Method or apparatus for bringing in a logical array, a plurality
of sheets, or webs of a flexible material in accordance with recognizable
indicia thereon or other characteristics distinguishing one sheet
or web from another.
(1)
Note. Included herein is a sheet or web material associating
combined with printing, cutting, securing, wrapping, or merely opening
folded sheets.
(2)
Note. For purpose of facilitating the definition of the subclasses,
the following discussion and definition of terms used is presented.
A "sheet" is a thin, usually flexible object having
length and width dimensions. The boundary of these dimensions are
the "edge" of the sheet. The sheet is moving along
a direction of travel, and the term "side-edge" is
applied to those edges which are generally parallel to the direction of
travel. A "web" is a sheet having indefinite length
and a definite width. The term "positioning" may
include the act of partially turning the sheet about an axis that passes
through the surface of the sheet so that an edge thereof is accurately
aligned if that edge was previously misaligned.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
The following line was established after a discussion with
the examiners representing Classes 270 and 271:
In Class 270, the apparatus for the sheet-material associating
includes a mechanism to place the sheets from plural sources into
an operational specified association onto or against a surface which
then groups the sheets in said specified association or to place
the sheets in specified association. The delivery of the sheets
to a stack from the plural sources requires a specific order of
associating the sheets other than mere random stacking. Class 270
accepts putting the sheets in a logical array or placing the sheets
in the associated stack in order to perform the operation on the
sheets.
In Class 271, a separation of an individual sheet from a stack
of sheets considered proper even if no specific feeding of the sheets
for an operation is disclosed. In Class 271, a sheet feeding or
delivering means combines or places the sheets (a) adjacent to or
on top of each other in a random order, or (b) to perform the operation on
individually fed sheets.
Electrophotography,
subclasses 16+ and 361+ for document handling (e.g.,
feeding or delivering sheet medium (i.e., originals or copies) within
an electrophotographic device).
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising an apparatus for impressing or
stenciling or imaging a design or character upon a plurality of
sheets or webs of a flexible material which sheets or webs are brought
together in a logical array in accordance with (a) recognizable
indicia on the material, or (b) the characteristics distinguishing
one sheet or web material from another.
(1)
Note. Inkjet or laser printing is included in this subclass.
Photocopying,
subclass 311 for an electrophotographic document counting of
a feed stock having different sizes, colors or shapes and subclass 325
for delivering or collecting the electrophotographic document including
inserting a sheet between the two sheets.
Electrophotography,
subclasses 79+ for an electrophotographic document counting of
a feed stock having different sizes, colors, or shapes and subclass
361+ for delivering or collecting the electrophotographic
document including inserting a sheet between the two sheets.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.01. Subject matter including printing the design or character
made-to-order, such as printing individual names or addresses or
other customized printing on selected sheets or webs.
Manufacturing Container or Tube From Paper; or
Other Manufacturing From a Sheet or Web,
subclasses 324+ for printing on a container or tube made from
a paper material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.02. Subject matter including means for detecting instruction
indicia placed on the sheets or webs and in response, thereto, interpreting
and printing a design or character on the selected sheets or webs.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.01. Means for both associating and folding, together with a
pair of rotatable members, between the peripheries of which the
work is printed by rolling contact.
(1)
Note. Also compare the printing class references below.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter wherein a flexible material in a strip form
of indefinite length is being continuously bent over or doubled
up upon itself along its length by passing the material over a former or
the like.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5.02. Subject matter wherein the cutting device is (a) making
a long narrow cut or incision in the web, or (b) piercing or punching
a hole in the web.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5.01. Having a cylinder for carrying a sheet around and associating
it with a succeeding sheet from the same source, and also means
for folding sheets.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. The material being first associated in continuous strip
form, then cut into sheets, there being a cylinder for carrying
a sheet around and associating it with succeeding sheets from the
same source.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, appropriate subclasses for methods of, and apparatus
for, feeding material without utilizing the leading or trailing
ends to effect movement of the material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 12. There being a cylinder for carrying a sheet around and associating
it with a succeeding sheet from the same source.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Having means for folding sheets on a line parallel to their
direction of travel through the printing mechanism.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.01. Means for assembling a plurality of sheets or webs otherwise
then by merely stacking, without folding, there being a pair of
rotatable members, between the peripheries of which the work is
printed by rolling contact.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. There being a cylinder for carrying a sheet around and associating
it with a succeeding sheet from the same source.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.01. Method or apparatus including use of means for superimposing
portions of the same piece of material without severing along the
fold line, together with a pair of rotatable members, between the
peripheries of which the work is printed by rolling contact.
This subclass is indented under subclass 20.1. Method or apparatus combined with means for severing the
material transversely of its movement through the machine.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.01. Method or apparatus wherein printed matter is impressed
on both sides of a web by passing it through machines having a flat
printing member in rolling action with a cylinder.
(1)
Note. Also compare the printing class references below.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including means arranged to travel to and
fro in a straight path over a support or platform and to deposit
layers of sheets or webs on the support or platform.
(1)
Note. The layers may or may not be severed from each other.
Bleaching and Dyeing; Fluid Treatment and Chemical
Modification of Textiles and Fibers,
subclass 152 for piling chemically modified textiles and fibres.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30.01. Subject matter including means for detecting a defect in
(a) a predetermined characteristic of the sheets or webs, or (b)
a design or character printed on the sheets or webs.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30.01. Subject matter including means for (a) measuring a tautness
or slackness in the sheets or webs and actuating an alarm or signal
when the tautness or slackness in the sheets or webs is in excess
of or below a pre-established limit, or (b) actuating a device to
regulate the tautness or slackness in the sheets or webs for preventing
wrinkles.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30.01. Subject matter wherein the traveling speed of the reciprocating
carriage piler is coincided with the speed at which the sheets or
webs are deposited on the support or platform.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30.01. Subject matter including means for gripping the sheets or
webs, thereby, restricting the movement of the sheets or webs with
respect to the carriage or support or platform.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30.05. Subject matter wherein the carriage includes a device for
carrying a bolt or package from which bolt or package the sheets
or webs are supplied to the support or platform.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30.01. Subject matter including means for positioning or locating
lateral edges of the sheets or webs with respect to the edges of
the previously positioned sheets or webs or with respect to the support
or platform.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30.01. Subject matter including a sharp-edged device or similar
means for severing the sheets or webs and depositing in layers on
the support or platform.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30.08. Subject matter wherein the sheets or webs are supplied from
a bolt or package carried in a continuously moving device to the
cutting device and deposited in layers on the support or platform.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30.01. Subject matter including means for permitting or causing
a change in the vertical position of the support or platform or
carriage.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30.01. Subject matter wherein the carriage includes a device for
carrying a bolt or package from which bolt or package the sheets
or webs are supplied to the support or platform.
Metal Working,
subclasses 432+ for a residual method of securing a nail or staple
to work by driving, and see the note to Class 227, below for related means
for so doing.
Elongated-Member-Driving Apparatus,
subclasses 19+ and subclasses 99+ for combined apparatus
for feeding work and applying a member, e.g., staple, to the work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. There being a cylinder for carrying a sheet around and associating
it with a succeeding sheet from the same source.
This subclass is indented under subclass 39.01. Subject matter wherein the zigzag package is cut or isolated
into more than one independent pack of sheets or webs at a selected
location.
Manufacturing Container or Tube From Paper; or
Other Manufacturing From a Sheet or Web,
subclass 362 for advancing work from first to second operation
station.
This subclass is indented under subclass 39.01. Subject matter wherein the webs in the zigzag package are
supplied from the bottom of the zigzag package for further operation.
Manufacturing Container or Tube From Paper; or
Other Manufacturing From a Sheet or Web,
subclasses 413+ for a web folding by swinging a work guiding member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 39.01. Subject matter including means for inserting one folded
sheet into another folded sheet so as to lock both folded sheets
with one another.
Manufacturing Container or Tube From Paper; or
Other Manufacturing From a Sheet or Web,
subclasses 409+ for repeatedly folding and unfolding and subclass
450 for folding by a direct application of vacuum or fluid.
This subclass is indented under subclass 39.06. Subject matter wherein the sheets are brought together in
a logical array in accordance with (a) recognizable indicia on the
sheets, or (b) the characteristics distinguishing one sheet from another
sheet; before the sheets are interfolded.
This subclass is indented under subclass 39.06. Subject matter wherein the sheet inserting means includes
a flat thin member made of metal or non-metal material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 39.06. Subject matter wherein the sheets inserting means includes
a member having a circumferential surface which turns about its
axis in an arc of a circle; the said surface having a receptacle
lying in or adjacent to the surface for temporarily holding successive
sheets.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, appropriate subclasses for methods of, and apparatus
for, feeding material without utilizing the leading or trailing
ends to effect movement of the material.
Manufacturing Container or Tube From Paper; or
Other Manufacturing From a Sheet or Web,
subclasses 405+ for folding, per se, of sheet material generally.
This subclass is indented under subclass 41. There being a cylinder for carrying a sheet around and associating
it with a succeeding sheet from the same source, also additional means
for sheet folding.
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. The material first associated in continuous strip form,
then cut into sheets, there being a cylinder to carry the sheets
around and associate them with succeeding sheets from the same source.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, appropriate subclasses for methods of, and apparatus
for, feeding material without utilizing the leading or trailing
ends to effect movement of the material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 45. With means for causing one sheet to pause until the arrival
of another sheet, with which it is associated.
This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Having a cylinder for carrying a sheet around and associating
it with succeeding sheet from the same source.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein a plurality of sheets or webs are
brought together or assembled into a pack in a logical array other
than by merely stacking the sheets or webs or separated or disassembled
the plurality of sheets or webs into separate packs other than merely
unstacking the sheets or webs in accordance with (a) recognizable
indicia on the sheets or webs, or (b) the characteristics distinguishing
one sheet or web from another sheet or web in the pack.
(1)
Note. Folding of the sheets or webs is not included in this
subclass.
Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture, appropriate subclasses for a laminating means in
combination with a means for assembling a plurality of sheets.
Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, appropriate subclasses for methods of, and an apparatus
for, feeding a material without utilizing the leading or trailing
ends to effect a movement of the material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.01. Subject matter wherein the associating or disassociating
is regulated by a sensor in response to detecting a systematic arrangement
of recognizable or identifying marks such as lines, numbers, or
letters, or the like that are printed or placed on the sheets or
webs.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.01. Subject matter wherein the sheets or webs in the packs are
so arranged that at least one sheet or web in a pack is having a
size or color or shape or characteristic or indicia different than other
sheets or webs in the pack.
(1)
Note. All packs in the arrangement are identical in this
subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.01. Subject matter including means for detecting a damaged or
missing or repetitive or unintended arrangement of packs and in
response thereto (a) actuating a warning signal, or (b) activating a
member for removing such packs.
Manufacturing Container or Tube From Paper; or
Other Manufacturing From a Sheet or Web,
subclass 16 for a sensor which detects and in response automatically
actuates a member to remove such defective sheet or web.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.04. Subject matter including means for regulating a supply of
new pack of sheets or webs to replace the rejected packs.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.01. Subject matter including means for detecting more or less
than a predetermined number of sheets or webs in the pack and in
response thereto actuating a signal or warning device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.01. Subject matter wherein a plurality of materials in strip
form having indefinite lengths are brought together or assembled
into packs in a logical array other than by merely stacking the strip
material, in accordance with (a) the recognizable indicia on the
materials, or (b) the characteristics distinguishing one strip material
in the pack from another.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.07. Subject matter including a web associating mechanism and
means for locating or positioning side edges of successively stacked
webs or locating or positioning the associated webs with respect
to a part of the web associating mechanism.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.07. Subject matter wherein (a) the web is severed into individual
sheets and assembled into orderly piles, or (b) the web is severed
under individual sheets and assembled into the orderly piles.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.07. Subject matter including at least two webs each having a
distinct characteristic (e.g., one web is a plain paper and the
other web is treated with a carbon compound).
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.01. Subject matter including means for separating webs into
individual webs or a group of webs without cutting.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.01. Subject matter including means such as a gripping roller
or the like for holding or pulling the webs for breaking along perforations
or weak planes.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.01. Subject matter wherein a plurality of previously folded
sheets or webs are brought together or assembled into the packs
in a logical array other than by merely stacking the previously
folded sheets or webs in accordance with (a) the recognizable indicia
on the sheets or webs, or (b) the characteristics distinguishing
one sheet or web from another in the pack.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.14. Subject matter including means for detecting (a) the absence
of the signature, or (b) more than one signature occupying a space
at the same time, or (c) a mis-alignment of the signature or such
improperly supplied signature; and in response thereto actuating
a signal or warning device.
(1)
Note. The sensor is located between the supply source and
the support.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.14. Subject matter including means for inserting an additional
sheet between the folded sides of the signatures.
(1)
Note. Folded edges of the signatures are placed downward
for this subclass.
(2)
Note. The insetting means may include a roller or pusher
or such device which drops the additional sheet between the open
folded sides of the signature.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.19. Subject matter wherein the signatures, before or after insetting,
are transported in a pocket-like container which is substantially
shaped like a funnel.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.19. Subject matter wherein the signatures are supplied from
a source by a device having a rotating drum or such similar member
turning on its axis in an arc of a circle.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.21. Subject matter wherein the signatures are transported to
the feeder on a carrier having a continuously moving surface such
as an endless belt made of a flexible material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.23. Subject matter wherein the signature opener includes an
element having a surface through which surface a vacuum or subatmospheric pressure
is applied to facilitate engaging and pulling one side of the signature
toward the surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.23. Subject matter wherein the signature opener includes at
least two elements having opposed surfaces between which surfaces
one side of the signature is placed and the elements are urged toward
one another and one side of the signature is firmly grasped by the
surfaces and pulled away with respect to the other side of the signature.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.14. Subject matter wherein the signatures are so associated
that edges formed by the folded sides of the signatures are directed
upward and perpendicular to the direction of travel of the signatures.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.27. Subject matter wherein the signature opener includes an
element having a surface, through which surface a vacuum or subatmospheric pressure
is applied to facilitate engaging and pulling one side of the signature
toward the surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.26. Subject matter wherein the signatures are transported on
a surface that turns about an axis in an arc of a circle.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.01. Subject matter wherein a plurality of materials in strip
form having definite lengths and widths are brought together or
assembled into a pack in a logical array other than by merely stacking the
strip materials, in accordance with (a) the recognizable indicia
on the materials, or (b) the characteristics distinguishing one
strip material from another in the pack.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.01. Subject matter including means for (a) detecting the presence
or absence of the sheets, or (b) detecting an orientation of the
individual sheet, or (c) recognizing and interpreting the distinguishing
markings or specific codes or such visible or invisible markings
on the sheet; and in response thereto actuating a signal or warning
device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.02. Subject matter wherein the sensor is detecting (a) the
absence of the sheet, or (b) more than one sheet occupying a space
at the same time, or (c) a mis-alignment of the sheet, or (d) such improperly
supplied sheet; and in response thereto actuating a signal or warning
device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.01. Subject matter including means for detecting different sizes
or colors or thicknesses or weights or the like characteristics
of the sheets in the pack.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.04. Subject matter including a special outermost sheet in the
pack having a characteristic different from all other sheets in
the pack.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.01. Subject matter wherein the pack is undergoing a work (e.g.,
binding or cutting or aligning or such similar work).
Package Making,
subclass 157 for machines to form group contents and to subsequently
package the group, at least one article of the group being an insert
or separating sheet.
Elongated-Member-Driving Apparatus,
subclasses 19+ and subclasses 99+ for combined apparatus
for feeding work and applying a member, e.g., staple to the work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.08. Subject matter including a sensor for detecting an occurrence
of a predetermined event related to the binding operation such as
detecting a specific thickness of a pile of sheets or such similar
event and initiating a signal or alarm or actuating a device to
regulate or modify the binding operation.
(1)
Note. The size of the staple or the force applied to the
staple for binding is directly related to the thickness of the pile.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.08. Subject matter comprising a plurality of packs and wherein
the packs are carried in a steady flow or succession in an overlapped
or shingled arrangement for binding operation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.08. Subject matter comprising a receiver and wherein the pack
is formed by (a) the sheets being collected in a stack in the receiver
and (b) the receiver carrying the stack to a position for binding.
(1)
Note. The binding means in this subclass may or may not be
rigidly fixed at one location.
(2)
Note. The stack of sheets in this subclass may be prepared
at a location different from the binding operation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.11. Subject matter including means for positioning or locating
lateral edges of the sheets (a) with respect to the edges of the
previously positioned sheets, or (b) with respect to a part of the transporting
mechanism.
(1)
Note. The edge alignment caused by dropping or sliding the
sheets by a gravity, such as falling of sheets from a sloped surface,
is not included in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.11. Subject matter wherein the receiver carrying the pack is
adjustable in an upward or downward direction.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.07. Subject matter comprising at least two additional receivers
(i.e., stackers) and wherein the sheets are bound in packs and the
packs are delivered to the additional receivers.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.14. Subject matter including means for positioning or locating
lateral edges of the sheets (a) with respect to the edges of the
previously positioned sheets, or (b) with respect to a part of one
of the stackers.
(1)
Note. The edge alignment caused by dropping or sliding the
sheets by gravity, such as falling of the sheets from a sloped surface,
is not included in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.07. Subject matter including an operation mechanism and means
for positioning or locating lateral edges of the sheets (a) with
respect to the edges of the previously positioned sheets, or (b)
with respect to a part of the operation mechanism.
(1)
Note. The edge alignment caused by dropping or sliding the
sheet by a gravity such as falling of the sheet from a sloped surface
is not included in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.18. Subject matter including means for adjusting the positions
of the stackers individually or simultaneously as a unit for collecting
the packs of sheets.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.18. Subject matter wherein the receivers are transported in
a carrier which is substantially shaped like a funnel.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.01. Subject matter comprising two or more sources of sheets
wherein the sources supply the sheets for assembling into the pack.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.23. Subject matter wherein at least one of the supply sources
includes an element having a surface, through the surface of which
element a vacuum or subatmospheric pressure is applied to facilitate
in engaging and pulling the sheets to the surface of the element
to remove the sheets from the supply.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.23. Subject matter including means for contacting each sheet
and introducing a force or pressure for collecting the sheets together
in a specific order.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.01. Subject matter including means for positioning or locating
lateral edges of the sheets (a) with respect to the edges of the
previously positioned sheets, or (b) with respect to a part of the sheet
associating mechanism.
(1)
Note. The edge alignment caused by dropping or sliding the
sheet by gravity such as falling of the sheet from a sloped surface
is not included in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.01. Subject matter including a receiver for the pack of sheets
and wherein the receiver is adjustable in an upward or downward
direction.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.01. Subject matter wherein the associated sheets are transported
in a steady flow or succession in an overlapped or shingled arrangement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.01. Subject matter including placing a sheet having a distinct
characteristic at a predetermined location into a group of sheets,
for designating an end of one group of sheets and a beginning of
another group of sheets.
Coating Apparatus, appropriate subclass for means for placing a number of
sheets into a columnar grouping with means for coating the edge,
of a sheet to designate the end of one and the beginning of another
grouping.
Conveyors: Power-Driven, appropriate subclass for placing a number of sheets
into a continuously conveyed grouping of sheets on edge, without insertion
of a marker sheet.
Material or Article Handling,
subclasses 788.1+ for placing a number of sheets into a stacked grouping, without
insertion of a marker sheet; and subclasses 798.2+ for
placing a number of sheets into the grouping of sheets on edge,
at a fixed location, without insertion of the marker sheet.
Coating Processes, appropriate subclass for a method of placing a number
of sheets into a columnar grouping with coating the edge of a sheet
to designate the end of one and the beginning of another grouping.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.31. Subject matter wherein the marker sheet includes a short
flap or a narrow piece of a sheet material having a reasonably constant width
or such similar short piece of the sheet material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.01. Subject matter wherein (a) a sheet is cut or separated along
previously determined locations or weak planes or perforations,
into smaller individual sheets to form a stack of individual sheets,
or (b) a stack of sheets is cut or separated along the previously
determined locations or weak planes or perforations to form a plurality
of smaller individual stacks.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.01. Having means to cause one sheet to pause until the arrival
of another sheet, with which it is associated.
This subclass is indented under subclass 58.01. There being a cylinder for carrying a sheet around and associating
it with a succeeding sheet from the same source.
10+, 13+, 19, 38, 42, 43+,
and subclasses 47+ for a cylinder carrying a sheet around
and associating the sheet with a succeeding sheet from the same source.
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