Class Definition for Class 177

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CLASS 177,	WEIGHING SCALES
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This class provides for (1) scales that determine the weight of articles or material, (2) the control of the supply of material to, with or without the discharge from, a weigh chamber responsive to accumulation of a predetermined weight of the material in the weigh chamber.

SECTION II - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

40,	Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, subclass 458 for a changeable exhibitor operated or controlled by a weigher.
73,	Measuring and Testing, subclass 296 for a weighing type liquid level gauge, and 433+, for specific gravity or density determination with a weighing feature. See the notes to Class 73 for the distribution of measuring and testing art.
131,	Tobacco, subclasses 280+ for automatic weighers controlling the feed of tobacco to cigar or cigarette machines.
137,	Fluid Handling, subclasses 161 and 162 for a gravitating vessel controlling a fluid pressure system and subclasses 403+ for a fluid handling system controlled by the weight accumulated fluid.
141,	Fluent Material Handling, With Receiver or Receiver Coacting Means, appropriate subclasses for a weigher-receiver organization with handling in addition to supplying or removing receivers, or treatment subsequent to completion of a weighing phase, particularly subclass 83 for mere determination of weight of contents of a receiver.
164,	Metal Founding, subclass 155.7 for a metal casting apparatus including control means influenced by a weight sensor.
194,	Check-Actuated Control Mechanisms, for check controlled weighing scale subclass 339 for the rejection of coins of improper weight.
198,	Conveyors: Power-Driven, subclass 959 for a conveyor having a weighing feature wherein there is some moving of the material besides that necessary to the weighing operation.
209,	Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids, subclasses 510+ , 592+, and 645+ for means for automatically sorting articles by weight, and subclass 239 for sifting with weighing.
212,	Traversing Hoists, subclass 283 for a traversing hoist with a weighing means which accomplishes more than the mere lifting and weighing of the load.
222,	Dispensing, subclass 55 for constant feed from a dispenser responsive to the weight of unrestrained material already discharged, subclass 58 for means responsive to the weight of material in a container for controlling its discharge, and subclass 77 for weighing-dispensing combinations involving means to weigh material already dispensed.
346,	Recorders, subclass 94 for a recorder operated by a weigher wherein there is included only so much of the weigher as is necessary to operate the recorder.
366,	Agitating, subclass 18 for mortar mixing devices including means for proportioning ingredients by weight, and subclass 141 for agitation with weighing.
374,	Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclass 14 for thermal gravimetric analysis.
406,	Conveyors: Fluid Current, subclasses 23+ and 32+ for a fluid current conveyor including a weighing feature wherein there is some movement of the material besides that necessary to the weighing operation.
414,	Material or Article Handling, subclass 21 for weighing with handling of that class more than that necessary to the weighing operation.
700,	Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific Applications, subclass 305 for weight responsive computer control system.
702,	Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing, subclasses 101+ for weight calibration or correction system, and subclasses 173+ for weight measurement system.
705,	Data Processing: Financial, Business Practice, Management, or Cost/Price Determination, subclass 407 , for a postage meter system including (a) a weighing device to determine the weight of an article and (b) an electrical computing arrangement to calculate a postage fee based on the determined weight; and subclasses 414+, for determining the cost per unit weight of a material by an electrical computing arrangement.
D10,	Measuring, Testing, or Signalling Instruments, subclasses 87+ for design of weighing machines.

SUBCLASSES

1	PROCESSES:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Processes.

[List of Patents for class 177 subclass 2]

WITH RECORDER:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including means for making a permanent record of the weighing operation.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

346,	Recorders, subclasses 9+ and 40 for a recorder for a weigher.

3	With computing or totalizing means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Apparatus including means for totalizing the amount measured or for producing a record in units other than of mass or force.

4	With recording of a factor additional to weight:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Apparatus wherein a record other than of the weight value is produced.

5	Weight identification:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Apparatus wherein the additional record is of other information associated with the material weighed.

6	Of both gross and tare on one record receiver:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Apparatus whereby records of tare and gross weight are associated.

7	Responsive to means sensing removal of material:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Apparatus wherein the recorder is actuated by means sensing removal of the weighed mass or its weigh chamber.

8	With record receiver advance:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Apparatus including means whereby the record receiver is advanced through the recorder.

9	By weigher:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Apparatus wherein the means is the weigher.

10	External marker operator:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Apparatus wherein the weight record is made by an independently operating operator.

11	Recorder element mounted on poise:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Device wherein an element of the recorder is mounted on a slidable poise.

12	Responsive to timer, or completion of weighing operation:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Apparatus wherein the recorder is actuated by timing means or means sensing the completion of the weighing operation.

13	Weigher sets type:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Apparatus including weigher operated means setting record printing type.

14	SELECTIVELY PRESET CYCLE FLOW TERMINATOR:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus provided with means to limit the number of filling and discharging cycles of the weigher.

[List of Patents for class 177 subclass 15]

WITH TOTAL REGISTER:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus including a counting or totalizing device.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

3,	for totalizing and recording.

16	Integrator of steadily flowing fluent material:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Apparatus wherein the quantity of material flowed over a weigher is totalized by a means relating the continuous weigher reading to the material stream length.

17	Of distinct successive loads:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Apparatus including means for adding together successive distinct weight value indications.

18	Cycle totalizer:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Apparatus which is responsive to the number of times the weigher is operated.

[List of Patents for class 177 subclass 19]

Single totalizer operated by plural weighers:

This subclass is indented under subclass 18. Apparatus wherein the totalizer is responsive to each of a plurality of weigh chambers.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

17,	for totalizing the weight value of successive loads.

20	By preliminary translation of rotary weighers:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Apparatus wherein operation of the totalizer is preceded by preliminary translation of the weighing chambers in a rotary type weigher.

21	By intermittently used one of plural weighers:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Apparatus wherein the totalizer is responsive to one of a plurality of weigh chambers said one being intermittently involved in a plurality of weighing operations.

22	Weigh beam operated:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18. Apparatus operated by the oscillations of a weigh beam.

23	Discharge valve operated:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18. Apparatus operated by movement of a weigh chamber discharge valve.

24	Weigh chamber operated:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18. Apparatus operated by movement of a weigh chamber.

25.11

Computer:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus comprising means which gives the result of a mathematical operation involving the weight evaluator.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

700,	Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific Applications, subclass 305 for weight control.
702,	Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing, subclasses 101+ for calibration of weight measurement data or apparatus, subclass 129 for article count or size distribution by weight and subclasses 173+ for a generic weight measurement system.
705,	Data Processing: Financial, Business Practice, Management, or Cost/Price Determination, subclass 407 , for a postage meter system including (a) a weighing device to determine the weight of an article and (b) an electrical computing arrangement to calculate a postage fee based on the determined weight;and subclasses 414+, for determining the cost per unit weight of a material by an electrical computing arrangement.

25.12	Electrical:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 25.11. Apparatus where the mathematical operation is performed by an electrical or electronic devices.

25.13	Digital:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 25.12. Apparatus where the electrical or electronic devices performs the mathematical operation using discrete data, (e.g., by means of a microprocessor or other electronic calculating means, acquired through an analog to digital conversion means).

25.14	Multiplying or dividing scales:
	Apparatus under 25.13 where the mathematical operation includes multiplying or dividing the results of a weighing operation by user determined input(s).

25.15	Price:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 25.14. Apparatus where the user input is unit price information, used to determined the total cost of the material being weighed (e.g., grocery store or postage scales).

25.16	Calorie counting:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 25.14. Apparatus where the user input is information relating to the caloric content of food stuffs being weighed.

25.17	Counting:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 25.14. Apparatus where the user input is unit weight information to enable the number of articles being weighed to be determined from the total weight of the articles.

25.18	Combinatorial scales:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 25.13. Apparatus where increments of weight are determined by one or more weighers, deposited in hoppers and combined in various ways to obtain a combination which most closely approaches a target value.

25.19	Weight history:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 25.12. Apparatus where the device maintains a memory of previous weight value for an individual, object, class of objects or a sum of serial increments of fluent material.

26	Computer and weigher independently operated by common load holder:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 25.11. Apparatus wherein a load holder is connected to evaluating structure optionally operable to separately weigh or to separately give a computed value of the load.

27	Weighing beam dial and computing beam dial with separate poises:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 26. Apparatus including separate slidable poises on diversely calibrated balance beams.

28	Separately pivoted beams:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Apparatus wherein the weighing dial and the computing dial are on separate beams having separate pivots.

29	Tabular-type computer:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Apparatus wherein the calibrations on one of the diversely calibrated beams comprises a chart.

30	Ancillary weigher:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 25.11. Apparatus in which a weight responsive structure, additional to the weigher, positions a datum scale relative to the path of the weight evaluating member of the weigher or modifies the response of the indicator elements to the weight evaluator.

31	Independent computer scale and index:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 25.11. Apparatus comprising a datum scale and index independent of the weigher scale and index.

32	With adjustable linkage to weight offsetting means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Apparatus having an adjustable structure driving the computer reading structure from the load force offsetting means.

33	Coaxial pointers:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Apparatus in which the driven computer reading structure includes a pointer that is mounted coaxially with a weigher pointer.

34	Tabular-type computer:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 25.11. Apparatus comprising a plurality of diverse datum scales showing results calculated from certain data including a weight evaluation.

35	Slidable poise moves table:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Apparatus wherein a slidable poise portions the chart.

36	Weigher moves table:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Apparatus wherein the chart is moved by the weight sensor.

37	Rotatable drum:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Apparatus in which the chart is in the form of a rotatable drum.

38	With manually operated reading assistance:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Apparatus including a member moved manually over the face of the chart to pick out or expose a section thereof.

39	With additional reading window in drum housing:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Apparatus including oppositely disposed reading windows in the drum casing.

40	Encased disc:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Apparatus wherein the chart is a flat circular plate enclosed in a housing.

41	Externally movable table:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Apparatus wherein the chart is externally movable relating to the path of the pointer of the weigher.

42	Axially rotatable:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Apparatus wherein the chart is rotatable about a longitudinal axis.

43	Calibrated index arm:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Apparatus wherein the chart is traversed by a weigher driven arm having calibrations correlated with datum scales on the chart.

44	Table integral with balance beam:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Apparatus in which the chart extends along a balance arm carrying a slidable poise.

[List of Patents for class 177 subclass 45]

WITH ALARM OR SIGNAL:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus with means to audibly or visually convey information in addition to that of the regular weigher indicator.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

40,	Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, subclass 458 for a changeable exhibitor operated or controlled by a weigher.
340,	Communications: Electrical, subclass 666 for a weight operated electrical alarm.

46	In unbalance:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Apparatus wherein a signal or indicator is given when the load differs from the desired datum or preset i.e., just before the balance of a beam overload.

47	In balance:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Apparatus which indicates the attainment of the desired datum or preset.

48	Electric:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Apparatus wherein the signal or indication is given electrically.

49	Of additional counterpoise:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Apparatus relating to the operative presence of additional counterpoise.

50	WITH TESTING:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus wherein a test is performed.

[List of Patents for class 177 subclass 51]

Coin size:

This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Apparatus having a size gauging structure.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

73,	Measuring and Testing, subclass 163 for miscellaneous coin testing and see the search notes in the definition of that subclass.

[List of Patents for class 177 subclass 52]

WITH CONVEYING MEANS HANDLING SUCCESSIVE RECEIVERS:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus having means by which the movement of a series of removable containers relative to a filling and weighing station is correlated with the weighing operation.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

141,	Fluent Material Handling, With Receiver or Receiver Coacting Means, subclasses 129+ for handling successive receivers in a relation other than correlated with a weighing operation.
209,	Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids, subclasses 510+ , 592+, and 645+ for means for automatically sorting articles by weight.
414,	Material or Article Handling, subclass 21 for material handling devices wherein there is some moving of the material besides that incidental to the weighing operation.

53	Receiver presence responsive:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Apparatus wherein a receiver in filling position on the conveying means controls operation of the weigher.

54	Rotary:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Apparatus wherein a rotary conveyor transports the receivers to the filling means.

55	Separate weigh chamber:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Apparatus wherein the receiver on the conveyor is subsequently filled from a distinct priorly operated weigh chamber.

56	Separate weigh chamber:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Apparatus wherein the receiver on the conveyor is subsequently filled from a distinct priorly operated weigh chamber.

57	Simultaneously operated weigh chambers:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 56. Apparatus wherein a plurality of weighing means operate simultaneously.

58	PLURAL WEIGHERS ON ROTARY SUPPORT:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus having a plurality of weighers carried in a circular path by rotating supporting means.

59	DISCHARGE FROM WEIGHER TO RECEIVER:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus including means for delivering a load from a weigh chamber to a removable container.

[List of Patents for class 177 subclass 60]

WEIGHER RESPONSIVE MATERIAL CONTROL:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus wherein a weigh chamber actuates material supply control means.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

137,	Fluid Handling, subclasses 403+ for liquid level control by weight of accumulated liquid.
209,	Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids, subclasses 510+ , 592+, and 645+ for means for automatically sorting articles by weight.
222,	Dispensing, subclass 58 for a dispenser having means responsive to the weight of material in the supply container for controlling its discharge.

61	Translatable among plural sources:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 60. Apparatus wherein a weigh chamber is translated among a plurality of feeding sources.

62	Remote discharge station:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 60. Apparatus wherein a discharge station is remote from the filling station.

63	With additional material-presence responsive means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 60. Apparatus including additional means responsive to the presence of material, e.g., regulators.

64	Controlling feed:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 63. Apparatus wherein the additional means controls feed means.

65	To alternating weigh chambers:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 64. Apparatus wherein the feed is directed to each of alternating weigher chambers.

66	And discharge:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 64. Apparatus also controlling discharge means.

67	Overload removal:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 66. Apparatus also controlling overload removal means.

68	Flow terminator requiring external reset:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 60. Apparatus which terminates flow of material in response to movement of the weigh chamber the necessary reestablishment of flow being initiated by an external operator.

69	Plural feed, simultaneous cutoff:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 68. Apparatus wherein a plurality of feeding sources are cut off simultaneously.

70	Sequential feeding, plural ingredients:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 68. Apparatus wherein a plurality of feeding sources with different ingredients are used sequentially.

71	Feed and discharge:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 68. Apparatus controlling both the feed to and discharge from the weigher.

72	Manually initiated discharge:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 71. Apparatus provided with manually actuated means controlling discharge from the weigh chamber.

73	Receiver operated reset:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 68. Apparatus wherein the external reset is incidental to placement of a receiver in feeding position on the weigher.

74	Latch release:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 68. Apparatus wherein the movement of the weigh chamber causes the release of a latch.

75	Sequential latch release:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Apparatus having a plurality of latches released in sequence.

76	With magnetic operator:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Apparatus wherein the latch is released by a magnetic operator.

77	With serially connected switch:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 76. Apparatus wherein the release of the latch causes actuation of a switch in series circuit with the magnetic operator.

78	Reciprocating closure:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Apparatus wherein the latch controls a reciprocating closure member.
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