PATENTS   
Patents > Guidance, Tools, and Manuals >> Classification >>> Class Definition
    Class Numbers & Titles   | Class Numbers Only   | USPC Index   | International   | HELP  
You are viewing a Class definition.

 [Search a list of Patent Appplications for class 37]   CLASS 37,EXCAVATING
Click here for a printable version of this file

SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This class relates to the broad art of digging, moving, and handling material. This class includes method or apparatus for the removal of a tree, stone, soil, or snow from an in situ location, either on the earth"s surface or beneath a body of water.

GENERAL NOTE: Wherever the drawings in this class (37) are associated with the definitions, they are merely used to illustrate the basic concept encompassed by the definition of that subclass and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter covered by that subclass.

SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS

The classes in References to Other Classes, below, contain art relating to this class, but special in application. Hence patents properly classifiable in those classes would be excluded from this class (37).

SECTION III - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

15, Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning,   for art relating to Class 37, but special in application.
44, Fuel and Related Compositions,   for art relating to Class 37, but special in application.
56, Harvesters,   for art relating to Class 37, but special in application.
104, Railways,   for art relating to Class 37, but special in application.
111, Planting,   for art relating to Class 37, but special in application.
125, Stone Working,   for art relating to Class 37, but special in application.
166, Wells,   for art relating to Class 37, but special in application.
171, Unearthing Plants or Buried Objects,   for art relating to Class 37, but special in application.
172, Earth Working,   for the relationship between Class and Class 37 see the Class Definition of Class 172, Lines with Other Classes, "Subject Matter Relating To Snow Removal, To Working The Earth For Industrial Purposes, etc." and also the Search Class Notes.
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth,   for art relating to Class 37, but special in application. and for the line between Class 37 and Class 175, see the class definition of Class 175, Lines With Other Classes, "Tools," and References to Other Classes.
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven,   for art relating to Class 37, but special in application.
209, Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids,   for art relating to Class 37, but special in application.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation,   subclass 170.04 for liquid purification or separation means for excavating means.
212, Traversing Hoists,   for art relating to Class 37, but special in application.
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration,   for art relating to Class 37, but special in application, and see the class definition of that class, Lines With Other Classes, Material Handling, Excavating, Distributing, Harvesting and References to Other Classes for the line.
294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements,   for art relating to Class 37, but special in application.
299, Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,   for art relating to Class 37, but special in application, and see the class definition of Class 299, References To Other Classes, for the line.
406, Conveyors: Fluid Current,   for art relating to Class 37, but special in application.
366, Agitating,   for art relating to Class 37, but special in application.
404, Road Structure, Process, or Apparatus,   for art relating to Class 37, but special in application.
405, Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,   for art relating to Class 37, but special in application.
414, Material or Article Handling,   for art relating to Class 37, but special in application.

SECTION IV - GLOSSARY

APRON

This device is the pivotally mounted front covering for a scoop adapted to pivot to an open position when loading and unloading and to a closed position when holding and transporting material.

BACKHOE

This is a material handling machine which includes a boom pivoted to a vehicle, a handle or dipstick pivoted to the boom, and bucket or scoop pivoted to the dipstick with the open top of the bucket facing back toward the vehicle.

BOOM

This is a device comprising an elongated beam adapted to project from an excavating device for the purpose of supporting the excavating equipment and wherein the device is normally pivoted to a support.

BOWL

This device is a portion of a scoop which holds and carries the excavated material during transport. The scoop portion can be adapted to be used in connection with an apron, elevator, or ejector.

CLAMSHELL

This device is an excavating or handling tool having two similar jaws which close upon material for excavating and open for dumping.

DREDGE

This is a machine for excavating material at the bottom or the banks of a body of water.

EARTH

This term is applied to the fragmental material composing part of the surface of the globe.

GROUND

This term is applied to the solid surface of the earth or the floor of a body of water, especially a sea, river, or lake.

ORANGE-PEEL

This implement comprises an excavating tool having two hemispherical jaws which close upon material for excavating and open when dumping.

SPUD

In a dredge, this is an elongated member provided with a lifting tackle at the top and fused to hold or remove the dredge by contact with the earth.

SUBCLASSES

[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 3]    3PEAT EXCAVATORS:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Devices for excavating peat.
(1) Note. Compare Class 44, Fuel and Related Compositions, subclasses 630+.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

172, Earth Working,   subclass 19 for sod cutters.
299, Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,   appropriate subclass for subject matter relating to the mining of coal.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 91]    91Wheel excavator:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 347.  Apparatus wherein the digger is a wheel.
(1) Note. Compare this class, subclass 393.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 92]    92Longitudinal axis:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 91.  Apparatus wherein the axis of the digging wheel extends longitudinally of the ditch.
(1) Note. Compare this class, subclasses 209+, 244+, and 331.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 93]    93Conveyor:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 92.  Apparatus wherein the excavator delivers to a conveyor.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 94]    94Transverse axis:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 91.  Apparatus wherein the axis of the excavator extends across the axis of the ditch.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 95]    95Conveyor:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 94.  Apparatus wherein the excavator delivers to a conveyor.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 96]    96Longitudinal endless:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 95.  Apparatus wherein an endless conveyor runs longitudinally of the ditch.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 97]    97Transverse endless:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 95.  Apparatus wherein an endless conveyor extends crosswise of the ditch.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 104]    104RAILWAY GRADERS:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Devices forming the bed or slopes of a railway.
(1) Note. Compare this class, subclasses 353+.
(2) Note. Compare Class 104, Railways, subclass 2.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 105]    105Side former:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 104.  Devices for working on the sides of a railway and shaping the bed.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 106]    106Scoop:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 105.  Devices wherein the earthworking implement is some form of scoop or shovel.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 107]    107Endless conveyor:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 106.  Devices wherein the scoop delivers to an endless conveyor.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 142.5]    142.5DITCH FILLER:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus which is specially adapted to place earth in a ditch.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

395,for a cable-operated boom-type scraper or the like adapted to place earth in a ditch.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 182]    182ORANGE-PEEL BUCKETS:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus comprising grab buckets having more than two grapples.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 184]    184Common pivot:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 461.  Subject matter wherein each side grapple has a common pivot on which they are hinged together.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 185]    185Crossed lever:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 184.  Subject matter wherein the operating levers extend from each shell and cross each other at the common pivot.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 186]    186Contiguous pivots:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 461.  Subject matter wherein each shell grapple is pivoted on a separate pivot close together.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 187]    187Spaced pivots:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 461.  Subject matter wherein the pivots are spaced far apart on the supporting frame.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 188]    188Link-connected:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 461.  Subject matter wherein the shells are connected indirectly to the support by means of links.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 189]    189ROTARY DIGGER:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  General miscellaneous subclass with the rotary excavators.
(1) Note. Compare this class, subclasses 209+, 238, 242+, 244+, 326+, 350+, 351, 355, and 357.
(2) Note. Compare Class 198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, subclass 9.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth,   appropriate subclasses for a rotary tool for boring into the earth and particularly subclasses 327+ for a rotary type bit or bit element adapted for boring into the earth.
299, Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,   appropriate subclass, and particularly subclass 101 and see the search notes therein for a rotary type cutter for mining or disintegrating hard material in situ.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 190]    190Endless conveyor:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 189.  Subject matter wherein the digger delivers material to an endless conveyor.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 195]    195PROCESSES:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Methods of excavating.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

197,for a method of excavating snow.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth,   subclasses 57+ for processes of earth boring.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 196]    196SNOW OR ICE REMOVING OR GROOMING BY PORTABLE DEVICE:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter relating to either (a) a process of clearing snow or ice from a surface, or preparing snow or ice for passage thereover, by the use of the movable excavating apparatus; or (b) the excavating apparatus or a component part thereof.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 197]    197Process:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 196.  A method including steps performed when either clearing the surface or preparing the snow or ice.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 198]    198Railway clearer:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 196.  Apparatus adapted to remove snow or ice from a railroad trackway.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 199]    199With melter:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 198.  Apparatus including means for changing the excavated snow or ice from its solid state to a liquid state.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

227,for a general purpose snow excavator with melter, and see search notes therein for reference to other classes.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 200]    200Heated plow:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 199.  Apparatus including a transversely extending, generally vertically disposed moldboard, wherein heat is supplied to the moldboard.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 201]    201Explosive:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 198.  Apparatus including means for blasting through snow or ice with an explosive.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 202]    202Fluid current conveyor:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 198.  Apparatus wherein snow or ice is transported by a stream of flowable material.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 203]    203For clearing single rail of set:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 198.  Apparatus wherein the trackway includes a plurality of rails, and including an implement adapted to remove snow or ice from an individual rail of the plurality.
(1) Note. There may be a plurality of implements, each removing snow or ice from a different rail.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

104, Railways,   subclasses 279+ for a device which clears a track of material other than snow or ice.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 204]    204Electrified rail:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 203.  Apparatus including an implement adapted to remove snow or ice from a rail which carries electricity.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 205]    205Including rotary excavating tool:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 203.  Apparatus which includes an implement fixed to a shaft adapted to rotate when in use.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 206]    206And scraper blade:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 205.  Apparatus also including a transversely extending, generally vertically disposed moldboard.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 207]    207Including means clearing side of, or groove in, rail:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 203.  Apparatus wherein the implement includes a portion depending vertically below the top of the rail and functioning to remove snow or ice either alongside the rail or within a slot formed in the surface of the rail.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 208]    208With endless conveyor:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 198.  Apparatus including a closed loop, belt or chain-type conveying means.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 209]    209Having rotary excavating tool:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 198.  Apparatus including an implement fixed to a shaft adapted to rotate when in use.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 210]    210Plural rotary tools:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 209.  Apparatus wherein a plurality of implements is carried either by a plurality of rotary shafts, each carrying an implement, or by a single rotary shaft.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 211]    211Diverse tools performing different stages of operation:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 210.  Apparatus wherein the implements are differently configured, adapted to accomplish various steps in the process of excavating snow or ice.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 212]    212And V-shaped scraper blade:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 210.  Apparatus including a generally vertically disposed moldboard having two working faces angled relative to one another about a generally vertical axis, diverging from an apex to ends on opposite sides of the apparatus.
(1) Note. The working faces have a V-configuration in plain view.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 213]    213Screw-type auger:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 209.  Apparatus wherein the implement comprises a helical vane means arranged to rotate upon its axis.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 214]    214Having scraper blade:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 198.  Apparatus including a transversely extending, generally vertically disposed moldboard.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 215]    215Inclined plane with V-divider:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 214.  Apparatus wherein the moldboard includes a pair of working faces angled relative to one another about a generally vertical axis, the moldboard being carried by a substantially horizontal base plate sloping upwardly from its leading edge.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 216]    216Having auxiliary blade or shiftable divider:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 215.  Apparatus wherein either the moldboard, or an additionally vertically disposed moldboard, is mounted for angular adjustment upon the base plate.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 217]    217V-shaped:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 214.  Apparatus wherein the moldboard includes a pair of working faces angled relative to one another about a generally vertical axis, diverging from an apex to ends on opposite sides of the apparatus.
(1) Note. The working faces have a V-configuration in plain view.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 218]    218Diagonal:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 214.  Apparatus wherein the moldboard is obliquely angled about a generally vertical axis relative to its intended direction of motion.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 219]    219Snow or ice surface groomer:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 196.  Apparatus adapted to prepare a layer of snow or ice for use as a support surface.
(1) Note. The layer may be prepared for use as a ski trail, a snowmobile trail, an ice-skating rink, etc.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

62, Refrigeration,   appropriate subclass for or ice-making apparatus.
104, Railways,   subclass 136 for sledways having an ice track.
299, Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,   subclasses 24+ for ice-harvesting devices.
404, Road Structure, Process, or Apparatus,   subclasses 90+ for road-building apparatus with means for in situ comminution of surface material.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 220]    220Including rut cutter:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 219.  Apparatus which includes means adapted to cut a groove in the surface.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 221]    221Having diverse tools:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 219.  Apparatus including a plurality of implements having different sizes, shapes, or character of operation.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 222]    222Including rotary tool:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 221.  Apparatus including an implement fixed to a shaft adapted to rotate when in use.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 223]    223Having rotary tool:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 219.  Apparatus including an implement fixed to a shaft adapted to rotate when in use.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 224]    224Compacting roller:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 223.  Apparatus wherein the tool is a cylindrical member adapted to roll over and compress the layer of snow or ice.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 225]    225With compressor die:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 196.  Apparatus including a device for compacting and molding the excavated snow or ice.
(1) Note. An example of apparatus found herein is one wherein snow is excavated and subsequently pressed into a given shape and size.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

100, Presses,   appropriate subclass for a compressor die, per se.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 226]    226And heater:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 225.  Apparatus including means for adding heat to the snow or ice.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

100, Presses,   subclasses 92+ for a compressor die with heater, per se.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 227]    227With melter:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 196.  Apparatus including a means for changing the excavated snow or ice from it solid state to a fluid state.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

56, Harvesters,   subclass 12.2 for a motorized harvester using heat form the engine.
126, Stoves and Furnaces,   subclasses 271.1+ for in situ melting by a surface heater; and subclass 343.5 for a melting furnace, per se.
239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing,   subclasses 650+ for a scatterer for a solid material which causes melting.
252, Compositions,   subclass 70 for a material which causes in situ melting of snow or ice.
299, Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,   subclasses 3+ for the in situ conversion from solid to fluid of a material within the earth.
404, Road Structure, Process, or Apparatus,   subclasses 77 and 79 for a method for building a road with material other than ice or snow, wherein the material is heated; and subclass 95 for apparatus for building a road with material other than ice or snow, wherein the material is heated.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 228]    228Having heated transport chamber:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 227.  Apparatus including a receptacle adapted to receive and carry the liquified snow or ice, and means for supplying heat to the receptacle.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 229]    229Electric or solar heat source:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 228.  Apparatus wherein the means for heating the receptacle uses energy produced either by electricity or by the sun.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 230]    230Manually powered:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 227.  Apparatus wherein a human being provides the power to either move or operate the heated excavator.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 231]    231With specific means to facilitate connection to, or disconnection from, vehicle:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 196.  Apparatus including means adapted to expedite the attachment or detachment of the implement to a vehicle.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

172, Earth Working,   subclasses 272+ for means to facilitate mounting an earthworking implement on a vehicle; and subclass 817 for an earthworking blade removably attached to a vehicle.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 232]    232Vehicle mount with obstacle responsive trip, or yieldable tool (e.g., brush):
 This subclass is indented under subclass 196.  Apparatus wherein either (a) means is provided for attaching an excavating implement to a vehicle, including means permitting the implement to shift with respect to the vehicle when it contacts an obstacle or (b) an excavating implement itself includes a portion which yields when it contacts an obstacle.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

56, Harvesters,   subclass 10.4 for a harvester having a cutter unit which retracts in response to an obstruction.
172, Earth Working,   subclasses 261+ for an earthworking tool which retracts in response to an overload.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 233]    233Resilient impeller or blade:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 232.  Apparatus including either a van means carried by a shaft, or a moldboard, which contains either an elastically deformable portion or a plurality of segments mounted elastically relative to one another.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 234]    234Including specific hydraulic control system to position implement:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 196.  Apparatus wherein adjustment of an excavating implement relative to a carrying means is performed by a control system which incorporates fluid circuitry and includes means for producing or controlling fluid pressure within the system.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

91, Motors: Expansible Chamber Type,   appropriate subclass for a hydraulic motor, per se.
172, Earth Working,   subclass 812 for an hydraulic system controlling an earthworking blade.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 235]    235Vehicle mount including power lift:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 196.  Apparatus including means to connect an excavating implement to a vehicle, and a power system for vertically moving the implement.
(1) Note. The purpose of the power system might be either to adjust the excavating height of the implement, or to raise the implement for transporting it.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

172, Earth Working,   subclasses 452+ for power means to lift an earthworking implement for transporting; and subclasses 828+ for power means to lift an earthworking blade.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 236]    236Power means is hydraulically actuated piston:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 235.  Apparatus in which the power system includes a piston axially movable within a cylinder by liquid pressure.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 237]    237With endless conveyor:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 196.  Apparatus including a closed loop, belt or chain-type conveying means.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

305,for a self-loading vehicle, other than a snow or ice excavating apparatus, which includes an endless conveyor.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

172, Earth Working,   subclass 33 for earthworking apparatus including a power driven, endless conveyor.
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven,   appropriate subclass for an endless conveyor, per se.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 238]    238And rotary excavating tool:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 237.  Apparatus including an implement fixed to a shaft adapted to rotate when in use.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 239]    239Multistage conveyors:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 237.  Apparatus including a plurality of various closed loop conveying means, the various means each adapted to accomplish a different step in the excavating process.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 240]    240Carrying excavating tool:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 237.  Apparatus wherein the conveying means carries an implement adapted to scrape snow or ice from the surface to be cleared.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 241]    241Combined or convertible:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 196.  Apparatus having means associated therewith for performing some function, normally the subject matter of another class, in addition to the basic operation of excavation; or which can by an adjustment, addition, removal, or reassembly of one or more of its parts become basic subject matter or another class.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 242]    242Rotary excavating tool:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 241.  Apparatus including an implement fixed to a shaft adapted to rotate when in use.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 243]    243Lawnmower:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 242.  Apparatus combined with, or convertible to, apparatus adapted to cut grass.
  
[List of Patents for class 37 subclass 244]    244Motorized rotary excavating tool:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 196.  Apparatus including an implement fixed to a shaft driven rotationally by a mechanical power means when in use.