CPC Definition - Subclass G04D

Last Updated Version: 2016.11
APPARATUS OR TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MAKING OR MAINTAINING CLOCKS OR WATCHES
Definition statement

This place covers:

Apparatus, devices, tools and machines for manufacturing, processing, assembling, lubricating and testing clocks or watches and units thereof.

Relationships with other classification places

The general aspects of machine tools or metal-working not specially adapted for G04D are covered by class B23. Grinding and polishing in general are covered by class B24. The general aspects of hand tools, portable power-driven tools, handles for hand implements or manipulators are covered by class B25 .

Special rules of classification

In horology only a low percentage of patent applications deal with machines and tools, however manufacturing methods have become very popular: these are normally classified in G04B (for example G04B 17/066: manufacture of the spiral spring) however the working process of the machine may suggest a manufacturing process, so please consider searching in the relevant G04D subgroup when dealing with a manufacturing method.

Gripping, holding, or supporting devices {(stands in general F16M; for instruments G01D 11/30, B01L)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Tools for assembling, disassembling and mounting such as tweezers, vice clamps; Supporting and holding devices for clockworks or parts of time-pieces; Equipment for opening or closing watch bottoms or covers.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Surgical pinsetters

A61B 17/30

Vices, hand vices, pliers, work holders or positioners in general

B25B

Manipulators

B25J

Supports in general

F16M

Supports specially adapted for an instruments or a set of instruments

G01D 11/30

Mounting the clockwork in the cases

G04B 37/04

Component assemblies of electronic time-pieces

G04G 17/02

Resilient or clamping means for holding component to structure

H05K 7/12

Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials {(metal working in general class B23)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Machines and tools for burnishing, lathing, gauging, lapping or for other processes of treatment of clocks or watches; Devices for fixing bearing jewels, placing the elements of bearings; Devices for shaping or setting watch glasses; Machines or apparatus for cleaning.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Tools for setting gems in jewellery

A44C 17/04

Making jewellery or other personal adornments

A44C 27/00

Cleaning in general

B08B

Setting gems or the like on metal parts, e.g. diamonds on tools

B23P 5/00

Machines for assembling or disassembling parts

B23P 19/04

Bearings and details thereof

F16C 15/00 - F16C 33/00

Jewel bearings for mechanical watches

G04B 31/00

Sealing watch crystals or glasses

G04B 39/02

Automatically operating machines in a manufacturing environment

G05B 19/18

Oiling devices; Special lubricant containers for watchmakers {(bearings constructed with regard to oiling of the clockwork G04B 31/08; oilcans for lubricating in general F16N 3/04)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Devices or arrangements for lubricating; Special lubricant containers for watchmakers.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Arrangements for lubricating tools or work

B23Q 11/10

Special parts or details of bearings in view of lubrication

F16C 33/66

Lubricating in general

F16N

Lubrication of bearings using in clocks or watches

G04B 31/08

Measuring, counting, calibrating, testing or regulating apparatus {(measuring devices and calibers in general G01B; counters in general H03K)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Arrangements or apparatus used for measuring, counting, calibrating, testing or regulating of clock’s units or parts, e.g. such as gearworks, balance wheels or hairsprings.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Instruments for measuring linear dimensions, angles, length or thickness

G01B

Instruments for measuring stress, force or torque in general

G01L 1/00 - G01L 3/00

Instruments for measuring torque, adapted for special purposes

G01L 5/00

Testing static or dynamic balance of machines or structures

G01M 1/00

Arrangements for measuring frequencies of electronic signals

G01R 23/00

Adjusting escapements

G04B 15/12

Mechanisms for setting frequency of mechanically-driven clocks or watches

G04B 18/00

Time-interval measuring

G04F

Demagnetising devices
Definition statement

This place covers:

Devices or apparatus used for removing the magnetic field from clocks or watches or from parts thereof.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Demagnetising devices in general

H01F 13/00