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CLASS 74,	MACHINE ELEMENT OR MECHANISM
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

Mechanical combinations, contrivances, or devices constituting portions of machines, instruments and apparatus and consisting of two or more fixed and movable parts so combined that the motion of one compels a completely controlled or constrained motion of the other according to a law of operation inherent in and depending on the nature of the combination, and also the elemental parts of such machines not provided for in other machine element classes.

SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS

This class is intended as a generic class for mechanism and machine parts not otherwise classified. Other machine element classes subgeneric hereto are Class 384, Bearings; Class 464, Rotary Shafts, Gudgeons, Housings, and Flexible Couplings for Rotary Shafts.

This class does not include machines and instruments or apparatus claimed as such, for which see the appropriate art classes. It does not include the special tools, instruments, and subcombinations peculiar to the special arts and provided for in the classification of the art classes.

SECTION III - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

SUBCLASSES

1	MISCELLANEOUS:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Miscellaneous mechanisms and not provided for below. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 343,  Communications: Radio Wave Antennas,   subclasses 754 and 757+ for directive antennas with scanning, sweeping or orienting of the beam, and including mechanisms for imparting spiral, rotary or rotary oscillatory motion to the antenna.

1.5	ESCAPEMENTS:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Mechanisms comprising devices in which a unidirectionally biased power member, during at least a portion of its movement, imparts motion to an element which, as a result of such movement, alternately locks and releases the biased member for intermittent operation. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 526, for lever stops. 565, for controller checks. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 185,  Motors: Spring, Weight, or Animal Powered,   subclass 5 , for composite weight motors which are escapement controlled and see the search notes thereunder for related search fields.

2	AUTOMATIC OPERATION OR CONTROL (E.G., TRIPS):
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Mechanisms for releasing or tripping portions of machines to cause other portions to automatically operate due to the expenditure of the potential energy possessed by such parts. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 584+, for automatically released yieldable pitmans and connecting rods. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 40,  Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting,   subclass 521 , for obstacle trip actuated changeable exhibitors. 56,  Harvesters,   subclasses 401+ , for delivery trip shockers, and 432+, for tripped compressors and binders. 76,  Metal Tools and Implements, Making,   subclass 15 for trip actuated file cutters, and subclasses 62 and 67 for trip actuated saw setters. 89,  Ordnance,   subclasses 1.5+ , for trip devices associated with bomb, flare, and signal dropping devices. 111,  Planting,   subclasses 14+ , for check wire tripped drillers. 114,  Ships,   subclass 210 , for anchor trips. 124,  Mechanical Guns and Projectors,   subclasses 31+ , for trigger mechanism. 166,  Wells,   subclasses 237+ and the subclasses there noted for trip devices in wells. 169,  Fire Extinguishers,   appropriate subclasses. 188,  Brakes,   subclass 111 , for trip operated vehicle brakes. 200,  Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers,   appropriate subclasses. 212,  Traversing Hoists,   subclass 116 for cable load suspension trips. 246,  Railway Switches and Signals,   subclasses 76 and 201+, for track trips, 171+, for derailment contact trips and 359+, for train energy actuated trips. 292,  Closure Fasteners,   subclasses 332+ for trip actuated closure fasteners. 293,  Vehicle Fenders,   subclasses 33 , 35 and 37, for trip actuated fenders. 399,  Electrophotography,   subclasses 75+ for machine operations of an electrophotography device and subclasses 107+ for particular structure of the device, specifically subclasses 110+ for modular or displaceable components.

3	Speed controlled:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Mechanisms wherein the releasing or tripping is initiated by a speed responsive device. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 73,  Measuring and Testing,   subclasses 535+ for a speed sensor of the centrifugal weight type. 192,  Clutches and Power-Stop Control,   subclass 140 for speed responsive limit stops and subclass 147 for speed response clutch releases combined with brakes.

3.2	Valve gear trips (e.g., steam engine "Corliss" type):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 3.  Mechanisms wherein a flow controlling valve is the released or tripped device. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 2, for other automatically-operated valve gear trips not speed responsive nor otherwise classifiable in subclasses below.

3.5	Retarded:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Mechanisms preset to cause the releasing or tripping at a particular time of day or at the termination of a particular time interval following the setting. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 119,  Animal Husbandry,   subclasses 51.14+ for feeding devices including timer controlled trips. 137,  Fluid Handling,   subclasses 624.19 and 624.22 for valves including timer controlled trips. 185,  Motors: Spring, Weight, or Animal Powered,   subclasses 27+ for a retarded trip releasing a weight motor and subclasses 37+ for a retarded trip releasing a spring motor. 200,  Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers,   subclasses 39+ for an electrical circuit switch controlled by a retarded latch trip. 368,  Horology: Time Measuring Systems or Devices,   subclasses 243+ for an horological device controlling the tripping of a sounding device, and in the definition of subclass 152 see the "Note".

3.52	Plural, sequential, trip actuations:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 3.5.  Mechanism preset to cause sequential tripping of a single part or tripping of several parts in sequence.

3.54	Clock train:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 3.5.  Mechanism including a clock, a clock train or similar gearing.

3.56	Winding knob trip (e.g., alarm mechanism):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 3.54.  Mechanism wherein the trip includes the winding knob of a spring powered clock train or the winding knob of a spring powered operator (e.g., alarm mechanism) under the control of the clock train.

4	Hit and miss:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Mechanism wherein the releasing or tripping is intermittent and the mechanism is intended to insure a uniform speed output.

5	GYROSCOPES:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Devices defined in (1) Note, below and known as gyroscopes. (1) Note. A conventional gyroscope is a mechanism comprising a rotor journaled to spin about one axis, the journals of the rotor being mounted in an inner gimbal or ring, the inner gimbal being journaled for oscillation in an outer gimbal which in turn is journaled for oscillation relative to a support. The outer gimbal or ring is mounted so as to pivot about an axis in its own plane determined by the support. Hence the outer gimbal possesses one degree of rotational freedom and its axis possesses none. The inner gimbal is mounted in the outer gimbal so as to pivot about an axis in its own plane which axis is always normal to the pivotal axis of the outer gimbal. Hence the inner gimbal possesses two degrees of rotational freedom and its axis possesses one. The rotor is journaled to spin about an axis which is always normal to the axis of the inner gimbal. Hence the rotor possesses three degrees of rotational freedom and its axis possesses two. The center of gravity of the rotor is thus in a fixed position. The rotor simultaneously spins about one axis and is capable of oscillating about the two other axes, and thus except for its inherent resistance due to rotor spin, it is free to turn in any direction about the fixed point. Some gyroscopes have mechanical equivalents substituted for one or more of the elements, e.g., the spinning rotor may be suspended in a fluid, instead of being pivotally mounted in gimbals. In some special cases, the outer gimbal (or its equivalent) may be omitted so that the rotor has only two degrees of freedom. In other cases, the center of gravity of the rotor may be offset from the axis of oscillation, and thus the center of gravity of the rotor and the center of suspension of the rotor may not coincide. (2) Note. This is the generic locus for gyroscopes. Every rotating body has gyroscopic action, but such devices are not placed here unless at least one axis of oscillation is present. (3) Note. For combinations of gyroscopes with other devices see indented subclass 5.22 and the notes thereto appended. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 5.22, and the notes thereto and see (2) Note supra. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 248,  Supports,   subclass 182.1 for gimbals, per se. 310,  Electrical Generator or Motor Structure,   subclass 261 for rotors, per se. 446,  Amusement Devices: Toys,   subclasses 233+ for gyroscopic toys, including gyroscopic tops.

5.1	With caging or parking means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.  Gyroscopes combined with mechanism to hold the rotor axis fixed, when the rotor is not spinning, or if spinning, when it is desired to take the gyroscope out of useful operation. (1) Note. The rotor axis may be positively held with respect to the gyroscope support, or it may be heavily weighed to hold the rotor axis fixed with respect to the earth. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 5.44, where the force of gravitation, acting upon a weight, and reacting against the rotor axis erects an operative gyroscope.

5.12	Rotor spin and cage release type:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.1.  Devices having a mechanism to impart spin to a rotor and a further means to release the holding means after the rotor is up to speed. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 5.7, for rotor drives.

5.14	And resetting means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.1.  Devices wherein further means is provided to adjust or vary the position held. This may be done by having the means which holds the rotor axis adjustable to vary the position held, or by having the first means restrain movement in one plane and a second means to position the rotor axis in that plane.

5.2	With gimbal lock preventing means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.  Gyroscopes wherein means is provided to prevent alignment of the rotor axis with a gimbal axis.

5.22	Combined:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.  Gyroscopes combined with structure other than the gyroscope, except means to control and/or drive the mechanism. (1) Note. The large majority of patents found here are of the stabilizing type and recite the device stabilized by name only. Where structure of the device over and above that necessary to mount the device is claimed, or where a particular relationship to the device is claimed, the patents have been classified with the device. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 5.4+, for gyroscope control. 5.37, for drives for plural gyroscopes. 5.7, for drives for single gyroscopes. 64, for inertia or centrifugally controlled rotary transmitters. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 73,  Measuring and Testing,   subclasses 504.2+ , for a gyroscope combined with a speed responsive device. 105,  Railway Rolling Stock,   subclasses 141+ , for monorail type railway rolling stock combined with gyroscopes and subclasses 150+, for suspended monorail type rolling stock combined with gyroscopes. 114,  Ships,   subclasses 21.1 and 24, for gyroscopically controlled torpedo steering mechanism; subclass 122, for gyroscopic anti-rolling stabilizers combined with ships; and subclass 144, for gyroscopic controlled steering. 244,  Aeronautics and Astronautics,   subclass 79 , for gyroscope actuated automatic aircraft control. 396,  Photography,   subclass 13 for an aerial camera which is gyroscopically stabilized. 446,  Amusement Devices: Toys,   subclasses 233+ for gyroscopic toys, and subclass 462 for wheeled toys having inertia-operated driving means. 475,  Planetary Gear Transmission Systems or Components,   for gyroscopically controlled planetary gearing.

5.34	Multiple gyroscopes:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.  Gyroscopes comprising two or more gyroscopes.

5.37	With rotor drives:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.34.  Devices having means for driving the gyroscopes. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 5.7, for drives for single gyroscopes.

5.4	Gyroscope control:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.  Gyroscopes having means to apply one or more forces to the rotor axis to control the movement of the rotor axis about its center of suspension.

5.41	Erecting:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.4.  Devices wherein one or more forces act to move the rotor axis to a given position, usually to a vertical position. (1) Note. Where the force of the surrounding atmosphere against a plurality of vanes is used for erection, the patent will be found in this subclass.

5.42	By plural diverse forces:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.41.  Devices where at least two diverse forces are used for erection. (1) Note. Pendulous gyroscopes having an additional means to erect them are here when both means are claimed, an cross-referenced to the subclasses indented hereunder for the separate means.

5.43	By jet:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.41.  Devices wherein the force of a fluid jet is used for erection.

5.44	By weight:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.41.  Devices wherein the gravitational force upon a weight is utilized for erection. (1) Note. Pendulous gyroscopes with no other erecting controls are here. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 5.1, for weight actuated parking or caging devices. 5.42, for pendulous gyroscopes having an additional force utilized for erection.

5.45	By friction:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.41.  Devices wherein the application of a frictional force is utilized for erection. (1) Note. Where the force of the surrounding atmosphere against a plurality of vanes is used for erection, the patents will be found in subclass 5.41.

5.46	By magnetic field:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.41.  Devices wherein the force of a magnetic field is utilized for erection.

5.47	By motor torque:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.41.  Devices where the torque of a prime mover constitutes the force used for erection.

5.5	Damping:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.4.  Devices having means to dampen the oscillation of the gimbals, or of the rotor axis.

5.6	With pick off:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.  Gyroscopes having a means to sense the relative position or change of position of the rotor axis, and/or its gimbals. (1) Note. The sensing means normally actuates or controls a signal, indicator or a control for another device.

5.7	With rotor drive:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.  Gyroscopes having means to drive the rotor. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 5.12, for rotor spin mechanism combined with cage release mechanisms.

5.8	Vertical gyroscopes:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.  Gyroscopes peculiarly constructed for operating with the spin axis in a vertical position only.

5.9	Horizontal gyroscopes:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.  Gyroscopes peculiarly constructed for operating with the spin axis in a horizontal position only.

5.95	Flywheel structure:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.  Subject matter including a motion-smoothing component generally made up of a massive disk-like member. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 572.2, for motion smoothing flywheel.

6	ENGINE STARTERS:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Mechanical movements and/or gearing, combined as a unit, for initiating the starting of a machine, in which operative engagement with the machine to be started is initiated and controlled and power is applied to the gearing by some conventional means. (1) Note. See the Index, under "Starter" and "Starting". SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 139+, for intermittent unidirectional motion type engine starters. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 123,  Internal-Combustion Engines,   sub- classes 179.1+ for other starting devices for internal combustion engines. 185,  Motors: Spring, Weight, or Animal Powered,   subclasses 6+ , 10+, 32, and 39, for structure for winding motors of the weight and spring types. 290,  Prime-Mover Dynamo Plants,   subclasses 10 , 22-38, 46-68, for dynamo-electric starter-generator structure.

7	Automatic:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Starters in which the operative engagement with the machine to be started is automatic.

8	Radial meshing:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Starters in which meshing of the gears with the machine to be started takes place in a radial direction.

9	Cam operated:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Starters in which meshing of the gearing with the machine to be started is accomplished by a cam device other than a screw.

10	SHAFT OPERATORS (RADIO TUNER TYPE):
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Assemblies particularly adapted for mechanically rotating one or more shafts of electronic tuning devices into desired angular positions. (1) Note. The art is directed to the positioning of radio tuning shafts having indicating means and/or variable condensers associated therewith for adjustment. (2) Note. Electrically actuated dial operators are not here, even though claimed in combination with mechanical operators for these subclasses. They will be found in Class 192, Clutches and Power-Stop Control, subclasses 138+, and in Class 318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, appropriate subclasses (including particularly subclasses 560+, which has the follow-up type motor controls). The line between these two classes is stated in the class definition of Class 318, Lines With Other Classes, Load Device Driven by the Motor (Including Power, Motion, Force, or Torque Transmitting Devices, Motor Systems and Power, Motion, Force, or Torque Transmitting Devices, and under the reference to Class 192 under "SEARCH CLASSES" at the end of the class (318) definition. (3) Note. These subclasses will take the recitation of a condenser, inductance, transformer or a radio tuner by name only when claimed in combination with shaft positioning means. Whenever significant structure of the condenser, inductance, transformer, or tuner are recited, the devices will be classified in Class 455, Telecommunications, particularly sub 150.1+ where radio tuner structure is recited. Class 334, Tuners, appropriate subclasses for radio tuner structure, per se, or Class 336, Inductor Devices, appropriate subclasses where variable transformer or inductance structure is recited. Where the operator is merely a screw gearing and the tuner is recited by name only, the search should be continued in this class (74), subclass 424.71-424.96. (4) Note. These subclasses will take the shaft positioning means with respect to its support in combination with indicating means to indicate the position, adjustment or movement of the shaft. And see the Search Note to the Signals and Indicators class, below. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 20, through 110 inclusive, for nonintermittent type mechanical movements. 111+, for intermittent grip type mechanical movements. 424.71 through 424.96, for screw gearing, and see (3) Note supra. 469+, for control lever and linkage systems. 526, for stops for levers. 553, for knob or dial operators. 640, for gearing. 813+, for assemblies of general utility, including turret mechanisms for metal working machines having means to index rotary members, and see the Notes thereto. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 116,  Signals and Indicators,   200+, provides for indicators attached to, or associated with some movable device to indicate the movement, adjustment or position of such device. Indented subclasses 241+ , provides for radio tuner position indicators. Class 116 will take shaft positioning means with respect to its support (even though in the form of a mechanical movement) in combination with the indicating means when only the part of the shaft positioning means with respect to its support necessary to operate the indicator is claimed, i.e., where no structure for positioning the shaft is recited which does not operate the position indicator. 192,  Clutches and Power-Stop Control,   subclasses 138+ , for power-stop limit controls and see (2) Note, supra. 235,  Registers,   appropriate subclasses for related operating devices for registers and particularly subclasses 12+ , for those which are key board operated. 318,  Electricity: Motive Power Systems,   appropriate subclasses for controlled electric motor operators, particularly subclasses 560+ , for servo controlled operators and see (2) Note, supra. 336,  Inductor Devices,   appropriate subclasses for variable transformer or inductance structure combined with shaft positioning means, and see (3) Note, above. 361,  Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,   subclasses 271+ for specific variable condenser structure. 403,  Joints and Connections,   subclasses 230+ for joints between the end of a shaft and a plate-like member. 455,  Telecommunications,   subclasses 150.1+ for radio receivers with tuners, see (3) Note.

10.1	Preselected position:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 10.  Devices having interengaging means by which the rotation of the shaft may be halted at a plurality of predetermined angular positions.

10.15	Step by step:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 10.1.  Devices having means interposed between a single initiator and the shaft for rotating the shaft through a series of successive predetermined positions, the rotation of the shaft being halted at each such successive position. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 126+, for mechanical movements for changing reciprocating motion to intermittent unidirectional motion, and particularly subclass 142 for lever actuators.

10.2	Rotatable stop and projectable abutment:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 10.1.  Devices having a rotatable stop element for halting shaft movement and a movable abutment for the stop element, and means for moving the abutment into a position in which the stop element may contact the abutment. (1) Note. Electric motor control of the rotatable stop elements and/or the movable abutments will be found in Class 192, Clutches and Power-Stop Control, subclasses 138+, and particularly subclass 142; and the appropriate subclass of Class 318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, subclasses 560+, for position servo control systems particularly subclass 614, friction braking at balance; see (2) Note to this class (74), subclass 10. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 192,  Clutches and Power-Stop Control,   subclasses 138+ , for power-stop limit controls and see (1) Note. 318,  Electricity: Motive Power Systems,   appropriate subclasses for electric motor control, and particularly subclasses 560+ , for position servo control type particularly subclass 614, for friction braking at balance; and see (1) Note.

10.22	Digital dial type:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 10.1.  Devices in which the shaft operator is a dial and is provided with a series of single finger-receiving openings. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 200,  Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers,   subclass 11 , for dial operated switches. 379,  Telephonic Communications,   subclass 363 for a telephone dial mechanism.

10.27	Plural operator:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 10.1.  Devices having more than one operator for controlling the shaft. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 10.54, for separate operators for each of a plurality of speed drives of the nonselective type dial operators. 479, for plural input single output lever and linkage systems. 625+, for alternate manual and power operators. 665+, for plural input single output gearing. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 235,  Registers,   appropriate subclasses for related operating devices for registers and particularly subclasses 12+ , for those which are keyboard operated. 475,  Planetary Gear Transmission Systems or Components,   subclasses 1+ for plural power sources for driving planetary gearing.

10.29	Cam and follower:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 10.27.  Devices wherein a cam and follower is interposed between the operator and the shaft. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 10.6, for nonselective cam and follower type dial operators. 567+, for cam and/or follower structure, per se.

10.31	Adjustable cam:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 10.29.  Devices wherein the cam is adjustable. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: