(1)
Note. This is a restricted class for the art of elongated-member-driving
apparatus as defined above. For original placement of a patent
in this class, its claimed disclosure should meet the minimum requirements
of the class definition, and should fall within the boundaries expressed
in the sections "Scope of the Class", "Other
Classes With Elongated Member Driving Means", "Relationship
to Combination Classes," "Relationship to Subcombination
Classes", and "Other Class Relationships" below.
(2)
Note. The term "member", appearing throughout
this class definition, is a defined term in this class (see Glossary),
denoting an elongated object to be driven; usually, but not necessarily
disclosed as a nail, stud, staple, or the like.
(3)
Note. Terms followed by an asterisk (*) will be found
defined in the Glossary. Throughout this class definition, certain very
frequently appearing terms, such as work, product, member, and driver,
are accompanied by the asterisk only where the exact meaning of
the term is deemed particularly important.
Main Class Definition
This class provides for a device comprising a pushing or driving
element, disclosed as being guided for movement in a predetermined
path and as being effective (1) to engage a member, or end portion
of indeterminate length material, and (2) to impart translatory
motion to the same with respect to a workpiece, or to engage a workpiece and
to translate the same or a portion thereof with respect to a member;
said member or said end portion comprising a pointed and/or
generally elongated rod-like or tubular projection substantially
aligned with the direction of such translatory motion, said pushing
or driving element serving, in either case, to initiate and/or increase
a penetrating relationship between said workpiece and member (or
workpiece and end portion); and further comprising at least one
of the following: means to (a) modify, (b) position or (c) support,
a workpiece or member.
Scope of the Class
The subject matter of this class relates to apparatus for
applying a member (having an elongated rod-like or tubular projection) to
one or more workpieces by relative movement between the member and
the workpiece generally in the direction of a projection of the
member.
A patent claiming apparatus for driving a member may be excluded
from the class because of additional claimed subject matter, not
expressly covered in the subclass titles and definitions. See Lines
With Other Classes, below
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
A patent claiming apparatus for driving a member may be excluded
from the class because of additional claimed subject matter, not
expressly covered in the subclass titles and definitions. Claimed
subject matter which bars a patent from original placement in Class 227
may be summarized as follows (see below for a more detailed discussion):
A method of applying a member, for which see Class 29, Metal
Working, subclasses 592+.
Apparatus for positively rotating a member during driving.
Apparatus for applying a clip, edge binding or hog ring (for
which see Classes 29, Metal Working, and 72, Metal Deforming),
except where there is bodily movement of the clip, etc., along a
line in extension of a pointed portion of the clip, etc., during
work penetration. A patent to the latter type of device is proper
for Class 227.
A means for performing a particular operation or for making
a special product, which is recognized as subject matter of some
other existing class, e.g., pile-driver, boot, or shoe making machine,
etc., for which see the Index to Classification under the heading
of the operation performed or product made.
Means for treating a product made by a device of this class.
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER CLASSES CONTAINING ELONGATED MEMBER
DRIVING MEANS, PER SE
Prefatory Note
Class 227, "Main Class Definition" limits
the movement of the member or work, imparted to it directly by a driver,
to a rectilinear path but permits the member or work to turn; however,
a positive means to rotate the member or work is excluded from Class
227 (see "Other Class Relationships," below, for
loci of patents claiming positive means to rotate a member or work).
Ordnance Classes
A patent claiming a firearm is placed in the appropriate ordnance
class, unless it teaches that a barrel is intended to be in contact
with work when the device is fired to propel a member, in which
case the patent is proper for Class 227. See Class 42, Firearms,
and Class 89, Ordnance.
The Class Of Tools
Generally, a hand-wielded hammer is proper subject matter
for Class 81, Tools. However, where there is claimed means to permit
a device (e.g., hammer-head) to move relative to handle, other than
by a whipping or bending of the handle (which is subject matter
for Class 81), placement of the patent is proper in Class 227, subclass
133. See the prefatory note, above, regarding the exclusion of
member-rotating means (e.g., a screw driver) from this class.
Earthworking Or Particular-work Treating Classes
A patent claim directed to means for driving a member into
the earth or into certain specified kinds of work will be placed
in the class providing for such earthworking or for operations on
such work. See References to Other Classes below for examples of
typical subject matter.
Tool Actuation
A patent claim directed only to apparatus for causing a driver
to move a member, will be placed in Class 173, Tool Driving or Impacting.
RELATIONSHIP TO COMBINATION CLASSES
Prefatory Note
Class 227 is the locus for a patent claiming a combination
of means to drive a member (e.g., nail) with any of the following:
(1) means to perform a different operation on work prior to the
member-driving operation, except for some special combinations in
other classes, as noted below; or (2) means to treat a member or
mating-member* before, during or after a class- type operation
(e.g., clinching a driven nail) and including making or forming
of such member; or (3) means to handle or cut the product of a
class type operation; or (4) a device or feature, per se, classifiable
in another class.
Classes Of Particular Work Or Product
As stated generally in the Prefatory Note of this section, a
patent claim directed to a combination of means to assemble or treat
work, with means to drive a member, is generally in Class 227, except
where the combination is specifically provided for in another class
based on the nature of the work.
For examples of such classes (or portions of classes) which
are loci of patents to such combination, see References to Other
Classes, below.
Classes Of Assembly Apparatus
Class 227 in the locus of patents directed to the combination
of member-driving apparatus with apparatus for assembling workpieces,
with the following exceptions: (a) a patent claim directed to apparatus
for treating (other than by cutting; a product consisting of work-pieces
that have been assembled by an operation of the class type, is found,
for example, in Class 29, Metal Working, or Class 118, Coating
Apparatus; (b) a patent claim directed to apparatus for either filling
a receptacle, or for assembling workpieces or articles and bonding
or strapping the assembled workpieces or articles, combined with
apparatus for driving a member; which is proper for the appropriate
packaging or wrapping class, principally Class 53, Package Making,
and Class 100, Presses.
The following list of classes, in addition to those listed in "Classes
Of Particular Work Or Product" above, illustrates the location
of patented art involving means for driving a member, in combination
with assembly apparatus: Class 29, Metal Working, subclasses 33+; Class
53, Package Making; Class 100, Presses, subclasses 1+.
The Class Of Adhesive Bonding
Class 227 is the locus of patents directed to the combination
of apparatus for applying a cement, for securing purposes, to a
workpiece and means to drive a member into said workpiece, (or apparatus
for applying cement to a member and driving the cemented member
into a workpiece).
A patent directed to the method followed by the above apparatus
is excluded from Class 227 and is placed in Class 156, Adhesive
Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture.
Miscellaneous Combinations
A patent to the combination of member-driving apparatus with
manufacturing or nonmanufacturing apparatus, not provided for in
other classes (as, for instance, those classes set forth in "Classes
Of Assembly Apparatus" and "Class Of Adhesive
Bonding", above, or in preceding subclasses of this class,
will be found in this class (227), subclass 156.
RELATIONSHIP TO SUBCOMBINATION CLASSES
Classes Of Apparatus For Making A Member (e.g., Nail, Rivet,
etc.)
A patent claiming the combination of apparatus for making
a member with means to drive the member will be found in Class 227,
subclasses 33 or 82+. A patent claiming apparatus for
making a member, per se, may be found in one of the following classes:
59, Chain, Staple, and Horseshoe Making, subclasses 71-77
for making a staple
72, Metal Deforming, subclasses 324 to 341 and 343 to 378
for eyelet making
470, Threaded, Headed Fastener, or Washer Making: Process
and Apparatus, subclasses 27+ for methods of making a rivet
or nail and subclasses 110+ for machines of making a rivet
or nail.
Work Or Product Handling Classes
A patent claiming specific means to drive a member (e.g.,
nail) in combination with means to handle work or product is placed
in Class 227. However, a patent claiming a device for handling
work or product, per se, or in combination with a merely named driving
means (e.g., "stapler", "nailer"),
will be found in the proper material or article handling class.
But if there is claimed means to synchronize a work or product
handling device with a driving device (e.g., stapler), whether claimed specifically
or by name only, the patent will be placed, as an original copy,
in this class (227).
See References to Other Classes, below for a sample of classes
directed to material or article handling means.
Classes Of Heading Apparatus
A patent claiming means to drive a member (e.g., rivet) with
means to head the member will be found in this class (227), subclasses
51+. However, a patent claiming means to head a member,
in the absence of a limitation to driving means, will be found in
Class 72 if no assembly apparatus is recited, otherwise in Class
29 (see Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class for Class
72 for the line between Classes 29 and 72 in this respect).
Classes Relating To Tool Actuation
A patent claiming means to drive a member (e.g., nail) in
combination with means to guide, modify, position or support the
member or a workpiece is proper for Class 227. However, a patent
claiming mere actuating means, or means to move a nominally recited
driver (e.g., "nailer") will be placed in a class
appropriate to the power source or transmission means.
See References to Other Classes, below for a sample of classes
directed to such tool actuation subcombinations.
Classes Relating To Cutting Means
A patent claiming means to cut work, product, or a member
(e.g., nail, before or after driving), in combination with means
to drive a member, is proper for Class 227. However, a patent claiming
only means to cut may be found in one of the following classes:
Class 83, Cutting
Class 408, Cutting by Use of Rotating Axially Moving Tool.
The Class Of Pressing (Class 100)
A patent claiming means to apply a lid by pressing in combination
with means to apply a member thereto is proper for Class 227. However,
a patent claiming only means for applying a lid by pressure will
be found in Class 100, Presses, subclasses 54 to 64.
The Class of Implements or Apparatus For Applying A Pushing
Or Pulling Force (Class 254).
A patent claiming means to apply and means to withdraw a member
is proper for Class 227. However, a patent claiming only structure
to extract a nail will be found in Class 254, subclasses 18 to 27;
and to extract a staple, in Class 254, subclass 28.
A patent claiming means to stretch material and means to apply
a member thereto is proper for Class 227 (subclasses 12+),
while portable tensioning implements or apparatus for flexible material,
per se, is generally classifiable in Class 254, subclasses 199+.
OTHER CLASS RELATIONSHIPS
Classes Of Articles
Class 227 excludes a patent to an article, per se, (e.g., nail,
staple, etc.), whose placement may be proper in one of the following
classes:
Class 24, Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc., subclasses 713.6+,
for an eyelet used with a drawstring or laced-fastener.
Class 206, Special Receptacle or Package, subclass 338+ for
a package of fasteners.
Class 411, Expanded, Threaded, Driven, Headed, Tool-Deformed,
or Locked-Threaded Fastener, subclasses 439+ for impact
driven fasteners (e.g., nails, spikes, staples, etc.); and subclasses
500+ for rivets.
THE CLASSES OF TOOLS
Class 227 excludes patents to tools having a positive means
to rotate a member or having no claimed structure to guide a driver.
Placement thereof may be in one of the following classes:
Class 7, Compound Tools
Class 81, Tools, subclass 52 for wrenches or screwdrivers
which rotate a piece of work (e.g., nut, bolt, screw).
Boot and Shoe Making,
subclasses 13.1 , 18.3, 33.1, 43, 43.5, 50+, 85.4+ and
108, for patents where the combination is specifically provided for
based on the nature of the work.
Railways,
subclass 17.1 , for a railway-car-mounted means to drive a spike
into a railway tie. (See above, "Earthworking or Particular-Work
Treating Classes").
Boring or Penetrating the Earth, for means for driving a casing, or means to drive
a pile with means to remove the pile. (See above, "Earthworking
or Particular-Work Treating Classes").
Brush, Broom, and Mop Making,
subclasses 2+ , 13 and 20, for patents where the combination
is specifically provided for based on the nature of the work.
Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,
subclasses 232+ for means for driving a pile into the earth. (See
above, "Earthworking or Particular-Work Treating Classes").
Electric Lamp or Space Discharge Component or
Device Manufacturing, for patents where the combination is specifically
provided for based on the nature of the work.
Manufacturing Container or Tube From Paper; or
Other Manufacturing From a Sheet or Web, for patents where the combination is specifically
provided for based on the nature of the work.
Surgery,
subclass 187 for hair or artificial hair injectors or anchors.
(See above, "Earthworking or Particular-Work Treating
Classes").
SECTION IV - GLOSSARY
ANVIL
A nonactuated (fixed or adjustably positionable) tool having
a face portion designed and intended to react against a driven member
to restrict the movement of the material of said member in at least
one direction during the driving of said member.
DEFORM
In this class is used in the sense imparted by the Class Definition
and Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class in Class 72.
DRIVER
A tangible instrumentality having a surface portion which
is specifically designed and intended, upon actuation of said instrumentality,
to act upon a member (or work) with sufficient force, to impart
translatory motion there to effect an operation of the class type.
DRIVER-CARRIAGE
Structure to support the driver in a device of the class type.
DRIVING-STATION
That region of a machine wherein work must be located for
an intended driving operation of the class type to be performed
thereon.
MATING-MEMBER
A "mating-member". A. discrete element
which has as its sole disclosed function that of aiding in maintaining a
driven member in its penetrated relationship with the work, or has
such a peculiar shape as to be obviously intended to perform this
sole function; this sole function being accomplished by permanent
interassociation or interlocking of the member and the "mating-member". (Note-A "mating-member" for
the purposes of this class is considered a workpiece.)
MEMBER
An object, or the end portion of indeterminate length material,
comprising at least one pointed and/or generally elongated
rod-like or tubular projection disclosed as being intended to penetrate* work* when
the member, or the work, is engaged and bodily moved by a driver* substantially
in the directing of said projection(s).
PENETRATE
Act of inserting or imbedding (e.g., by piercing, etc.)
all or a portion of an elongated member in work material, by bodily
movement of the member or the proximate portion of the work material
(as distinguished from relative deflection or deformation of plural
portions of an exteriorly applied fastener, as in pinching, binding,
clipping, hog-ringing, etc.). The term may also refer to increasing
or advancing an already established penetrating relationship, by
bodily movement of the member relative to the work.
PRODUCT
Article or material into which a member* has
been driven.
(1)
Note. The member is not considered part of the product but
retains its identity as a member for any further operation to be
performed on it.
WORK, WORKPIECE
Article or material other than the surface of the earth into
which a member* is to be driven; or an assemblage of juxtaposed
workpieces (objects and/or layers of material) into at
least one of which a member is to be driven.
WITH RANDOMLY ACTUATED STOPPING OR DISABLING MEANS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device provided with means capable of bringing at least
one of the moving parts of the device to a halt or to such a condition
as to terminate its intended operation, such means acting to accomplish
its halting effect in response to a signal or impulse which cannot
be predicted to occur during any particular one of a number of recurring
cycles of operations (either of the machine as whole, or the driver, or
of any part of the machine which has a cyclic law of operation).
WITH CONTROL MEANS RESPONSIVE TO SENSED CONDITION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including 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; and (b) initiating
(as a direct result of such detection) a force or energy 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 for original placement herein. One of these must
be a member driving machine, or a device (e.g., work feeder, work-heater, product-handler)
necessary to the proximate function of member driving. The other
three are: (a) a senser (e.g., photo-cell system, trip-lever, pressure
diaphragm) to detect a condition as stated in (a) of the this subclass
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 senser 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 senser) 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 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 member driving machine of this class. It can
be another machine associated with the member driver if the claim
reciting the other machine and member driver is acceptable for original
placement into this class (227).
(4)
Note. The control systems 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 83 and 226 are usually
analogous to those herein, and may be applicable to the machines
of this class (227). In the "SEARCH CLASS" notes
for the subclasses indented hereunder, reference to this (4) Note
indicates 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 this (227) class. The notes
to Class 83, subclass 399 (which see) summarize all the subclasses
in Class 83 pertaining to "control" subclasses
therein.
Metal Deforming,
subclasses 6+ for control means in a metal deforming machine,
wherein the control means, per se, is similar to those of this and indented
subclasses.
Metal Fusion Bonding,
subclasses 8+ for control means in a metal fusion bonding machine,
wherein the control means, per se, is similar to those of this and
indented subclasses.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Device comprising actuated mechanism for moving or assuring
movement of work toward a driving-station*, and wherein
the detector is arranged to sense a given condition or position of
some portion of said actuated mechanism.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Device comprising a movable anvil* and/or movable
means adapted to hold work at a driving-station*, and wherein
the detector is arranged to sense the presence or absence of said
anvil or said work-holding means at a given location.
(1)
Note. An element positioned adjacent a surface which supports
work, which element presents an obstacle to movement of the work
in a desired direction, is not means to hold work but a work-stop abutment.
If this element acts as a detector for the work, patents claiming
such element will be placed in subclasses 5+.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Device wherein the means for detecting is arranged to sense
the presence, absence, position, size, or some other property or
condition of work* associated with the device.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length,
subclasses 10+ for a control system responsive to work for feeding the
work. Also see (4) Note under Class 227, subclass 2.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Device comprising means to move the driver* through
a driving stroke, and wherein the regulating means governs the said
driver moving means.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device provided with means to prevent motion of some part
of the device in any manner (except said means itself) until said
means is moved so as to permit movement of said part.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device comprising means to hold and/or guide a
member, a chamber or barrel designed to direct the force of an expanding
gas therein against such member, and means to cause a violent expansion
of gas within said chamber or barrel.
Power Plants,
subclasses 632+ for a motor actuated by fluid pressure generated
by an explosion and see search Class notes thereunder for other
loci of explosive-type device similar to those in this and indented
subclasses.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Device including an element movable in the chamber or barrel
adapted to transmit the force from the gas to a member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Device comprising means to block or deflect the flight of
chips or particles away from a given location, as for the purpose
of preventing injury to an operative.
STRETCHING TOOL WITH MEANS TO FASTEN FLACCID WORK TO RIGID BASE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device provided with means adapted to impale or grip a portion
of flexible material, and said means being movable to exert a tensile force
upon said flexible material, and wherein the driver* is
arranged to force a member through said flexible material and into
a solid supporting surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 12. Device comprising force transmitting linkage capable of
moving said impaling or gripping means with respect to another portion
of said device.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device including means to apply an adhesive coating to a
work surface and means to bring said work surface into contact with another
work surface, or means to apply an adhesive coating to a member* prior
to an operation of the class type.
WITH MEANS TO POSITION "MATING-MEMBER" IN ALIGNMENT WITH DRIVER:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device comprising means to move or guide a mating-member* to
a position in the driving path of the member* and/or
to maintain a mating-member in such position, so as to receive in
an interassociated manner the member during the driving operation.
(1)
Note. The positioning of the "mating-member" must
take place before completion of the driving of the member.
(2)
Note. Figure 1 represents a member (lacing hook) with projections
to be driven through work and into a mating-member, which has no
disclosed function other than to aid in the securement of the driven
member. In Figure 2, the pronged member is to be driven through work
and secured in the lacing hook; the latter constitutes "work" rather
than a "mating-member" because it has a function
(i.e., to hold a lace), in addition to its function of securing
the driven member.
Metal Working,
subclasses 243.521+ and 243.53+ for apparatus for securing
objects together by means which may comprise a mating-member (e.g., a
rivet and bur).
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Device wherein the positioning means is designed and intended
to coact with an elongated mating-member and into which a plurality
of members are driven in spaced relationship in the direction of
elongation.
(1)
Note. A member having a plurality of projections which penetrate
the work (e.g., staple) is not considered a plurality of members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Device including a positively actuated means to move or
transport a mating member into the driving path of the member.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device comprising means to move or guide a workpiece* into
juxtaposition with another workpiece, and including (a) means to hold
or position a member* between said workpieces before they
are moved into juxtaposition or (b) means to hold or position said workpieces
in alignment with a driver* for application of a member
thereto.
(1)
Note. One or both of the workpieces being assembled may be
indeterminate-length material.
(2)
Note. For placement as an original in this subclass area,
a patent must be directed to a member-inserting device with means
at least to direct or guide two workpieces or lengths of material
into contact at some point and to present such assembled work to
the action of a driver. Usually, but not necessarily, the inserted member
will serve to secure the workpieces together.
(3)
Note. A work stop abutment, disclosed as being useful for
facilitating the registry, of two or more workpieces at a driving-station,
is insufficient to constitute "means to move or guide a
workpiece" under the subclass definition.
(4)
Note. A fastener member is not generally regarded as "work",
for the purposes of this class. A device provided with means to
feed a member to driving position, on or near a workpiece, is not
classifiable as an assembly device but is subject matter for the
following subclasses 107+. Means for performing an operation
on the member (such as cutting, shaping, heading, etc.) is specifically
provided for in appropriate subclasses of this class (e.g., subclasses 79+,
with means to cut member after penetration).
(5)
Note. For the line between this subclass (and those indented
hereunder) and classes relating to combined driving and assembly,
see section VI of this class definition and for classes relating
to assembly, see section VII of this class definition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Device comprising means to alter the form, configuration,
dimension, proportion or contour of a workpiece either with or without removal
of material.
(1)
Note. Means to feed a flexible, resilient or flaccid workpiece
from a coil or other source and to straighten it for assembly to
another workpiece is not considered "shaping means";
disclosures of such means will be found in subclasses 44+, Endless
conveyor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Device comprising configured mating elements between which
the workpiece is formed to a desired configuration.
(1)
Note. Included here are patents to a device for forming a
basket from a blank of slatted material termed "basket
mat".
(2)
Note. Means to clamp a piece of work to a mandrel and rotate
the mandrel to form the work around it is not die shaping means
for this subclass; such disclosures will be found in subclasses
22 and 24.
This subclass is indented under subclass 20. Device wherein said means is effective, as disclosed, to
gather, or pucker a nonrigid, limber and flexible workpiece.
(1)
Note. The work is generally gathered and after another workpiece
is applied thereto member is driven through the gather to secure
the pieces together.
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Device including means to introduce a member* intermediate
workpieces.
(1)
Note. For example, workpieces are forced together, causing
the member positioned between them to penetrate the workpieces and
form a laminated assembly.
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Device including a tool that moves relative to a workpiece
while cutting material out of the confines of the workpiece so that
the cut does not intersect any edge (exterior or interior) of the
workpiece.
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Device comprising means, made effective after an actuation
of the driver, to move or guide an additional workpiece into juxtaposition
with said first-mentioned workpieces and into alignment with said
driver, and means to cause another actuation of said driver.
This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Device wherein the means to move or guide successive workpieces
into juxtaposition comprises relatively movable work-engageable
elements and means to force or bias said elements into gripping
engagement with a workpiece.
(1)
Note. A work clamp, for the purposes of this and other subclasses
in this class, must comprise relatively movable jaws or their equivalent;
i.e., a closely fitting unitary last or form is not a "clamp".
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Device wherein said means to hold or position the workpieces
comprises relatively movable work-engageable elements, and means
to force or bias said elements into gripping engagement with said
workpieces, one of said elements being configured to accommodate
the passage of a driver toward and from the gripped workpieces.
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Device wherein, as disclosed, one of the workpieces has
a projecting loop or apertured portion, and wherein the device is
effective to secure the workpieces together by applying a member
which passes or is driven through the loop or apertured portion
of said workpiece.
This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Device comprising means effective to pass said member through
the loop or apertured portion of said one workpiece.
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Device comprising means to shape or fashion said member
prior to the completion of its application to the workpieces.
Threaded, Headed Fastener, or Washer Making:
Process and Apparatus,
subclasses 27+ for methods of making a rivet or nail and subclasses 110+ for
machines of making a rivet or nail.
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Device comprising means effective to force said member through
the other of said workpieces prior to its passage through the loop
or apertured portion of said one workpiece.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Device comprising a power-transmitting linkage connected
to the driver to move same through an effective member-applying
stroke.
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Device comprising dynamic means to effect movement of a
workpiece with respect to the driving-station*, or a device
associated and movable with the workpiece to hold or support the
workpiece and facilitate movement thereof with respect to the driving-station.
(1)
Note. The work-moving means may comprise any structure by
which the work is moved relative to a driving-station even though
the structure itself may be actuated manually. Examples of such structure
are a pivoted work-support, a pusher, etc.
(2)
Note. The conveyor means of this subclasses (39+)
may move one workpiece, or more than one, according to the design
and mode of operation of the particular machine.
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Device wherein the means to effect movement of the workpiece
comprises a gripping element which holds the workpiece in its moved
position.
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Device comprising means supplemental to said work moving
means for positioning or repositioning an apertured work-piece at
the driving-station with its opening(s) in alignment with a member
in position to be driven into or through said opening(s).
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Device wherein the workpiece moving means comprises a series
of workpiece engaging portions arranged in a circular array or as
a belt-like loop of articulated portions, each such portion being
adapted to engage and move a workpiece relative to a driving-station.
(1)
Note. The conveyor portions usually, but not necessarily,
provide support for the work as it is being moved and while it is
at rest at one or more treating stations.
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Device including means supplemental to the work-moving means
which supplemental means temporarily stores discrete workpieces which,
as disclosed, are fed to or dispensed onto the work-moving means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Device comprising means to sever a workpiece from the supply
of material stored on the reel or from another workpiece.
(1)
Note. See search notes under subclass 21 for other loci of
cutting means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Device having means to temporarily store a plurality of
discrete workpieces which, as disclosed, are to be fed to a driving-station.
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Device including means supplemental to the magazine work
supply means which supplemental means turns the work for successive application
of members at one or more driving-stations.
(1)
Note. The work may be turned about its own axis at the driving-station,
or turned as it is moved from one driving-station to another.
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Device including means supplemental to the magazine work
supply means which supplemental means transports, as a unit, a plurality of
workpieces which have been juxtapositioned.
(1)
Note. The workpieces are fed from a magazine supply to a
work holding device which holds the workpieces in an assembled position
and then the work holder is moved to a driving-station.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device including means to deform an end portion of the member
in such a manner as to increase the size, and/or to change
the form, of the cross-section of said end portion after the member
has penetrated the work.
(1)
Note. A simple bending or deflecting (i.e., clenching) of
a member during or after driving, is not regarded as "heading" for
this subclasses (51+). Disclosures of clenching means are
to be found in many subclasses throughout the Class 227 schedule;
patents directed to this feature are placed as originals in subclass
155.
(2)
Note. For the purposes of this subclass (51), the device
must deform the member during or at the end of the driving stroke.
The shaping or forming of a member prior to its penetration into work
is effected by the machines classified in subclasses 82+.
(3)
Note. Figure 3 diagrammatically illustrates various means
to head a member.
Metal Working,
subclasses 243.521+ and 243.53+ for a device which upsets or
heads a rod, wire or other elongated work associated with an assembly device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Device wherein the member is disclosed as being driven through
the wall of a hollow elongated workpiece, with either the driver
or the "heading" means functioning within the
confines of the hollow portion of the workpiece.
(1)
Note. The tubular workpiece operated upon by the devices
of this subclass may have other than a cylindrical cross-section
and also may be closed on one end, but this end portion is not considered
as the "wall" of the subclass definition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Device wherein the heading means has a member engaging face
which tapers to either a point or a line such that in operation,
this point or line penetrates the member and initiates deformation
thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Device wherein a portion of the heading means, before initial
contact of the means with the member, projects into a void space
within the confines of the shank of the member.
(1)
Note. A hollow shank member for the purposes of this subclass
includes those members that have an opening extending through their
entire length (e.g., tubular rivet) as well as those members that
have only a recess in the end portion which does not extend entirely
through the member. A simple "split" rivet is
not regarded as a hollow member within the meaning of the subclass
definition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 55. Device including a plurality of heading means made effective
during a single driving stroke to head a plurality of members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 55. Device including dynamic means to effect movement of the
work or product relative to the driving-station*.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Device wherein the means for heading the member additionally
functions to make an aperture in the workpiece.
This subclass is indented under subclass 55. Device wherein either the driver or the heading means has
an elongated projection adapted to enter the hollow portion of the
member prior to the heading of the member to hold the member in
a position to be driven and/or headed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Device wherein the heading means comprises a tool having
a member-engaging face which restricts the flow of the material
of the member in at least one direction during the deformation of
the end portion of the member (e.g., a flat or plane faced tool).
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Device wherein the member-engaging face is so configured
as to restrict the flow of the material of the engaged end portion
of the member in at least two directions during the deformation
of the end portion of the member (e.g., concave tool face).
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device including means (a) for altering the form, configuration,
dimension, proportion or contour of a workpiece either with or without
removal of material, or (b) for severing, incising, piercing, or
abrading work or product.
This subclass is indented under subclass 64. Device wherein a tool is moved in alternate directions in
a straight line, for example, toward and away from a cooperating
tool to deform* the work and to retract from the work placed
there between.
This subclass is indented under subclass 64. Device wherein the shaping means makes an aperture(s) in
said workpiece into which a member is to be driven.
Binder Device Releasably Engaging Aperture or
Notch of Sheet,
subclass 1 for a sheet retainer device which includes in combination,
an impaling- type sheet retainer and a discrete sheet aperture forming
device, (i.e., paper punch) which perforates a sheet prior to placing
the same on the retainer; subclass 7 for an impaling-type sheet
retainer which penetrates and inserts a pliant strand through a sheet
surface and subclass 25 for an impaling-type sheet retainer including means
to force a sheet upon the sheet retainer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Device wherein said incising, piercing, or severing elements
are arranged to produce a pair of holes for the reception of a two
pronged member (e.g., staple).
This subclass is indented under subclass 73. Device wherein said actuated work-moving means consists,
at least in part, of a tool element of said work-shaping means,
which tool element is caused to move in the direction of work feed
motion while it is in contact with the work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Device provided with means to permit the holder or support
of said tool element to oscillate or turn about an axis.
WITH MEANS TO DEFORM MEMBER REMOTE FROM THE WORK SURFACE AFTER
WORK PENETRATION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device having means to change the shape of a portion of
a member at a point distant from a workpiece after initiation of
work penetration by such member, said portion being spaced from
the work both before and after the change in shape is effected.
(1)
Note. Means to cut a driven member is not proper subject
matter for this subclass.
(2)
Note. Any deformation of a driven member which increases
the size, and/or alters the form, of the cross-section
of an end portion is provided for in preceding subclasses 51+.
(3)
Note. Figure 4 illustrates a member driven into work and
a portion of the member (i.e., hook) deformed at a point from the
work surface by apparatus typical of this subclass.
(4)
Note. This subclass will include patents which disclose an
additional workpiece in substantial contact with the shaped portion
of the member other than a workpiece into which the member is driven.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device having a plurality of applying devices any one of
which is separately useable at the option of the operator.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device provided with means to sever a protruding end portion
of a driven member, or to sever a driven member from stock material.
DRIVING MOTION OF DRIVER HAS COMPONENT IN DIRECTION OF
MOVING WORK (I.E., FLYING DRIVER):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device which includes means to move one or more drivers* into
driving engagement with the work while the work is being moved to
and through a driving-station* and in which the driver"s
movement includes, as a necessary factor, motion in the direction
of such work movement.
Threaded, Headed Fastener, or Washer Making:
Process and Apparatus,
subclasses 27+ for methods of making a rivet or nail and subclasses 110+ for
machines of making a rivet or nail.
This subclass is indented under subclass 82. Device wherein the shaping means comprises an element(s)
for diverting all or part of the member away from the path in which
the member would be moved by a driver* in the absence of
said diverting element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 82. Device wherein said shaping means comprises a portion which
is capable of adjustment to effect the production of members of
different lengths.
This subclass is indented under subclass 82. Device wherein the shaping means comprises a plurality of
elements and means to move or to guide one of said elements with
respect to another element so that at least one of said elements
is moved past the other while in contact with a web, strand or other
material to produce a member from said material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 85. Device wherein one of the shaping elements is configured
to accommodate the passage of a driver* during a driving
operation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 87. Device comprising means to move another of said shaping
elements toward and away from its forming position and from the
path of the driver.
This subclass is indented under subclass 88. Device including means to support the formed member and
means to allow said support to move away from the path of a driver
during a driving operation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 82. Device, said shaping means comprising a plurality of elements
each having a material-engaging surface portion wherein one of said elements
moves in a direction such that said surface portions of two or more
elements approach each other to form a member, such motion continuing
until said portions move (1) into contact, or (2) toward ultimate
contact but restrained therefrom by the presence of an intervening
web, strand, or other material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 82. Device wherein the shaping means consists only of means
to divide or cut a web, strand or other material.
(1)
Note. For placement of a patent as an original in this or
indented subclasses it should contain no claimed forming operation
other than cutting or punching in making a finished member.
(2)
Note. Apparatus for breaking or cutting apart fully formed
members that are glued or adhered together is not regarded as forming
means for this or indented subclasses.
This subclass is indented under subclass 93. Device comprising additional cutting means, and means, made
effective after an actuation of the first-named cutting or dividing
means, to actuate said additional cutting means to complete the
formation of a member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 93. Device including a positively actuated means to move, into
position for driving, a series of partially formed members integrally
linked together by uncut portions of material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 93. Device wherein the shaping (i.e., severing) means has a
motion, in addition to its severing motion, towards the path of
a driver to convey a member into said path.
WITH MEANS TO CONVEY WORK OR PRODUCT RELATIVE TO DRIVING STATION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device comprising dynamic means to effect movement of work
or product with respect to the driving-station*, or a device associated
and movable with the work or product to hold or support the work
or product and facilitate movement thereof with respect to the driving-station.
(1)
Note. The work-moving means may comprise any structure by
which the work is moved relative to a driving-station even though
the structure itself may be actuated manually. Examples of such structure
are a movable table, a pivoted work-support, etc.
(2)
Note. For the lines between this subclass (and those indented
hereunder) and classes relating to work handling, see section VII
B 1 of this class definition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 99. Device wherein the work or product conveying means comprises
a movable means which cooperates significantly with means to move the
driver.
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Device comprising a common means to drive said cooperating
means, and means to adjust the speed or position of one of said
cooperating means with respect to the other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Apparatus comprising a work support movable in a path which
is neither solely rectilinear nor solely circular, during contact
with the work.
WITH MEANS TO MOVE OR GUIDE MEMBER INTO DRIVING POSITION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device provided with means to transport a member or passive
means which is operative to define or limit the path of movement
(i.e., to direct wholly or partially, the course) of a moving member*,
or to orient such member, to a suitable zone for an operation on
said member by a claimed driver.
This subclass is indented under subclass 107. Device provided with an element(s) which enters the work
and engages a portion of a driven member to bend that portion into
interlocking engagement with the work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 107. Device wherein the means to transport or guide the member
is designed and intended to allow passage of members of different
dimensions or adjustment to supply a different number of members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 107. Device provided with means to adjust, position or guide
the driver with respect to a workpiece for the application of a
member thereto.
This subclass is indented under subclass 110. Device wherein the means to position the driver comprises
means to move the driver-carriage* between successive operation
of the driver.
This subclass is indented under subclass 107. Device wherein the means to transport the member comprises
a direct impingement of a stream of liquid or gaseous material.
(1)
Note. The pressure of the fluid current may be superatmospheric
or subatmospheric.
This subclass is indented under subclass 107. Device which effects movement of the member or supports
the member in a position to be driven by forces exerted by a magnetic
field.
(1)
Note. The magnet may be part of a driver or a work carrier.
(2)
Note. The magnetic field may be that of a "permanent" magnet
or that induced by an electric current.
This subclass is indented under subclass 107. Device provided with means distinct from a driver* to
isolate an individual member from a set of members and to position
said member in alignment with the path of the driver.
This subclass is indented under subclass 114. Device wherein the means to isolate the member is integral
with, or connected through mechanism with, an element to restrain
the group of members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 117. Device comprising means to move the isolating means toward
and away from the compartment for storing the members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 107. Device comprising means to engage the member and position
said member with its pointed end or shank in proper alignment for
driving or means to remove the member if its pointed end or shank
is not in proper alignment for driving.
This subclass is indented under subclass 107. Device comprising a compartment for storing a plurality
of members in which the transporting means operates to bias the
members toward driving position.
(1)
Note. Included in this and indented subclasses are patents
to subcombinations in which the driver is not always claimed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 120. Device comprising means effective to prevent return motion
of the driver until a full driving stroke has been completed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 120. Device comprising means to enclose a guide path of the driver
which is detachable or biased toward said guide path to allow a
deformed member to be driven or removed from the path of the driver.
This subclass is indented under subclass 120. Device comprising a plurality of opposed jaws or surface
elements adapted to engage work and means to move one or more of
said jaws or surface elements, which means cooperates with means
to actuate a driver.
This subclass is indented under subclass 120. Device wherein the compartment for storing the members comprises
a movable element to allow access to the interior thereof.
This subclass is indented under subclass 120. Device comprising means to apply a force to the driver to
effect at least part of a driving stroke or cycle.
This subclass is indented under subclass 129. Device wherein the force applying means is an electromechanical
transducer in which reciprocatory or oscillatory motion between
a coiled conductor carrying electric current and a ferrous or iron-like
armature is effected by varying the instantaneous value of current
in the conductor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 129. Device wherein the force applying means comprises a resilient
element, means to compress said element, and means to release the
compressed element for actuating the driver.
This subclass is indented under subclass 129. Device wherein the force applying means comprises the mass
of the driver and any parts secured thereto, which mass tends to
continue in motion when the device is swung with a hammer-like blow
against supported work, thereby projecting the driver from its initial position
with respect to other portions of the device which are brought to
a halt against the work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 120. Device comprising a resilient element which opposes the
motion of the driver during the driving stroke and which returns
the driver to its initial or nondriving position.
This subclass is indented under subclass 107. Device wherein the means to transport the member comprises
structure to hold at least two members during the time they are
being transported.
This subclass is indented under subclass 107. Device wherein the means to transport a member comprises
means connected to the driver so that movement of the driver transmits
power from itself to the transporting means to feed the member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 107. Device wherein said means comprises nonactuated structure
which directs wholly or partially the course of a moving member
or which orients such member to a suitable zone for an operation
on said member by the driver.
WITH MEANS TO SUPPORT MEMBER AND/OR WORK RELATIVE
TO DRIVER:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus having means to hold a member* and/or
work* in a position to receive the reaction of a driver*.
This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Device wherein said means is effective to hold a member
in a fixed location during the driving operation.
(1)
Note. In a device of this subclass type, the driver impels
the work against a fixedly held member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Device comprising a plurality of movable tools and means
to cause simultaneous actuation of said tools toward each other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Device comprising a resilient element connected to a driver,
means to compress said element, and means to release the compressed element
for actuating said driver.
This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Device wherein a driver has a surface intended to receive
a blow, from a moving mass of material, (e.g., hammer head), for
actuating said driver.
This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Device comprising means to adjust or position said member-holder,
or means to guide a member in a path that is oblique to the plane
of the surface of the work at which the member is to be driven.
This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Device comprising means tending to urge a portion of the
member-holder into gripping relationship with a member held therein.
(1)
Note. Included here are patents to a holder with means which
rely upon springs or resiliency of structural element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Device comprising passive means which is operative to define
or limit the path of movement (i.e., to direct, wholly or partially,
the course) of moving work, or to orient such work relative to its
path of movement.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, may include a nominal recitation of a supply or take-up
coil (e.g., less than a support for such a coil or a cooperative
relationship between a tension or exhaust detector and reel driving
or reel stopping means, etc.),
subclass 196.1 for a passive guide with a material feeder.
Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding,
subclasses 615+ for a residual guide or guard that directs elongated
flexible material that may be combined with more than nominal winding structure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Device comprising structure to maintain or retain the work
in fixed position relative to immovable parts of the work-holder.
This subclass is indented under subclass 151. Device wherein said structure comprises a plurality of opposed
jaws or surface elements which are made effective, by movement of
one or more of said jaws or surface elements, to grip the work frictionally.
This subclass is indented under subclass 152. Device comprising means to move one or more of said work
clamping jaws or surface elements, which means cooperates with means
to actuate a driver.
This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Device wherein the means to hold the work comprises a surface
that is positioned beneath at least a part of the work and is intended
to engage said part of the work to support the work against the
force of gravity.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus which is not in conformance with the definition
of any prior subclass in this schedule.
Metal Deforming,
subclasses 409.02+ for a device which applies a clip or staple by
deforming the ends thereof without driving the clip or staple, and subclass
409.05 for an apparatus for similarly deforming a surgical staple to
close a wound.
Surgery,
subclasses 139+ for a surgical stapler for applying a wound closing
staple that does not pierce the tissue, and subclasses 219+ for
surgical staples, per se.
This subclass is indented under subclass 175.1. Device provided with means to prevent motion of some part
of the device (e.g. actuating means) in any manner to prevent an
accidental stapling operation.
(1)
Note. A stapling operation may consist of expelling a staple
from the device to perform a securing function.
(2)
Note. The lockout is to prevent accidental firing of staples.
This subclass is indented under subclass 175.2. Device wherein said means to prevent motion precludes motion
of said part in response to the presence or absence of a staple
magazine, (e.g., whether the staples are properly loaded with a magazine),
or a specific condition of said magazine (e.g., the number of remaining
staples in said cartridge).
This subclass is indented under subclass 175.3. Device wherein said means to prevent motion precludes motion
of said part due to the absence of staples in the magazine, that
is, when all of the staples in the magazine have been consumed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 175.1. Device comprising a compartment for storing a plurality
of member and transport means, operative within the compartment,
for moving a member into a driving position or such a compartment
with passive means which is operative to define or limit the path
of movement (i.e., to direct wholly or partially, the course) of a
moving member within the compartment.
This subclass is indented under subclass 176.1. Device wherein the transporting means operates to constantly
urge the members toward a driving position.
This subclass is indented under subclass 176.1. Device including multiple drivers operative to drive a plurality
of members substantially simultaneously.
This subclass is indented under subclass 175.1. Device provided with means to move or guide a mating-member
to a position in the driving path of the member and/or
to maintain a mating-member in such position, so as to receive in
an interassociated manner the member during the driving operation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 175.1. Device comprising means to prevent return motion of the
driver until a full driving stroke has been completed.
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