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CLASS 194,	CHECK-ACTUATED CONTROL MECHANISMS
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This is the generic and residual class for control mechanisms adapted to be actuated by check means, and whose function is to govern the operation of an associated machine or system. This class provides for such control mechanisms, per se, the combination of such control mechanism with either a machine or system, a cabinet structure containing the control mechanism peculiar to this class (e.g., a value accumulator, a coin chute, etc.), or a check, per se, designed specifically to actuate a control mechanism.

SECTION II - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

SUBCLASSES

200	WITH MEANS RESPONSIVE TO MALFUNCTION:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus combined with a mechanism which is specifically designed to operate when the control mechanism is out of working order.

201	Antijackpotting device:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 200.  Apparatus wherein the malfunction-responsive mechanism includes a device adapted to prevent the release of an excessive number of checks from within the control mechanism.

202	WITH ADDITIONAL, DISPARATE MEANS PREVENTING FRAUDULENT ACTUATION:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus combined with an additional mechanism which is specifically designed to defer either the actuation of the control mechanism by an improper check, repeated actuations of the control mechanism by a single check, or actuation of the control mechanism without a check being deposited. (1) Note. A control mechanism with means for testing the validity of a check is common in this art, and is not considered to be additional and disparate. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 302+, for a control mechanism which includes means for testing the validity of a check.

203	Means preventing use of tethered check:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 202.  Apparatus in which the additional mechanism includes a device adapted to prevent actuation of the control mechanism by, and subsequent withdrawal from the control mechanism of, a check attached to a long, slender member (e.g., a string).

204	Antijarring device:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 202.  Apparatus in which the additional mechanism includes a device from being actuated by a blow delivered to the apparatus.

205	CONTROL MECHANISM ACTUATED BY CHECK, OTHER THAN COIN (E.G., SLUG, TOKEN, CARD, ETC.), WHICH IS MUTILATED OR RETAINED:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus wherein (a) the control mechanism is adapted to be actuated by a check other than a piece of stamped metal serving as legal tender, and (b) the check, or a part therefor, is either destroyed or kept by the apparatus after actuation. (1) Note. Examples of the check used to actuate control mechanisms in this subclass and its indents are coin-substitutes (slugs and tokens), folding money, cards, and articles useful for redemption of money (aluminum cans, glass bottles, etc.). (2) Note. Apparatus wherein such a check is inserted into a control mechanism to operate a machine or system, and subsequently removed intact, is excluded from this subclass, and is classified with the machine or system.

206	By pliant currency (e.g., dollar bill, etc.):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 205.  Apparatus wherein the control mechanism is adapted to be actuated by legal tender comprising a sheet of flexible material. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 434,  Education and Demonstration,   subclass 110 for apparatus adapted to either identify the denomination of currency, or spot counterfeit bills, but which do not control another machine or system.

207	Including light sensitive testing device:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 206.  Apparatus including means to measure a light-conducting characteristic of the legal tender.

208	Having means to mutilate check:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 205.  Apparatus including means to destroy the check in whole or in part as it actuates the control mechanism.

209	And means to test physical characteristic of check:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 208.  Apparatus including means for analyzing a material property of the check.

210	Having means to read magnetically encoded check:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 205.  Apparatus adapted to be actuated by a check which either emanates a magnetic field, or responds to a magnetic field, to send a coded signal; and including a device which interprets the signal.

211	Having electric circuit with switch operated by check:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 205.  Apparatus wherein the control mechanism includes an electric circuit and a switching device within the circuit, the switching device adapted to be operated by the check.

212	Having means to test physical characteristic of check:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 205.  Apparatus including means to test the check by analyzing a material property of the check.

213	Test electrical or magnetic property:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 212.  Apparatus wherein the check is tested by analyzing either its ability to conduct electric current or its response to a magnetic field.

214	CHECK, PER SE:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus wherein significance is attributed to the check itself. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 40,  Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting,   subclass 27.5 for a check, per se, representing no monetary value

215	INCLUDING VALUE ACCUMULATOR FOR PLURAL CHECKS:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus wherein the control mechanism is adapted to receive a plurality of checks before actuation, and includes a device which sequentially registers and totals the value of deposited checks pending actuations. (1) Note. Apparatus found in this subclass and its indents may either require a plurality of checks adding up to a predetermined value to produce a single actuation, or store credit upon receipt of checks, from which value is taken upon each of a plurality of actuations. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 229+, for a control mechanism adapted to receive a plurality of checks before actuation, but wherein values are not registered and totalled. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 235,  Registers,   subclasses 7+ for cash registers, per se, and subclass 100 for registering boxes. 453,  Coin Handling,   subclasses 1+ for change makers, per se, and subclasses 3+ for coin assorters, per se.

216	Having solid state circuitry:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 215.  Apparatus wherein the registering device includes an electric circuit including a semiconductor.

217	Programmable:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 216.  Apparatus wherein the control mechanism responds to the registering device according to a prescribed sequence of instructions, and the instructions can be changed.

218	Including binary counter:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 216.  Apparatus wherein the circuit includes a dipole electronic register.

219	And electric circuit with switch operated by check:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 215.  Apparatus including a circuit within the control mechanism, but apart from the registering device, and a switching device in the circuit, the switching device including a movable circuit maker/breaker adapted to be moved by a check.

220	Accumulator includes electric circuit having stepper switch:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 219.  Apparatus wherein the registering device includes an additional electric contacts and a wiper element, the wiper element adapted to move from one of the contacts to another in response to operation of the switching device. (1) Note. Each operation of the check- operated switch results in a movement of the wiper element according to a scheduled sequence of movements, until the element arrives at a final position where the additional circuit is closed.

221	Single check-operated switch:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 220.  Apparatus wherein there is only one switching device adapted to be operated by a check within the control circuit

222	Plural stepper switches:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 220.  Apparatus wherein the registering device includes a plurality of wiper elements.

223	Accumulator having ratchet wheel:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 219.  Apparatus wherein the registering device includes a gear wheel with ratchet teeth.

224	Having electric circuit completed by check itself:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 215.  Apparatus including an electric circuit within the control mechanism, wherein the circuit is adapted to utilize a check as a bridge for current.

225	Mechanical accumulator:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 215.  Apparatus wherein the registering device consists solely of a plurality of movable mechanical parts, and the value is determined by the relative movement of those parts.

226	Having ratchet wheel:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 225.  Apparatus wherein the registering device includes a gear wheel with ratchet teeth.

227	And indexing means differently responsive to various check values:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 226.  Apparatus adapted to receive checks having different values, in which the registering device includes a regulator which limits the rotation of the ratchet wheel to a radial distance corresponding to a specified number of teeth, including a mechanism whereby various numbers of teeth correspond to various values.

228	And means to impart thrust to check to operate accumulator:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 225.  Apparatus including a member adapted to exert force upon a check within the control mechanism, causing relative movement between the control mechanism and the check, and resulting in operation of the registering device.

229	CONTROL MECHANISM RESPONSIVE TO PLURALITY OF CHECKS:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus adapted to receive a plurality of checks, wherein the mechanism requires several checks in order for actuation to occur. (1) Note. This subclass contains apparatus which simply requires a plurality of checks, and does not register or total the value of the checks. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 215, for apparatus adapted to receive a plurality of checks, registering and totalling their value.

230	Including electric circuit with switch operated by check:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 229.  Apparatus including an electric circuit within the control mechanism, the circuit having a switching device with a movable circuit maker/breaker adapted to be operated by a check.

231	Single switch:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 230.  Apparatus having only one switching device adapted to be operated by a check.

232	Including part locked by detent and released by check:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 229.  Apparatus including a movable member and a detent member adapted to engage with one another, wherein the members are normally positioned for engagement, and are acted upon by the checks to cause one to shift relative to the other, so the movable member will be free of engagement with the detent. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 237, for apparatus wherein a plurality of checks operate to prevent either a movable member or a detent member, which do not normally engage with one another, from shifting into a position where engagement occurs. 247, for apparatus including a part locked by a detent and released by a single check.

233	Stationary detent:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 232.  Apparatus wherein the detent member is fixed in position. (1) Note. In this subclass, the movable member must shift for it to be released.

234	And means to impart thrust to check to unlock part:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 232.  Apparatus including a member adapted to exert a force upon a check within the control mechanism, causing relative movement between the control mechanism and the check and resulting in the relative shifting.

235	Pivoted detent:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 234.  Apparatus wherein the detent member is adapted to swing about an axis.

236	And pivoted released part:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 235.  Apparatus wherein the movable member is also adapted to swing about an axis

237	Check prevents locking of part by detent:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 229.  Apparatus including a movable member and a detent member adapted to engage with one another; wherein the members normally are not in position for engagement with one another, but one member will shift into position for engagement with the other as actuation is attempted, unless a check keeps it from shifting into that position. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 232, for apparatus requiring a plurality of checks to release a part which is normally locked. 290, for apparatus requiring only a single check to prevent a part from becoming locked by a detent.

238	Including reciprocating check mover:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 237.  Apparatus including a member adapted to impart motion to the checks, wherein the member moves linearly, alternately in opposite directions.

239	INCLUDING ELECTRIC CIRCUIT WITH SWITCH OPERATED BY CHECK:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus including an electric circuit within the control mechanism, and a switching device within the circuit having a movable circuit maker/breaker adapted to be operated by a check. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 211, for apparatus including an electric circuit with a switch operated by a check other than a coin. 219, for apparatus including an electric circuit with a switch operated by a check and including an accumulator. 230, for apparatus including an electric circuit with a switch operated by a plurality of checks.

240	And holding circuit responsive to operation of switch:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 239.  Apparatus including an additional electric circuit which, when actuated, is adapted to maintain the machine or system ready to operate until a predetermined condition has been met, wherein the additional circuit is actuated in response to operation of the switching device.

241	Controlled by timer:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 240.  Apparatus including a timing device, wherein the additional circuit remains actuated for a period of time determined by the timing device.

242	Weight of check operates switch:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 241.  Apparatus wherein the switching device is operated by the effect of gravity upon the check

243	And means to impart thrust to check to operate switch:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 239.  Apparatus including a member adapted to exert a force upon the check within the control mechanism and cause movement thereof, resulting in operation of the switching device.

244	Weight of check operates switch:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 239.  Apparatus wherein the switching device is operated by the effect of gravity upon the check.

245	And means holds switch in operative position:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 244.  Apparatus wherein a means is provided whereby the switching device can be maintained in position to keep the machine or system operable. (1) Note. The switch is adapted to be released from that position only when a predetermined condition is met.

246	Switch held by weight of check:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 245.  Apparatus wherein the switching device is maintained in position by the effect of gravity upon the check itself

247	INCLUDING PART LOCKED BY DETENT AND RELEASED BY CHECK:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Apparatus including a movable member and a detent member adapted to engage with one another, wherein the members are normally positioned for engagement, and are acted upon by the check to cause one to shift relative to the other, thereby releasing the movable member. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 232, for apparatus including a part locked by a detent and released by a check. 290, for apparatus wherein a check operates to prevent either a movable member or a detent member which do not normally engage with one another from shifting into a position where engagement occurs.

248	Stationary detent:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 247.  Apparatus wherein the detent member is fixed in position. (1) Note. In this subclass, the movable member must shift for it to be released.

249	And means to impart thrust to check to unlock part:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 247.  Apparatus including a member adapted to exert force upon the check within the control mechanism to cause both movement to the check and the relative shifting of the member. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 260, for apparatus wherein a movable part is unlocked by the weight of a check.

250	Noncontacting, relatively movable parts connected by check:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 249.  Apparatus including a plurality of elements adapted for relative movement but which do not contact one another, nor will they upon relative movement; wherein the elements are adapted to be linked to one another by the check. (1) Note. The plurality of elements may include either the movable member or the detent member, or it may include other elements which, when they are linked and relatively shift; but it may not consist simply of the movable member and the detent member, since they by definition have the capability of contacting one another. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 263, for apparatus including noncontacting, relatively movable parts connected by a check and operated by the weight of a check. 293+, for apparatus including noncontacting, relatatively movable parts connected by a check wherein there are no normally locked parts.

251	Connected parts pivot:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 250.  Apparatus wherein each of the elements is adapted to swing about an axis when linked.

252	Connected parts reciprocate:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 250.  Apparatus wherein each of the elements is adapted to move linearly, and alternately in opposite directions, when linked.

253	Pivoted detent:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 249.  Apparatus wherein the detent member is adapted to swing about an axis.

254	And pivoted released part:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 253.  Apparatus wherein the movable member is also adapted to swing about an axis.

255	Unidirectionally pivoted:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 254.  Apparatus wherein the movable member is constrained to swing in only one direction.

256	Spring biased:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 254.  Apparatus wherein the movable member is yieldably urged toward a rest position by a resiliently deformable element.

257	Released part biased by spring:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 253.  Apparatus wherein the movable member is yieldably urged toward a rest position by a resiliently deformable element.

258	Pivoted released part:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 249.  Apparatus wherein the movable member is adapted to swing about an axis. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 261, for apparatus having a pivoted released part, released by the weight of a check.

259	Reciprocating released part:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 249.  Apparatus wherein the movable member is adapted to move linearly, alternately in opposite directions.

260	Weight of check unlocks part:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 247.  Apparatus wherein the effect of gravity upon the check causes the relative shifting. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 249, for apparatus wherein a part is unlocked by a check after thrust is imparted to it. 339, for apparatus wherein a check is tested for validity by analyzing its weight.

261	Pivoted released part:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 260.  Apparatus wherein the movable member is adapted to swing about an axis.

262	Unidirectionally pivoted:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 261.  Apparatus wherein the movable member is constrained to swing in only one direction.

263	Noncontacting, relatively movable parts connected by check:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 262.  Apparatus including a plurality of elements adapted for relative movement, but which do not contact one another, not will they upon relative movement; wherein the elements are adapted to be linked to one another by the check. (1) Note. The plurality of elements may include either the movable member or the detent member, or it may include other elements which, after being linked, cause the members to relatively shift. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 293+, for apparatus having noncontacting, relatively movable parts connected by a check but not unlocked part.

264	Having means to hold check in contact with detent:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 262.  Apparatus wherein the check, after being inserted, contacts the detent member; and including an element adapted to retain the check in contact with the detent member.

265	And ejector to remove check:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 264.  Apparatus including an element adapted to forcibly separate the check from the detent member.

266	Check passageway has movable portion:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 264.  Apparatus including a guideway adapted to define a path for the check as it passes there through, wherein the guideway includes a part which can be relatively shifted.

267	Having motor for driving released part:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 262.  Apparatus including a motor adapted to swing the movable member.

268	Spring motor:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 267.  Apparatus wherein the motor comprises an elastically deformable element restoring itself from a deformed condition adapted to swing the movable member. (1) Note. The movable member swings as the spring restores itself from a deformed condition.

269	And regulating escapement mechanism:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 268.  Apparatus including a wheel adapted to be driven by the motor, either integral with or connected to the movable member, carrying a plurality of teeth on its circumference, and a catch member having a first pawl lockingly engaging the wheel and a second pawl spaced from the first pawl and out of engagement with the wheel; wherein the catch member shifts upon actuation, withdrawing the first pawl from engagement with the wheel and advancing the second pawl into locking engagement with the wheel, and the wheel turning through an arc determined by the pawls.

270	And regulating ratchet mechanism:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 268.  Apparatus including a wheel adapted to be driven by motor, either integral with or connected to the movable member, carrying a plurality of teeth upon its circumference, and a pawl adapted to engage the wheel wherein, upon actuation, the wheel is turned through an arc determined by the pawl.

271	Spring biased detent:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 268.  Apparatus wherein the detent is spring biased.

272	And regulating ratchet mechanism:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 267.  Apparatus including a wheel adapted to be driven by the motor, either integral with or connected to the movable member, carrying a plurality of teeth upon its circumference, and a pawl adapted to engage the wheel; wherein, upon actuation, the wheel is turned through an arc determined by the pawl.

273	Weight motor:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 267.  Apparatus wherein the movable member is designed to be swung by gravity.

274	Having regulating escapement mechanism:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 273.  Apparatus including a wheel adapted to be turned by the weight, either integral with or connected to the movable member, carrying a plurality of teeth on its circumference, and a catch member having a first pawl lockingly engaging the wheel and a second pawl spaced from the first pawl and out of engagement with the wheel; wherein the catch member shifts upon actuation, withdrawing the first pawl from engagement with the wheel and advancing the second pawl into locking engagement with the wheel, and the wheel is turned through an arc determined by the pawls.

275	Spring biased detent:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 273.  Apparatus wherein the detent member is spring biased.

276	Having regulating ratchet mechanism:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 262.  Apparatus including a wheel either integral with or connected to the movable member and carrying a plurality of teeth upon its circumference, and a pawl adapted to engage the wheel; wherein, upon actuation, the wheel is turned through an arc determined by the pawl.