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 [Search a list of Patent Appplications for class 234]   CLASS 234,SELECTIVE CUTTING (E.G., PUNCHING)
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This is a restricted class for the art of selective cutting as defined below. For placement of a patent as an original in this class, the claimed subject matter should meet the minimum requirements of the class definition, and should not extend beyond the general boundaries expressed in the Scope of the Class, and Lines with Other Classes, below, which concern mainly the combination of selective cutting with other subject matter elsewhere classified.

SCOPE OF THE CLASS

The subject matter of Class 234 relates to means for, or steps of, accomplishing the selection, or selection and actuation, of one or a group of less than the total number of cutting tool pairs from a given number of such tool pairs which are constantly available for selection and actuation. The great preponderance of patent disclosures of selective cutting or punching also include means for, or methods of, handling the work to be cut, or handling the product after cutting. Many of such patents further disclose other treatment of the work (e.g., printing, cutting to size, or punching feed holes), or nonmanufacturing operations such as computation of input data or verification of output data which is related in some degree to the selection of tools.

The sole requirement for placement of a patent in Class 234 is that the means for or method of selection of tools be included in the claimed subject matter. Patents which meet this requirement may, however, be excluded from this class because of the claimed inclusion of other subject matter for which there are existing classes. Specific cases may be decided as indicated in the following section, entitled LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS.

In general, a patent which is restricted to means for, or steps of, accomplishing the selection of one or more cutting tools as outlined in the class definition, will be placed in this class. Additionally claimed ancillary features such as work holding, feeding, handling (e.g., counting or sorting), detection of malfunction of machine, handling of pattern, provision of specific data input arrangements and other specific data input arrangements and other features, normally to be found in a complete machine are also accommodated in this class. Exclusion of a patent from Class 234, although cutting tool selection is claimed, is generally based upon additional recitation of (a) certain other treatment of the work, (b) certain handling or treatment of the control data or (c) other methods or devices which are elsewhere provided for.

In general, a patent will not be originally placed in Class 234, if in addition to selective cutting means, it includes a device which does not contribute to the ease or effectiveness of operation of the cutting machine, or to a general awareness (on the part of an attendant) of the conditions or the results of its operation. The only exception to this general exclusion rule is in the case of a patent to the combination of selective with nonselective cutting means, which will be placed originally in Class 234 (see "Relationship to Other Classes, Including, per se, Cutting or Other Treatment of Work--The Class of Cutting," below).

A number of terms currently used in the art have been selected for definition in the Glossary of this class, and will be identified by an asterisk (*) hereinafter.

The accompanying diagrams represent simple embodiments of the various concepts treated. The elements most commonly found in such mechanisms are uniformly designated in the diagrams as follows:

W = workpiece* (typically a sheet or web)

P = pattern* (typically a marked or perforated sheet or web)

T = active cutting tool

D = die, or cooperating tool

H = tool-actuating hammer or press ram (reciprocable)

I = interposer*

K = key (representative of a keyboard)

Other elements necessary to the disclosures are designated, where feasible, by terms commonly used in the art, and are discussed in the individual diagram notes. Where only a single tool of a selective cutting device is shown, it is to be taken as representative of a plurality of such tools, arranged in a row or as a bank (plurality of rows) in proximity to a workpiece.

The placement of a patent as an original in this class will hereinafter be referred to as "placement".

This class is restricted to:

(A) That kind of cutting device which is characterized by the inclusion of a plurality of cutting tool pairs and an actuating power train for each pair (one power train may be common to all), so that power may be delivered to any or all pairs for any cutting cycle, and wherein each tool pair assembled in the machine is constantly available to be chosen for cutting or noncutting in any desired number or combination of pairs (from one to the total number available) by:

(1) a pattern*,

(2) combinational-coding-means*, or

(3) means not a part of the tool-actuating power train and which does not partake of all the movements of either tool of the pair, which pattern or means conditions each pair so chosen as to (a) enable, or (b) prevent, a cutting operation thereby when its driving power train is actuated; and to:

(B) That type of procedure not elsewhere classified which comprises (1) the step of selecting one or more cutting tool pairs from a constantly available plurality of tool pairs, or (2) the step of utilizing a selective cutting device as defined above.

(1) Note. Placement in this class requires the claimed recital of structure or method step set forth above.
(2) Note. Figures 1, 2 and 3 illustrate approximately the minimum requirements for placement in this class, in the three correspondingly numbered categories (1, 2, 3) of the class definition. Each figure indicates a plurality of independently movable tools and mechanism for effecting the actuation of some or all of the tools, in any desired number and arrangement (the number of keys, positions, tools, etc., would in actual practice be many times the limited number shown in the diagrams).
Fig. 1 represents a pattern-controlled cutting device, classifiable in subclass 77 of this schedule, wherein pattern P acts similarly to a stencil, in that it blocks the effectiveness of the nonselected tools T, while other tools pass through holes in P and perforate the work W, upon downward movement of hammer or tool-head H and consequent compression of the springs.
Fig. 2 represents a single form of combinational-coding, which may be termed "coded direct punching" (subclass 106). Note that an individual tool may be actuated, at different times, as a part of several distinct subgroups (e.g., to perforate distinctive code symbols) in response to the depression of different keys; this is in contrast to the individual, independent key linkages indicated in the nonselective device of Fig. 6, wherein a given tool responds only to the depression of its own associated key.

Fig. 1. SELECTIVE CUTTING, PATTERN CONTROLLED. (subclass 77)

Fig. 1. SELECTIVE CUTTING, PATTERN CONTROLLED. (subclass77)

Fig. 2. SELECTIVE CUTTING, CODED DIRECT ACTUATION (subclass 106)

Fig. 2. SELECTIVE CUTTING, CODED DIRECT ACTUATION (subclass106)

Fig. 3. SELECTIVE CUTTING, BY INTERPOSER(subclass 112)

Fig. 3. SELECTIVE CUTTING, BY INTERPOSER(subclass 112)

Fig. 3 represents mechanism of the subclass 112 type, wherein the gag or interposer* I is positioned by means (shown as a manually slidable block on the machine frame) which is not a part of the tool drive train and which does not move in unison with the selected tool. (If the interposer I of Fig. 3 were manipulable directly, as by a knob fastened to its extending rod and thus vertically reciprocable with the tool-head H, the device would fail to meet the definition of Class 234, and would instead be classifiable in Class 83, Cutting, subclass 573, as a hand-actuated means to connect or disconnect a tool and its continuously moving drive means).
Fig. 4 is presented further to illustrate the line between this class and Class 83. The hand-manipulable interposer I does not meet the limitations of part (3) of the class definition, above, but it does qualify as combinational-coding-means* under part (2) of the definition, and specifically as a differential interposer (234-98). This line has been developed as a practical measure to distinguish most of the (generally) production-type cutting machines of Class 83.

Fig. 4. SELECTIVE CUTTING, BY CODED INTERPOSER. (subclass 98) (see (3) Note below)

Fig. 4. SELECTIVE CUTTING, BY CODED INTERPOSER. (subclass98) (see (3) Note below)

Fig. 5. NONSELECTIVE CUTTING, Class 83 type. (see (4) Note below)

Fig. 5. NONSELECTIVE CUTTING, Class 83 type. (see (4) Notebelow)

Fig. 6. NONSELECTIVE CUTTING, Class 83 type.

Fig. 6. NONSELECTIVE CUTTING, Class 83 type.

From the (generally) data-handling selective cutting machines of Class 234. The availability of two or more sub-groups of tools in Fig. 4 makes the device selective under the class definition.
(3) Note. Specifically excluded from this class is a patent to a cutting method or apparatus which concerns the production of distinctive cutting operations solely by varying the position, the cutting stroke, or the time of actuation of a single tool (or a group of tools driven always as a unit). Fig. 5 represents such a device having a single tool, adjustable in position on a reciprocable ram; there is no "selection" from among a number of tools, but a mere adjustment of one tool. Also excluded is a patent to apparatus having a turret of tools, wherein the positioning of one tool for a cutting operation necessitates the movement of the other tools away from their effective positions.
(4) Note. Further excluded is a patent to cutting apparatus in which the distinctive cutting operations are effected by direct (manual or power) actuation of one or more independently drivable tools at the will of an operative. Fig. 6 illustrates the excluded combination of tools, each driven by an independent key linkage, which is classifiable in Class 83, subclass 633, as a reciprocable tool driven by a fixed-axis lever. Fig. 7 illustrates the excluded combination of tools which lack a common power train or individual power trains for all tools; the single driving cam, shiftable along the rod, places this combination in Class 83, subclass 549. (see (4) Note in section II)

Fig. 7. NONSELECTIVE CUTTING, Class 83 type.

Fig. 7. NONSELECTIVE CUTTING, Class 83 type.

SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS

A. THE CLASS OF CUTTING IMPLEMENTS, CLASS 30.

A patent to a selective cutting or punching device will not be barred from original placement in Class 234 by reason of the fact that the device is intended to be hand-held and/or hand-actuated and/or work-supported.

B. THE CLASS OF SEVERING BY TEARING OR BREAKING, CLASS 225.

A patent to the combination of selective cutting means with means to sever (the work or product) by tearing or breaking will be placed originally in Class 234. The combination of tearing or breaking means with other (i.e., nonselective) severing means is found in Class 225, subclass 7.

C. THE CLASS OF CUTTING, CLASS 83.

Class 83 is an elemental or basic class. That is, its subject matter is restricted (so far as possible) to means for, or steps of, accomplishing the following functions: cutting something (the "work"); or cutting and handling the work to be cut; or cutting and handling the product of the cutting operation. Class 234 being superior to Class 83, a patent for the combination of a cutting device or method classifiable, per se, in Class 83 and a selective cutting device or method will be placed originally in Class 234. For a complete statement of the relationship between Class 83 and Class 234, see the class definition of Class 83.

D. THE CLASS OF PRINTING, CLASS 101.

Generally speaking, the recording or alphabetic or numeric characters by cutting is proper subject matter for Class 101, Printing. More particularly, individual cases of selective cutting may be tested for aptness to Class 101 by reference to the following statements:

(1) If in addition to a selective cutting machine or process of Class 234 there is claimed a means or step peculiar to Class 101 (e.g., the application of ink to the cutting tool to additionally outline or mark an aperture made by the punch, or the printing or embossing of characters or designs by means other than the cutting tools), the patent directed to such combination will be placed in Class 101.

(2) A patent directed to the selective cutting of a letter, number or aesthetic design will be placed in Class 101, subclass 18.

(1) Note. The term "design" in this instance denotes a picture, a decorative or artistic arrangement of perforations or cut edges, or direct intelligence-bearing perforations or cuts; as distinguished from coded symbols. In case of doubt as to whether a patent discloses direct intelligence-bearing or codes symbols, placement will be in this class (234). (3) A patent directed to the selective embossing of a letter, coded symbol, character or design will be placed in Class 101, subclass 18. (Such a patent would a priori be excluded from Class 234 on the ground that it is not concerned with cutting). E. THE CLASS OF TYPEWRITING MACHINES, CLASS 400. Patents for key-operated machines for the simultaneous composition and production of printed matter generally, are placed in Class 400, Typewriting Machines. The combination of typing and selective punching will in all cases be placed in Class 400, subject to the following qualifying statements: (1) If only so much typing structure is claimed as is necessary to constitute a completely operative selective punching machine, the patent will be placed originally in Class 234 on the ground that the combination with typing is not positively claimed. (e.g., the recitation of typewriter keys, key levers, type bars, and means responsive to actuation of the type bars to select cutting tools is not considered sufficient for placement of the patent in Class 400 unless the structure claimed is sufficient to effect actual character production on the work; nor is the further recitation of escapement means and a movable paper carriage, if it appears that the carriage exerts a control on some function of the cutting mechanism, such as the feed of a card relative to the cutting tool station). (2) The nominal recitation of a typewriter in combination with specific selective punching machine is not considered sufficient for placement of a patent to the combination in Class 400. (3) A patent directed to the production of printed matter through the agency of a paper tape perforated under control of a keyboard will be placed in Class 400. F. THE CLASS OF RECORDERS, CLASS 346. A process or apparatus which would be otherwise proper for Class 346, Recorders, will not be removed from the scope of that class merely by virtue of the fact that the recording, as claimed, is accomplished by a selective cutting mechanism or method step. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER CLASSES INCLUDING, PER SE, HANDLING OR TREATMENT OF DATA A. THE CLASS OF TELEGRAPHY, CLASS 178. A process or apparatus which would be otherwise proper for Class 178, Telegraphy, will not be removed from the scope of that class merely by virtue of the fact that the recording of the transmitted message, as claimed, is accomplished by a selective cutting mechanism or method step. In general, a recording or "printing" telegraph of Class 178 is distinguished from a selective punching machine of Class 234 by comprising one or a limited number of electrical input channels through which messages, unlimited with respect to the variety or extent of information they are adapted to convey, are transmitted from a distant point, the elements of the messages being selected according to a prearranged code. The claimed inclusion of a distant transmitter, or of means to decode electrical impulses originating at a distant point and conveyed over a relatively small number of channels, exemplifies the type of subject matter which would be placed in Class 178 rather than in Class 234, even though the recording may be accomplished by selective punching mechanism. B. THE CLASS OF REGISTERS, CLASS 235. There are generally three types of disclosure which contain subject matter common to Class 235, Registers, and Class 234, as follows: (1) A patent directed to a calculating machine combined with selective mechanism for punching the data set up or the results, or both, which would be placed in Class 235. (2) A patent directed to a selective punching machine combined with a register to ascertain the number of machine operations or number of workpieces treated, which would be placed in Class 234. (3) A patent for a keyboard controlled selective punching machine combined with a register for totalizing incremental quantities (e.g., type-widths and interword-spaces) related to the key-selected data, and means to indicate the approach of the total toward a predetermined quantity (e.g., the required length of a completed line of type composed according to the key-selected data), which would be placed in Class 234, subclass 4. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER MATERIAL HANDLING CLASSES This class (234) receives original patents claiming significantly both a selective cutting or punching device and (a) means to separate or assort portions of the product resulting from the cutting operation, or (b) means to move or feed work, or (c) means to hold or move a pattern* or copy*. For the placing of patents which refer more broadly to a cutting tool or operation in combination with work or product handling, see the class definition of Class 83, Cutting.

SECTION III - GLOSSARY

ACTUATION

The application of operating energy to a mechanism to cause the latter to perform its appointed function.

ARRAY

A plurality of tools or sensing elements arranged to be driven as a group by a common actuator.

AUXILIARY-OPERATION

Any of the functions to be found in a selective cutting machine other than the selection* of tools, (e.g., tool actuation*, feed* of pattern or workpiece, change of code*, shift of control to or from a keyboard or pattern-senser*, starting or stopping of any portion of the machine, etc.).

CODE

A system of symbols arbitrarily used to represent directions, words, letters, or numerical values. In this class, the term "code" wherever employed without further limitation should be regarded as meaning Combinational-Code*.

CODED-INTERPOSER

An element which is movable to and from an effective position in which position portions of said element engage tools of a plurality of tool pairs, thereby completing a drive train for the subsequent effective transmission of actuating power to the corresponding tool pairs. (Cf. Interposer).

CODED-SELECTOR-MEANS

An element which is movable to and from an effective position in which it determines the selection of a plurality of tool pairs by other mechanism. (Note. This element differs from a coded-interposer* in that (a) it does not engage the selected tools, and (b) it has only one effective position, as distinguished from the differentially positionable coded-interposer* found in subclass 98).

COMBINATIONAL-CODE

A system of symbols each comprising two or more marks or perforations which by their number and/or position arbitrarily represent bits of information. (Cf. one-hole- code*, defined below).

COMBINATIONAL-CODING-MEANS

Means which is differentially responsive to distinguishable forces or input-impulses* to prepare corresponding predetermined distinct combinations of less than the total number of tool pairs for actuation. (Note. This is the subject matter of subclass 94 of this class).

COPY (n.)

A tangible object which carries or exhibits a picture, design, or record of data, for the guidance or direction of an operative or attendant of a selective cutting machine. (Cf. pattern*).

FEED (of pattern, card, web, etc.)

The progressive advancement of an object through a tool field and/or a field of pattern-sensers*, as distinguished from the mere presentation of an object to a machine.

FULL-BANK

An assemblage of elements (e.g., tools or pattern-sensers*), which covers all significant points of an area to be operated on, usually in one cycle.

INDICIUM

A mark or configuration exhibited or carried by an object (such as a pattern* or token) intended for use in the control of a machine.

INPUT-IMPULSE

A force or stimulus applied to a machine from an external source (such as the hand of an operative, or the output mechanism of a calculator, etc.) or which originates from the sensing of a pattern* presented to the machine, and which is capable of controlling tool selection and/or auxiliary-operations*. (Cf. input-means*).

INPUT-MEANS

An instrumentality which is effective to exert control over the operation of tool-selecting mechanism and/or mechanism to perform an auxiliary-operation*, in response to the application of an input-impulse* to such input-means, (e.g., a keyboard, a dial, a pattern-sensing unit, etc.)

INTERPOSER

An element which is movable to and from two or more positions, in one or more of which positions it is effective to condition a tool pair for actuation by its engagement with a tool of said pair and by thus completing a drive train for transmission of actuating force to the tool pair (either by the transmission of energy to an active tool element, or by blocking an inactive tool element in effective position).

JUSTIFICATION

The computation or assignment of interword-spaces and/or type-widths, or symbols representative of such spaces or type-widths, in connection with the composition of a line of type or the production of an instrumentality (perforated tape, etc.) for the control of a type-setting machine, for the purpose of predetermining the exact length of a completed line of type.

NOTCHING

The cutting of a discrete product from a workpiece through the thickness of the workpiece with the line of cut starting at an edge of the workpiece and returning to the same edge.

ONE-HOLE-CODE

A system of single-hole symbols each distinguished only by its position with respect to a datum line.

ONE-STROKE-STORAGE

Usually a misnomer, denoting merely a one-cyle delay in the actuation of selected tools. (See subclass 91 for examples; also cf. Storage*).

PATTERN

A tangible object, which, when temporarily presented to a suitable machine of the class type, affects the control of tool selection. (The workpiece itself may function as a pattern).

PATTERN-FIELD

A complete pattern or any part thereof which may be chosen to supply input data for any purpose.

PATTERN-SENSER

One or more elements which are capable of responding to certain indicia or characteristics of a pattern* presented to a machine, which response may be utilized to exert a control function on some portion of the machine.

PRODUCT

A workpiece* which has been completely processed by a device of the Class 234 type.

PROGRAM

A predetermined timed sequence of auxiliary-operations* of a Class 234 machine (i.e., not directly including the selection of tools, but it may include a changeover from one code* system to another; cf. Auxiliary-operation*).

READ-IN (n.)

The transfer of data to a storage* device.

READ-OUT (n.)

The transfer of data from a storage device or other means, to tool selection mechanism.

SELECTION

The conditioning by a device of one or more of a number of available elements. (In this class, the term "selection" is usually employed with reference to tools; tool selection is independent of tool actuation*).

SHIFT (n.)

A change in the relative position of data, indicia, etc., incidental to its transfer from one record or medium to another (e.g., data in columns 1-5 of a pattern card may be caused to appear in columns 16-19 and 21 of a newly made card).

SKIP (n.)

A suspension of cutting and/or pattern-sensing operations, accompanied by a predetermined amount of feed* of a workpiece or pattern, for the purpose of omitting operations on a portion thereof.

SLITTING

The cutting of a narrow incision by a single straight or curved cutting edge, the incision extending through the thickness of a workpiece, being of finite length, and having distinct ends (i.e., not a punched hole).

STORAGE

The temporary retention, in a portion of machine, of input data, after cessation of the input-impulse* and before a corresponding initiation of tool selection*.

TOOL-FIELD

An area embracing all the points which can be operated upon in one cycle of acutation of a given plurality of tools.

WORKPIECE

The object which is cut or punched (before, during, or after such operation is effected). Cf. Product*.

SUBCLASSES

[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 1]    1METHODS
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  A procedure which comprises the step of selecting one or more cutting tools or utilizing a selective cutting device.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 2]    2Comprising utilization of a pattern
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Procedure which comprises the step of detecting the indicia or the characteristics of a pattern.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 3]    3And modification of the pattern or its effectiveness
 This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Procedure which comprises the step of varying (1) the characteristics of a pattern or (2) the response of a machine to pattern characteristics.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 4]    4WITH TYPE-WIDTH AND INTER-WORD-SPACE TOTALIZER OR INDICATOR (I.E., FOR JUSTIFICATION)
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Device comprising means to cut character and space-representing code perforations successively in a strip of material and, substantially simultaneously, to cut other perforations representative of incremental quantities related to said characters (e.g., their widths when set up in type), and further comprising means to totalize said quantities (by means of a counter or measuring unit) and means to indicate the approach of said total toward a predetermined quantity (i.e., the length of a completed line of type).
(1) Note. A patent directed to a device for punching a typographical-machine- controlling strip will not be placed in this or the indented subclasses unless all or a significant portion of a justification-space counter and/or indicator or associated structure pertaining to justification is claimed. Other features, such as repeat key systems, may be found in appropriate subclasses herebelow, in devices which could conceivably be utilized as composing machines.
(2) Note. Some patents have been cross-referenced to this subclass on the basis of disclosed features deemed important to selective typographical punching machines even though the disclosures are not clearly of the selective type.

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125,for a "repeat key" mechanism on a composing machine or other selective punching device.

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400, Typewriting Machines,   subclasses 1+ and 77+ for a "composing machine" which prints code symbols on a tape, and comprises some justification structure.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 5]    5Embodying exchangeable sub-assembly unit for font change
 This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Device which includes a portion that can be removed and replaced by another assembly having characteristics related to a different size or style of type which alters the selection of tools in response to a given input impulse.
(1) Note. Usual examples are interchangeable keyboards or permutation-bar units, usable to adapt a single machine for composing matter in different fonts or type styles. Provision is thus made for suitably altering the selection of punches and the drive to the justification counter and/or indicator.

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14,for programmed means to alter a code.
69,for code production or conversion means associated with a pattern-controlled punching device.
96,for means in a selective cutting device for changing a code or facilitating change thereof.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 6]    6Embodying means to facilitate error correction
 This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Device which includes a modification adapted to simplify or reduce the number of operations required to effect the cancellation of a portion of the series of perforations made in previous cycles of the machine.
(1) Note. Such a device usually operates in two general steps: (1) to restore the justification counter and indicator to the conditions they occupied prior to the punching of the canceled subject matter; and (2) to overpunch the matter to be canceled, or to insert an error symbol in appropriate position to be sensed by the type-casting machine for which the tape is intended to be used.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 7]    7Embodying means to tabulate or to adjust line length
 This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Device including means effective to provide subtotalization of said incremental quantities at a plurality of predetermined points in the composed line, or means to effect alteration in the length of line to be composed.
(1) Note. A device of this subclass type facilitates the composition of printed lines of different lengths, and the composition of tubular matter (i.e., in vertical columns).
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 8]    8Embodying means to insert justification symbol
 This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Device including means for cutting in said strip one or more perforations which represent the widths of interword-spaces so selected at the completion of each line as to cause the completed line (when set in type by a machine not claimed here) to be of a predetermined length.
(1) Note. Actuation of the selected tools to produce justification indicia in the control strip may be effected manually (by special key or incidental to another manual operation such as line feed), or may be automatic.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 9]    9With means to effect selection of justification tools
 This subclass is indented under subclass 8.  Device including means responsive to justification conditions as determined by a justification counter or indicator to control the conditioning of tools without the intervention of an operative.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 10]    10With means to insert justification symbol at other than end of line
 This subclass is indented under subclass 9.  Device, including means to insert the justification symbol or symbols at the beginning of a line or in interword-spaces.
(1) Note. The more conventional system is to insert justification symbols at the end of the line, which usually requires later that the control tape be fed backward into the typesetting machine; for which see subclasses 8 and 9.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 11]    11Embodying means to drive totalizer
 This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Device including means to advance the counter or measuring unit.
(1) Note. Also included are arrangements for altering or adjusting (rather than exchanging) the counter drive to accommodate different type fonts or to space the letters of words.

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4,for a machine including a mere justification indicator (i.e., which does not totalize or compute justification data).
5,for a machine with exchangeable parts to accommodate different fonts.
7,for a machine with provision for altering the counter or measuring unit drive incidental to tabulating or line length adjustment.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 12]    12"Unit-Wheel" type of counter
 This subclass is indented under subclass 11.  Device wherein the counter consists of a toothed wheel driven through assigned increments of rotation by one or more toothed racks.
(1) Note. Counters of this type, termed "unit-wheel", are in wide use (see Patent No. 663, 996, granted December 18, 1900, to T. Lanston).
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 13]    13WITH MEANS TO IMPOSE PROGRAMMED CONTROL OF AUXILIARY-OPERATION
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Device which performs a plurality of operations in sequence and which comprises means effective at a predetermined point in said sequence to modify or render effective or ineffective certain machine controlling impulses other than those impulses which directly control the selection of tools.
(1) Note. For example, the changeover from one code system to another, and the shift of control from one input source to another, are merely preparatory to subsequent tool selection operations, hence they are regarded as "auxiliary-operations", rather than as constituting direct control of tool selection. The term auxiliary-operation* implies any action, operation, or change of condition of a device or part thereof, other than the actual selection of tools for cutting or noncutting action in any cycle of tool actuation. For further examples of auxiliary-operations, see Definitions of Terms.
(2) Note. The term "programmed" implies that any of the actions or changes of conditions referred to in (1) Note, above is the result of a prearranged timing schedule and thus occurs at one or more fixed points in the timed sequence of a machine operation, as against any random time dependent upon the receipt of signals from an external source (e.g., actuation of a keyboard by an operative), or upon the occurrence of a condition which is not definitely related to any particular cycle of operation of the machine (e.g., the occurrence of a misfeed overload, or other malfunction).
(3) Note. Programming may be effected by sensing a card, tape, or other medium while at rest or while progressing through the machine. Such a card or tape is distinguishable from a "pattern" card or tape by the fact that a programming medium controls auxiliary-operations of the machine. If it further contains tool-selection-controlling data, it is a combined program-pattern element, and the programming feature would prevail in the original classification of a patent to the combination.
(4) Note. Certain conventional features commonly found in card punches, namely: the so-called "last-column contact" circuits, or automatic card-feed and card-eject devices in general, are not deemed as of sufficient interest in this class to warrant cross-referencing into subclass 13 unless included in the claimed invention.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 14]    14Embodying means to change code
 Device under cubclass 13 wherein the program means modifies a code* of substitutes one code for another.
(1) Note. The program means found in this subclass does not select tools directly, but effects a change in the system of tool selection (i.e., a change of code, such for example as the substitution, at certain points only in the sequence of operations, of a "space" symbol for a "zero" in response to a "zero" impulse).
(2) Note. The automatic insertion of zeros or suppression of zeros while punching numerical data is an example of "change of code". This auxiliary-operation, if arranged to occur only at predetermined points in the sequence of machine cycles, is said to be "programmed"; if, however, it takes place whenever a certain condition or combination of conditions should arise (e.g., upon detection of an initial zero in numerical data received from a keyboard or a pattern-reader) it is a randomly effected change of code, classifiable in subclasses 22+.

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24,for means to automatically insert or to suppress the punching of a zero symbol, under the control of randomly effective operating conditions.
96,for means to change or facilitate change of code, in a selective cutting device.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 15]    15Embodying means to afford choice of programs
 This subclass is indented under subclass 13.  Device wherein additional means is provided for conditioning the device to follow one of a plurality of distinct predetermined sequences of operations.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 16]    16Embodying means to shift control between plural input sources
 This subclass is indented under subclass 13.  Device wherein the program means terminates the transmission of machine-controlling impulses from one specified portion of the device and effects initiation of transmission of such impulses from another specified portion of the device.
(1) Note. For original placement in this subclass, a patent must claim means to connect a second input means, as well as means to disconnect a first input means. The mere addition of an overriding control of a single input means (e.g., the operation of keys by a pattern-responsive mechanism at certain times) is found in subclass 20.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 17]    17Diverse sources
 This subclass is indented under subclass 16.  Device wherein the two specified portions of the device differ in both structure and function.
(1) Note. Such portions may be, for example, a keyboard and a pattern- senser or data storage device.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 18]    18Embodying means to effect selection or shift or skip of field
 This subclass is indented under subclass 13.  Device wherein said program means effects a predetermined change in the location of a cutting tool pair with respect to work and/or in the location of the effective portion of a pattern-sensing mechanism with respect to a pattern.
(1) Note. Patents in this subclass disclose means for altering, at predetermined times, the relative recorded positions of data being read from a pattern or storage means, or being supplied from a keyboard or other input means.

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72+,for means to effect field selection, skip, elimination, or shift, in a pattern controlled device.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 19]    19With change in feed of pattern or work
 This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Device including means effective during a predetermined time interval to speed up, slowdown, or temporarily block the progressive movement of work or pattern past the zone of cutting or sensing operations.
(1) Note. "Skip bar" controls are found in this subclass, also arrangements for permitting "multiple punching" in given columns.

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28+,for randomly controlled changes in feed of pattern or work.
72+,for alteration of the effect of pattern data which may involve changes in feed.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 20]    20For start or stop of control from given input source
 This subclass is indented under subclass 13.  Device, wherein the program means effects initiation or termination of transmission of machine-controlling impulses from a specified portion of the device.
(1) Note. Included here is the conventional "column cutout bar" control which starts and stops duplicating operations at predetermined card columns, permitting an operative to insert manually keyed data in certain fields of a card.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 21]    21For stopping after predetermined number of operations
 This subclass is indented under subclass 13.  Device provided with means to bring one or more parts to a halt after the completion of a fixed plurality of cycles of operation of the device or of any portion thereof which is periodically actuated.
(1) Note. This subclass does not include "repeat key" mechanisms, for their actuation is manually initiated at random times (i.e., at the will of an operative), for which see the Search This Class, Subclass note below.

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51,for means to effect unicyclic tool actuation.
125,for repeat key mechanism, and see (1) Note, above.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 22]    22WITH MEANS TO IMPOSE RANDOMLY ACTUATED CONTROL OF AUXILIARY-OPERATION
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Device provided with means for initiating, modifying, or terminating the functional effect of some portion of the device other than or in addition to the tool selecting mechanism, per se; such control-imposing means acting in response to a signal or impulse which cannot be predicted to occur during any particular one of a number of recurring cycles of operation (either of the machine as a whole, of a tool, or of any part of the machine which has a cyclic law of operation).
(1) Note. Such means may comprise, for example, a device effective to stop a selective cutting machine upon the detection of a jam in the work feed mechanism, or to start such a machine upon the presentation thereto of a pattern or a workpiece, or to temporarily suspend tool actuation during the passage of a particularly identified card through the punching station or to cause automatic change of code under certain operating conditions which occur at random times.
(2) Note. The claimed combination of pattern-sensing means and tool-selecting means controlled thereby is found in subclass 59, below. The selection of tools being in the main characteristic of Class 234, it is not included in the meaning of the term
(3) Note. In general, an operation which is specifically voluntarily initiated, as by the depression of a claimed special key on a keyboard, is not regarded as a random operation within the meaning of this subclass definition. The term "random" is applied in Class 234 to operations which occur in response to given conditions or otherwise without voluntary initiation by an operative. Means for performing a given operation at the will of an operative or attendent will generally be found in a subclass relating generally to means for performing the pertinent operation, or in the keyboard subclasses 123+.

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13+,for programmed control of auxiliary-operation.
59+,for pattern control of tool selection.
124+,for keyboard control of an auxiliary- operation, (e.g., workfeed, repeat operations, column skipping, etc.).
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 23]    23Embodying means to detect order of occurrence of input data
 This subclass is indented under subclass 22.  Device provided with additional means which is differentially responsive, to two or more diverse bits of data which control the selection of tools in the device, in such manner that a certain time sequence of transmission of such bits makes said additional means effective to transmit said signal or impulse to the control-imposing means.
(1) Note. For example, a device in this subclass may effect an automatic change of code, sometimes involving the punching of "letters shift" or "figures shift" symbols at appropriate locations in an output tape. The control- imposing means does not select tools, but establishes or selects the system by which tool selections are governed, during the existence of a given operating condition.

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14,for means to perform a similar operation under programmed control.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 24]    24Zero suppression or insertion
 This subclass is indented under subclass 23.  Device wherein the additional means is differentially responsive to the occurrence of a zero or a significant digit, and the control-imposing means is capable of determining the actuation or nonactuation of a tool or group of tools (which has been selected by other means) to represent a zero symbol.
(1) Note. The systematic substitution of a "zero" for a space or other character, or substitution of a "space" for a zero, at every occurrence, is simply a change of code. A device having this function would be classified in one of the appropriate subclasses relating to "coded" punching (see the Search This Class, Subclass note below, for example).

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14,for programmed means to change code.
69+,for change of code in a pattern-controlled selective cutting device (see (1) Note above).
96,for means to change or facilitate change of code in a selective cutting device.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 25]    25Embodying means to detect indicium in work or pattern
 This subclass is indented under subclass 22.  Device provided with additional means which is capable of sensing data or a characteristic of a pattern* or workpiece*and initiating the control-imposing signal or impulse in response to the sensing of a predetermined symbol or characteristic.
(1) Note. See (2) Note under subclass 22.

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33+,for a control which may be initiated jointly by work-sensing means and other means.
63+,for means to control tool selection by detection of indicia in workpiece.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 26]    26With group number control of recording
 This subclass is indented under subclass 25.  Device wherein said control-imposing means governs the transfer or nontransfer of data from a pattern to a workpiece, the device being further provided with a comparator effective to compare data sensed by such additional means with other data stored in the device or concurrently sensed from a pattern or workpiece, and means to initiate the control-imposing signal or impulse under a given condition of correspondence or noncorrespondence of said compared data.
(1) Note. The auxiliary-operation controlled in this case is the tool actuation (as distinct from tool selection) or the transmission of selection impulses to the tool-selection means.

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63,for control of data reproduction by detection of indicia in a workpiece.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 27]    27With control of feed of pattern and/or work
 This subclass is indented under subclass 26.  Device including means responsive to the control-imposing signal or impulse to regulate the feed of pattern and/or work.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 28]    28With means to control feed
 This subclass is indented under subclass 25.  Device wherein the control-imposing means is for starting, stopping, or modifying the progress of a pattern and/or workpiece through the device.
(1) Note. The usual function characterizing the devices of this subclass is pattern-controlled skipping of pattern and/or work fields.

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19,for programmed control of pattern or work feed.
72+,for broadly, means to alter the effect of pattern data by transposition, shift, or suppression field.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 29]    29Control of pattern feed
 This subclass is indented under subclass 28.  Device wherein said control-imposing means regulates the progressive movement of a pattern with respect to pattern-sensing means.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 30]    30Stopping means
 This subclass is indented under subclass 22.  Device wherein said control-imposing means operates by bringing any or all of the moving parts of the device to a halt or by terminating an auxiliary-operation (e.g., tool actuation).
(1) Note. It is not a bar to original placement of a patent in this subclass, that the claimed power train disrupting, breaking, or other "stopping" means may be activated at a time when the part to be halted is, purely adventitiously, at a standstill due to its normal cyclic operation.
(2) Note. Patents in this subclass (30) may claim the combination, in a selective cutting device, of stopping means initiated by sensing the absence of work or pattern, or sensing misplaced or defective work, etc., wherein the occurrence of such condition, as disclosed, is not by reason of defect or malfunction of the device, for which latter condition, see subclass indented hereunder.

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22,for random control which may include, but is not limited to stopping (e.g., means to start a machine upon presentation of work or pattern which may be combined with means to stop the machine upon withdrawal of work or pattern).
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 32]    32Upon detection of machine defect or misoperation
 This subclass is indented under subclass 30.  Device provided with additional means responsive to a failure of a machine part, or to an abnormal position or functioning thereof, to initiate said signal or impulse.
(1) Note. Random stopping means which responds to absence or abnormal position of a pattern or workpiece, irrespective of the cause for such condition, will be found in subclass 30.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 33]    33With means to check on tool actuation
 This subclass is indented under subclass 32.  Device provided with means which responds to tool actuation or senses characteristics of the workpiece subsequent to tool actuation and which initiates said signal or impulse in response to (1) a failure of the device to follow a predetermined type of tool operation, or (2) the correct completion of such operation, which signal or impulse governs the continuance of operation of the machine or of a part thereof.
(1) Note. For example, the means may be used to check the presence of a punched hole in each column of a card before it leaves a card punch machine.
(2) Note. A check on tool actuation includes, but does not require, verification of the correctness of the punching operations, for which see subclass 34, indented hereunder.
(3) Note. The term "stopping" in subclasses 30+ is broadly construed to embrace a change in the mode of operation of the device which involves the cessation of a particular function even though parts concerned may still have motion.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 34]    34With verifier (data comparator)
 This subclass is indented under subclass 33.  Device in which the signal- or impulse-generating means responds to a disparity between the selection control impulses received by the device and the consequent operations performed by the device.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 35]    35WITH INPUT MEANS COMMON TO TOOL SELECTOR AND PRINTER
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Device including input-means* which means affects both mechanism for selective cutting as well as mechanism for applying embossed or visibly tinted character-representing symbols to a workpiece.
(1) Note. The printing and cutting operations may be applied to the same or to different workpieces, and either simultaneously or nonsimultaneously.
(2) Note. The claimed inclusion of any specific element of a printing device, which element is not a necessary part of the control or actuating mechanism of the selective cutting device, is a bar to placement of the patent in this class. For example, a patent to a combined "typewriter-punch" wherein the typewriter key levers actuate punch-selection mechanisms and the paper-carriage movement controls feed of a card to the punching station, would be placed as an original in Class 400, Typewriting Machines, if the claims referred also to "types", or ribbon feed or line-feed mechanism, etc.
(3) Note. For the relationship of this group of subclasses to other work-treating classes, see the class definition section entitled "Relationship to Other Classes Including, Per Se, Cutting or Other Treatment of Work".
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 36]    36Step by step printer
 This subclass is indented under subclass 35.  Device wherein the printing means is disclosed as being effective to applying printed symbols in sequential order.
(1) Note. Typographical punching machines commonly include step-by-step printing incidental to the production of a perforated control strip for typesetting purposes.

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4,for a typos:graphical punching machine with incidental step-by-step printing.

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101, Printing,   for the combination of specific printing means with selective cutting means.
400, Typewriting Machines,   for the combination of step-by-step printing means and work-feed means with selective cutting means.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 37]    37On same workpiece
 This subclass is indented under subclass 36.  Device wherein the printing means is disclosed as being effective to treat the workpiece upon which the cutting tool pairs are effective.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 38]    38WITH NONSELECTIVE CUTTING OR PUNCHING MEANS
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Device which includes cutting or punching mechanism which is not selective in terms of the class definition.
(1) Note. Disclosures of a selective cutting machine combined with feed-hole punching mechanism or a work-trimming cutter are found in this or the indented subclass.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 39]    39Work sizing or cyclic (e.g., feed hole) punching
 This subclass is indented under subclass 38.  Device wherein the nonselective mechanism is effective to cut the workpiece or product to size or to perforate it at regular intervals.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 40]    40WITH SORTING MEANS OR COPY HOLDER
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Device in combination with (1) means to systematically distribute the products from the cutting device, or (2) means to support and exhibit a record or data source for the convenience of an operative using the device.
(1) Note. A patent to a selective punching device comprising a manually movable stylus to control tool selection, and a holder for a drawing or design to be traced by such stylus, will be placed as an original in this subclass.
(2) Note. The terms copy* and "data source" do not imply direct control of a machine therefrom, as in the case of a pattern* or a "program device", but merely afford information for the guidance of an operative or attendant, who in turn controls the selection of tools.

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13,and 22, for respectively, programmed control or random control of auxiliary-operation, which latter may include sorting as well as interfiling, segregating, counting, etc.
  
[List of Patents for class 234 subclass 41]    41CONVERTIBLE
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Device provided with means which, when rendered effective, alters the device from the selective cutting device to a device lying outside the scope of the class definition.
(1) Note. Example: A card punch machine which by the manipulation of a control switch is usable as a verifying machine, or as a card sorter.

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73,