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 [Search a list of Patent Appplications for class 173]   CLASS 173,TOOL DRIVING OR IMPACTING
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

SUBJECT MATTER OF THE CLASS

(A) The purpose of this class is to provide a search for subject matter directed to means for driving a tool and also reciting some feature relating to the tool, or reciting a combination of features peculiar to driving a tool which cause separate classification in the specific motor classes, and in the specific machine element and mechanism classes to be impractical, but which subject matter is of such general application in the tool arts that separate classification in each specific tool class is also impractical.

(B) The term, tool, as used in this class means primarily a work contacting element which functions to effect some physical alteration in the work, such as chipping or boring, but is also used to include other elements which are driven in the same manner as such a tool (e.g., a nail or post). It must be noted, however, as explained in the next paragraph, that a means which impacts a tool is not in itself, regarded as a tool.

(C) The term, impacting device, as used in this class defines a means including a mass of material (i.e., hammer head) which is specifically intended to deliver an impact or blow to a tool as defined in paragraph B and is not itself a tool but is defined as a species of means for driving a tool.

(D) This class, in accordance with the purpose of paragraph A, provides for an impacting device, as defined in paragraph C, or a means to actuate the hammer head of an impacting device, said impacting device or means to actuate said hammer head being claimed in combination with at least one of the following features relating to a tool as defined in paragraph B: (1) a nominally recited tool, (2) a means to retain or hold a tool to receive a blow, (3) a means to align a tool with respect to the hammer head to receive a blow, or (4) a means (anvil) situated between the hammer head and a tool and which is intended to transmit a blow from the hammer head to the tool.

(E.) This class also provides for a motor and/or a machine element or mechanism for driving a tool claimed in combination with one or more of the following: (1) a means for causing, controlling, or selectively preventing the advancing movement of a driven tool, (2) a cleansing means, i.e., a means for cleaning the area of tool operation or (3) a manipulating handle. In the absence of a separate drive means, a means to cause, control or selectively prevent advance claimed in combination with a cleansing means will be classified in this class.

(F) This class also provides for processes of operating apparatus included under the class definition and not claiming any additional feature limiting the process to a particular art.

(G) This class also is intended to provide for subject matter in accordance with the purpose of paragraph A not specifically provided for in paragraphs D, E and F or excluded by paragraphs H and J. Examples of such subject matter are means for driving a tool combined with (1) a vehicle support for the drive, (2) work engaging means supporting the drive or (3) means to adjust the position of the axis of tool advance. This class also includes subcombinations of impacting device structure which are not elsewhere classifiable such as a specific means to transmit an impact from a hammer head to a tool.

(H) This class is not intended to provide original classification for a claim having any specific recitation of (1) the work contacting portion of the tool, (2) plural, cooperating tools (e.g., angularly related tools), (3) and underlying work support opposed to the tool, or (4) any other specifically recited feature pointing to classification in a particular tool art and not provided for in this definition. An exception to (1) is that the recitation of the work contacting portion of the tool as being broadly provided with a cleansing fluid passage or port is not considered to define the work contacting portion of the tool with sufficient specificity to preclude classification from Class 173.

(J) Not all classes have been cleared of art such as defined herein. This class, therefore has only such art as is cleared from other classes. Section III of the class definition indicates those classes which have bodies of art in conflict with the definitions of this class.

SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS

If both the drive means and means to cause, control or selectively prevent advance comprise merely gear or mechanical motion elements as defined in Class 74, Machine Element or Mechanism, classification is in Class 74. However, if structure is claimed which goes beyond the scope of Class 74, such as specific motor structure, a vehicle support for the drive, work engaging support means or means to adjust the position of the axis of tool advance, classification is in Class 173.

A motor vehicle having a power take-off of general utility, but which may be described as for the purpose of driving a tool is classifiable in Class 180, Motor Vehicles, particularly subclasses 53.1+. Therefor, to be included under (1) in G above, the means for driving a tool must include a structural feature of relationship which is peculiar to tool driving.

RELATIONSHIP TO SPECIFIC TOOL CLASSES

The claiming of specific work contacting tool structure in combination with subject matter of this class will cause original classification of the patent in the appropriate specific tool class, as will the claiming of plural, angularly related cooperating work contacting elements such as angularly related tools or a tool combined with an opposing support for the work. However, many of the specific tool classes have not been cleared as to original classification in accordance with this line, nor has complete cross-reference of subject matter been made. The classes which should be closely investigated when making a search for the subject matter provided for under this definition are as follows:

15, Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning

30, Cutlery

56, Harvesters

81, Tools

82, Turning

83, Cutting

125, Stone Working

142, Wood Turning

144, Woodworking

172, Earth Working

234, Selective Cutting (e.g.,Punching)

408, Cutting by Use of Rotating Axially Moving Tool

433, Dentistry

451, Abrading

470, Threaded, Headed Fastener, or Washer Making: Process and Apparatus

MISCELLANEOUS SEARCH NOTES

The Search Notes below include statements of the line with classes having closely related art.

SECTION III - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

12, Boot and Shoe Making,   appropriate subclass for machines and processes of operating machines for making boots and shoes.
15, Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning,   appropriate subclass for a cleaning device, and particularly subclasses 3+ for cleaning machines, including in subclasses 300.1+ such machines with air blast and/or suction.
16, Miscellaneous Hardware (e.g., Bushing, Carpet Fastener, Caster, Door Closer, Panel Hanger, Attachable or Adjunct Handle, Hinge, Window Sash Balance, etc.),   subclasses 110.1 through 446for handles, including handles described as for the purpose of manipulating tool drives, and including handles having vibration dampening or absorbing means. If the handle is claimed in combination with a mere named tool drive, classification will be in Class 173 only if features relating to control of or energy supply for the tool drive are claimed.
29, Metal Working,   appropriate subclass for metal working apparatus, and processes of operating same, and particularly subclasses 700+ for assembling and disassembling apparatus. See subclasses 243.53+ for riveting apparatus not elsewhere classified.
30, Cutlery,   appropriate subclass for hand operated cutting tools, or hand manipulated, power operated cutting tools, and particularly subclasses 272.1+ for cutting tools having blade moving means.
37, Excavating,   appropriate subclass for excavating devices having drive means, and including vehicles having driven excavating elements.
56, Harvesters,   appropriate subclass for driven harvesting devices, and generally comprising such devices which are advanced by a land vehicle as they operate.
60, Power Plants,   appropriate subclasses for motors which may include a named type of tool as a load for the motor, and also for plural motors of diverse types. If one motor is described as a tool drive means and another as tool advance means, the patent will be classified in Class 173.
72, Metal Deforming,   subclasses 429+ for apparatus for driving a metal deforming tool.
74, Machine Element or Mechanism,   appropriate subclass for a mechanical motion transmitting means, and including such means even though separate elements thereof are described as operating the drive, and causing or controlling the advance of a tool, such means merely being considered equivalent to mechanical movements or transmissions involving plural power paths. Class 74 also includes patents claiming a named type of motor, or plural named motors for imparting motion to a mechanical movement or transmission.
81, Tools,   appropriate subclass for a drive device for an assembling tool, and particularly subclasses 463+ for an assembling tool with impact delivering means and subclasses 54+ for a machine wrench.
82, Turning,   appropriate subclass for drive means and advance causing or controlling means used in a metal turning operation.
83, Cutting,   appropriate subclass for a drive means or advance causing or controlling means used in a cutting operation.
91, Motors: Expansible Chamber Type,   appropriate subclass for structure of a motor, or plural motors of that class. Class 91 includes a motor having a named type of tool as a load, however, a motor having impact device features as defined in section "D" of this definition a motor structure having a supplement specific passage to convey cleansing fluid to a tool, a motor described as for a tool drive and having specific structure of a manipulating handle, or plural motors, even though merely described as separately having feed and drive loads are classified in Class 173.
92, Expansible Chamber Devices,   appropriate subclass for a device of that class for driving a tool. The line between Class 92 and Class 173 is the same as the line between Class 91 and Class 173.
104, Railways,   subclasses 13+ for a railway track laying tamping tool, and subclass 17.1 for railway track laying spike drivers.
111, Planting,   appropriate subclass for driven planting devices, and generally comprising such devices which are advanced by a land vehicle as they operate.
123, Internal-Combustion Engines,   appropriate subclass for a motor of that type, even though a named type of tool is included as a load. The line between Class 123 and Class 173 is generally the same as between Class 91 and Class 173.
125, Stone Working,   appropriate subclass for a drive means or advance causing or controlling means used in a stone working operation.
142, Wood Turning,   appropriate subclass, for a drive means or advance causing or controlling means used in a wood turning operation.
144, Woodworking,   for a drive means or advance causing or controlling means used in a woodworking operation.
172, Earth Working,   appropriate subclass and particularly subclasses 35+ for a drive device for an earth working tool. Generally, such devices are advanced by a land vehicle as they operate. A described use as a drive for an agricultural earth working tool will cause classification in Class 172.
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth,   appropriate subclass for a tool drive means, advance causing or controlling means, impacting device or work cleansing means which is combined with specific structure of the work contacting portion of a tool, a fluid handling head adapted to seal in a bore entrance, or a bore wall engaging guide or packing device on the tool shaft, and subclasses 293+ for a below ground hammer or impact means, either combined with a specific earth boring tool or comprising a means forming a lost motion connection in a shaft or cable string, such means comprising relatively movable members which are provided with faces that impart each other to generate a "jar" which is transmitted by the rod or cable to a means connected thereto.
180, Motor Vehicles,   appropriate subclass for a vehicle means which may be described as supporting a tool drive means, and particularly subclasses 53.1+ for a motor vehicle having a power take-off which may be described as for operating a tool driving or advancing means. If the power take-off does not include a structural feature or relationship that is more than of general utility, classification will be in Class 180.
181, Acoustics,   subclass 230 for mufflers, per se, specifically adapted to pneumatic type motors.
227, Elongated-Member-Driving Apparatus,   appropriate subclasses for a driver combined with a magazine for members, e.g., nails, clenching anvil or work support which would preclude classification in Class 173.
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration,   appropriate subclass for a drive means combined with a comminuting or disintegrating means.
267, Spring Devices,   subclass 137 , for a tool-movement-dampening spring device.
299, Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,   appropriate subclass and particularly subclasses 29+ for a machine having a specific tool described as for disintegrating hard material in situ. In general, claiming of specific tool structure is necessary to cause classification of a machine in Class 299, with the exception that Class 299 includes some large tunnel forming machines with material handling features and chain cutter driving, advancing and manipulating machines which do not necessarily recite specific tool structure.
310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure,   appropriate subclass for motor of that class, including such motors having a named type of tool as a load, and particularly subclass 50 for a dynamo-electric motor for a portable hand tool.
318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems,   appropriate subclass for plural motors including a named type of tool as a load, and particularly subclass 39 for plural, diverse, or diversely controlled electric motors, in which such motors comprise work and feed motors.
404, Road Structure, Process, or Apparatus,   subclasses 133.05+ for tamping means and see notes thereunder.
408, Cutting by Use of Rotating Axially Moving Tool,   for (1) a tool-drive means combined with work-recognizing structure for use in the operation of that class (2) a tool-drive means combined with a specific tool of that class type, or (3) tool-drive means combined with significant "machine frame" structure generally limiting the drive to operation in a machine of that class. "Machine frame" structure is in addition, to the housing required to support the drive structure. Such "machine frame" structure may be significantly recited by physical limitations of the structure of by a named recitation of two or more parts of the structure including the interrelationship of the parts.
409, Gear Cutting, Milling, or Planing,   appropriate subclasses for a drive means or advance causing means used in a gear cutting, milling, or planing operation.
415, Rotary Kinetic Fluid Motors or Pumps,   appropriate subclass for a motor of that type for operating a tool, and particularly subclass 904 , for a tool drive turbine.
418, Rotary Expansible Chamber Devices,   for rotary expansible chamber devices, per se, and see the Note to Class 91 above for a statement of the line between this class (173) and Class 91, the line between Classes 91 and 418 being the same.
433, Dentistry,   subclasses 103+ for power-driven dental tools, especially subclasses 118+ for power operated plugging instruments.
451, Abrading,   subclasses 64+ for a machine for performing an abrading function, which machine also includes a drive means or an advance causing or controlling means which is used in the abrading operation.
470, Threaded, Headed Fastener, or Washer Making: Process and Apparatus,   appropriate subclasses for processes of operating machines for making articles of the class.

SECTION IV - GLOSSARY

ADVANCE

The forward movement of the tool into or along the work. Such movement is in addition to the drive movement (i.e., cyclic forward and backward or lateral motion of the tool). Included under this definition as apparatus functioning under the broad meaning of advance are means for causing, controlling, or selectively preventing the forward movement of the tool into or along the work.

CLEANSING

The act of removing matter resulting from the operation of the tool on the work.

CLEANSING FLUID

A fluid which is adapted to perform a cleansing function upon work. Such a fluid may be solely described as performing some other function, such as cooling the work, so long as it is directed in such a manner as to inherently cleanse the work.

DRIVE

The motion of a tool which performs a function upon work. Impact is included under the definition of this term. Also, any means to cause the drive motion of a tool such as a motor, cooperating gearing or mechanical movement elements, or an impacting device.

HAMMER HEAD

The striking element of an impacting device.

IMPACTING DEVICE

A means including a mass of material (i.e., hammer head) which is specifically intended to deliver a blow to a tool. The mass of material need not necessarily strike the tool directly, but may deliver the blow through an intervening element (e.g., anvil).

IMPACTING

A type of drive function which includes striking a mass of material (e.g., tool) with another mass of material (e.g., hammer head).

MANIPULATING

Moving the tool drive from one place to another to perform a function upon work. This movement is separate from or in addition to the advance movement of the tool.

MANIPULATING HANDLE

A means specifically intended to be grasped by the hand or hands of an operator to move the tool drive, of which it forms a part, to different positions with respect to the work, and to be continually grasped by the operator as the tool advances in performing a function upon work.

MOTIVE FLUID

A fluid used to drive a motor, and including fluid taken from a stream supplying a motor, or from a stream exhausting from a motor. Fluid fuel for or fluid exhaust from a combustion motor is included under this definition.

TOOL

A work contacting element which functions to effect some physical alteration in the work, such as chipping or boring, but also includes other elements which are driven in the same manner as a tool such as a nail or post.

WORK

The object or mass of material which is contacted by the tool to be physically altered thereby.

SUBCLASSES

[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 1]    1PROCESSES:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Methods for operating tool driving or impacting devices to perform a function which is not limited by a manipulative step to a specific tool art.
(1) Note. This subclass is not intended to form a complete search for all described processes of operating tool driving or impacting devices as provided for under the class definition. Therefore, the search for process claims falling herein should be completed in the appropriate apparatus subclass.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 2]    2AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF POWER OPERATED MEANS:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus comprising (1) means for sensing a condition or change of condition, which condition or change of condition may or may not occur, (2) a separate control means and (3) a separate power operated means to initiate, modify, or terminate the functioning of the apparatus, said three means being so related that the sensing means controls operation of the control means and the control means controls operation of the power means, all without the intervention of a human operator.
(1) Note. Apparatus wherein the driven tool constitutes the sensing means and controls the control means for the power operated means is included under this definition only if the control means moves relative to the driven tool. An apparatus having structure integral with or fixed to the tool as the sole means to control the operating means is not considered to be automatic, and is classified on other features.
(2) Note. A valve having one specific area which senses the condition of a fluid, and a completely different area which controls the flow of the same or a different fluid to operate as power means is included under this definition as separate sensing and control means. A valve which senses and controls with the same surface (i.e., a check valve), is not included and is classified on other features.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

13+,for a drive controlled by relative axial movement of a tool.
18,for drive controlled by relative movement of advance causing or controlling means or manipulating handle.
58,for work cleansing controlled by relative movement between the drive and tool, advance causing or controlling means or manipulating means.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

83, Cutting,   subclasses 72+ for a cutting device having means to monitor a control operation.
172, Earth Working,   subclasses 2+ for an earth working device having automatic power control.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 3]    3Responsive to condition of cleansing means:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Apparatus in which the sensing means senses the condition of (1) a specific modification of the tool drive which is for the purpose of removing unwanted material from the work face being operated on by the tool or (2) structure combined with the tool drive which functions to remove unwanted material from the work face being operated upon by the tool.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth,   subclass 38 for automatic control of an earth boring means in response to drilling fluid circulation.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 4]    4Tool advance causing or controlling means:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Apparatus in which the sensed condition of operation controls a power operated means to initiate, modify, or terminate the operation of the means to positively cause or progressively control the forward movement of the tool into or along the work.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

408, Cutting by Use of Rotating Axially Moving Tool,   subclasses 5+ and 8+ for a boring or drilling machine having automatic or tool position control of tool movement.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 5]    5Responsive to torque or speed condition of drive:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Apparatus in which the sensing means senses a condition of (1) force applied to the tool to drive the tool about an axis or (2) rate of motion of the drive means.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

408, Cutting by Use of Rotating Axially Moving Tool,   subclasses 6 and 8+ for a drilling machine having torque or penetration resistance responsive control of a feed mechanism.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 6]    6With additional control by means sensing condition of advance means:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 5.  Apparatus in which the sensing means includes a means to also sense the condition of the means which causes or controls forward movement of the tool.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 7]    7Drive motor motivating energy condition initiates control:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 5.  Apparatus in which means driving the tool comprises a motor, and the sensing means senses a condition of the motor power material or electric current.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems,   subclass 39 for electrical work and feed motors which are interrelated.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 8]    8Motive fluid flow or pressure condition of drive motor:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 7.  Apparatus in which the drive motor power material comprises a fluid which operates a fluid motor (e.g., expansible chamber type motor or turbine).
(1) Note. Included under this definition are those motors which derive power solely from the pressure or flow of a fluid stream. An internal combustion engine, for example, which may utilize a fluid fuel, but requires a chemical reaction to operate, is excluded from this definition.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 9]    9Fluid flow or pressure operated advance means:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 5.  Apparatus in which the means which causes or controls forward movement of the tool comprises a motor operated by fluid.
(1) Note. Included under this definition are those motors which derive power solely from the pressure or flow of a fluid stream. An internal combustion engine, for example, which may utilize a fluid fuel, but requires a chemical reaction to operate, is excluded from this definition.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

8,for automatic control of tool advance causing or controlling means in response to motive fluid pressure or current sensed torque or speed condition of a drive.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 10]    10Responsive to length of stroke of means reciprocating hammer head or tool:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Apparatus in which the sensing means senses the distance of cyclic to and fro motion of a (1) hammer head or (2) tool.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 11]    11Drive means responsive to condition of advance causing or controlling means:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Apparatus in which the power means comprises a drive means and the sensing means senses a condition of a means to positively cause or progressively control the forward movement of the tool into or along the work.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

83, Cutting,   subclass 76 for cutting means combined with means to monitor and control operation, including means to compensate tool speed for work-feed variations.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 13]    13DRIVE CONTROLLED BY RELATIVE AXIAL MOVEMENT OF TOOL:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus comprising a tool drive means and a tool or means to receive or retain a tool for actuation by the drive means, the tool or tool receiving or retaining means being adapted to move relative to the drive in a direction parallel to the axis of tool advance, said relative movement being adapted to initiate, modify, or terminate the operation of the tool drive means.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

2+,for automatic control of power operated means.
93.5+,for a rotary tool drive in which torsional load causes relative movement between a drive element and a tool to cause delivery of torsional impact.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 14]    14Reciprocating drive member connected to pulsing fluid column:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 13.  Apparatus in which the relative movement starts the operation of the tool drive by causing a reciprocating element of the tool drive to be mechanically coupled to and directly operated by the pulsation or reciprocation of a confined mass of fluid.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 15]    15Drive motor controlled:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 13.  Apparatus in which the tool is driven by a motor and the relative movement initiates, modifies or terminates the operation of the tool drive motor.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 16]    16Modified internal motor operation:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 15.  Apparatus in which the operation of the drive motor is initiated, modified, or terminated by a change in internal relationship of the parts of the motor.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 17]    17Motor piston movement modified relative to motive fluid port:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 16.  Apparatus in which the tool drive motor is of the cyclically operable, expansible chamber type and the path of reciprocatory movement of a motor piston is altered relative to a port which supplies fluid to a working chamber of the motor or a fluid operated distributor motor.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 18]    18DRIVE CONTROLLED BY RELATIVE MOVEMENT OF ADVANCE CAUSING OR CONTROLLING MEANS OR MANIPULATING HANDLE:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus comprising a tool drive means and a means to positively cause or progressively control the forward movement of the tool or a means specifically adapted to be engaged by the hand of the operator to manipulate the drive, and one of the latter means is adapted to move relative to the drive means to operate a means to initiate, modify, or terminate the operation of the tool drive means.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

2+,for automatic control of power operated means.
13+,for drive controlled by relative axial movement of tool.
58,for work cleansing controlled by relative movement between drive and tool, advance causing or controlling means or manipulating handle.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 19]    19SELF-ACTING ADVANCE AND RETRACTION CYCLE:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus comprising a means to positively cause or progressively control the forward movement of the tool into or along the work, and which is adapted to reverse the movement of the tool upon the tool reaching a predetermined position without the intervention of a human attendant.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

83, Cutting,   subclass 69 for cutting means combined with stopping means effective on completion of predetermined number of tool cycles.
408, Cutting by Use of Rotating Axially Moving Tool,   subclasses 5+ for boring and drilling combined stopping means effective on completion of predetermined number of tool cycles; subclasses 10+ for automatic or tool position control of tool movement; subclass 17 for drive structure of that class to cyclically reciprocate the tool.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 20]    20WITH INDICATING OR SIGNALING MEANS:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus combined with a means to indicate or signal a condition or the occurrence of a condition to a human attendant.
(1) Note. Means which signal or indicate are dials, graduations, horns, bells, etc., but a means to form a mere stop or single fixed reference point are not included under this definition and are classified on other features.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

340, Communications: Electrical,   subclasses 500+ for electrical automatic condition responsive indicating systems.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 21]    21Distance of advance:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 20.  Apparatus in which the means signals or indicates a position or condition of the forward movement of the tool into or along the work.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 24]    24Movement of vehicle causes tool advance:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 184.  Apparatus in which the travel of the vehicle is utilized to positively cause forward movement of the tool into or along the work.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

56, Harvesters,   appropriate subclass for a harvesting device, and generally including a harvesting device which is advanced by a vehicle while operating.
171, Unearthing Plants or Buried Objects,   appropriate subclass for an unearthing device which is generally advanced by a vehicle while operating.
172, Earth Working,   appropriate subclass, and particularly subclasses 35+ for a driven earth working tool, generally advanced by a vehicle while operating.
299, Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,   subclasses 29+ for a machine for disintegrating hard material in situ and which is generally carried on a vehicle.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 25]    25Vehicle motor mechanically coupled to drive tool:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 184.  Apparatus in which the means to power the transporting movement of the vehicle is provided with a mechanical power take-off to drive the tool.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

180, Motor Vehicles,   subclasses 53.1+ for a motor vehicle in which the motor acts as an external source of power.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 26]    26Drive gearing displaced relative to source of power:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 25.  Apparatus in which the means to drive the tool includes gear means, and elements of the gear means are adapted to move relative to the power take-off of the vehicle to (1) adjust the axis of tool advance or (2) accommodate movement of the tool into or along the work.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 27]    27Vehicle motor and drive motor powered by same energy source:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 184.  Apparatus in which the same source of energy (e.g., current, pressure, fuel, etc.), motivates the power means for the vehicle and the tool drive.
(1) Note. One of the power means may operate a pump or generator to supply pressure or current for the other power means.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 28]    28Drive structure moved to nonuse position for transport:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 184.  Apparatus in which the supporting structure of the tool drive is constructed in such a manner as to adapt the tool drive to be moved from the position in which the tool normally works to a position which better facilitates transportation.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),   subclasses 111+ for a mechanism or relatively movable shaft assembly, e.g., a power erected tower and subclass 143 for a residual building structure with a transportation feature.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 29]    29CONVERTIBLE:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus in which means are provided to perform a tool drive function and a tool drive function in a different manner or a function other than tool driving after (1) removal of a significant portion of the apparatus (2) installation of additional parts or (3) substantial rearrangement of existing parts.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

47,for a drive which is adjustable to completely change the kind of drive motion.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 30]    30WITH MEANS ENGAGED BY PART OF HUMAN OTHER THAN HAND:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus combined with structure particularly adapted to be engaged by some portion of the body of a human, with the exception of the hands.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 31]    31WITH WORK ENGAGING MEANS SUPPORTING DRIVE:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus combined with the structure of means other than the tool, which is specifically adapted to engage the material upon which the work is being performed, said structure bearing the weight of the tool drive or resisting the reactive force of the means causing forward movement of the tool while the tool drive is operative.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

184,through 28 for a work engaging vehicle support of a tool drive.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

248, Supports,   subclasses 637+ for a machinery support.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 32]    32Anchored to work:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 31.  Apparatus in which the work engaging means comprises a structure adapted to positively engage the material being worked at a point in the face being worked (e.g., the face perpendicular to the axis of tool advance), in such a manner as to resist reactionary movement of the means causing forward movement of the tool into the work.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 33]    33Balanced with respect to axis of tool advance:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 32.  Apparatus in which the axis of tool advance forms substantially the geometric center of points of engagement of the means which positively engages the work.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 34]    34Structure extends between opposed points:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 31.  Apparatus in which the material being worked is engaged by the structure at opposed points, such as opposed positions on the walls of a shaft or tunnel.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 35]    35Tool advanced laterally of structure:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 34.  Apparatus in which the drive is adapted to operate a tool to advance along an axis substantially perpendicular to a line extending between the opposed points of engagement.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 36]    36Structure engages work at point diametrically opposed to tool:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 31.  Apparatus in which the structure engages the material being worked at a point opposite to the working point, generally being the opposed wall of a shaft or tunnel.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 37]    37Relatively adjustable work engaging elements:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 31.  Apparatus in which the work engaging structure includes plural work engaging elements, and an element is adapted to be adjusted relative to the tool drive means and relative to another work engaging element.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 38]    38SWINGING ARM CAUSES ADVANCE WITH MEANS TO GUIDE RECTILINEAR TOOL ADVANCE:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus having means to cause forward movement of the tool into or along the work comprising a lever, one end of which is mounted to pivot about a fixed or shifting point and the opposite end being connected to the tool or tool drive, the forward movement of the tool being substantially rectilinearly controlled by (1) shifting the pivot point or (2) directly guiding the tool or tool drive.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 39]    39WITH MEANS TO ADJUST POSITION OF AXIS OF TOOL ADVANCE:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus in which the tool drive means is adjustably connected to a substantially fixed structure (e.g., support), and means are provided to hold the tool drive means in different positions relative to the fixed structure to provide plural selective positions of the axis along which the driven tool moves forward into the work.

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299, Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,   subclasses 29+ for a hard material disintegrating machine having means to adjustably manipulate a chain cutter or the like.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 40]    40Drive gearing displaced relative to source of power:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 39.  Apparatus in which the tool drive includes a source of power and a driven gearing element, and said gearing element being shifted bodily relative to the source of power in adjusting the axis along which the tool moves forward.

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26,for a vehicle support for a drive in which the vehicle motor operates the drive, and means are provided whereby drive gearing may be displaced relative to the vehicle motor.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 41]    41With plural relatively displaced gearing sections:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 40.  Apparatus in which the tool drive includes plural driven gearing elements, and the gearing elements being relatively bodily shifted and each bodily shifted relative to the source of power in adjusting the axis along which the tool moves forward.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 42]    42Plural adjustments:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 39.  Apparatus in which plural separate adjustments are provided between the tool drive and fixed structure.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 44]    44Adjustment powered by motor or mechanism:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 39.  Apparatus in which a motor or mechanism is provided to move the tool drive to relatively adjusted position.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 45]    45WITH MEANS TO SPACE AXIS OF TOOL ADVANCE RELATIVE TO PRIOR POSITION:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus combined with means such as a template or element of predetermined length to locate an axis along which the driven tool will move forward into the work relate to a position in which the driven tool previously moved forward into the work.

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20+,for a tool drive means combined with signaling or indicating means.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 46]    46COMBINED:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus combined with apparatus which is not included under the class definition and is not merely ancillary to the driving means, a means for advancing the tool, a tool drive manipulating means, or a work cleansing means.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 47]    47DRIVE ADJUSTABLE TO COMPLETELY CHANGE KIND OF DRIVE:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus including an adjustable drive means so constructed that the basic kind of motion imparted to the tool may be changed by manipulating a drive part (e.g., shifting gears in a transmission).

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29,for a drive means changeable from one basic drive motion to another which requires disassembly or assembly of parts.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 48]    48Adjustable to impacting device:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 47.  Apparatus in which the drive means is adjustable to or from means to deliver an impact to a tool.

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93.5+,for a tool drive which rotates a tool under one torsional load condition and which rotary drive slips or yields under another torsional load condition to cause torsional impact to be delivered to the tool.
  
[List of Patents for class 173 subclass 49]    49DRIVE BY MEANS REACTING TO ROTATING ECCENTRIC MASS:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus in which the tool drive means includes a mass which is driven about an axis, the axis of rotation being eccentric relative to the center of weight of the mass, said mass causing movement of an element which supports said axis of rotation when the center of weight of the mass reaches a certain position relative to the axis of rotation of the mass to drive the tool.