein the configuration of
the article includes a bifurcation or a cavity therein, and wherein
the conveyor configuration is inserted into the article configuration, whereby
those articles that match configurations pass along the conveyor
and those that do not match configurations do not pass along the conveyor,
or are turned so that the configurations do match.
(1)
Note. Usually, those articles that do not match and pass
are returned to a supply of articles for recirculation and refacing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 383. Apparatus wherein the article to be conveyed is so proportioned
that with respect to a major dimension thereof a first portion extending
perpendicular to the dimension at one end thereof is larger than
a second portion extending perpendicular to the dimension at the
other end, and wherein the conveyor is provided with supports that
are so spaced that the article will move along the conveyor with
the first portion above the supports and the second portion hung from
and below the supports.
This subclass is indented under subclass 383. Apparatus wherein the configuration of the conveyor is in
the form of an opening through which an article passes, and wherein
the article to be conveyed is configured to have its bounding line
conforming to the bounding line of the opening, whereby articles
so faced as to have their bounding lines matched with the opening pass
therethrough.
This subclass is indented under subclass 383. Apparatus comprising a bowl-shaped means having a passageway
which conforms to the article to be conveyed, and wherein the attitude of
the article relative to its path of conveyance is caused to be predictable
by vibrating said bowl.
This subclass is indented under subclass 383. Apparatus comprising means having a passageway or exit which
conforms to the article to be conveyed whereby the attitude of the
article relative to its path of conveyance is caused to be predictable
by rotating said means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 383. Apparatus wherein the conveyor comprises a plurality of
components that are connected together and moved in a closed-loop
path such that each component is followed by and preceded by another
component and a part of said closed-loop path coincides with the
path of an article to be conveyed, each component forming a receptacle
that is configured to the configuration of the article to be conveyed,
and wherein another part of said closed-loop path coincides with
a hopper or bin in which the articles are temporarily stored in
haphazard array, whereby as a receptacle moves within the hopper
an article will be received thereinto if its configuration conforms
to the receptacle configuration and the so-received article will be
conveyed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 382. Apparatus wherein the article to be conveyed is formed with
a particular point or zone thereon which is identifiable to the
apparatus as that point which should face in a predetermined direction
relative to the conveyor, and wherein the article, while it is being
conveyed, is caused to turn on its own axis and is caused to stop turning
when said point or zone is faced in said predetermined direction.
(1)
Note. The article is usually a bottle or a can having a visible
projection or seam that is to be faced relative to a station (e.g.,
a label-applying station). However, the position characteristic
can be a visible mark or an invisible indicium that is sensed by
the apparatus. For other means actuated in response to an improperly-faced
article, see subclass 395.
This subclass is indented under subclass 382. Apparatus provided with means for detecting the attitude
of an article and further provided with means for regulating the
operation of said apparatus such that the article attitude will
be corrected, or the article is rejected if it is presented incorrectly,
and the attitude will remain unchanged if the article is presented
correctly.
(1)
Note. Usually those articles that are rejected are returned
to a supply of articles for recirculation and refacing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 382. Apparatus wherein the conveyor moves in a path, a part of
which path coincides with a bin in which the articles to be conveyed
are temporarily stored in a haphazard array, and wherein the article
is taken from said bin and its attitude changed during the movement
of the conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 396. Subject matter wherein the conveyor comprises a plurality
of components that are connected together and moved in a closed-loop
path such that each component is followed by and preceded by another
component, a part of said closed-loop path coincides with the path
of an article to be conveyed, and other part of said path coincides
with the bin, and wherein each component forms a receptacle for
the article to be conveyed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 397.01. Subject matter wherein the item-receiving pockets in the
conveyor turns symmetrically about an assumed straight line during
the conveyance of the article.
This subclass is indented under subclass 397.02. subject matter wherein the straight line about which the
pockets turns during the conveyance of the article is directed horizontally.
This subclass is indented under subclass 397.03. Subject matter wherein the rotating conveyor includes a
device which places the article in a position relative to a referenced direction
during the conveyance of the article.
This subclass is indented under subclass 397.02. Subject matter wherein the rotary conveyor includes a device
which places the article in a position relative to a referenced
direction during the conveyance of the article.
This subclass is indented under subclass 397.01. Subject matter wherein the conveyor includes a continuous
bend of flexible material or a continuous band constructed of links
of metal, plastic or similar material having a device which places
the article in position relative to a referenced direction during
the conveyance of the article.
This subclass is indented under subclass 382. Apparatus wherein the article being conveyed is presented
in one of only two opposite attitudes (the occurrence of any particular
attitude being random or unpredictable), and wherein the conveyor,
or an adjunct thereto, differentiates between the opposite attitudes
and causes all the articles to have the same attitude.
(1)
Note. This subclass provides for a device wherein articles
facing one way will be separated from those articles facing the
opposite way so that both articles will face the same way, but will
travel in different directions, or the improperly-faced articles
will be returned to the supply of articles for recirculation and
refacing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 398. Apparatus wherein those articles having the correct attitude
will remain in that attitude, and those articles having an incorrect
attitude will have their attitudes changed to be correct.
This subclass is indented under subclass 398. Apparatus wherein each article has its attitude changed
so that they all have the same attitude and all are moving along
the same path of movement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus provided with means for detecting the presence
or absence of an article and further provided with means for regulating
or changing the operation of the conveyor that causes an article
to be turned, wherein said regulating means is actuated as a result
of a detection by said detecting means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus wherein each article that is conveyed in a sequence
of articles is turned upside down (i.e., from an attitude wherein
a particular face that is up is changed to an attitude wherein that
particular face is down).
(1)
Note. In this subclass the mechanism for inverting is a passive
means acting in conjunction with a powered conveyor to invert successive
articles.
This subclass is indented under subclass 403. Apparatus wherein the conveyor for articles includes one
or more components moving in a closed-loop path and a part of said
closed-loop path coincides with a part of the path of the articles
to be conveyed, and wherein the conveyor effects the turning of
each article upside down.
This subclass is indented under subclass 404. Apparatus wherein the conveyor comprises an endlessly-orbiting
surface that travels in the direction of the "X" axis
and extends transversely of said direction along a "Z" axis,
and wherein as a particular "Z" axis line moves along
the "X" axis, the "Z" axis turns
about the "X" axis, thereby turning the article
supported and carried by the surface.
(1)
Note. The terms "X" axis and "Z" axis are
defined and further discussed in (2) Note of subclass 373.
(2)
Note. Usually the conveyor comprises two belts cooperating
together to frictionally maintain a conveyed article between them
and both belts twist together.
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus wherein each article that is conveyed in a sequence
of articles is a) lifted or lowered relative to an original direction
of conveyance, and is also b) turned about its "Z" axis,
during its conveyance.
(1)
Note. See (2) Note to subclass 373 for a definition and further
discussion of "Z" axis.
(2)
Note. A device wherein an article is simply lifted and lowered
(or vice versa) to its original elevation is not in this subclass,
but may be found in such subclasses as 411 or 414.
This subclass is indented under subclass 406. Apparatus wherein each article is conveyed through a conveyor
system in which first one conveyor moves an article and then a second conveyor
moves said article.
This subclass is indented under subclass 406. Apparatus wherein the conveyor for articles includes one
or more components moving in a closed-loop path and a part of said
closed-loop path coincides with a part of the path of the articles
to be conveyed, whereby the conveyor changes both the elevation
and the attitude of each article.
This subclass is indented under subclass 406. Apparatus wherein the conveyor for articles includes a component
that is connected to an actuator that imparts to-and-fro motion
in a path, at least part of which path coincides with a part of
the path of the article to be conveyed, the component having the
function of contacting an article to change both the elevation and the
attitude of each article at least while the paths coincide.
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus wherein each article that is conveyed in a sequence
of articles has its attitude changed at least twice in different
actions that are separated in time or distance from one another.
(1)
Note. Included in this subclass is an apparatus wherein an
article is faced in a particular direction to have an operation performed
thereon, and that article is refaced in its original direction after
the operation has been performed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus wherein each article that is conveyed in a sequence
of articles is moved by a conveyor and is turned by a mechanism
that is powered to effect the turning of each article.
This subclass is indented under subclass 411. Apparatus wherein each article is moved by a plurality of
conveyors in the form of separate conveyor sections forming a conveyor
system, or in the form of separate conveyor components forming a
conveyor section, but in either event, the conveyors are spaced
apart along the direction of movement of the articles, and wherein
the turning mechanism transfers each of the sequence of articles
from a preceding conveyor to a succeeding conveyor, and during such
transfer turns the article.
This subclass is indented under subclass 412. Apparatus wherein the turning mechanism comprises one or
more members that pass through the space(s) between the conveyors
to contact and turn the articles successively.
This subclass is indented under subclass 413. Apparatus wherein the turning mechanism contracts each successive
article and is caused to raise the article out of contact with the
conveyor, rotate the article partially with respect to the conveyor,
and descend with the article to replace it on the same or a succeeding
conveyor section.
(1)
Note. In this subclass, it is not significant whether an
article moves from one conveyor section to another conveyor section,
or moves from one conveyor component to another conveyor component.
It is significant that between the parts of a conveyor a turntable
mechanism effects turning of the article.
This subclass is indented under subclass 411. Apparatus wherein each article is moved by plurality of
components forming a conveyor section, all of which components engage
the same item at the same time to move that item, but one of which
components has a greater rate of movement than another of said components, whereby
the components cooperate with each other and the article to effect
turning of the article as it moves in the conveyed direction.
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus wherein each article that is conveyed in a sequence
of articles is moved by a conveyor and is turned by an appurtenance
that is located next to the conveyor and in the path of movement
of the articles, whereby during the movement of each article, it
engages the appurtenance and the reaction between the moving article
and the appurtenance causes the article to turn.
(1)
Note. In most mechanisms of this subclass the member (i.e.,
appurtenance) is a stationary and fixed object, but it also may
be member that, in use, is fixed in the path of the articles, but
may be moved at will out of such path, or may be a member that is
in the path of the article, but as the member is engaged by the
moving article, the member moves to permit the now-turned article
to pass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 416. Apparatus wherein the appurtenance comprises a channel through
which the successive articles pass, which channel substantially
encloses the outline of the article as seen in the "X" axis, and
wherein sections through the channel taken in the plane of the "Y" axis
and "Z" axis in successive stations along the "X" axis
show the channel displaced angularly about the "X" axis.
(1)
Note. For definitions and further discussion of the axes
referred to, see (2) Note of subclass 373.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus including at least two conveyor sections cooperating
for the purpose of conveying plural articles in such manner that
a particular plurality of articles will be arranged or formed into
a particular array or cluster comprising a specific number of such
articles, and for subsequently conveying said array or cluster as
a separate collection.
(1)
Note. This note is intended to express in short form the
differences in the concepts among patents placed in this subclass
(418) and those of the two following coordinate subclasses 434 and 463.1.
In all three major subclasses and their indented subclasses, the
function of the disclosed structure is the movement of one or more
items via two or more conveyors. In this subclass (418) the items
are arranged as an identifiable and significant group consisting
of a predetermined plurality of items moved as
a group through that structure being claimed by the patent.
In subclass 434, the items are arranged as a succession of items
consisting of an indeterminate number of items moved consecutively via
the conveyors being claimed by the patent, and at least the last
downstream claimed conveyor does not provide structure for individualization
or separation between the successive conveyed items. In subclass
463.1 the items are individual and separate one from the other,
each being an identifiable and significant item being moved separately
via the conveyors being claimed by the patent, and at least the
last downstream claimed conveyor does provide structure for individualization
or separation between one item and a preceding or succeeding item.
(2)
Note. For a patent to be placed in this or an indented subclass
it is not necessary for a group to retain its identity separate from
other such groups. For example, in a subclass such as 418.1 a formed
group of items could be packed into a container (not claimed) into
which other groups have been or will be packed. Nor is it necessary
for all of the claimed structure to move the group as a group. For
example, in a subclass such as 431 a group of items is formed by
depositing successive items one by one into group formation, after
which the group is moved as a group. The term "array" is
inclusive of, but not limited to, a plurality of items arranged
in a straight line; the term "cluster" is inclusive
of, but not limited to, a plurality of items arranged in an irregular
formation or a formation such as a circle. For purposes of convenience, the
term "group" will be used in the definitions of
subclasses indented hereunder unless one of the other terms is specifically
applicable.
(3)
Note. See the search note below for the line between Class
198 and the Material or Article Handling, class relative to apparatus
for placing articles into or removing them from an intersupporting group.
Sheet Feeding or Delivering,
subclasses 213+ , for a conveyor on which sheets are delivered in
succession to form a stack, on which conveyor the stack is moved
as a stack without the aid of structure other than the conveyor.
Material or Article Handling, the line between Class 198 Conveyors: Power-Driven,
and Class 414, Material or Article Handling, relative to apparatus
for placing articles into or removing them from an intersupporting
group is as follows: (a) Class 198 takes such apparatus when (1)
it consists of a power driven or gravity conveyor, (2) the site
on which the group is supported is a horizontally extended conveyor
surface, and (3) the group is formed on the surface of the conveyor while
the conveyor both moves and transports the article in a horizontal direction;
and (b) Class 414 takes such apparatus, even if it consists of a conveyor(s)
proper for Class 198, when either (1) the site on which the group
is supported is other than a conveyor proper for Class 198 (e.g.,
an elevator, a shelf) or (2) the site on which the group is supported
is a conveyor surface which has been fully stopped while each article
is added to the group.
This subclass is indented under subclass 418. Apparatus in which either (1) a single conveyor section
having two or more separate exits or (2) plural conveyor sections
each having a separate exit deliver articles to another conveyor
section on which the articles are arranged or formed into a common
group.
(1)
Note. The definition does not limit the taking of only one
article from each of the exits. Rather, it permits the taking of one
or more articles from any two or more exits even if one or more
possible exits are skipped. The articles can be supplied from a
random mass, a regular stack, or succession of articles.
This subclass is indented under subclass 418.1. Apparatus wherein at least two of the conveyor exits which
deliver articles to the group supporting conveyor section are positioned
at different points along its length and add articles to the group
thereon when it is moved past each of the exit points.
Sheet-Material Associating or Folding,
subclasses 58.01+ , for a mechanism to associate sheets from different supply
stacks into new stacks containing different sheets in each new stack.
This subclass is indented under subclass 418.2. Apparatus wherein at least a portion of one of the articles
is placed by a delivery conveyor section on top of or below a portion
of another one of the articles of the group which was previously
delivered thereto either by this or another delivery conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 418.1. Apparatus wherein one of the conveyor exits which delivers
articles to the group supporting conveyor section is positioned
directly above and delivers articles in an identical direction to another
conveyor exit, the articles delivered by both exits having each
a portion thereof which is located above or below another article
within the final group.
This subclass is indented under subclass 418. Apparatus in which a single conveyor section having one
exit consecutively delivers several small groups to another conveyor
section on which the articles of the groups are arranged or formed
into a bigger common group.
(1)
Note. It is not necessary for the number of articles in each
group to be the same as the number of articles in a previous or succeeding
group, but the variances should recur regularly. For example, in forming
a staggered layer of bottles to be packaged, a row of seven bottles
is formed, a row of six bottles is then formed, followed by another
row of seven bottles.
This subclass is indented under subclass 418. Apparatus wherein a conveyor section which supports the
entire group of articles is located above a second conveyor section
to which it delivers the group by releasing all the articles of
the group at the same time and allowing them to fall as a group
onto the second conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 418. Apparatus wherein the articles to be grouped are already
in a succession of articles moving along a particular line of motion,
and wherein the group is formed by separating the last article of
a preceding group from the first article of a succeeding group while
continuing the movement of the preceding group along substantially
the same line of motion followed by its articles prior to becoming
a group.
(1)
Note. The separation can be caused by increasing the speed
of the preceding group after the last item of the group has passed
a particular point, or by intermittently stopping or decreasing
speed of the first item of a succeeding group after the last item
of the preceding group has passed a particular point.
This subclass is indented under subclass 418.7. Apparatus which separates the preceding group from the succeeding
group by abruptly shifting out of alignment with its adjacent articles,
an article located at either (1) the end of the preceding group
or (2) the beginning of the succeeding group.
This subclass is indented under subclass 418.7. Apparatus wherein the articles are delivered to the group
in such a manner that the leading edge of each article in the group
both (1) overlaps or underlies the trailing edge of the adjacent
previously delivered article and (2) travels ahead of the leading
edge of all articles subsequently placed within the group.
This subclass is indented under subclass 418.7. Apparatus wherein the preceding group is separated from
the succeeding group by means which contacts the first article of
the succeeding group and prevents its movement for a period of time.
This subclass is indented under subclass 418.7. Apparatus wherein the last conveyor section supporting the
succession of articles to be formed into groups moves the articles
at a different velocity for at least a portion of the time it transports
them than the succeeding conveyor section which supports the formed groups.
This subclass is indented under subclass 419.2. Apparatus wherein either (1) the last conveyor section supporting
the succession of articles or (2) the succeeding conveyor section
supporting the groups is provided with structural means located
along its article transporting surface which restricts the number
of articles possible in each group by dividing the surface into
two or more distinct sections.
This subclass is indented under subclass 418. Apparatus wherein the articles to be grouped comprise a
succession of such articles moving on a first conveyor along a particular
line of motion, and wherein a particular plurality of said articles
is engaged by means for transferring all of said particular plurality
of articles at the same time from said first conveyor to a second
conveyor, which transfer means moves in a direction different from
said particular lines of motion.
(1)
Note. For discussion of the term "stream",
see (1) Note of subclass 434 below.
This subclass is indented under subclass 426. Apparatus wherein the second conveyor is divided into a
plurality of conveyor sections substantially corresponding in number
to the number of articles in the transferred group, whereby the
articles transferred as a group are subsequently divided so that
each article is one of a subsequent succession of articles on the second
conveyor, and the number of such successions corresponds to the
number of articles in the transferred group.
(1)
Note. In the subclass (427), the items from one stream are
arrayed in a group before being distributed into plural streams.
For a mechanism wherein items from a stream are distributed into plural
streams without the intermediate transfer as a group, see subclasses
436+.
This subclass is indented under subclass 426. Apparatus wherein the transfer means includes a gaseous
fluid medium under subatmospheric or above-atmospheric pressure.
(1)
Note. The pneumatic conveyor usually is (though it is not
limited to) a series of suction members that engage and carry the
groups of items.
This subclass is indented under subclass 426. Apparatus, wherein the transfer means moves to-and-fro and
during one of its movements engages the particular plurality of
articles to transfer the articles simultaneously from the first
conveyor to the second conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 429. Apparatus wherein either a) the to-and-fro movement of the
transfer means is in a direction that is angularly related to the
line of motion imparted to the articles by the first conveyor, or
b) the to-and-fro movement of the transfer means is included in
a movement that follows an endless closed-loop path, at least a part
of the to-and-fro movement intercepting the line of motion imparted
to the articles by the first conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 418. Apparatus wherein the articles to be grouped are conveyed
one followed by another aligned along a particular line of motion
on a first conveyor, and wherein the articles are engaged by a transfer
means and placed one at a time in an aligned group on a second conveyor,
which transfer means changes the line of motion of the articles
on the second conveyor relative to the line of motion of the articles
on the first conveyor, or changes the alignment of articles on the
second conveyor relative to the alignment of articles on the first
conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 418. Apparatus wherein the articles to be grouped are conveyed
as an array followed by another array, each array consisting of
a particular number of articles aligned along a particular array
line, which array line is substantially transverse to a line of
motion of a first conveyor, and wherein each arrayed group of articles
is engaged by a transfer means and placed as an arrayed group on
a second conveyor, which second conveyor carries each successive conveyed
group in an array whose alignment is transverse to the line of motion
of the second conveyor.
(1)
Note. Patents are placed in this subclass wherein the conveyed
group is formed either on the first conveyor, by means associated
with the first conveyor, or prior to placement as a group on the
first conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 418. Apparatus wherein the articles to be grouped are conveyed
as an array followed by another array, each array consisting of
a particular number of articles aligned along a particular array
line, which line is substantially transverse to a line of motion
of a first conveyor, and wherein each arrayed group of articles
is engaged by a transfer means and placed as an arrayed group on
a second conveyor, and the second conveyor carries the array so
that its array line is in alignment with the line of motion of the
second conveyor.
(1)
Note. Patents are placed in this subclass wherein the conveyed
group is formed either on the first conveyor, by means associated
with the first conveyor, or prior to placement on the first conveyor.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus including at least two conveyor sections cooperating
for the purpose of moving a succession of articles from one conveyor
to another, and during such movement changing the relationship between,
or the direction of movement of, or the path of, successive articles.
(1)
Note. A conveyor system of this or an indented subclass functions
to form a stream of items from a random mass or quantity of such
items, or functions to redirect or respace the items of such a stream
relative to each other, or functions to change the number of streams passing
through the system. The term "stream of items" refers
to a plurality of articles moving in accordance with two criteria.
The first criterion is that the articles move in succession, one
article followed by another which is followed by a third, etc.,
the number of articles so moved being indeterminate or indefinite.
The second criterion is that the succession of articles moves along
a predetermined line or path. It is not necessary that the line
be straight, but if it is other than straight, it must be a line
along which each article of the succession moves in its turn. It
is not necessary that the line be the only line (i.e., there may be
plural lines or streams), but if there are plural streams (e.g.,
one stream alongside another stream) the claimed disclosure must
clearly describe the presence of such plural streams or describe
means to channelize or guide each such streams separately from the other(s).
Thus, a disclosure of a belt carrying a plurality of articles extending along
the direction of movement of the belt and articles extending across
said direction would not be considered as a disclosure of plural
streams unless the specification clearly described the articles
as being arranged in plural successions of articles or the structure
indicated channels to form plural successions. In the absence of
such "stream" disclosure the belt would be considered
as a quantity source of articles or as a destination for articles.
(2)
Note. A distinction should be made as to the structural and
functional difference between a conveyor system for conveying plural
articles arranged as a stream of items and a conveyor system for
conveying plural articles, each article being a specific load as
a separate unit. In the stream conveyor (found in this subclass (434)
and indented subclasses) there is no means for dividing and maintaining separately
one article from the preceding or succeeding article. The emphasis
in the claimed disclosure of a patent to such a system is in the
manner of forming the stream, or reforming the stream into other
streams. In the unit conveyor (found in subclass 463.1, and indented subclasses)
there is a means for dividing one article from the preceding or
succeeding article and conveying it separately even though a plurality
of articles may be conveyed simultaneously. The emphasis in the
claimed disclosure of the patent in subclasses 463.1+ is
in the individuality of each of the plural articles, rather than
in the plurality of the articles. A particular conveyor section
proper as part of a system for subclass 463.1 could be used as a
means for combining or dividing streams and thus be proper as part
of a system for subclass 434.
(3)
Note. If the structure of a patent comprises a conveyor moving
its load against a member that serves to deflect, or guide, or restrain,
or regulate the movement of the load, and if the claimed disclosure
of the patent significantly describes the load as comprising a plurality
of articles, and further significantly describes the function of
the structure as for forming a stream (defined in (1) Note above)
from a source of such articles, or for changing the arrangement
of streams a) from a particular number of streams upstream of the
member to a different number of streams downstream of the member,
or b) from a particular path of stream upstream of the member to
a different path of stream downstream of the member or c) from a
particular space between successive articles upstream of the member
to a different space between successive articles downstream of the member,
in such a disclosure the upstream conveyor will be considered as one
conveyor section and the downstream conveyor will be considered
as a different conveyor section despite the apparent use of one
conveyor element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 434. Apparatus wherein the articles of the succession that are
moved by one conveyor are apportioned among a plurality of second
conveyors, which second conveyors are arranged to be one above another,
and further convey, or temporarily retain and then convey, the apportioned articles.
Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids,
subclasses 509+ , for a machine wherein sheets are assorted into
plural receivers in accordance with characteristics of the respective sheets.
Sheet Feeding or Delivering,
subclasses 306+ , wherein the sheets to be delivered comprise a
sequence of two or more sheets that are being conveyed one after
the other(s) toward two more receivers, the device being provided
with means for diverting a first of said sheets into a first receiver a
second of said sheets into a second receiver, the sequence continuing until
a sheet is diverted into the last receiver, whereupon the next sheet
of the sequence is diverted into said first receiver and the operation
is repeated. A machine for Class 271, subclasses 306+,
differs from a machine for Class 270, subclasses 58.01+,
in that Class 271, subclasses 306+, provides for the stacking
into plural receivers of sheets from a single or an undetermined
source, whereas Class 270, subclasses 58.01+, provides
for the stacking into plural receivers of sheets from a plurality
of source stacks, the sheets of which are to be collated into a
plurality of finished stacks. See the Search Class notes in the
class definition of Class 271 for further discussion. In this subclass
will also be found a machine which is programmed so that one or
more of the receivers is "skipped" to form special stacks.
This subclass is indented under subclass 434. Apparatus wherein the purpose of the system is to change
the path of successive articles from a single succession of articles
to at least two successions of articles.
This subclass is indented under subclass 436. Apparatus provided with means for detecting a condition
of a conveyor system, or of the load carried by said system, or
of the environment in which the system operates, and provided with
means for regulating or changing the operation of said system, wherein
said regulating means is actuated as a result of the detection of
the condition by said detecting means.
(1)
Note. The regulating may be for the purpose of maintaining
the intended operating conditions, as by slight changes on either
side of usual operation. The changing may be for the purpose of altering
or correcting the operating conditions, such as would result from
feedback of undesired operating conditions or discovery of the need
for new or different operating conditions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 436. Apparatus provided with means using a gaseous medium under
sub-atmospheric or above-atmospheric pressure to change the path
of successive articles.
This subclass is indented under subclass 436. Apparatus provided with a plurality of components that are
connected together and moved in a closed-loop path such that each
component is followed by and preceded by another component and a
part of said closed-loop path coinciding with a part of the path
of one of the successions of articles referred to in the definition
of subclass 436, each component having the function of contacting
one article of a succession thereof, whereby said article will be caused
to partake of movement that is imparted to said component at least
while said paths coincide.
This subclass is indented under subclass 436. Apparatus provided with a member that may be positioned
to intersect the line of movement of said single succession of articles
in such manner as to either a) intersect said line or not intersect
said line after passage of successive articles, or b) intersect
said line in a particular relationship to said line, or intersect
said line in a different relationship to said line after passage
of successive articles, whereby to cause at least two successions
of articles to be formed from the single succession of articles.
This subclass is indented under subclass 434. Apparatus wherein the purpose of the system is to change
a supply of articles into at least one succession of articles.
(1)
Note. The term "quantity source of items" has
been used to refer to a supply consisting of many articles. Thus
it includes a mass of articles having a haphazard or random arrangement,
as well as a supply of plural streams of items as in subclass 448
below. The term does not refer to a single stream from which only
one article can be taken at a time; for disclosure of such a function,
see subclasses 463.1+ below.
This subclass is indented under subclass 443. Apparatus provided with means for detecting a condition
of a conveyor system, or of the load carried by said system, or
of the environment in which the system operates, and provided with
means for regulating or changing the operation of said system, wherein
said regulating means is actuated as a result of the detection of
the condition by said detecting means.
(1)
Note. The regulating may be for the purpose of maintaining
the intended operating conditions, as by slight changes on either
side of usual operation. The changing may be for the purpose of altering
or correcting the operating conditions, such as would result from
feedback of undesired operating conditions, or discovery of the
need for new or different operating conditions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 443. Apparatus wherein the purpose of the system is to change
a supply of articles into two or more successions of articles.
This subclass is indented under subclass 445. Apparatus provided with means to agitate, vibrate, or jog
the successive articles so as to urge the articles into separate
successions of articles, which means is either part of or in addition
to one of the conveyor sections referred to in the definition of
subclass 434.
This subclass is indented under subclass 445. Apparatus wherein said articles from said two or more successions
of articles are interspersed to form only one succession of articles.
(1)
Note. In this subclass the original source of articles is
usually a random mass of articles. The articles are first arranged into
plural streams, which streams are then rearranged into one stream.
Compare this subclass with subclass 448 wherein the original source
is a plurality of streams.
This subclass is indented under subclass 443. Apparatus wherein said supply of articles comprises two
or more successions of articles, and wherein said articles from
said successions are interspersed to form only one succession of articles.
This subclass is indented under subclass 448. Apparatus provided with a plurality of components that are
connected together and moved in a closed-loop path such that each
component is followed by and preceded by another component, and
a part of said closed-loop path coinciding with a path of one of
the successions of articles referred to in the definition of subclass 443,
each component having the function of contacting one article of
a succession thereof, whereby said article will be caused to partake of
movement that is imparted to said component at least while said
paths coincide.
This subclass is indented under subclass 448. Apparatus provided with barrier means that may be inserted
into or removed from the course of movement of each of the successions of
articles, thereby to regulate the passage of articles past the barrier
means of each succession and permit the orderly interspersion of articles
from each of the successions of articles into one said succession
of articles.
This subclass is indented under subclass 448. Apparatus provided with a member that may be positioned
to intersect the course of movement of each of the succession of
articles, or not intersect such course of movement, which member
diverts an article from one of such successions when it is caused
to intersect such course of movement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 443. Apparatus wherein the supply of articles is a random or
haphazard arrangement, and the apparatus is provided with a passageway between
the supply and the succession of articles to be formed, which passageway
permits the passage of only one article at a time, and the apparatus
includes means for moving articles successively through the passageway.
(1)
Note. The article-moving means may be one of the conveyor
sections needed to form a conveyor system, or may be a conveyor
section additional thereto.
This subclass is indented under subclass 453. Apparatus provided with structure additional to said article-moving
means, which additional structure includes a face or area that contacts the
articles passing thereby, and which additional structure is moved
relative to the movement of the article-moving means.
(1)
Note. The additional movement may be at right angles to or
in the direction of movement of the stream, but the purpose is to
facilitate passage of single articles in succession. For additional
movement counter to the direction of stream movement (either unidirectional
or vibratory) see subclass 455 indented hereunder.
This subclass is indented under subclass 454. Apparatus wherein the movement of the additional structure
is in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the succession
of articles.
(1)
Note. See (1) Note to subclass 454 for exemplary movements
for this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 434. Apparatus wherein a succession of articles moves along a
path in a particular direction of movement, and wherein the articles
are successively shunted in a direction transverse to, or raised
or lowered with respect to, said particular direction to change
either the path or the direction of movement of the succession of articles.
(1)
Note. The movement of the succession of articles after the
transverse shunting can be either a) along a new path that is substantially
parallel to the original particular direction, or b) along a new
path that is transverse to, or inclined relative to, the the original
particular direction, or c) along a new path that is vertical or vertically
inclined.
This subclass is indented under subclass 456. Subject matter wherein the direction of movement of the
succession of articles after they have been successively shunted
is along a new path that is transverse to, or inclined relative
to, the original particular direction of movement.
(1)
Note. Included in this subclass is apparatus wherein each
of the articles is successively shunted in a transverse direction, and
each is successively shunted into a new path that is parallel to
the old path, laterally displaced from the old path, and in a direction
reverse to the old path. In brief, each article follows a "U-shaped" path.
(2)
Note. Structure for this subclass includes a first conveyor
for moving articles in a first direction and delivering the articles to
a second conveyor that moves the articles in a different direction.
In such structure the claimed disclosure of the patent is important
to the proper placement of the patent for original and cross-reference
purposes. If the attitude of the successive articles relative to
the conveyors is not significant (i.e., not claimed or particularly
disclosed), the patent disclosing such conveyor structure is properly
placed in this subclass as an original. If the attitude of the successive
articles is significant (e.g., a claim recites a turning of the
conveyor article), the effect of such turning should be considered
for placement. If the turning of the article relative to the conveyors
is such that on the first conveyor a particular face is headed in
the conveyed direction and during turning, and when on the second
conveyor said particular face is still headed in the conveyed direction, then
its attitude relative to its conveyed direction has not been changed;
a patent claiming such "turning" is proper for original
placement in this subclass. If the turning of the article is such
that on the first conveyor a particular face is headed in the conveyed
direction, and if during turning or when on the second conveyor a
different face is headed in the conveyed direction then its attitude
relative to its conveyed direction has been changed; a patent claiming
such turning is proper for original placement in subclasses 373+.
This subclass is indented under subclass 457.01. Subject matter wherein the conveyor includes rotating cylindrical
members and the members support the article and causes a change
in a direction of movement of the article.
This subclass is indented under subclass 457.01. subject matter wherein the conveyor includes a continuous
band of flexible material (e.g., leather, rubber, fabric) or a continuous band
constructed of links of metal, plastic or similar material and the
band supports the article and causes a change in a direction of
movement of the article.
This subclass is indented under subclass 457.01. Subject matter wherein the conveyor includes a conveying
section comprising a helical surface formation which is rotated
about its longitudinal axis and the surface supports the article
and causes a change in a direction of movement of the article.
This subclass is indented under subclass 457.01. Subject matter wherein the conveyor includes a member which
is mechanically fastened or secured in place and causes a change in
a direction of movement of the article.
This subclass is indented under subclass 457.01. subject matter wherein the conveyor includes a continuous
band of flexible material or a continuous band constructed of links
of metal, plastic or similar material and the article is supported
independently of the band and the conveyor causes a change in a
direction of movement of the article.
This subclass is indented under subclass 457.01. Subject matter wherein the conveyor includes a member which
turns on an axis and the article is supported independently of the member
and the conveyor causes a change in a direction of movement of the
article.
This subclass is indented under subclass 456. Apparatus wherein at least two successions of articles move
along a corresponding number of substantially parallel paths in
a particular direction of movement, and wherein the articles of at
least one of said successions are successively shunted in a direction
transverse to said particular direction, whereby the distance between the
successions of articles after the shunting is different from the
distance between the successions before the shunting.
This subclass is indented under subclass 434. Subject matter wherein a series of loads are repositioned
or relocated lengthwise in a timely and properly spaced order.
This subclass is indented under subclass 459.1. Subject matter wherein a change in the load position is
effected by the engagement of the load with a revolving member having
an alternate arm and recess or having a plurality of radially disposed
fingers.
This subclass is indented under subclass 459.1. Subject matter wherein the change in the article spacing
is effected by a revolving member which turns about its axis and
includes a body of cylindrical form having a plurality of helical or
spiral ribs or threads.
This subclass is indented under subclass 459.3. Subject matter wherein a distance between a point on one
of the threads of the rotating screw and a corresponding point on
an adjacent thread is different.
This subclass is indented under subclass 459.1. Subject matter wherein a stationary barrier to the movement
of the loads is overcome by a means which elevates or advances laterally
a leading load relative to the barrier to permit further movement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 459.1. Subject matter wherein a barrier changes its position into
the conveying path to retard or stop the load and the barrier is
retractable to resume the load position to provide predetermined
longitudinal spacing between the adjacent loads.
This subclass is indented under subclass 459.1. Subject matter wherein a continuous or revolving carrier
includes a load carrying roller or similar element contacting the
loads and changing the relative spacings of the articles by temporarily
increasing or decreasing the rate of motion of the contacted articles.
This subclass is indented under subclass 459.1. Subject matter including means for detecting the presence
or absence, or other condition, of the loads of the succession,
and including means for regulating or changing the operation of
the conveyor to change the distance between the successive loads
as a result of the condition detected by the detecting means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 460.1. Subject matter wherein the detecting means automatically
changes the effective carrying distance along the path of travel
to delay or speed up the time of discharge or receipt of the loads.
This subclass is indented under subclass 460.1. Subject matter including means for automatically controlling
the conveyor system for (a) decreasing the spacing between the loads
or (b) overlapping one load partly over the adjacent load in a predetermined
spacing arrangement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 459.1. Subject matter wherein a change in the spacing between the
loads is effected during a passage of the loads from one portion
of the carrier to the adjacent portion of the carrier, and the change
is caused by a difference in the rate of movement of the carrier
portions relative to each other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 461.2. Subject matter wherein the carriers consist only of continuous
bands of flexible material or continuous bands constructed of links
of metal or plastic or similar material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 461.1. Subject matter wherein at least one of the conveyors is
driven at a speed to (a) cause a decreased spacing between the loads
or (b) cause one load to partly overlap the adjacent load in a predetermined
spacing arrangement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 462.1. Subject matter wherein at least one of the conveyors is
driven at a speed to cause one load to overlap the adjacent load
in a predetermined spacing arrangement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 462.1. Subject matter wherein the decreased spacing is caused
only by continuous load carriers made of bands of flexible material
or bands constructed of links of metal or plastic or similar material.
CONVEYOR SYSTEM FOR MOVING A SPECIFIC LOAD AS A SEPARATE
UNIT:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus including at least two conveyor sections cooperating
for the purpose of conveying one portion of material, one article or
one group of articles as a unit separate from other portions or
articles.
for plural conveyor sections cooperating to move
articles in a particular continuous arrangement such as a stream
of articles instead of as a separate unit.
This subclass is indented under subclass 463.1. Apparatus wherein the system includes a conveyor driven
to convey a load in a straight line and in addition is in whole
or part bodily shifted sidewise to its direction of conveyance in
synchronization with a transverse, continuously operating conveyor
such that the load can be transferred between conveyors without
halting article movement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 463.1. Apparatus wherein the system includes a conveyor, which
normally conveys a load in a straight line, which in whole or part
bodily shifts to elevator or depress the load prior to or following
having conveyed the load relative to an adjacent conveyor section.
This subclass is indented under subclass 463.1. Apparatus wherein the system includes a barrier which may
be inserted into or removed from the course of movement of the load
moving along the system to regulate the movement of the load from
one conveyor to another in the system.
This subclass is indented under subclass 463.4. Apparatus wherein the system includes a barrier to the movement
of articles and a means which elevates at least the leading unit
over the barrier to permit further movement of said unit along the
system.
This subclass is indented under subclass 463.1. Apparatus wherein the system includes means for detecting
a condition of a conveyor system or of the load carried thereon,
or of the environment in which the system operates and includes
means for regulating or changing the operation of said system in
response to the detecting means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 464.2. Apparatus wherein the detecting means is responsive to a
condition (e.g., position, speed, etc.) of one conveyor of the system
in addition to the existence or nonexistence of the load.
This subclass is indented under subclass 463.1. Apparatus wherein the load is supported by a reusable carrier
(conveyor portion) which is frictionally or positively driven by
a drive means and is disengagable therefrom.
This subclass is indented under subclass 465.1. Apparatus wherein the load carrier portion is moved only
in a closed path in the longitudinal plane by one or more separate
carrier drives.
This subclass is indented under subclass 465.1. Apparatus wherein the load carrier portion is driven by
longitudinal spaced drives which engage opposite sides of the portion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 465.1. Apparatus wherein the load carrier portion engages the load
at a point below to the location of engagement of the load carrier
by its drive means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 463.1. Apparatus wherein a load which is so proportioned that with
respect to a major dimension thereof a first portion extending perpendicular to
the dimension at one end thereof is larger then a second portion
extending perpendicular to the dimension at the other end, and wherein the
conveyor section is provided with at least two horizontally spaced
rails or conveyors that the load will move along the conveyor sections with
the first portion above the rails or conveyors and the second portion
hung from the below the rails or conveyors.
(1)
Note. Changing the attitude of a load by horizontal spaced
rails or conveyors if found is subclass 389 of this class.
This subclass is indented under subclass 463.1. Apparatus wherein one of the conveyor sections includes
a member which turns about its axis and has a helical surface which
is shaped to extend radially of and simultaneously advance longitudinally
of said axis whereby the turning member engages the load and advance
it parallel to the axis.
This subclass is indented under subclass 463.1. Apparatus wherein one of the conveyor sections comprises
a component which is connected to an actuator that imparts to-and-fro motion
in a path, at least a part of which path coincides with a part of
the path load being conveyed, the component having the function of
contacting the load whereby said load will partake of movement imparted
to said component at lest while said paths coincide.
This subclass is indented under subclass 468.9. Apparatus wherein the load is supported by a distinct support
as it is pushed by the load engaging component which travels in
a curvilinear or orbital path.
This subclass is indented under subclass 468.9. Apparatus wherein the load is supported by a separate support
as it is pushed by the engaging component which travels in a straight
line path.
This subclass is indented under subclass 468.01. Apparatus wherein the load engaging component positively
holds or attracts the load by friction, or by use of a force field,
or by fluid current.
This subclass is indented under subclass 468.2. Apparatus wherein the load engaging components are relatively
movable to move one portion of the load with respect to other portion(s) thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 468.2. Apparatus wherein the load gripping member comprises a gaseous
medium under subatmospheric pressure to hold the load during conveyance.
This subclass is indented under subclass 468.2. Apparatus wherein the load gripping member uses lines of
magnetic flux or an electric force field to hold the load during
conveyance.
This subclass is indented under subclass 468.01. Apparatus wherein the load compact moves the load simultaneously
in both a raised or lowered position in a plane generally parallel
with the ground.
This subclass is indented under subclass 468.6. Apparatus wherein the load is supported during conveying
by a separate support with a horizontally and vertically extending
supporting surfaces and the engaging component propels the load
over said supporting surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 468.01. Apparatus wherein the load is only moved in a raised or
lowered position by the load engaging component.
This subclass is indented under subclass 468.01. Apparatus wherein the load is only moved in a straight line
in a plane generally parallel to the ground by the load engaging component.
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