This is a restricted class for the art of metal deforming as
defined in this class definition.
For original placement of a patent in this class, its claimed
disclosure should meet the minimum requirements of the class definition
and should not exceed beyond the boundaries indicated in Scope of
the Class and discussed in Lines With Other Classes.
Users of this class are urged to consult the above-noted sections
as an aid in placing patents or in locating patented art involving
metal deformation, whether in Class 72 or in related classes.
Criteria for Placement of Documents in this class contains
useful information for the searcher with regard to location of original
patents, cross-references, and nonpatent literature in Class 72.
Terms followed by an asterisk (*) will be found to
be defined in the Glossary. Certain very frequently appearing terms,
such as Work, Product, and Tool, are accompanied by the asterisk
only where the exact meaning of the term is deemed particularly
important.
The diagrams appearing in connection with certain defined
terms in this class definition and certain subclass definitions
are intended as aids in distinguishing among separately classified
concepts, and are not to be considered as limitations on the structural
embodiments of the defined subject matter. The following reference characters
have uniform meanings where they appear in the diagrams.
C = Work-gripping clamp*
C-D = Closed die*
P = Product*
R = Ram or Roller* (as will be evident from
the diagram)
T = Actuated tool* (may be a die)
T1, T2 = Tool couple* (at least one actuated
tool)
T1, T2, T3 = Tool complex* (at least two
actuated tools)
W = Work* or Blank*
(arrow) = Motion of work, tool, etc.
Class 72 is the residual locus for patents directed to a process
or apparatus for the mechanical treatment of metal work (elemental
metal or mixture of metals) in a self-shape-sustaining state, to
change the shape or size of such work, without removal of material
therefrom, (a) by the direct application of mechanical force or
pressure to the work, or (b) by the application of energy to induce
the generation of mechanical stress within the work, which force,
pressure, or stress produces a permanent change of shape in some
portion of the work (i.e., exceeds the elastic limit of the work).
SCOPE OF THE CLASS
Class 72 is intended to be the locus for patents directed to
a process or apparatus for the deformation of metal work by the
direct, or indirect, application of mechanical stress thereto while
the work is in a self-sustaining state (i.e., not powdered or melted).
Since metal deformation is typically one of a number of differentiated
steps in the manufacture of specific commercial products, the preponderance
of art discloses metal-deformation methods, or means in combination with
other methods, or means of extraneous or nonclass type. It has,
accordingly, been found necessary to admit some such combinations
while otherwise maintaining Class 72 as a generally restricted class.
The sole positive requirement for placement of a patent, as an original copy,
in Class 72 is its claimed disclosure of a metal-deforming process
or apparatus. A patent claiming metal deformation may, however,
be excluded from the class because of claimed extraneous subject
matter not expressly covered in the subclass titles and definitions. Claimed
subject matter which bars a patent from original placement in Class
72 may be summarized as follows, in Lines With Other Classes and
Within This Class, below.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
(A) Separately claimed product of manufacture. Class 428,
Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclasses 544+ provide
for stock material, e.g., of indefinite length, which are all metal
or have adjacent metal components; in particular, subclasses 577+ provide
for metallic blanks and other intermediate articles.
(B) The presence, either alone or in combination with metal
deforming, of a recognized treatment of metal provided for in another
existing class and not appearing in a subclass title in this class
(e.g., anodizing, assembling of preforms, casting, cathode-sputtering,
chemical-machining, electron beam, or laser-machining, use of adhesive,
specific heating treatment, melting, welding, etc.).
(C) The combination with a recognized treatment provided for
in another existing class and not performed under the conditions,
or with the limitations specifically stated in a subclass definition
in this class (e.g., coating a final product of metal deformation,
cutting solely of a nonmetal, or a nonsystematic cutting of metal).
(D) The combination with other treatment(s) not excluded as
such from Class 72, but the combination being directed to the manufacture
of a special product which has been recognized in certain other
existing classes (e.g., bolt- or nut-making, needle- or pin-making,
manufacture of barrier layer devices, etc.). (See RELATIONSHIP TO
OTHER CLASSES PERTAINING TO METAL DEFORMING, below).
(E) Deformation of metal wire, as such, and in particular the
formation of certain products therefrom (e.g., hairpins), remains
subject matter for Class 140, Wireworking. (See RELATIONSHIP TO
OTHER CLASSES PERTAINING TO METAL DEFORMING, below).
SUMMARY
Specific questions involving the above-listed exclusory lines
may be decided by reference to the following sections of this class.
Certain features ancillary to metal deforming are provided for in
this class (e.g., work or product handling, heating or cooling,
descaling, lubrication, automatic control, etc.), but other treatment
elsewhere classified (e.g., assembly, welding) are always a bar
to original placement in Class 72.
CRITERIA FOR PLACEMENT OF DOCUMENTS IN THIS CLASS
(A) The schedule of Class 72 was developed with strict adherence
to schedule superiority.
Original placement of U. S. patents is determined by their
claimed disclosure, with the following exception. Patents granted
prior to 1910 are generally, but not necessarily, placed by claimed
disclosure. The presence of significant unclaimed subject matter
in such an older patent, if of higher schedule superiority than
the claimed invention, may determine its original placement in the higher
subclass, with such cross-referencing downward as appears helpful
and in accordance with established procedure.
(B) Cross-referencing, of U. S. patents only, is intended to
account for significant, but unclaimed, disclosure, as well as subordinate,
but distinct, inventions related to basic subject matter of the
class.
(C) Foreign patents and nonpatent literature are placed solely
on the basis of "useful disclosure" without strict regard
to schedule superiority or to specific limitations in subclass definitions.
(D) "Claimed disclosure" is defined as the
combination of elements recited in the controlling claim of a patent, together
with such features of the recited elements as must be imputed from
the disclosure to render the claimed combination complete and operative
for the functions referred to in the claim. For example, if alternative
dies are disclosed in the specification of a machine, but not identifiably
recited in the claim, the term "die" is construed
broadly for the purpose of original placement. If the claim refers
to a die bore, that die which is disclosed as having a bore will
be read into the claim. Other features of the so-identified die
(e.g., a vent hole) will not be deemed part of the claimed disclosure unless
some reference thereto appears in the claim.
(E) "Useful disclosure", for the purpose
of this schedule, may be the total disclosure of a document, or
in the case of multiple disclosures or of a broad combination, it
may be that portion of the total disclosure which, in the opinion
of the classifier, is most significantly related to the basic subject
of Class 72.
(F) Examples of Placement of U. S. Patents:
(1) A claim to a motor-driven press includes claimed complementary
dies to form a faceted reflector unit from sheet tungsten, with
automatic angular indexing of work between press strokes and automatic
stopping upon completion of 360 degrees of indexing.
Original copy is placed in subclass 30.1, cross-references
in subclasses 414 and 422; additional cross-reference in art collection
subclass 700 is desirable.
(2) A claim recites the steps of cutting a predetermined length
of steel strip from a coil, mechanically gripping the ends of the
cut blank, heating the central portion thereof, and wrapping the
blank under tension about a contoured forming block.
Original copy is placed in subclass 294, cross-referenced
in subclasses 296 and 342.1+. (Additional cross-references
in subclass 339, severing a blank from stock; in subclass 364, process,
temperature modification; and in subclass 372, process using claimed
apparatus; also may be desirable, depending upon apparent novelty
in these details.)
(3) A claim recites only a pair of dies with configured faces,
one die having a replaceable face portion to alter a dimension of
the product:
Original copy is placed in subclass 473. No upward cross-reference
is necessary because press features such as drive, guides, etc.,
are presumed to be conventional.
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER CLASSES PERTAINING TO METAL DEFORMING,
PER SE
The following enumeration and discussion of classes does not
purport to be exhaustive, but includes loci of patents relating
to, per se, metal deforming wholly or in part.
(A) CLASSES OF ARTICLE MAKING:
A recitation, in a process or apparatus claim, of the article
being made will result in original placement of the patent containing
such claim in the appropriate article-making class, except that
a claim which recites only a step of, or use of an instrumentality
for, performing a single metal-deforming operation will be placed
in this class (72).
See References to Other Classes, below, for examples of such
classes (or portions of classes) directed to the manufacture of
particular products.
(B) THE CLASS OF WIREWORKING:
The class of reference (140, Wireworking) includes patents
for certain wire-deforming operations (e.g., Barbing, Knotting,
Crimping) named in subclass titles of the class. The lines that
existed between Class 140 and other metal-deforming classes will
(e.g., Metal Bearding, Metal Forging, etc.) continue to be observed,
and this class (72) will serve as the repository of patents not
provided for in Class 140.
(C) THE CLASSES OF MEASURING AND TESTING:
Class 73 includes patents for structures that deform metal
by "stress or strain of material of structure" (see Class
73, subclasses 788+). Class 374 including determining the
thermal response of deformation (Class 374, subclasses 46+),
and resistance to a thermally induced deformation. The question
of patent placement will usually be resolved by the specification"s
disclosing, on one hand, deformation to effective destruction (for
Classes 73 or 374), or, on the other hand, deformation to form a product
(for Class 72).
RELATIONSHIP TO COMBINATION CLASSES
A patent claim directed to a combination of a metal-deforming
step or apparatus with other treatment or apparatus, not specifically
provided for in Class 72, is excluded from this class and is generally
placeable as noted in the following paragraphs.
(A) WITH ASSEMBLING:
(1) "Assembling" denotes the juxtaposing
or joining of two or more "preforms" (discrete
objects, as distinguished from material applied as coating, filling,
or added as alloy, etc.).
(2) Methods of, and means for, assembling preforms are provided
for in other classes, and residually in Class 29, Metal Working.
More specifically, if a patent claim recites a step of (or apparatus
for) metal deformation which, as disclosed, recognizes or requires
the presence of two or more discrete members, at least one of which is
the subject of the metal-deforming operation, and the deforming
operation results in securing at least two of the members together,
the claim is excluded from Class 72 and must be placed in another
class, such as Class 29. For example, a claim directed to the step
of riveting or staking two metal objects together is proper subject
matter for Class 29, Metal Working, subclasses 428+ (Assembly
and/or Joining).
(3) The following two operations are distinguishable from
the above-noted assembling of preforms and are proper subject matter
for Class 72: (a) Method of, or apparatus for, joining spaced portions
of the same workpiece solely by metal deformation (e.g., lock-seaming
a tube). (b) Method of, or apparatus for, extruding a metallic sheath
on a core.
(4) References With Other Classes, below, contains citations
to classes that illustrate the location of patented art involving
metal deformation in combination with assembly of plural members.
(B) WITH CUTTING
(1) Class 72 is the locus for patents directed to the combination
of metal deforming and cutting* (method or apparatus),
provided that the same material is treated, and in a systematic
manner. In other words, the combination of metal deforming and cutting
is proper subject matter for this class, with only two exceptions:
(a) Disclosure that cutting and metal deforming are performed
only on different work. For example: (i) Device to forge a metal
part and to punch an attached or associated record card (Class 29).
(ii) Combined plier-type insulation stripper and wire end bender
(Class 7). (iii) Method of embedding a metal core in plastic material, bending
to a desired shape, and trimming off excess plastic (Class 264).
(b) Disclosure fails to teach a systematic, i.e., simultaneous
or predetermined, orderly sequential operation of cutter and metal-deforming
means on the same work. For example: (i) Hand punch with a turret
of manually selectable cutting and embossing dies (Class 7). (ii) Punch
press with interchangeable cutting and bending dies or die inserts
(Class 29). (iii) Set of hand tools for severing, incising, and
stamping metal (Class 7). (iv) Wire-crimping pliers with separately
accessible side-cutting dies (Class 7). (v) Press structure having
spaced cutting and forging tool stations; no work feed means (Class
29).
(2) In summary, it is further noted that:
(a) A patent otherwise barred from Class 72 will not be originally
placed herein because of the inclusion of cutting.
(b) Patents to cutting tools or apparatus, per se, are excluded
from Class 72.
(c) "Convertible" cutting and metal-deforming
apparatus, i.e., requiring the intervention of an operative to effect
the conversion, is generally excluded from the subject matter of
this class.
(d) "Combined" apparatus, in the sense of
mere side-by-side or jointly driven cutting and metal-deforming devices,
independently or alternatively usable at the will of an operative,
is generally excluded.
(e) Combinations excluded from Class 72 under the foregoing
discussion are generally placeable in Class 7 or Class 29, as illustrated
in examples under RELATIONSHIP TO COMBINATION CLASSES, With Cutting,
paragraph 1, above.
(C) WITH HEAT TREATMENT:
(1) "Heat Treatment" refers to the establishment
or maintenance of a given, relatively permanent, physical or chemical
condition in work by heating or cooling it in a prescribed manner.
(2) A patent directed to the combination of metal deformation
and heat treatment of work will be placed as follows:
(a) In Class 219, Electric Heating, when electric heating (e.g.,
resistance, induction) is involved.
(b) In Class 72, when the patent is not otherwise excluded,
when the heat treatment is effected by other than electrical means,
and the heat treatment is: (i.) unspecified (heating or cooling
broadly claimed); (ii) for conditioning work to a suitable temperature
for a metal-deforming operation; (iii) process annealing, i.e., for
relieving stress due to a prior working or preparatory to a following
operation; or (iv) for returning work or product to a desired ambient
or handling temperature.
(1)
Note. The term "quenching" is sometimes inaccurately
used to denote mere cooling to a convenient temperature. Such usage
will not bar placement of a patent in Class 72.
(c) In Class 148, Metal Treatment, if there is significant
heat treatment to modify or maintain the internal physical structure (i.e.,
microstructure) or chemical property of metal combined with a metal
deforming operation of Class 72, see References to Other Classes
in the Class 148 definition. Significant heat treatment occurs when
the temperature or heating or cooling rate is provided in a nonworking
related step or when microstructure description is utilized in the
claim to describe the heating or cooling treatment of the metal.
Working at a specified temperature without mention of microstructure
is not significant heat treatment for Class 148. The mere use of
the term "ageing" or "tempering" is
considered significant heat treatment for Class 148. Except for "Work-Hardening" which
is proper in Class 72, the use of the term "hardening" will
be considered significant heat treatment for Class 148. "Quenching" will
be considered significant heat treatment lacking an indication that
it means simply returning to a convenient working temperature (which
belongs in Class 72 as stated above). "Stress-relief-annealing" will
remain in Class 72, if combined with a metal deforming operation.
Working metal in the "superplastic" state or during "dynamic
recrystallization" remains in Class 72 unless a temperature
is provided in the working step. If temperature is provided for
the superplastic working step, classification will go to Class 148.
When combined with metal deforming, "annealing", per
se, goes in Class 72. However, annealing at a specified temperature
goes in Class 148. Merely heating or cooling a metal to a working
temperature is not significant heat treatment for Class 148. The
presence of reactive coating in any step of a metal treating process
goes to Class 148. Combinations of chemical-heat removing (i.e., flame-cutting)
or burning with metal working go to Class 148.
(d) In Class 266, Metallurgical Apparatus, if the apparatus
is for heat-treating solid metal and see the definitions therein
for the line to Class 72.
(D) WITH CLEANING, COATING, OR OTHER TREATMENT:
The following remarks apply both to apparatus and to process
claims.
(1) The combination of metal deforming with cleaning, descaling,
or application of lubricating material to the work material before,
during or after metal deformation is provided for in Class 72.
(2) The combination of metal deforming with exposure of the
work, before or during deformation, to gas, vapor, mist, or modified
atmosphere, is provided for in Class 72. Examples of this combination
are: the deformation or work in an evacuated chamber, or in the
presence of an inert gas, or the spraying or sputtering of material
on work before deformation. For the classification of metal deforming
followed by coating, see Class 29, Metal Working, subclasses 527.1+ and
associated search notes.
(3) The combination of metal deformation with the prior or
simultaneous application of fluent material to an existing workpiece, by
any such technique as casting, coating, or molding, is provided
for in Class 72. The only exception involves electric arc deposition
of metal, which combination is placeable in Class 219, Electric
Heating. Any claimed casting, coating, or molding of material upon
a product subsequent to a final step of metal deforming is proper
subject matter for Class 29 as the residual locus, or for Classes
427 and 264 for specific methods, or Class 118 for apparatus.
(4) The combination of initially making a metallic workpiece
by casting or molding, followed by deformation thereof, is excluded
from this class, and is generally proper subject matter for Class
29, Metal Working. Certain perfecting treatments of cast metal while
in the mold are classifiable in Class 164, Metal Founding. An apparent exception
is the charging of an extrusion container with molten metal; in
this instance, the pouring of molten metal is regarded as a convenient
technique of handling work for later extrusion, rather than a casting
for Class 164, Metal Founding, or a combination involving casting
for Class 29. Subclasses 253.1 of this class (72) provide for this
combination of charging metal into a container and extruding it
therefrom.
(E) WITH BODILY TRANSFERRING OF TOOL TO OR FROM TOOL SUPPORT OR
STORAGE MEANS:
The following remarks apply to either a process or apparatus
claim.
Metal deforming combined with bodily transfer or exchange
of a deforming tool to or from a tool support (i.e., tool driver)
or a storage means is proper for Class 483, Tool Changing, with
the exception of deforming limited to roller couple tools with means
to introduce or remove at least one roller with respect to the couple
which is provided for in Class 72, subclasses 238 and subclasses indented
thereunder.
RELATIONSHIP TO SUBCOMBINATION CLASSES
(A) THE WORK-HANDLING OR PRODUCT-HANDLING CLASSES:
The placement of patents claiming method of, or apparatus
for, the handling of work for, or the product of, a deforming operation
and also claiming the deforming method or means will be in this
class unless the deforming method or means is not recited significantly.
In this connection, a step of deforming (in a method claim)
is considered significant even if it only indicates the type of
deformation, e.g., "rolling", "bending", "spinning".
On the other hand, a claimed step of handling to a named type of
deforming instrumentality, e.g., "rolling mill", "bending
brake", "spinning station", is not deemed
to set forth a significant deforming step and thus is proper for
a handling class. If however, such instrumentality is further identified
in terms of deforming function such as "three-high rolling
mill", "hot metal bending brake", "pattern-controlled spinning
station", such claimed terminology will import a significant
deforming step and warrant placement of a patent in Class 72.
In a claim directed to apparatus, examples of broadly recited
and not significant deforming means, which would permit original
placement of a patent in an appropriate handling class, include "rolling
mill", "working station", "forging
press", and similar terms; however, a significant relationship
of work-handling and deforming means would be proper for class (72),
such as "means to insert the billet into the upper pass
of a three-high rolling mill". The quoted phrases should
be considered as exemplary, not as all-inclusive.
Examples of classes directed to work-handling or product-handling
are listed in References to Other Classes, below.
(B) THE CLASSES RELATING TO TOOL DRIVING:
(1) This class (72) provides for patents claiming means for
driving a tool that is restricted, as disclosed, by its shape or
its tool-face or its composition to its function of deforming metal.
(2) Patents claiming a means for driving a tool which tool
is recited by name only (both in the claim(s) and in the specification),
will be placed in a class appropriate to the power source, transmission,
or the machine as disclosed.
(3) Among the classes directed to such latter driving means
are the following:
(C) CLASSES (OR PORTIONS OF CLASSES) PROVIDING FOR A TOOL OR
TOOLFACE, PER SE:
See References to Other Classes, below for examples of classes
directed to such subject matter.
OTHER CLASS RELATIONSHIPS
(A) CLASSES INCLUDING DEFORMING OF NONMETALS:
(1) Class 72 is the residual locus for the plastic deformation
of metallic work, (a) as simple metal stock or blanks, (b) in combination
with nonmetal, as in the case of metal and paper laminates, or (c)
as unspecified or unidentified material which appears by disclosure
to be metal (e.g., referred to as "ingot", "rail", "axle
blank"). The additional deformation of nonmetallic material (e.g.,
in a laminate or other composite work) will not bar placement of
a patent in this class.
(2) A claimed disclosure of deformation of a nonmetal only
is subject matter for another class. Typical classes are listed
in the References To Other Classes, below.
(B) CLASS 242, WINDING, TENSIONING, OR GUIDING
(1) With respect to winding, Class 72 and Class 242 contain
patents wherein work is disclosed as being held to a mandrel or
core and wound thereon due to interaction of (a) a force rotating
the core and (b) a force restraining the work to movement along
a course substantially tangent to the surface of the core or the
wound product.
Patents disclosing such forces applied to metal and claiming
use of a deflector closely adjacent the core will be placed originally
in Class 72 unless the specification clearly teaches that the metal
is not deformed or stressed beyond its elastic limit.
Patents disclosing such forces applied to metal, wherein the
restraining force is claimed in terms of means, or the use of means,
remote from the core for retarding movement of the work will be
placed originally in Class 72 only if the disclosure positively
teaches deformation or the metal.
(2) With respect to unwinding, a patent wherein metal is unwound
from a coil will be placed in Class 72 only if a claimed disclosure
teaches deformation or stress beyond the elastic limit, as by use
of a deflector* or tensioning means.
(C) CLASSES INCLUDING COMPACTING OF PARTICULATE MATERIAL:
The deformation of compacted particulate metal is not excluded
from Class 72, if the work material is in self-shape-sustaining state.
The Class 72 schedule affords eight basic fields of search,
as follows:
Class 72, subclasses 1-47, and 324 -342.96 for method or apparatus
including: (1) All claimed combinations of metal deforming with
selected extraneous treatments (e.g., descaling, cutting) which
are not, per se, excluded from the class and (2) Metal deforming
with selected perfecting features (e.g., indicator, random control
of stopping), which featured are deemed generally pertinent to any
type of metal deforming.
Class 72, subclasses 48-323, and 343-361 for method or apparatus
involving selected types of metal-deforming instrumentalities (e.g.,
by pressurized fluent medium, by plural relatively movable work-gripping clamps).
(1)
Note. This group includes some newly defined concepts in the
basic subject matter of the class for which there is no presently accepted
terminology. See the Art Term Index in Subclass References to the
Current Class, below, for additional entries to the schedule.
Class 72, subclasses 362-379.6 for residual metal-deforming
processes (e.g., coiling or twisting) including purely manipulative steps
or steps involving apparatus not provided for in preceding subclasses.
Class 72, subclasses 380-416 for essentially complete basic
apparatus of the class type. Recitation of tools or tool faces,
tool-moving or guiding means, and disclosure of specific work treatment
by the tools, is required for original placement in this group.
(1)
Note. A basic flat-platen press or flat-faced power hammer
and anvil is excluded from this group unless the claimed combination specifically
fits a subclass definition (e.g., a simple flat-platen press claimed
only as a bender or straightener for specifically shaped work may
possibly qualify as offset-tool-face apparatus for subclasses 380+; otherwise
it would be found in following group).
Class 72, subclasses 417-461 for apparatus subcombinations,
such as tool drivers or work handling means, of insufficient scope to
constitute complete metal-deforming devices; also, the flat-faced
power hammers and presses noted above.
Class 72, subclasses 462- 482.94 for tools and/or
tool holders.
(1)
Note. Some tools, such as a bridge-type extrusion die, are
classified in preceding groups, as subcombinations peculiar to specific
metal-deforming apparatus.
Class 72, subclass 483, for miscellaneous apparatus or nontool
element not provided for in preceding subclasses.
Class 72, subclasses 700 - 715 for cross-referenced material
relating to six concepts or commonly used terms which have not been
defined for Class 72. For instance, subclasses 700 and 705 relate
to particular kinds of workpieces. For these and other undefined
terms, see the Art Term Index in Subclass References to the Current
Class, below
ART TERM INDEX TO CLASS 72
The index in Subclass References to the Current Class, below,
is provided for convenience in locating certain types of metal-deforming
methods or apparatus according to key words in common usage.
Some keywords (e.g., Rolling) resemble defined Glossary terms,
below, but are here used in their popular or broader (often ambiguous)
sense.
Certain keywords represent subject matter formerly included
in abolished classes but excluded from Class 72. Pertinent classes for
such subject matter are:
Class 100, Press; Class 29, Assembling; Class 228, Welding
SECTION III - SUBCLASS REFERENCES TO THE CURRENT CLASS
Metal Working, for patented art involving metal deformation in combination
with assembly of plural members, and
subclass 700 under "SEARCH CLASS" (and see
reference to other classes in (5) Note).
Metal Working,
subclasses 284 through 25.42,inclusive; and subclasses 592+ particularly 592.1
through 899.1, inclusive. (directed to the manufacture of particular
products, see Classes of Article Making, above).
Textiles: Spinning, Twisting, and Twining, for patented art involving metal deformation in combination
with assembly of plural members,
subclasses 9 and 311 involving preforming of wire strands.
Machine Element or Mechanism, for patents claiming a means for driving a tool,
which tool is recited by name only (both in the claim(s) and in
the specification).
Presses,
subclasses 214+ having disclosures of reciprocating press construction
wherein the tool is a platen. See this class (100) for patents claiming
a means for driving a tool which tool is recited by name only (both
in the claim(s) and in the specification).
Wireworking,
subclasses 71 through 92.2, inclusive; and subclasses 3 through 57, inclusive.
(directed to the manufacture of particular products, see Classes
of Article Making, above).
Tool Driving or Impacting, having disclosures of a motion converting means
and/or hammer for driving a general-purpose tool. See this class
(100) for patents claiming a means for driving a tool which tool
is recited by name only (both in the claim(s) and in the specification).
Conveyors, Chutes, Skids, Guides, and Ways, except that a chute or other gravity conveyor combined
with a power-driven conveyor is found in Class 198, Conveyors: Power-Driven,
subclasses 311 , 359+, 523+, and others. (class directed
to work-handling or product-handling)
Conveyors: Power-Driven, particularly
subclasses 373+ for a conveyor having means for changing the attitude
of the conveyor load relative to the conveying direction. (class
directed to work-handling or product-handling).
Electric Heating, (for combination of metal deforming and electric
welding), for patented art involving metal deformation in combination with
assembly of plural members.
Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding, (also see the reference to Class 242 in OTHER CLASS RELATIONSHIPS,
above). (class directed to work-handling or product-handling).
Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, for patents claiming a means for driving a tool, which
tool is recited by name only (both in the claim(s) and in the specification).
Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,
subclasses 232+ having disclosures of pile-driver means, for patents
claiming a means for driving a tool, which tool is recited by name
only (both in the claim(s) and in the specification).
Material or Article Handling, in particular
subclasses 754+ where billet turnover devices can be found and
compare with those devices in Class 198, Conveyors: Power-Driven,
subclasses 373+. (class directed to work-handling or product-handling).
Powder Metallurgy Processes, appropriate subclasses for processes of forming
articles from particulate material including metal particles with
or without use of heat.
Threaded, Headed Fastener, or Washer Making: Process
and Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for methods and machines
for making bolt, screws, nuts, nails, rivets, and washers. (directed
to the manufacture of particular products, see Classes of Article
Making, above.)
Threaded, Headed Fastener, or Washer Making: Process
and Apparatus, for patented art involving metal deformation in
combination with assembly of plural members, appropriate subclasses
for methods and machines for making bolt, screws, nuts, nails, rivets,
and washers.
Planetary Gear Transmission Systems or Components, for patents claiming a means for driving a tool,
which tool is recited by name only (both in the claim(s) and in
the specification).
Manufacturing Container or Tube From Paper; or
Other Manufacturing From a Sheet or Web, for claimed disclosure of deformation of a nonmetal
only.
SECTION V - GLOSSARY
ANVIL
An undriven tool which, as disclosed, is designed and intended
to react against work with sufficient force to enable an operation
of the class type to be effected in some portion of the work.
(1)
Note. An undriven flat-faced tool is regarded as an "Anvil",
even though work of a specific shape may be deformed into flatness
against it.
ASSEMBLY
The act or operation of bringing into juxtaposition or contact
a plurality of preforms (self-shape-sustaining objects) and/or
joining said preforms, i.e., so treating one or more of them as
to restrict their relative mobility.
(1)
Note. The mere ordering, stacking, or piling of workpieces
prior to a metal-deforming operation thereupon, or the similar handling
of products, is not regarded as "Assembly" for
the purposes of this class.
AXIS-OF-BEND
That imaginary line used as a center about which the bending
of moving work occurs. For convenience in illustrating the application
of the term to the deformation of planiform work, three such axes
may be considered, all being related to the direction of work movement
and to the disposition of a planar nonthickness surface (see Figure
III-1). The three axes are defined as follows:
(A) X-Axis is a line both parallel to the direction of movement
of the work and parallel to a nonthickness surface thereof.
(B) Y-Axis is a line both perpendicular to the direction of
movement of the work (i.e., length) and perpendicular to a nonthickness
surface thereof.
(C) Z-Axis is a line both perpendicular to the direction of
movement of the work and parallel to a nonthickness surface thereof.
In the case of strand or rodlike work (i.e., wherein a cross
section taken transverse to its length shows substantially equal
width and thickness), corresponding or analogous axes are used for
convenience.
Figure III-2 shows the product partially bent around a Z-Axis
to form a transverse bend or the first convolution of a spiral coil.
Figure 111-3 shows the product bent around a Z-Axis and additionally
deflected along the Z-Axis-of-Bend, to form a helical-coil from
rod.
Figure III-4 shows the operation termed "levelling" wherein
each successive work portion is deflected in alternation about a
plurality or parallel Z-Axes, whereby each portion travels through
an undulating path.
Figure III-5 shows the side margins of the work bent around
the X-Axis to form a trough. Further bending of the side margins
obviously form a tube.
BLANK
A discrete piece of material which is intended to be
subjected to an operation of the class type.
BLANK HOLDER
A mechanism, incorporated in a metal-deforming device,
intended to grip a blank prior to and during deformation thereof.
(Often arranged to permit a desired amount of slippage of said blank
in response to the application of deforming force thereto, thereby
modifying the effect of the metal-deforming tools). See "Clamp".
CAVITY
(DIE CAVITY) A passageway closed at one end; a chamber
or blind hole having at least one work-shape-imposing portion of
closed perimeter definable in a plane normal to the direction of
relative motion of a co-acting tool or work forcer, or of the disclosed
flow of work. See "Orifice" and "Passageway".
CLAMP
(See "Work-Gripping Clamp" and compare "Blank Holder").
CLEAN
To loosen, separate, or remove from the surface of metal a
spot or layer of any substance generally distinguishable from the
work material without intended redimensioning of said material.
CLOSED DIE
A tool* which comprises a work-shape-imposing
orifice*, cavity*, or passageway*. (See
diagrams under subclasses 276, 327, 350, and 360 for examples of "Closed
Die").
COIL
The product of an operation in which work is bent so that
it surrounds an Axis-Of-Bend* through more than 360 degrees
of revolution. As used in this class, the operation involves moving
the work and progressively deflecting successive portions thereof
in the same general direction which is arcuate with respect to the
direction of movement of the work.
(1)
Note. To produce a SPIRAL-COIL, the work is bent by deflection
and wound, one convolution on a successive convolution, to form
a scroll of gradually increasing diameter.
(2)
Note. To produce a HELICAL-COIL, the work if deflected as
described above, but an additional deflection or diversion is imposed
on successive convolutions. The additional deflection is directed
along the Axis-Of-Bend*. The additional component of bend
is measured in terms of pitch, which term is used here in the same
sense as applied to a screw or helix.
CONTROL
To start, or to modify the operating condition of, any portion
of a work-treating or handling device
(1)
Note. "Stopping" is ordinarily regarded
as an aspect of "Control", but is separately treated
in this class in accordance with the class schedule. See subclasses
1+.
CUT
To separate any portion of a workpiece from any other portion
of the same workpiece by a step of machining (e.g., grinding, drilling,
boring, milling, planing), severing (e.g., breaking, sawing, slicing,
shearing), or by intrusion of a sharp-edged or pointed tool without removal
of material (e.g., stabbing, splitting, intrusive punching). See "Sever" and "Pierce".
DEFLECTOR
An element of instrumentality which engages successively
presented portions of moving work and forces said portions from
a first path of motion into a second and different path of motion.
(1)
Note. The "Deflector" may comprise a single
deflecting surface forcing all portions of work in a single direction,
or a plurality of elements acting differently upon different portions
of work.
DIE
A metal-deforming tool* which, as disclosed,
has a shaping or reshaping function with regard to the portion(s)
of work engaged by it.
(1)
Note. For the purposes of this class, a "Die" may
be regarded as a tool which leaves or impresses its characteristic
mark on the engaged face portion of work. The mark may be a three-dimensional
imprint of the die face (see "Tool Face"), or
may simply be the trace or track left by passage of the "Die" while
in forcible engagement with the work, with or without accompanying deformation
in other portions of the work. If the tool-engaged face of the work remains
unaltered in shape or position, the tool is regarded as an anvil*;
if altered in position only, the tool in question is a work-forcer*.
See "Anvil", "Closed Die". "Tool",
and "Work- Forcer".
FLYING TOOL
A tool*, other than a roller, having a tool
face which, as disclosed, engages and acts upon bodily moving work while
itself moving substantially in the same direction and at the same
speed as such work.
HOLLOW WORK
Material or article of indeterminate length having exterior
and interior surfaces extending in the length dimension; each surface,
as viewed in a cross section normal to the length dimension, showing
an unbroken periphery; the interior surface of which is intended
to be treated by a metal-deforming tool of limited length.
METAL
The material subjected to an operation of the class type; an
elemental metal or alloy of mixture thereof in self-shape-sustaining
state (i.e., not molten, gaseous, or powdered); metal as the term
is employed in Class 29, Metal Working, and Class 148, Metal Treatment.
ORIFICE
A closed perimeter opening or aperture extending directly
through the thickness of a plate or wall and constituting (1) the
mouth of a chamber, or (2) an interconnection between the regions
of space at either side of a plate or wall of substantial lateral
extent. A passageway* of such short length that it has
only one effective work-shape-imposing portion.
PASSAGEWAY
A conduit or path (especially for guiding and restraining the
plastic flow of metal), having at least one shape-imposing portion
of closed perimeter definable in a plane normal to the axis of the
conduit.
(1)
Note. A passageway is usually open at each end; the term may,
however be applied to a blind hole which, by disclosure, does not become
completely and forcibly filled with work during an operation of
the class type.
(2)
Note. A passageway is capable of imposing more than one shape
on work; it may be regarded as a sequence of orifices, e.g., for drawing
or extruding a twisted product of noncircular cross section.
PIERCE
To stab or penetrate by a pointed, conical, or wedgelike tool,
as distinguished from punching (shearing) by coacting-edged tools.
PLURAL TOOL SET
Three or more relatively movable tools* which
are effective in any combination to perform operations of the class
type on one or more discrete pieces of work, of which tools less
than the total number are in actual contact with the same piece
of work at the same time. For example: (1) tool couples* located
at spaced tool stations in a plural tool station machine, if they
act on distinct workpieces, or noncurrently on portions of integrally
connected work material, and (2) two movable tools alternately engaging
a workpiece resting upon an anvil, each tool retracting before the
other tool touches the work.
PRODUCT
The object or material after an operation of the class type
has been performed thereon.
(1)
Note. The "Product" of one operation is properly
denoted as "Work" for a subsequent operation.
ROLLER
A deforming instrumentality having a work- engaging, work-deforming
peripheral surface which is generated by a line revolving about
an axis, said instrumentality being disclosed as revolving about
said axis so that successive peripheral portions thereof cyclically
move into and out of contact with a work surface during deformation
of the work, relative movement occurring, during deformation, between
said axis and the work surface along a direction parallel to the
work surface, thereby producing a relative rolling motion between
the roller surface and the work surface as contrasted with sliding motion
(i.e., the surfaces move in the same direction at substantially
the same linear speed).
(1)
Note. The generating line of the peripheral surface may have
any continuous profile (e.g., straight, curved, or irregular), and
the line may have any desired inclination, other than at right angles,
relative to the axis. Thus, to be considered a "Roller",
any and all cross sections taken at right angles to the axis must
show a circular work-engaging periphery.
(2)
Note. A hollow member wherein the interior surface is generated
and used as described is also considered to be a "Roller".
(3)
Note. A plurality of tools rotatable about the same axis in
the same direction and at the same rotational speed is considered
to be a single "Roller" in the environment described
herein.
ROLLER CLUSTER
A group of three or more rollers* disposed relatively
to one another and to the work* such that the work passes between
the rollers with a peripheral surface portion of each roller engaging
a surface portion of the work, the engaged surface portions being
substantially coextensive in the direction of movement of the work,
and the rollers simultaneously deforming the work.
ROLLER COUPLE
A group of two coacting rollers* disposed opposite
one another such that work passes therebetween, the adjacent peripheral
surfaces of both rollers simultaneously engaging opposite sides,
or opposed surfaces portions, of the work passing between the rollers
and thus deforming that work.
ROLLER-LIKE TOOL
A deforming instrumentality having a work- engaging, work-deforming
tool surface with some, but not all, of the characteristics of a
roller*.
(1)
Note. Usually (a) the surface is generated by a line revolving
about an axis (thus the tool looks like a roller), but the relative movement
of the axis and work produces a sliding motion of tool surface relative
to work surface; or (b) the relative movement of the tool axis and
the work produces a rolling motion of tool surface on work surface
(thus the tool acts like a roller), but the surface is not formed
as a roller (e.g., the tool surface is rough, or gearlike, or recessed).
SEVER
To forcibly part or separate a discrete portion from
a body of material. See "Cut".
STOCK
A piece or an indeterminate length of material from which
a plurality of blanks* or products* may be made (usually
in linear sequence).
TOOL
A tangible instrumentality having a surface portion which
is designed and intended to engage or react against work with sufficient
force to effect an operation of the class type.
(1)
Note. A core, mandrel, anvil, or the like, which may be "passive" in
the sense of supplying only reaction force is included in this definition.
The tool may be either transitory or enduring; it may be destroyed
in a single use.
TOOL CARRIER
A device for holding a tool* (a) against the
force of gravity, and/or (b) in cooperative relationship
with another tool(s) or the work, and wherein the tool moves with
respect to the device. For example, a stationary axle on which a
roller* rotates is a "Tool Carrier" because
of the relative movement; however, a shaft to which a roller is
keyed so that both rotate together is not a carrier, whereas the
bearing in which the shaft rotates is a "Tool Carrier" in
this instance.
TOOL COMPLEX
Three or more relatively movable tools* which
are in simultaneous contact with the same work at some instant during
a metal-deforming operation.
(1)
Note. Typically, either all active tools are concurrently
actuated, or a tool couple deforms work and remains in contact therewith
while a third, fourth, etc., tool advances into deforming contact
with the thus restrained work.
(2)
Note. The deformation effected by a "Tool Complex" is
generally greater in degree and/or more elaborate in detail
than can be accomplished by repeated operations of a tool couple*,
or the successive strokes of a plural tool set*.
(3)
Note. A "Tool Complex" may accomplish two
or more seemingly distinct operations (e.g., simultaneously flanging
opposite edges of a sheet). In many such instances, some advantage
is gained over the use of plural tool sets (e.g., balanced forces
on work may permit the use of lighter clamping structure or the
elimination of a work-holding device, and the simultaneous tool actions
may enable closer control of dimensions).
TOOL COUPLE
Two tools which are so related in position and relative motion
that when both are engaged with the same work they cooperate to
effect an operation of the class type. See "Tool Complex".
TOOL FACE
The surface portion(s) of a tool body which actually engage
work at some time during an operation of the class type.
(1)
Note. "Tool Face" is distinguishable from supporting,
interconnecting, spacing, or surrounding surface portions which
do not engage work during normal or disclosed operation. Disclosure
of the tool operation is thus necessary for identification of the "Tool
Face" proper, as is consideration for placement in subclasses
380+ (offset tool faces) or subclasses 392+ (relatively
receding tool faces). (See diagram under subclass 386 for example
of a "Tool Face".)
TOOL HOLDER
A Device rigidly attached to a tool and effective to
support and/or to transmit actuating force thereto. See "Tool
Carrier".
TUBE
A pipe, hollow cylinder, or hollow rodlike member consisting
of a wall shaped in the form of a simple closed curve and extending
axially, providing a conduit throughout its length. The wall may
vary along its axial length in transverse dimensions and/or
shape.
WORK
The object or material which is intended to be subjected to
an operation of the class type. See "Blank".
WORK-FORCER
A driven tool which, as disclosed, has the function of forcibly
moving work against the resistance of another tool.
(1)
Note. If the tool also directly deforms the engaged face of
the work, it is specifically a die*.
WORK-GRIPPING CLAMP
An instrumentality having a plurality of opposed solid jaws
or surface elements which are made effective, by movement of one
or more of said jaws or surface elements, to grip a portion of work
frictionally and to hold it fixedly.
(1)
Note. Some form of clamp-actuating means is required; a so-called "self-gripping" clamp,
which closes upon work in response to initial movement of work,
is included.
(2)
Note. Blank holders or "clamps", which are intended
to allow controlled slippage of work during an operation, are excluded,
as constituting "Tools". See "Blank Holder".
WORK TREATMENT
Altering or actively maintaining some property, characteristic,
or condition of work. (Orientation or location of work, or juxtaposition
of plural pieces, is not considered to be a property, characteristic,
or condition for the purpose of this definition in this class).
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising apparatus including, or method
employing, means capable of bringing to a halt any or all of the
moving parts of a metal-deforming instrumentality, such means acting
in response to a condition or signal or impulse whose time of occurrence cannot
be predicted.
(1)
Note. Disclosure of a machine capable of stopping will not
be placed here as an original unless a claim particularly recites
such stopping as a result of an unplanned or unpredictable occurrence.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the halting of instrumentality operation
is the direct result of a willful act of an operative.
(1)
Note. The term "manual" includes the use
of any part of the body of the operative.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the halting of instrumentality operation
results from the sensing of a property or state of the work* or
product*.
(1)
Note. The term "property or state" includes
shape, size of presentation such as feed, presence, absence, or
attitude of the work or product.
This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Subject matter wherein the sensed property or state is an
abnormality in the work itself or in the presentation of work to
the machine, or an exhaustion in the supply of work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter wherein the work moves along a direction
coinciding with its dimension of greatest magnitude, and wherein
the sensed property or state is either (a) an interruption in work
movement (caused by breakage or exhaustion thereof), or (b) a snarl
or kink in the work.
WITH USE OF CONTROL MEANS ENERGIZED IN RESPONSE TO ACTIVATOR
STIMULATED BY CONDITION SENSOR:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including means, or a step of using means,
for (a) detecting any of the following characteristics: a state
or property, a change in a state or property, or the occurrence of
a predetermined event, in any of the following: the work*,
the product of a machine, the machine itself, any part of the machine,
or the environment of the machine affecting the operation thereof,
(b) initiating (as a direct result of such detection) a force or
impulse other than that generated or transmitted by the detecting means,
and (c) regulating or modifying (as a direct result of such initiation)
the operation of said machine.
(1)
Note. This definition requires a patent to claim at least
four instrumentalities (or the use thereof) for original placement herein.
One of these must be a metal-deforming machine or a device (e.g., work
feeder, work heater, product handler) necessary to the proximate
function of deforming metal. The other three are (a) a sensor (e.g.,
photocell system, trip lever, pressure diaphragm) to detect a condition
as stated in (a) of the definition, (b) an activator (e.g., an element
to make or break an electric circuit, a clutch, a valve) to cause
a release of energy more than, or different from, that accounted
for by mere change in condition (e.g., position or movement) of
the sensor while it is functioning, and (c) a controller (e.g.,
a motor or driver for said machine or device) to change or cause the
operation of said machine or device. Therefore, a cam follower (or
sensor) directly linked to a controller, whereby follower movement
directly effects controller movement, is not proper subject matter
for this subclass due to lack of an activator as defined. On the
other hand, disclosure of a cam follower that makes and breaks an
electrical circuit that energizes a motor, may be placed herein.
(2)
Note. A voluntary act of the person operating the machine
is not proper subject matter for this subclass. For example, disclosure
of an on/off switch on a metal-deforming machine manipulated by
an operative to start and/or stop the machine (even though
the switch initiates a release of energy), should be considered
for subclass 1, but is not classified herein.
(3)
Note. The machine that is regulated by the control means is
not limited to a work deforming machine of this class. It can be
another machine associated with the work deformer if the claim reciting the
other machine and work deformer is acceptable for original placement
into Class 72.
(4)
Note. The control system disclosed in the patents of this
and indented subclasses are similar in concept to control systems
of other classes, particularly Class 226, Advancing Material of
Indeterminate Length, and Class 83, Cutting. The total operations
and the claimed combinations are, of course, different, but the
control systems, per se, found in Classes 226 and 83 are usually
analogous to those herein, and may be applicable to the machines
of Class 72. In the "SEARCH CLASS" notes for the
subclasses indented hereunder, reference to this (4) Note indicated
that the other class and subclass should be considered because the
control system, per se, of a patent in the other class may be similar to
a control system, per se, of Class 72. The notes to Class 83, subclass
399 (which see), summarize all the subclasses in Class 83 pertaining
to "control" subclasses therein.
Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating:
Apparatus,
subclasses 135+ for apparatus to shape or reshape nonmetals combined
with control means responsive to, or actuated by, means sensing
or detecting a condition; see the search notes thereunder.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.1. Subject matter comprising a machine including, or method
employing, a roller* tool or a roller-like tool* to
deform work.
for deforming by relative rotation between a workpiece
and a tool, particularly subclass 75 for a spherical tool, subclasses
91+ for deforming by a roller or roller-like tool cooperating with
an opposing concave surface, subclasses 110+ for a roller
cluster, and subclass 124 for a roller cooperating with a work-spaced
tool.
for deflecting to deform metal which may include
use of a roller or roller-like tool, particularly subclasses 162+ for "levelling" by
use of relatively-inclined successive rollers, subclasses 178+ for "troughing" by
use of a roller cluster, subclasses 179+ and 182 for use
of a roller couple.
Metal Fusion Bonding,
subclass 158 for rolling of metal parts combined with independent
fusion bonding of the parts; and subclass 243 for simultaneous rolling
and fusion bonding of the parts.
Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating:
Apparatus,
subclasses 363+ for a press forming or press reshaping means for
nonmetal including an endless (e.g., roll, etc.) forming surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.2. Subject matter including using a separate device inserted
into, attached to, or applied to, the machine, and detecting physical
characteristics of the device to control the operation of the machine.
for a sensor which regulates a removable auxiliary
record to responsively regulate a deforming machine other than one
which deforms by a roller or roller-like tool.
Cutting,
subclasses 76.1+ , for cutting with use of a control means responsive
to a replaceable information program. Also, see (4) Note under the definition
of Class 72, subclass 6.1.
This subclass is indented under subclass 7.1. Subject matter including using (a) multiple detecting means
to discern a corresponding number of characteristics, or (b) a single detecting
means to discern multiple characteristics; in either case, then
comparing the characteristics and generating a resultant impulse representing
the similarities or differences between the detected characteristics,
whereby the regulating means governs the machine in accordance with
the resultant impulse to correct incipient errors in the machine
or to maintain operation of the machine.
This subclass is indented under subclass 7.2. Subject matter including using a contoured guide engaged
by a traversing follower connected to a metal deforming tool such
that the tool follows a path identical to the contours of the guide
as the tool engages the work for deformation thereof.
(1)
Note. The term "pattern" (in the title) refers
to a model or prototype insertable into and removable from the machine and
having a shape or configuration exactly similar or proportional
to the shape or configuration of the desired product. A cam or eccentric
or other object which is distorted with respect to the desired product
is not considered to be a pattern, and disclosures of such objects
may be found in other subclasses appropriate to the deformer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 7.2. Subject matter including detecting a characteristic of the
work* for, or the product* of, the machine.
(1)
Note. Sensing a "Blank Holder"* or
a work* holder is included herein.
(2)
Note. A deforming tool* is not considered to be a "detector";
therefore, detecting a tool* in direct engagement with
the work is not considered to be detecting the "work or
product" for placement in this subclass.
Cutting,
subclasses 79+ , 211, 286+, 358+, and 360+ for
a control system responsive to work for, or product of, a cutting
machine, and see (4) Note under the definition of Class 72, subclass
6.1.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length,
subclasses 10+ for a control system responsive to work for feeding the
work, and see (4) Note under the definition of Class 72, subclass
6.1.
This subclass is indented under subclass 7.4. Subject matter including moving the work in a given direction,
and detecting the extent of the work at right angles to such direction.
(1)
Note. This subclass includes patents disclosing the measurement
of work thickness by electrostatic, magnetic, or radiant energy
(e.g., "X-ray") detecting means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.2. Subject matter including using (a) multiple detecting means
to discern a corresponding number of characteristics, or (b) a single detecting
means to discern multiple characteristics; in either case, then
comparing the characteristics and generating a resultant impulse representing
the similarities or differences between the detected characteristics,
whereby the regulating means governs the machine in accordance with
the resultant impulse to correct incipient errors in the machine
or to maintain operation of the machine.
This subclass is indented under subclass 8.1. Subject matter including use of structure having an impressible
media capable of holding data which is part of the instrumentality
for engaging the work for deforming, or is fixedly attached thereto.
This subclass is indented under subclass 8.1. Subject matter including detecting a characteristic of the
work* for, or the product* of, the machine.
(1)
Note. Sensing a "Blank Holder"* or
a work* holder is included herein.
(2)
Note. A deforming tool* is not considered to be a "detector";
therefore, detecting a tool* in direct engagement with
the work is not considered to be detecting the "work or
product" for placement in this subclass.
Cutting,
subclasses 79+ , 211, 286+, 358+, and 360+ for
a control system responsive to work for, or product of, a cutting
machine, and see (4) Note under the definition of Class 72, subclass
6.1.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length,
subclasses 10+ for a control system responsive to work for feeding the
work, and see (4) Note under the definition of Class 72, subclass
6.1.
This subclass is indented under subclass 8.3. Subject matter including detecting a characteristic of the
work* for the machine and detecting a characteristic of
the product* of the same machine.
This subclass is indented under subclass 8.3. Subject matter including (a) detecting the lateral movement
of a flexible portion of an elongated workpiece or (b) detecting
the degree of tautness in an elongated workpiece.
(1)
Note. A typical disclosure found in this subclass comprises
a system including two rolling mills through which the work passes
sequentially. In the space between the rolling mills, the work is
engaged by a detecting means urged against the work along a line
substantially at right angles to the direction of work movement.
The position of said means along that line indicates the tautness
of the work passing between the mills, and this position is used
to control the tautness.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length,
subclass 44 for a "dancer" controlling feed
of material, and see (4) Note under the definition of Class 72,
subclass 6.1.
This subclass is indented under subclass 8.6. Subject matter including detecting the degree of tautness
in an elongated workpiece at different lateral locations perpendicular
to the length of the workpiece.
This subclass is indented under subclass 8.3. Subject matter including moving the work in a given direction,
and detecting the extent of the work at right angles to such direction.
(1)
Note. This subclass includes patents disclosing the measurement
of work thickness by electrostatic, magnetic, or radiant energy
(e.g., "X-ray") detecting means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 8.9. Subject matter wherein the work includes a greater and a
lesser lateral dimension and wherein the detecting discerns the
planar characteristic of one of the greater surfaces.
This subclass is indented under subclass 8.9. Subject matter wherein the work includes a greater and a
lesser lateral dimension and wherein the detecting discerns the
extent of the lesser dimension.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9.2. Subject matter including detecting to discern the extent
of the lesser dimension near the lateral margin of the work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9.2. Subject matter including use of a source of radiation and
a detector responsive to that radiation to determines the extent
of the lesser dimension by the amount of radiation reaching the
detector.
This subclass is indented under subclass 8.3. Subject matter including detecting a condition of a tool* or
of a machine element connected to the tool for movement therewith.
(1)
Note. Original placement of a patent in this subclass requires
that the machine element partakes of tool movement, either directly
or proportionately, whether the element is fixed to the tool or
connected thereto by a linkage.
This subclass is indented under subclass 8.1. Subject matter including detecting a condition of a tool* or
of a machine element connected to the tool for movement therewith.
(1)
Note. Original placement of a patent in this or a subclass
indented hereunder requires that the machine element partakes of
tool movement, either directly or proportionately, whether the element is
fixed to the tool or connected thereto by a linkage.
This subclass is indented under subclass 10.1. Subject matter including used of detecting means which discerns
rotational force applied to the tool or tool-linked part.
This subclass is indented under subclass 10.4. Subject matter including use of a first detecting means
responsive to a condition of a work engaging portion of the rolling
tool and including use of a second detecting means along the rotational
axis of the rolling tool.
(1)
Note. The second detecting means of this subclass may also
be responsive to a work engaging portion of the roll or may be responsive
to condition at one of the roll chocks (bearings).
This subclass is indented under subclass 10.4. Subject matter wherein force is effected on the rolling
tool by hydraulic pressure, and wherein the sensor is responsive
to that hydraulic pressure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 10.1. Subject matter including detecting the location of the tool
with respect to the cooperating tool, to thereby establish the size
of the work passage between the tools.
This subclass is indented under subclass 10.8. Subject matter including terminating a portion of the operation
until a stimulation is made by a person operating the subject matter.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.2. Subject matter including detecting a characteristic of the
work* for, or the product* of, the machine.
(1)
Note. Sensing a "Blank Holder"* or
a work* holder is included herein.
(2)
Note. A deforming tool* is not considered to be a "detector";
therefore, detecting a tool* in direct engagement with
the work is not considered to be detecting the "work or
product" for placement in this subclass.
Cutting,
subclasses 79+ , 211, 286+, 358+, and 360+ for
a control system responsive to work for, or product of, a cutting
machine, and see (4) Note under the definition of Class 72, subclass
6.1.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length,
subclasses 10+ for a control system responsive to work for feeding the
work, and see (4) Note under the definition of Class 72, subclass
6.1.
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.1. Subject matter including using (a) multiple detecting means
to discern a corresponding number of characteristics, or (b) a single detecting
means to discern multiple characteristics.
(1)
Note. The detecting means fitting part (a) of this definition
differ from those of subclass 8.1 in that those of this subclass are
not necessarily related, nor is a comparison made between the impulses
generated thereby. The detecting means fitting part (b) of this
definition may, for example, detect the leading and the trailing
edges of a workplace, or detect the presence of, and the temperature
of, a workplace.
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.2. Subject matter including (a) detecting the lateral movement
of a flexible portion of an elongated workpiece or (b) detecting
the degree of tautness in an elongated workpiece.
(1)
Note. A typical disclosure found in this subclass comprises
a system including two rolling mills through which the work passes
sequentially. In the space between the rolling mills, the work is
engaged by a detecting means urged against the work along a line
substantially at right angles to the direction of work movement.
The position of said means along that line indicates the tautness
of the work passing between the mills, and this position is used
to control the tautness.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length,
subclass 44 for a "dancer" controlling feed
of material, and see (4) Note under the definition of Class 72,
subclass 6.1.
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.2. Subject matter including moving the work in a given direction,
and detecting the extent of the work at right angles to such direction.
(1)
Note. This subclass includes patents disclosing the measurement
of work thickness by electrostatic, magnetic, or radiant energy
(e.g., "X-ray") detecting means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.6. Subject matter wherein the work includes a greater and a
lesser lateral dimension and wherein the detecting discerns the
planar characteristic of one of the greater surfaces.
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.6. Subject matter wherein the work includes a greater and a
lesser lateral dimension and wherein the detecting means discerns
the extent of the lesser dimension.
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.8. Subject matter including detecting to discern the extent
of the lesser dimension near the lateral margin of the work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.2. Subject matter including detecting a condition of a tool* or
of a machine element connected to the tool for movement therewith.
(1)
Note. Original placement of a patent in this or a subclass
indented hereunder requires that the machine element partakes of
tool movement, either directly or proportionately, whether the element is
fixed to the tool or connected thereto by a linkage.
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.1. Subject matter including (a) detecting the lateral movement
of a flexible portion of an elongated workpiece or (b) detecting
the degree of tautness in an elongated workpiece.
(1)
Note. A typical disclosure found in this subclass comprises
a system including two rolling mills through which the work passes
sequentially. In the space between the rolling mills, the work is
engaged by a detecting means urged against the work along a line
substantially at right angles to the direction of work movement.
The position of said means along that line indicates the tautness
of the work passing between the mills, and this position is used
to control the tautness.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length,
subclass 44 for a "dancer" controlling feed
of material, and see (4) Note under the definition of Class 72,
subclass 6.1.
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.3. Subject matter wherein the detector engages the work with
sufficient force to stress the work beyond its elastic limit.
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.1. Subject matter including sensing the device for causing
material to move into or away from the metal deforming device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.1. Subject matter including moving the work in a given direction,
and detecting the extent of the work at right angles to such direction.
(1)
Note. This subclass includes patents disclosing the measurement
of work thickness by electrostatic, magnetic, or radiant energy
(e.g., "X-ray") detecting means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.7. Subject matter including use of a detector means, an initiator,
and a regulator which governs or causes the operation of the metal deforming
device as the immediate result of detecting the lateral extent of
the work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.2. Subject matter including detecting a variation in the power
required to drive a deforming tool*.
(1)
Note. Compare the subject matter of this subclass with that
of subclasses 28.1+. A patent for these subclasses discloses
a detecting means (e.g., a solenoid in this subclass or a pressure-responsive
diaphragm in the indented subclass 20) that discerns an overload
or change in load of electrical or hydraulic pressure, whereas a
patent for subclasses 28.1+ lacks a clearly evident detecting
means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13.1. Subject matter including using (a) multiple detecting means
to discern a corresponding number of characteristics, or (b) a single detecting
means to discern multiple characteristics.
(1)
Note. The detecting means fitting part (a) of this definition
differ from those of subclass 8.1 in that those of this subclass are
not necessarily related, nor is a comparison made between the impulses
generated thereby. The detecting means fitting part (b) of this
definition may, for example, detect the leading and the trailing
edges of a workplace, or detect the presence of, and the temperature
of, a workplace.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13.1. Subject matter wherein the tool is driven by a pneumatic
or hydraulic system including detecting the force per unit of area
in that system.
(1)
Note. Compare the subject matter of this subclass with that
of subclasses 28.2+. A patent for these subclasses discloses
a detecting means (e.g., a solenoid in this subclass or a pressure-responsive
diaphragm in the indented subclass 20) that discerns an overload
or change in load of electrical or hydraulic pressure, whereas a
patent for subclasses 28.1+ lacks a clearly evident detecting
means.
for a metal deforming machine that uses a roller
or roller-like tool and a self regulating control system utilizing
electrical or hydraulic energy. See (1) Note above.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.2. Subject matter including detecting a condition of a tool* or
of a machine element connected to the tool for movement therewith.
(1)
Note. Original placement of a patent in this or a subclass
indented hereunder requires that the machine element partakes of
tool movement, either directly or proportionately, whether the element is
fixed to the tool or connected thereto by a linkage.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13.4. Subject matter including regulating the succession of function
or movement of one or more operating assemblages.
(1)
Note. The term "operating assemblage", is
intended to include a tool, or any element or group of elements,
acting together, which performs an action or produces an effect
upon the work or product; or which causes a tool movement necessary
to deformation of the work; or which is ancillary to a deforming
instrumentality.
(2)
Note. This subclass is the locus of patents disclosing control
of a sequence of operations or movements of a single operating assemblage.
For example, a disclosure wherein a tool advances toward and retracts
from the work, under control of switches positioned at the limits
of travel of the tool, would be placed herein. See subclasses below
for control of different mechanisms.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13.5. Subject matter including regulating the functioning of at
least two disparate operating assemblages.
(1)
Note. See (1) Note under subclass 13.5 for an explanation
of "operating assemblage".
(2)
Note. This subclass is the locus of patents disclosing control
of a sequence of operations performed by different operating assemblages
responsive to a tool. For example, a device wherein a metal-deforming
tool strikes a limit switch causing a cutter to cut the product
of the tool, and/or causing a handler to discharge the
product from the machine, would be found in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13.6. Subject matter including using (a) multiple detecting means
to discern a corresponding number of characteristics, or (b) a single detecting
means to discern multiple characteristics.
(1)
Note. The detecting means fitting part (a) of this definition
differ from those of subclass 8.1 in that those of this subclass are
not necessarily related, nor is a comparison made between the impulses
generated thereby. The detecting means fitting part (b) of this
definition may, for example, detect the leading and the trailing
edges of a workplace, or detect the presence of, and the temperature
of, a workplace.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13.6. Subject matter including regulating an operating assemblage
which moves, guides, or affects the motion of work* or
product*.
for a metal deforming machine, generally, with sensing
of a tool or tool-linked part of different operating assemblages
including work or product handling.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13.4. Subject matter including using (a) multiple detecting means
to discern a corresponding number of characteristics, or (b) a single detecting
means to discern multiple characteristics.
(1)
Note. The detecting means fitting part (a) of this definition
differ from those of subclass 8.1 in that those of this subclass are
not necessarily related, nor is a comparison made between the impulses
generated thereby. The detecting means fitting part (b) of this
definition may, for example, detect the leading and the trailing
edges of a workplace, or detect the presence of, and the temperature
of, a workplace.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13.4. Subject matter provided with a mechanism to prevent movement
of an element or a portion of a machine, and further provided with
a device for disabling the movement-preventing mechanism, comprising
regulating the disabling device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13.4. Subject matter comprising terminating or tending to terminate
the operation in response to a predetermined position of a tool.
(1)
Note. This subclass (is not intended to include, for original
placement, a patent claiming an operation wherein a cam surface
(on or linked to a tool) directly causes movement of a clutch element
to disengage a tool from its drive. Such patent lacks the teaching
of an initiating means, and will be placed on the basis of the deforming
structure and found in this subclass (26) only as a cross-reference.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14.4. Subject matter including detecting the pressure on the tool
by use of a detector responsive to liquid head.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.2. Subject matter including regulating the functioning of at
least two disparate operating assemblages.
(1)
Note. The term "operating assemblage", is
intended to include a tool, or any element or group of elements,
acting together, which performs an action or produces an effect
upon the work or product; or which causes a tool movement necessary
to deformation of the work; or which is ancillary to a deforming
instrumentality.
(2)
Note. This subclass is the locus of rolling to deform including
control of a sequence of operations performed by different operating
assemblages except those responsive to tool movement (for which
see subclasses 13.6+).
for rolling to deform metal including control of
a sequence of operations performed by different operating assemblages
including those responsive to tool movement; and see (2) Note above.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.2. Subject matter including regulating the member that deforms
work by diverting a portion thereof as it passes by.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.1. Subject matter including using a separate device inserted
into, attached to, or applied to, the machine, and detecting physical
characteristics of the device to control the operation of the machine.
Cutting,
subclasses 76.1+ for cutting with use of a control means responsive
to a replaceable information program. Also, see (4) Note under the definition
of Class 72, subclass 6.1.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14.8. Subject matter including using (a) multiple detecting means
to discern a corresponding number of characteristics, or (b) a single detecting
means to discern multiple characteristics; in either case, then
comparing the characteristics and generating a resultant impulse representing
the similarities or differences between the detected characteristics,
whereby the regulating means governs the machine in accordance with
the resultant impulse to correct incipient errors in the machine
or to maintain operation of the machine.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14.9. Subject matter including use of structure having an impressible
media capable of holding data which is part of the instrumentality
for engaging the work for deforming, or is fixedly attached thereto.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14.9. Subject matter including using a contoured guide engaged
by a traversing follower connected to a metal deforming tool such
that the tool follows a path identical to the contours of the guide
as the tool engages the work for deformation thereof.
(1)
Note. The term "pattern" (in the title) refers
to a model or prototype insertable into and removable from the machine and
having a shape or configuration exactly similar or proportional
to the shape or configuration of the desired product. A cam or eccentric
or other object which is distorted with respect to the desired product
is not considered to be a pattern, and control disclosures of such
objects may be found in other subclasses appropriate to the deformer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14.9. Subject matter including detecting a characteristic of the
work* for, or the product* of, the machine.
(1)
Note. Sensing a "Blank Holder"* or
a work* holder is included herein.
(2)
Note. A deforming tool* is not considered to be a "detector";
therefore, detecting a tool* in direct engagement with
the work is not considered to be detecting the "work or
product" for placement in this subclass.
Cutting,
subclasses 79+ , 211, 286+, 358+, and 360+ for
a control system responsive to work for, or product of, a cutting
machine, and see (4) Note under the definition of Class 72, subclass
6.1.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length,
subclasses 10+ for a control system responsive to work for feeding the
work, and see (4) Note under the definition of Class 72, subclass
6.1.
This subclass is indented under subclass 15.3. Subject matter including moving the work in a given direction,
and detecting the extent of the work at right angles to such direction.
(1)
Note. This subclass includes patents disclosing the measurement
of work thickness by electrostatic, magnetic, or radiant energy
(e.g., "X-ray") detecting means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.1. Subject matter including using (a) multiple detecting means
to discern a corresponding number of characteristics, or (b) a single detecting
means to discern multiple characteristics; in either case, then
comparing the characteristics and generating a resultant impulse representing
the similarities or differences between the detected characteristics,
whereby the regulating means governs the machine in accordance with
the resultant impulse to correct incipient errors in the machine
or to maintain operation of the machine.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16.1. Subject matter including detecting a characteristic of the
work* for, or the product* of, the machine.
(1)
Note. Sensing a "Blank Holder"* or
a work* holder is included herein.
(2)
Note. A deforming tool* is not considered to be a "detector";
therefore, detecting a tool* in direct engagement with
the work is not considered to be detecting the "work or
product" for placement in this subclass.
Cutting,
subclasses 79+ , 211, 286+, 358+, and 360+ for
a control system responsive to work for, or product of, a cutting
machine, and see (4) Note under the definition of Class 72, subclass
6.1.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length,
subclasses 10+ for a control system responsive to work for feeding the
work, and see (4) Note under the definition of Class 72, subclass
6.1.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16.2. Subject matter comprising use of detecting means responsive
to the capability of the work* or product* when
subjected to its intended use.
(1)
Note. Included herein is a deforming device for shaping an
aircraft wing wherein air is passed over the wing to determine turbulence
generated thereby, and wherein the deforming device is modified
accordingly.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16.2. Subject matter including detecting a characteristic of the
work* for the machine and detecting a characteristic of
the product* of the same machine.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16.2. Subject matter including (a) detecting the lateral movement
of a flexible portion of an elongated workpiece or (b) detecting
the degree of tautness in an elongated workpiece.
(1)
Note. A typical disclosure found in this subclass comprises
a system including two rolling mills through which the work passes
sequentially. In the space between the rolling mills, the work is
engaged by a detecting means urged against the work along a line
substantially at right angles to the direction of work movement.
The position of said means along that line indicates the tautness
of the work passing between the mills, and this position is used
to control the tautness.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length,
subclass 44 for a "dancer" controlling feed
of material, and see (4) Note under the definition of Class 72,
subclass 6.1.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16.2. Subject matter including moving the work in a given direction,
and detecting the extent of the work at right angles to such direction.
(1)
Note. This subclass includes patents disclosing the measurement
of work thickness by electrostatic, magnetic, or radiant energy
(e.g., "X-ray") detecting means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16.8. Subject matter wherein the work includes a greater and a
lesser lateral dimension and wherein the detecting discerns the
extent of the lesser dimension.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16.2. Subject matter including detecting a condition of a tool* or
of a machine element connected to the tool for movement therewith.
(1)
Note. Original placement of a patent in this or a subclass
indented hereunder requires that the machine element partakes of
tool movement, either directly or proportionately, whether the element is
fixed to the tool or connected thereto by a linkage.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16.1. Subject matter including detecting a condition of a tool* or
of a machine element connected to the tool for movement therewith.
(1)
Note. Original placement of a patent in this or a subclass
indented hereunder requires that the machine element partakes of
tool movement, either directly or proportionately, whether the element is
fixed to the tool or connected thereto by a linkage.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.1. Subject matter including detecting a characteristic of the
work* for, or the product* of, the machine.
(1)
Note. Sensing a "Blank Holder"* or
a work* holder is included herein.
(2)
Note. A deforming tool* is not considered to be a "detector";
therefore, detecting a tool* in direct engagement with
the work is not considered to be detecting the "work or
product" for placement in this subclass.
Cutting,
subclasses 79+ , 211, 286+, 358+, and 360+ for
a control system responsive to work for, or product of, a cutting
machine, and see (4) Note under the definition of Class 72, subclass
6.1.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length,
subclasses 10+ for a control system responsive to work for feeding the
work, and see (4) Note under the definition of Class 72, subclass
6.1.
This subclass is indented under subclass 17.3. Subject matter including using (a) multiple detecting means
to discern a corresponding number of characteristics, or (b) a single detecting
means to discern multiple characteristics.
(1)
Note. The detecting means fitting part (a) of this definition
differ from those of subclass 8.1 in that those of this subclass are
not necessarily related, nor is a comparison made between the impulses
generated thereby. The detecting means fitting part (b) of this
definition may, for example, detect the leading and the trailing
edges of a workplace, or detect the presence of, and the temperature
of, a workplace.
This subclass is indented under subclass 18.1. Subject matter including detecting a characteristic of the
work* for the machine and detecting a characteristic of
the product* of the same machine.
This subclass is indented under subclass 18.1. Subject matter including (a) detecting the lateral movement
of a flexible portion of an elongated workpiece or (b) detecting
the degree of tautness in an elongated workpiece.
(1)
Note. A typical disclosure found in this subclass comprises
a system including two deforming mills through which the work passes
sequentially. In the space between the mills, the work is engaged by
a detecting means urged against the work along a line substantially
at right angles to the direction of work movement. The position
of said means along that line indicates the tautness of the work
passing between the mills, and this position is used to control
the tautness.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length,
subclass 44 for a "dancer" controlling feed
of material, and see (4) Note under the definition of Class 72,
subclass 6.1.
This subclass is indented under subclass 18.1. Subject matter including moving the work in a given direction,
and detecting the extent of the work at right angles to such direction.
(1)
Note. This subclass includes patents disclosing the measurement
of work thickness by electrostatic, magnetic, or radiant energy
(e.g., "X-ray") detecting means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 18.6. Subject matter wherein the work includes a greater and a
lesser lateral dimension and wherein the detecting discerns the
planar characteristic of one of the greater surfaces.
This subclass is indented under subclass 18.6. Subject matter wherein the work includes a greater and a
lesser lateral dimension and wherein the detecting discerns the
extent of the lesser dimension.
This subclass is indented under subclass 18.1. Subject matter including detecting a condition of a tool* or
of a machine element connected to the tool for movement therewith.
(1)
Note. Original placement of a patent in this or a subclass
indented hereunder requires that the machine element partakes of
tool movement, either directly or proportionately, whether the element is
fixed to the tool or connected thereto by a linkage.
This subclass is indented under subclass 17.3. Subject matter including (a) detecting the lateral movement
of a flexible portion of an elongated workpiece or (b) detecting
the degree of tautness in an elongated workpiece.
(1)
Note. A typical disclosure found in this subclass comprises
a system including two deforming mills through which the work passes
sequentially. In the space between the mills, the work is engaged by
a detecting means urged against the work along a line substantially
at right angles to the direction of work movement. The position
of said means along that line indicates the tautness of the work
passing between the mills, and this position is used to control
the tautness.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length,
subclass 44 for a "dancer" controlling feed
of material, and see (4) Note under the definition of Class 72,
subclass 6.1.
This subclass is indented under subclass 19.2. Subject matter wherein the detector engages the work with
sufficient force to stress the work beyond its elastic limit.
This subclass is indented under subclass 17.3. Subject matter wherein the detector senses the device for
causing material to move into or away from the metal deforming device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 17.3. Subject matter including
moving the work in a given direction, and detecting the extent of
the work at right angles to such direction.
(1)
Note. This subclass includes patents disclosing the measurement
of work thickness by electrostatic, magnetic, or radiant energy
(e.g., "X-ray") detecting means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 19.6. Subject matter including use of a detector means, an initiator,
and a regulator which governs or causes the operation of the metal deforming
device as the immediate result of detecting the lateral extent of
the work.
for a metal deforming machine that uses a roller
or roller-like tool, controlling the cross sectional dimension of
the work or product directly by the sensor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.1. Subject matter including detecting a variation in the power
required to drive a deforming tool*.
(1)
Note. Compare the subject matter of this subclass with that
of subclasses 28.1+. A patent for these subclasses discloses
a detecting means (e.g., a solenoid in this subclass or a pressure-responsive
diaphragm in the indented subclass 20) that discerns an overload
or change in load of electrical or hydraulic pressure, whereas a
patent for subclasses 28+ lacks a clearly evident detecting
means.
for a metal deforming machine, which uses a roller
or roller-like tool, including use of a sensor responsive to energy
input to the tool or tool driver.
This subclass is indented under subclass 19.8. Subject matter wherein the tool is driven by a pneumatic
or hydraulic system including detecting the force per unit of area
in that system.
(1)
Note. Compare the subject matter of this subclass with that
of subclasses 28.1+. A patent for these subclasses discloses
a detecting means (e.g., a solenoid in this subclass or a pressure-responsive
diaphragm in the indented subclass 20) that discerns an overload
or change in load of electrical or hydraulic pressure, whereas a
patent for subclasses 28.1+ lacks a clearly evident detecting
means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.1. Subject matter including detecting a condition of a tool* or
of a machine element connected to the tool for movement
(1)
Note. Original placement of a patent in this or a subclass
indented hereunder requires that the machine element partakes of
tool movement, either directly or proportionately, whether the element is
fixed to the tool or connected thereto by a linkage.
This subclass is indented under subclass 20.1. Subject matter including regulating the succession of function
or movement of one or more operating assemblages.
(1)
Note. The term "operating assemblage", is
intended to include a tool, or any element or group of elements,
acting together, which performs an action or produces an effect
upon the work or product; or which causes a tool movement necessary
to deformation of the work; or which is ancillary to a deforming
instrumentality.
(2)
Note. This subclass is the locus of patents disclosing control
of a sequence of operations or movements of a single operating assemblage.
For example, a disclosure wherein a tool advances toward and retracts
from the work, under control of switches positioned at the limits
of travel of the tool, would be placed herein. See subclasses below
for control of different mechanisms.
for sensing a tool or tool-linked part to control
a predetermined sequence of operating movements in metal deforming
by use of a roller or roller-like tool.
This subclass is indented under subclass 20.2. Subject matter including regulating the functioning of at
least two disparate operating assemblages.
(1)
Note. See (1) Note under subclass 20.2 for an explanation
of "operating assemblage".
(2) Note. This subclass is the locus of patents disclosing
control of a sequence of operations performed by different operating
assemblages responsive to a tool. For example, a device wherein
a metal-deforming tool strikes a limit switch causing a cutter to
cut the product of the tool, and/or causing a handler to discharge
the product from the machine, would be found in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 20.3. Subject matter including using (a) multiple detecting means
to discern a corresponding number of characteristics, or (b) a single detecting
means to discern multiple characteristics.
(1)
Note. The detecting means fitting part (a) of this definition
differ from those of subclass 8.1 in that those of this subclass are
not necessarily related, nor is a comparison made between the impulses
generated thereby. The detecting means fitting part (b) of this
definition may, for example, detect the leading and the trailing
edges of a workplace, or detect the presence of, and the temperature
of, a workplace.
(2)
Note. The detecting means fitting part (a) of this definition
differ from those of subclass 16.1 in that those of this subclass
are not necessarily related, nor is a comparison made between the
impulses generated thereby. The detecting means fitting part (b)
of this definition may, for example, detect the leading and the
trailing edges of a workplace, or detect the presence of, and the
temperature of, a workplace.
This subclass is indented under subclass 20.3. Subject matter including regulating an operating assemblage
which moves, guides, or affects the motion of work* or
product*.
for a metal deforming machine, which uses a roller
or roller-like tool, with sensing of a tool or tool-linked part
of different operating assemblages including work or product handling.
This subclass is indented under subclass 20.1. Subject matter including using (a) multiple detecting means
to discern a corresponding number of characteristics, or (b) a single detecting
means to discern multiple characteristics.
(1)
Note. The detecting means fitting part (a) of this definition
differ from those of subclass 8.1 in that those of this subclass are
not necessarily related, nor is a comparison made between the impulses
generated thereby. The detecting means fitting part (b) of this
definition may, for example, detect the leading and the trailing
edges of a workplace, or detect the presence of, and the temperature
of, a workplace.
This subclass is indented under subclass 20.1. Subject matter provided
with a mechanism to prevent movement of an element or a portion of
a machine, and further provided with a device for disabling the
movement-preventing mechanism, comprising regulating the disabling
device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 20.1. Subject matter comprising terminating or tending to terminate
the operation in response to a predetermined position of a tool.
(1)
Note. This subclass (is not intended to include, for original
placement, a patent claiming an operation wherein a cam surface
(on or linked to a tool) directly causes movement of a clutch element
to disengage a tool from its drive. Such patent lacks the teaching
of an initiating means, and will be placed on the basis of the deforming
structure and found in this subclass (26) only as a cross-reference.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.1. Subject matter provided with a plurality of diverse operating
assemblages wherein the regulating means governs the functioning
of the various operating assemblages.
(1)
Note. The term "operating assemblage", is
intended to include a tool, or any element or group of elements,
acting together, which performs an action or produces an effect
upon the work or product; or which causes a tool movement necessary
to deformation of the work; or which is ancillary to a deforming
instrumentality.
(2)
Note. This subclass is the locus of deforming including control
of a sequence of operations performed by different operating assemblages
except those responsive to tool movement (for which see subclass
20.3).
for metal deforming including control of a sequence
of operations performed by different operating assemblages including
those responsive to tool movement; and see (2) Note above.
WITH USE OF SELF REGULATING CONTROL SYSTEM UTILIZING ELECTRICAL
OR HYDRAULIC ENERGY:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising apparatus including, or method
employing, at least two devices that deform work, each device being driven
or governed by a motor powered either by fluid under pressure or
by electricity, but in either case from a source of power common
to all the motors, wherein the operation of one such motor is regulated
or modified by a change (including an incipient change) in the power
demand or operating condition of another such motor, thereby changing
(or tending to change) the ratio of power supplied to each motor.
(1)
Note. Compare the subject matter of this and the indented
subclasses (28.1+) with that of subclasses 13.1+ and
19.8+. In a device of this subclass, back pressure (in a
hydraulic motor) or back electromotive force (in an electrical motor)
as the agency to govern the operation of another such motor, whereas
a device or subclasses 13.1+ and 19.8+, clearly teaches
use of a detecting means to sense a condition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 28.1. Subject matter comprising apparatus including, or method
employing, a roller* tool or a roller-like tool* to
deform work.
for deforming by relative rotation between a workpiece
and a tool, particularly subclass 75 for a spherical tool, subclasses
91+ for deforming by a roller or roller-like tool cooperating with
an opposing concave surface, subclasses 110+ for a roller
cluster, and subclass 124 for a roller cooperating with a work-spaced
tool.
for deflecting to deform metal which may include
use of a roller or roller-like tool, particularly subclasses 162+ for "levelling" by
use of relatively-inclined successive rollers, subclasses 178+ for "troughing" by
use of a roller cluster, subclasses 179+ and 182 for use
of a roller couple.
Metal Fusion Bonding,
subclass 158 for rolling of metal parts combined with independent
fusion bonding of the parts; and subclass 243 for simultaneous rolling
and fusion bonding of the parts.
Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating:
Apparatus,
subclasses 363+ for a press forming or press reshaping means for
nonmetal including an endless (e.g., roll, etc.) forming surface.
WITH STOPPING UPON COMPLETION OF PRESCRIBED OPERATION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising apparatus including, or method
employing, one or more parts of a machine that are brought to a
halt after the machine or the part has finished its intended action.
(1)
Note. This subclass is not intended as the repository for
all devices that include cessation of machine operation. Only a patent
including a claim which clearly indicates machine stoppage after
the completion of an intended operation is included herein as an "original".
This subclass is indented under subclass 30.1. Subject matter comprising apparatus including, or method
employing, a roller* tool or a roller-like tool* to
deform work.
for deforming by relative rotation between a workpiece
and a tool, particularly subclass 75 for a spherical tool, subclasses
91+ for deforming by a roller or roller-like tool cooperating with
an opposing concave surface, subclasses 110+ for a roller
cluster, and subclass 124 for a roller cooperating with a work-spaced
tool.
for deflecting to deform metal which may include
use of a roller or roller-like tool, particularly subclasses 162+ for "levelling" by
use of relatively-inclined successive rollers, subclasses 178+ for "troughing" by
use of a roller cluster, subclasses 179+ and 182 for use
of a roller couple.
Metal Fusion Bonding,
subclass 158 for rolling of metal parts combined with independent
fusion bonding of the parts; and subclass 243 for simultaneous rolling
and fusion bonding of the parts.
Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating:
Apparatus,
subclasses 363+ for a press forming or press reshaping means for
nonmetal including an endless (e.g., roll, etc.) forming surface.
WITH INDICATION OF CONDITION OR POSITION OF WORK, PRODUCT,
OR MACHINE ELEMENT (E.G., BROKEN TOOL ALARM, ETC.):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising a step of, or means for visibly,
audibly, or tacitly signaling information related to a physical
state or location of the work, a product, or component of a manufacturing
means of this class.
(1)
Note. This subclass (31.01) is the locus of patents directed
to means for or method of signaling the occurrence of a give condition
(e.g., absent or misaligned work, etc.) associated with a device
or operation of the class type. The signal is generally of the off
or on type; if measurement or counting is involved, the combination
should be placed in the subclasses indented hereunder.
(2)
Note. The provision of a gauge, mark, or scale on a machine
table, against which the work is to be laid for direct measurement,
comparison, or placement for an operation of the class type, is
not deemed an "indicator" for this subclass; similarly,
the step of visual inspection (for length, straightness, etc.) is
not deemed detection or indication for this subclass. A patent claiming
any of the above-noted features would be placed on the basis of
its other claimed subject matter.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31.01. Subject matter wherein the information relates to a deviation
of deformation of the work from its intended deformation by an operation
of this class.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31.02. Subject matter wherein the work comprises a member having
two ends separated by a distance substantially longer than the girth
thereof and the intended deflection between said two ends is zero.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31.01. Subject matter wherein the work comprises a hollow or solid
elongate cylinder having a longitudinal axis and the information
relates to the deflection of said cylinder perpendicular to said
axis.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31.01. Subject matter wherein the work comprises a hollow elongate
cylinder having a cross section perpendicular to the length thereof
and the information relates to a change in girth of the cross section
without substantially altering the shape thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31.01. Subject matter including a tool having a generally circular
cross section which defines a peripheral edge which acts upon the
work while simultaneously rotating about an axis passing through
the cross section.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31.07. Subject matter including a pair of peripheral edge acting
tools which simultaneously act in opposite directions upon the work
and wherein the information relates to the relative degree of separation
between the tools.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31.07. Subject matter including means for orienting or locating
the work moveable in relation thereto with respect to the tool and
wherein the information relates to the location or orientation of the
work with respect to the tool.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31.01. Subject matter including means for creasing or folding the
work about an axis without substantially altering dimensions of
the work in a direction normal to the axis of the crease or fold.
(1)
Note. Simple bending may include the application of plural
creases about plural distinct axes.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31.10. Subject matter wherein the means for creasing or folding
the work is moveable in a direction normal to the surface of the
work simultaneous with the creasing or folding operation and wherein
the information relates to the distance the creasing or folding
means is moveable.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31.10. Subject matter including means for abutting an edge of the
work to locate the work with respect to the creasing or folding
means and wherein the information relates to the location or orientation
of the abutting means with respect to the tool.
(1)
Note. The abutting means of this subclass positively engages
the work for fixing the position at which the tool will act thereon.
WITH USE OF OPTICAL OR TRANSPARENT (E.G., VIEWING) MEANS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising the step of, or means for, utilizing
the production, transmission, reflection, or refraction of visible
light rays in combination with a step of, or means for, deforming
metal.
(1)
Note. A mere opening or recess in a machine housing to permit
visual inspection of work or tool condition is not deemed "optical
means" within the scope of the subclass definition; a transparent
window material, or a lamp, mirror, lens, etc., is regarded as "optical means" for
the purposes of this subclass.
WITH EXPOSURE OF WORK TO GAS, VAPOR, MIST, OR MODIFIED
ATMOSPHERE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising a step of, or means for, the subjecting
of work to the action of a gas or gaseous suspension of material, including
air under other than ordinary ambient or atmospheric conditions,
or the removal or exclusion of air from contact with work, prior to
or during an operation of the class type.
(1)
Note. This subclass is the locus of patents directed to (a)
passive means, such as air locks, seals, etc., for preventing contact
of work with air before or during a metal-deforming operation, or
(b) active means such as suction pump, etc., for evacuating a work-containing
chamber, or (c) nozzles, ducts, etc., for supplying any gaseous
element, mixture, or suspension (including hot, cold, or compressed
air).
WITH CLEANING, DESCALING, OR LUBRICATION OF WORK OR PRODUCT:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising a step of, or means for, performing
one or more of the following operations upon the material which
is the subject of metal deformation (i.e., the work material), before,
during, or after the deforming operation: (a) separation or removal
from the surface of work material of any or all substances which
may be present thereon as a spot or film of undesired material generally
distinguishable from the work material per se, or (b) application
of a substance to work material or to an element of a metal-deforming
device, which substance is claimed or disclosed as an agent for
reducing friction between forcibly engaged surfaces of work material
and said device.
(1)
Note. Subject matter involving the application of gas, vapor,
mist, or modified atmosphere to work, prior to or during deformation,
is placed in preceding subclass 38, regardless of specific effects thereof
such as cleaning, lubrication, descaling, etc.
(2)
Note. The grinding or machining of scale or oxide from work
material is regarded as cleaning or descaling for this subclass, if
there is no claimed redimensioning of the work material by the removal
of metal.
(3)
Note. The term "lubrication" is limited for
the purposes of this subclass to the application of a lubricating
substance; other arrangements which may be claimed for reducing
friction or tool wear (e.g., by joggings, ultrasonic vibration,
etc.) are treated as perfecting features of the specific type of
deforming process or apparatus concerned.
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Subject matter comprising a step of, or means for, effecting
engagement of work material with solid substance with sufficient
force to remove or facilitate removal of scale, dirt, or other undesired
substance from the surface of the work material.
(1)
Note. The solid substance may be a specific cleaning tool,
such as a scraper or brush, or it may be an abrasive medium as in
sandblasting, or contact with other work as in tumbling, or a metal
deforming tool (and see (2) Note below).
(2)
Note. The claimed removal of scale by deflection or deformation
of work material, as in stretching, hammering, or edge rolling,
is subject matter for this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Subject matter comprising a step of, or means for, the application
to work material of a substance which is claimed or disclosed as
an agent for reducing friction or tool wear (i.e., a lubricant).
(1)
Note. For placement in this subclass, a patent must be directed
to lubrication of work material; this may be accomplished by applying
lubricant to a tool before or during its engagement with work. Lubrication
of machine parts generally is excluded from this subclass.
(2)
Note. In the absence of more definitive terms, the reference
to "oil", or to the reduction of friction or wear,
is regarded as defining a lubricant for this subclass. The application
of water or an aqueous solution, with no reference to lubrication,
is proper subject matter for subclass 39 above.
Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating:
Apparatus,
subclasses 90+ for apparatus to shape or reshape non-metals combined
with a means to apply a coating (e.g., parting, etc.) material to
the work or work contact means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter wherein the lubricating substance is particularly
specified, as by chemical formulation or by recitation of a name
which identifies a single chemical organization, such as "water" or "caustic
potash".
(1)
Note. Generic terms such as "oil, glass, metal, fluid",
etc., are not included here, but a descriptive species thereof is
(e.g., "palm oil"). The term "soap" is
arbitrarily considered to be specific, and when used as lubricant
is classified here.
Solid Anti-Friction Devices, Materials Therefor,
Lubricant or Separant Compositions for Moving Solid Surfaces, and
Miscellaneous Mineral Oil Compositions, for a lubricating composition, per se.
This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Device comprising structure effective to cause movement
or flow of the lubricating medium (e.g., wick, roller).
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Device comprising means to develop pressure in the lubricant
prior to its contact with the work or tool.
(1)
Note. This subclass contains all systems for lubricating work
material where a force, other than that acting on the work or tool,
is required to transfer the lubricant.
(2)
Note. The term "force" for the purposes of
this subclass excludes the force of gravity.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising a step of, or means for, the application
of plastic or liquid material to work as a coherent film, cover,
or spot, prior to or during an operation of the class type, which
material or residue thereof is disclosed as remaining on the surface
of the work, at least until said operation has been completed.
(1)
Note. This subclass is the locus of patents directed to metal
deformation preceded by the application of molten, plastic, or liquid
substance to all or a portion of the surface of work, provided that
the substance or a residual part thereof remains on the work as
a distinguishable layer, at least throughout the deforming operation,
or as a more or less durable coating. Water may thus constitute
a "coating" for this subclass.
(2)
Note. The coating may be applied by brushing, spraying, casting,
molding, etc., or by any technique other than attachment of a preform
(a self-sporting shape), which latter constitutes "assembly" for
Class 29, Metal Working.
286, 342, and 364, for a disclosure of temperature
maintenance or modification of work material which may involve application
of fluent material as a heating or cooling agent.
Metal Working, appropriate subclasses for process or apparatus for assembly
of objects (preforms) not elsewhere classified, particularly
subclasses 527.1+ for (a) process of casting and deforming a metal
workpiece, (b) a process involving deforming and coating plus additional
treatments excluded from this class, and (c) process involving casting
or coating subsequent to deformation.
Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating:
Apparatus,
subclasses 90+ for apparatus to shape or reshape nonmetals combined
with means to apply a coating to the work or work-contacting surfaces.
Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy,
subclasses 192.12+ for glow discharge sputter deposition (e.g., cathode
sputtering to deposit a metal coating, etc.), subclasses 194+ for electrolytic
apparatus (e.g., used for electroplating, etc.), and subclasses 298.02+ for
sputter coating apparatus (e.g., used to deposit a metal coating, etc.).
Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein,
and Methods of Preparing the Compositions,
subclasses 80+ for electrolytic coating (e.g., electroplating,
etc.).
BY TOOL COUPLE PRESSING TOGETHER ADJACENT SURFACE PORTIONS
OF SAME WORK (E.G., TUBE SEAMER):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including a tool couple* for, or
a step of using a tool couple for, joining (i.e., securing one to
another) two or more juxtaposed margins, parts of the face, or edges
of a single piece of work.
(1)
Note. A claimed tool couple will be identified with particularity
sufficient to meet the requirements of this subclass if a claim
recites any of the following: (a) the nature of the workpiece or
the
product (e.g., two margins or portions of a workpiece are
locked or pressed together, or the product formed is a tube or pipe),
the characteristics of which product indicate that a tool couple formed
the product; or (b) the function of a machine (e.g., seaming rollers,
operating as a tool couple, to unite a tube seam by pressure); or
(c) the structure of the parts of a tool couple whose sole disclosed
use is the uniting of two margins of a single workpiece.
(2)
Note. This subclass does not accept patents claiming apparatus
for assembling or for welding; see section VI, A of this class for
the locus of patents claiming such operations.
Metal Fusion Bonding,
subclasses 15.1+ for tube-seaming apparatus involving welding; and
subclasses 144+ for a process of forming a tube from a
one-piece blank and welding the seam.
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Subject matter wherein a tool couple joins together the
margins of a piece of work that has been deformed into a helical
coil having adjacent side margins, whereby the product formed is
a conduit or pipe having a helical joint.
(1)
Note. Usually the helical coil is deflected by structure which,
per se, is found in subclasses 135+ (which see) and an additional
deformation is imposed on the work (either before, during, or after
coiling) to change the cross-sectional shape thereof so that the
adjacent margins will associate intimately to form a helical seam.
The illustrations below (in the Figure accompanying this note) exemplify only
a few of the various forms of seam disclosed in the art.
This subclass is indented under subclass 49. Subject matter wherein the tool couple includes one or more
rollers* to form the joint, and wherein a cross section
of the joint at the zone of formation complements (i.e., fits into)
the cross-section of the roller(s) at that zone.
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Subject matter wherein a tool couple joins together the
margins of a piece of work that has been made by deforming metal
having thickness, width, and length dimensions, the length being
appreciably greater than the thickness of the width, so that side
margins parallel to the length contact one another, whereby the
product formed is a conduit or pipe having a joint parallel to the
length.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Subject matter wherein the work is moved along its length
dimensions as the joint is deformed.
(1)
Note. Usually the work is a web and is deformed by structure
which, per se, is found in subclasses 176+ and an additional
deformation is imposed on the adjacent margins, after the troughing
or skelping of the work, to form the seam.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising a step of, or means for, the forcible
propulsion of discrete particles against a surface portion of work
with random timing and trajectories.
(1)
Note. The particles may be propelled by any means, including
air or water jets.
(2)
Note. The operation is usually termed "shotblasting" or
more properly "shot peening", but is sometimes
named for the desired effect in a particular case, e.g., hardening,
sizing, upsetting, enlarging, etc. Any such teaching of metal deformation,
whether or not accompanied by abrasion, is proper subject matter for
this subclass. Process or apparatus for burnishing a work surface,
by shotblasting or other means, is classifiable in Class 29 as indicated
below.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising a step of, or means for, effecting
mechanical treatment of metal work by (a) the conduction of pressurized
fluent material in gaseous, liquid, plastic, or random particulate
form into engagement with a portion of the surface or work and/or
the development of pressure in fluent material while it is engaged
with work, or (b) the direction of electric, magnetic, or radiant
energy toward work in such manner as to induce mechanical accelerating
force therein.
(1)
Note. Fluid or "fluent material" within the
scope of the subclass definition comprises compressed air or gas,
any liquid, any readily deformable plastic substance (which may
be a soft metal), any granular or particulate material which is handled
as a fluid during the deforming operation (i.e., is confined and
subjected to pressure without regard to the position or motion of
any specific particle thereof). A configured tool, on the other hand,
such as a roller faced with soft rubber, is regarded as a flexible
tool for subclass 465.1+. (Operations with such a tool
may be found in subclasses 166+).
(2)
Note. The fluent material may be confined in or by a diaphragm
or bag of deformable material, or within a hollow workpiece.
(3)
Note. The subclass definition, part (b) is intended to embrace
the process of, or apparatus for, deforming metal by the application
of heat thereto while the workpiece is held under suitable restraint.
(Melting or specific heat treatment, is excluded from this class,
(72).)
for deformation of metal by an actuated tool, the
operation being modified, supplemented, or assisted by pressurized
fluid (e.g., as a plastic core within hollow work).
Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
subclass 586 for workpieces deformable by the application of
a fluent medium, e.g., which embody stop-weld material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Subject matter including a step of, or means for, cutting* the
material which is the subject of deformation.
(1)
Note. See Relationship to Combination Classes in the Class
Definition for a discussion of included and excluded deforming and
cutting combinations.
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Subject matter utilizing (a) a pressure surge or repeated
pulsations of pressure in the fluent material to develop a localized,
transient, or traveling force sufficient to deform work, or (b)
an electric, magnetic, or radiant energy field effective to accelerate
work sufficiently to accomplish deformation thereof.
(1)
Note. For placement in this subclass, the combination must
include means for, or method of, generating and/or releasing the
energy required to produce deformation.
(2)
Note. This subclass is the locus for placement of patents
directed to the use of explosives or pulsating devices to energize
work-contacting fluid, or the use of a transient, high-intensity
electromagnetic field for inducing accelerating currents in work;
or to the application of heat for buckling or bending suitably restrained
work, etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Subject matter wherein a rigid instrumentality is moved
against the work with deforming force.
(1)
Note. For placement in this subclass, a patent must relate
to the deformation of metal by means of a driven rigid tool or work-mover,
which operation is modified by, supplemented by, or is in addition
to, metal deformation by direct engagement of work with fluent material.
(2)
Note. Examples of combinations for this or indented subclasses
are:
(a)
An actuated die forces work against a thick, soft, rubber
cushion.
(b)
A bending press deforms pipe which has been filled or packed
with sand or plastic material to prevent collapse of the pipe wall.
(c)
A multi-tool-station machine has fluent tool means at one
station.
(d)
Plural method steps comprise at least one deformation of work
by actuated tool and one by fluent material.
(e)
A punch-and-die set includes one tool face having a rubber
insert engageable with the work and yieldable with respect to adjacent
tool face portions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 57. Subject matter comprising a step of, or means for, the forcible
engagement of pressurized fluent material with the interior surface
of work, at least a portion of which has a closed periphery cross-section
so that upon deformation of the work the interior area of said cross-section is
enlarged.
(1)
Note. In many instances, the actuated tool engages an end
of a tubular workpiece to upset to work while simultaneously trapping
and imparting pressure to fluid within the work. See Fig. B in appended
diagram.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Subject matter comprising a step of, or means for, the formation
of two or more axially spaced, substantially identical, annular
enlargements in cylindrical work.
(1)
Note. For placement in this subclass, a patent should be directed
to the combination of actuated tool means and internal fluid pressure
means so disposed as to produce a series of substantially similar
annular ridges and grooves in tubular work; at least two spaced
enlargements of similar form and size distinguishes "corrugating" from
the more general inflating or expanding operations of the preceding
subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Subject matter comprising a step of, or means for, limiting
or restraining the movement of work subjected to deforming force
by passive or stationary work-shape-imposing structure.
(1)
Note. Compare Die* in the Glossary; for this subclass
the die should be undriven and should have a definite shaping or reshaping
effect on the engaged work.
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