U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Information Products Division |
U.S. Patent Classification System - Classification Definitions
as of June 30, 2000
Patents classified in a subclass may be accessed by either clicking on
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(definitions have been obtained from the
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Electronic Products Branch)
Class 089
ORDNANCE
Class Definition:
This class includes all guns adapted to be mounted or
supported otherwise than by hand, all explosion-operated guns
including hand and shoulder firearms, bomb dropping devices,
and those gun combinations and subcombinations which are not
provided for in other classes including mounts, supports,
carriages, loading and hoisting mechanisms, shields.
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
33, Geometrical Instruments, subclasses 233+ for gun sights
and gun sight combinations where no more gun structure is
included than is necessary to mount the sight.
42, Firearms, for all hand and shoulder firearms, except
explosion-operated.
60, Power Plants, subclasses 632+ for one shot
explosion-actuated expansible chamber-type motors.
86, Ammunition and Explosive-Charge Making.
102, Ammunition and Explosives, for gun projectiles, per se.
124, Mechanical Guns and Projectors, for devices for throwing
or projecting missiles by mechanical means. This includes
pneumatic and centrifugal projecting devices.
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, subclasses 2+ for a
process or means for penetrating the earth by means of a
below-ground explosion and including a device for firing a
bullet or shaped charge to penetrate the earth formation or
perforate a casing or other wall member in the bore.
181, Acoustics, subclass 223 for gun silencers, per se.
434, Education and Demonstration, subclasses 11+ for
apparatus and processes for teaching and demonstrating the
art of war, including gunnery.
505, Superconductor Technology: Apparatus, Material, Process,
subclasses 150+ for high temperature (T[subscrpt]c[end
subscrpt] greater than 30 K) superconducting systems or
devices, particularly subclass 164 for projectile or
launching device or system.
SUBCLASSES
Subclass:
1.1
MISCELLANEOUS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter not otherwise classifiable.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, for all hand shoulder firearms, except
explosion-operated.
73, Measuring and Testing, subclass 167 for ordnance and
projectile measuring and testing.
102, Ammunition and Explosives, for gun projectiles, per se.
124, Mechanical Guns and Projectors, for devices for throwing
or projecting missiles by mechanical means. This includes
pneumatic and centrifugal projecting devices.
235, Registers, subclasses 400-418 for ordnance and weapon
system calculators.
346, Recorders, subclass 38 for ordnance responsive
recorders.
D12, Transportation, subclass 12 for the design of tanks and
armored cars.
D22, Arms, Pyrotechnics, Hunting and Fishing Equipment,
subclass 100, 103, and 104.
Subclass:
1.11
WAGING WAR:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter relating to conducting wars between nations and
states, to tactics employed by a military, police, or like
unit, or individual to the detriment of an adversary.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, for water
cannon.
431, Combustion, subclass 91 for a flame thrower.
Subclass:
1.12
GUN HEATERS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter for heating the mechanisms of guns.
Subclass:
1.13
MINE-DESTROYING DEVICES:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter for clearing mine fields.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
102, Ammunition and Explosives, subclass 403 for the use of
explosives to clear mine field.
Subclass:
1.14
EXPLOSIVE-OPERATED APPARATUS (E.G., EXPLOSIVE DOOR HINGE,
TOOL EXPLOSIVELY ACTUATED, BAND RELEASE, EXPANSION OF TUBE,
CABLE CUTTER, EXPLOSIVELY OPERATED SPLITTING WEDGES):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter operated by means of an explosive agent.
(1) Note. The subject matter of this subclass is a
subcombination for a combination classified elsewhere.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
114, Ships, subclass 221 for explosive-operated underwater
cable cutters.
137, Fluid Handling, subclass 68.13 for explosive frangible
valves.
227, Elongated-Member-Driving Apparatus, subclasses 9-11
for stud guns.
244, Aeronautics, subclass 121 for explosive means
permitting rapid egress from an aircraft.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes, subclass 84 for applying an explosive force to
make an article.
Subclass:
1.15
WELL PERFORATORS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter used to make a hole in a well pipe and/or the
surrounding bore.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
166, Wells, subclasses 55+, 63 and 297 for perforating well
pipes.
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, subclasses 2+ for a
process or means for penetrating the earth by means of a
below ground explosion and including a device for firing a
bullet or shaped charge to penetrate the earth formation or
perforate a casing or other wall member in the bore.
Subclass:
1.16
ENGINE STARTERS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter generating the motive power to begin the operation of
an engine.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
60, Power Plants, subclass 39.14 for starter motors.
123, Internal-Combustion Engines, subclass 183.1 for
gunpowder engine starters.
Subclass:
1.2
SMOKE OR RESIDUE EJECTORS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter for removing the products of combustion resulting from
the firing of a piece of ordnance.
Subclass:
1.25
LUBRICANT INJECTORS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter for applying lubricant to cartridges while being fed
into a gun or for applying lubricant to the gun.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
184, Lubrication, for general utility lubricators not
classified elsewhere.
Subclass:
1.3
MUZZLE LOADING:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter which can be loaded only from the forward end of the
gun barrel from which the fired bullet emerges.
(1) Note. Mortars and ordnance wherein the projectile
surrounds the barrel are common here.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
45 for loading other than by the muzzle.
Subclass:
1.34
LINE THROWING:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter for projecting cord, rope, wire, string, steel tape,
cable etc.
Subclass:
1.35
TRENCH MORTARS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter comprising high angle of fire ordnance (greater than
45 deg.) having a relatively short barrel that fires a
relatively small shell (85 mm or less).
Subclass:
1.4
CHARGING MECHANISMS FOR GUNS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter for opening the breech block of an automatic gun to
introduce the first round into the chamber and mechanisms
opening the breech block of an automatic gun to extract and
eject a misfire.
Subclass:
1.41
MULTIPLE BARREL GUNS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter having a plurality of tubes through which projectiles
are expelled.
Subclass:
1.42
GUN HANDLES:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter comprising that part of a piece of ordnance which is
to be held, turned, lifted, pulled, etc., with the hand.
Subclass:
1.51
BOMB, FLARE AND SIGNAL DROPPING:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter for holding and releasing bombs, flares and signals
from aircraft.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
60, Power Plants, subclasses 632+ for one shot
explosion-actuated expansible chamber-type motors.
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, subclass 2 for
miscellaneous trip device.
102, Ammunition and Explosives, subclasses 382+ for drop
bombs, per se, and subclasses 337+ for parachute flares.
221, Article Dispensing, appropriate subclasses for article
dispensers not otherwise provided for.
235, Registers, subclass 401 and 402 for calculators which
determine the point at which bombs should be dropped.
244, Aeronautics, subclass 137.3 for aerial cargo unloading
by parachute extraction.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclass 825.67 and 825.72
for devices and apparatus designed to be controlled by radio
energy transmitted from a distance.
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements,
subclasses 142+ for devices and apparatus designed to be
controlled by radiant energy (i.e., light) transmitted from a
distance.
Subclass:
1.52
Drop grenades:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.51. Subject matter
which are released manually out of an aircraft.
(1) Note. The grenades are designed to be dropped by hand
from the aircraft.
Subclass:
1.53
Sway braces:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.51. Subject matter
where the ordnance to be dropped is supported from pylons on
the wings of an aircraft and there are supports to prevent
vibration of the bomb, flare or signal.
Subclass:
1.54
Bomb displaced from exterior of plane:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.51. Subject matter
where the ordnance is carried on the outside of an aircraft
until it is released.
Subclass:
1.55
Arming devices:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.51. Subject matter
where the ordnance is not operable to explode until activated
so that it will explode at a desired time.
Subclass:
1.56
Electrical and radio releases and sighting:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.51. Subject matter
where the ordnance is aimed and is dropped by means of an
electrical device, or by means using an electromagnetic radio
wave.
Subclass:
1.57
Explosive releases:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.51. Subject matter
where the ordnance to be dropped is separated from the
aircraft by means of an explosion.
Subclass:
1.58
Shackles:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.51. Subject matter
where the ordnance to be dropped is held in a rack in the
interior of the aircraft by means of a cable, chain or wire.
Subclass:
1.59
Racks:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.51. Subject matter
comprising a magazine for holding ordnance to be dropped
within the interior of the aircraft.
Subclass:
1.6
Timing device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.51. Subject matter
where the ordnance to be dropped contains a clock so that it
will detonate at a desired moment.
Subclass:
1.61
Sighting:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.51. Subject matter
having a nonelectric means to aim the ordnance.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1.56 for electrical means to aim the ordnance.
Subclass:
1.7
This subclass is indented under the class definition. A gun
comprising means to project a projectile and employing an
explodable propellant which produces a pressurized gas upon
detonation thereof and having (1) a barrel means through
which the projectile may be propelled to be ejected through
an opening therein by the force of the gas, and (2) means to
substantially neutralize, with respect to the gun, those
propellant gas reaction forces which are developed and which
act counter to the gas forces which act in a direction to
propel the projectile.
Subclass:
1.701
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.7. A gun
comprising an expansible chamber associated with the barrel
means and having at least one movable wall formed by a freely
movable reaction mass means which may be accelerated by those
forces in the pressurized gas which are developed counter to
those forces therein which propel the projectile.
(1) Note. The expansible chamber may be a second barrel
means arranged to cooperate with the gun-barrel means, and
the reaction mass may be in the form of a second projectile
means adapted to be projected from the gun by the forces in
the pressurized gas which act counter to those which act to
propel the first projectile.
Subclass:
1.702
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.701. A gun in
which the barrel means comprises barrel portions which are
secured in end-to-end relationship and which are at least
partially separated to facilitate the loading of the
projectile, the propellant or the reaction mass.
Subclass:
1.703
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.7. A gun in which
the means to neutralize the pressurized gas reaction forces
comprises adjustable means to vent the said gas to the
ambient, whereby to selectively control the gas reaction
force.
Subclass:
1.704
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.7. A gun having a
closure means with which to close, either in whole or in
part, an opening in the breech of the gun through which an
explosive charge is inserted.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
17 for breech closures having locking means which hold the
closure in the breech of the gun.
Subclass:
1.705
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.704. A gun in
which the closure means is provided with a means to detonate
the explosive means.
Subclass:
1.706
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.704. A gun in
which the closure means for said opening comprises a
cartridge.
Subclass:
1.8
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter relating to the launching of a rocket.
(1) Note. For the purpose of this definition a rocket is
defined as a vehicle, which may or may not be specifically
described, having therein a reaction motor and a propellant,
whereby, independent of atmospheric oxygen, propulsion gas
may be produced by a chemical reaction. However, in the case
where the rocket, before being launched is located entirely
or partially under water, and during launching, or soon
thereafter, a part or all of the rocket contacts the water,
the rocket propulsion gas, or any other pressurized fluid
employed to launch the rocket, may be produced by a chemical
reaction or by a nonchemical-reaction means.
(2) Note. The word launch means to cause to be moved for
disengagement from a supporting environment either (a) by the
thrust created by the reaction motor of the rocket being
launched alone or (b) by an additional propelling force and
the thrust of the reaction motor of the rocket.
(3) Note. Subject matter under this definition includes
transport, storage, connector, latch, ejecting, exhaust gas
deflecting structures or the like for a rocket which are in
combination with either the rocket or launcher for a
launching purpose and which are not classified elsewhere.
(4) Note. To be classified under this definition in the case
of a rocket not launched under water, as defined in (1) Note,
at least a portion of the propulsion gases emitted by the
rocket whether generated outside the rocket or in the rocket
are required to be produced by a chemical reaction.
(5) Note. For original classification of a patent under this
definition, rather than in other appropriate subclasses of
Class 89, the sole disclosed use or a claim thereof must be
for launching a rocket.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
33.01 for devices which hold or feed a plurality of
cartridges to a gun.
37.01 for gun mounts in general.
subclasses 45+ for means for placing a load into firing
position in a gun.
subclasses 125+ for automatic gun structures which could be
utilized in the launching of rockets.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
102, Ammunition and Explosives, subclasses 347+ for rocket
support sticks and other supports for pyrotechnic rockets
wherein the supports are integral with the rocket and are
launched therewith.
104, Railways, subclasses 48+ for rail transfer structure
and subclasses 89+ for suspended rail structures, per se.
114, Ships, subclasses 18+ and 316+ for vessels having
means for launching a torpedo.
124, Mechanical Guns and Projectors, various subclasses, for
apparatus employing nonexplosive means to impel or launch a
projectile wherein the projectile is disclosed as having a
chemical reaction motor which is claimed in name only.
Patents are also classified in Class 124 which claim
significant projectile structure having a propelling agent
which is either produced by a nonchemical reaction or is a
stored pressurized fluid. However, the combination of a
projectile (regardless of its propulsion means) with a
launching platform submerged in a liquid is classified in
Class 89, subclass 1.8.
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, various subclasses, for power
driven conveyor devices, per se.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, various
subclasses for electrical switch devices which interrupt the
flow of electricity but which normally remain connected in
the electrical circuit.
206, Special Receptacle or Package, subclass 317 for a
container for a weapon.
244, Aeronautics, subclasses 2+, for means to launch and lift
an aircraft, and subclass 63 for devices and arrangements
adapted to assist in the take off of aircraft from land or
water. Launching devices disclosed as rocket launchers
wherein the rocket is claimed in name only are classified in
Class 244. Also, launchable devices comprising propeller
blades and flight control surfaces disclosed as a stage of a
rocket-launching means are classified in Class 244.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
248+ for electrical arc or spark means for igniting a fuel
by which a rocket may be propelled.
414, Material or Article Handling, various subclasses for
rocket handling structures which do not provide means for the
launching of the rocket.
439, Electrical Connectors, various subclasses for details of
electrical connections which permit making and breaking of an
electrical circuit by physical separation of conductors.
446, Amusement Devices: Toys, subclass 212 for reaction
propulsion toy launchers having nonchemical reaction
propulsion devices.
Subclass:
1.801
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.8. Subject matter
having a rocket-storage means for storing or holding a rocket
in a position where it is not connected to a launching means
from which it is to be launched, and a means for engaging and
transferring said rocket from said storage means to a point
so that it may be launched from the rocket-launching means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1.815 for rocket launchers which support a rocket in a
nonfiring or storage position and then move the rocket to a
firing position.
Subclass:
1.802
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.801. Subject
matter wherein the launching means is supported so that it
may be moved relative to the rocket-storage means.
Subclass:
1.803
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.801. Subject
matter wherein the storage means is provided with an opening
and a means cooperating with said opening which both
constitutes a gate or closure for said opening and a means to
transfer a rocket from the storage means to a position from
which it may be launched.
Subclass:
1.804
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.801. Subject
matter in which the storage means is movable from a first
position to a second position for facilitating transfer of
the rocket from the storage means to the launcher.
Subclass:
1.805
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.8. Apparatus
having means for transferring a rocket to be launched from a
position removed from the launcher to a position on the
launcher.
Subclass:
1.806
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.8. Apparatus
comprising a rocket-launching means for restraining the
rocket from movement thereon at least in a direction in which
it is to be launched.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1.812 for other means designed to prevent a rocket from
being fixed or launched prematurely.
Subclass:
1.807
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.806. Apparatus
having means by which the rocket motor may be started.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1.813 for a rocket launcher having a rocket- firing means.
Subclass:
1.808
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.806. Apparatus
having means to rotate a rocket on the launcher prior to
release thereof so as to stabilize the rocket while in
flight.
Subclass:
1.809
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.8. Subject matter
wherein a rocket before being launched is located entirely or
partially underwater, and during launching or soon
thereafter, a part or all of the rocket contacts the water
and wherein the rocket propulsion gas, or any other
pressurized fluid employed to launch the rocket, may be
produced by a chemical reaction or by a nonchemical-reaction
means.
Subclass:
1.81
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.809. Subject
matter having a container for enclosing a rocket to keep
water from contacting it until contact is desired.
Subclass:
1.811
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.8. Apparatus
having cable or conduit means connected to a rocket by
connecting means with means actuated upon the launching of
the rocket to permit or cause separation of said connecting
means to disconnect said cable or conduit means from said
rocket.
(1) Note. A mere snap or manually actuated means connecting
a service conduit or cable to a rocket whether in launching
position or not is not included in this subclass but is
classified, per se, in Class 200, Electricity: Circuit Makers
and Breakers, various subclasses, or Class 439, Electrical
Connectors, various subclasses. This subclass includes only
those cable or conduit connecting means which are separated
or conditioned for separation as a result of launching a
rocket.
Subclass:
1.812
Apparatus under 1.8 having means which prevents premature
starting of a rocket motor or launching of the rocket
vehicle.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1.806 for means which physically engages a rocket for
preventing movement thereof from a position on a launcher
from which it is launched.
Subclass:
1.813
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.8. Apparatus
having means by which a rocket motor may be started.
Subclass:
1.814
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.813. Apparatus
wherein the rocket motor propellant is ignited by electrical
means.
Subclass:
1.815
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.8. Apparatus
having rocket launchers which support and hold a rocket in a
nonfiring or storage position and then move the rocket to a
firing position.
(1) Note. Excluded from this subclass are those launchers
rigidly mounted on a vehicle (e.g., jeep, aircraft, etc.)
wherein movement of the launcher is due only to the movement
of the vehicle.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1.802 for a movable rocket launcher having means storing a
rocket in a position disconnected from said launcher and
means to transfer the rocket to the launcher.
Subclass:
1.816
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.8. Apparatus
wherein the rocket launcher is provided with guide means in
the form of a tube or barrel means to guide a rocket being
launched.
Subclass:
1.817
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.816. Apparatus
comprising means to close the end of the guide means through
which a rocket may pass when it is launched.
Subclass:
1.818
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.816. Apparatus
including a propulsion charge in the guide means for
producing propulsion gases to aid in the launching of a
rocket from the guide means.
Subclass:
1.819
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.8. Apparatus
wherein the rocket launcher is provided with means to guide a
rocket being launched.
Subclass:
4.05
EXPLOSION OPENED BREECH:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter which utilize the force of an explosion to open the
breech of a gun and eject a cartridge shell if present.
(1) Note. A new charge inserted by hand or by
nonexplosion-operated means usually releases the breech-block
which may then be closed.
(2) Note. If a new cartridge or charge is positioned by
means operated by the explosion so that a new cycle of
operation can be initiated merely by causing or permitting
the charge to be fired, the gun is considered to be
"automatic" and will be classified in subclasses 125+. For
further definition of "automatic" and "explosion-operated
means", see the definition and notes of subclass 125.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 9+ for nonautomatic machine guns.
subclasses 17+ for breech closures.
27.11 for firing devices.
37.01 for gun mounts.
subclasses 45+ for loading and ramming devices handling
single charges or cartridges.
subclasses 125+ for automatic guns and see (2) Note above.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, for firearms having no explosion-operated
features.
60, Power Plants, subclasses 632+, for one shot
explosion-actuated expansible chamber-type motors.
Subclass:
4.1
Rotary breech block:
This subclass is indented under subclass 4.05. Subject matter
where the force of the explosion opens a closure which
rotates about the axis of the gun barrel to close or open the
breech.
Subclass:
4.2
Transverse sliding breech block:
This subclass is indented under subclass 4.05. Subject matter
where the explosion opens a closure which moves along an axis
at an angle with respect to the gun barrel.
Subclass:
4.5
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Guns having blow
back (unlocked) breech blocks.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
194 for automatic guns of blow back type.
Subclass:
5
Guns adapted to be employed under water, usually for
discharging torpedoes.
Subclass:
6
Apparatus for operating upon encased fuses of explosive
devices for adjusting them to determine operating time,
corresponding processes and combinations having such subject
matter as a part thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
86, Ammunition and Explosive-Charge Making, subclass 22 for
tools for cutting exposed fuse strings to proper length for
use with blasting charges.
235, Registers, subclass 408 for calculators that determine
the fuse setting to be used.
Subclass:
6.5
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Fuse setters
structurally combined with guns, launching guides or bomb
dropping devices.
(1) Note. Such combinations may involve merely means for
mounting on the device in a place convenient for the operator
to reach.
Subclass:
7
Guns in which the compression of the propelling-gas is
secured by exploding a separate charge or in which the
mixture is itself exploded.
Subclass:
8
Guns in which several charges are successively exploded to
produced an accelerating effect upon the projectile.
Subclass:
9
Guns in which mechanical means are employed to load, fire,
and reload the gun or in which a holder containing a series
of charges is mechanically shifted or fed to bring the
charges successively to firing position.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 125+ for automatic or self-loading guns.
Subclass:
11
Machine guns in which the movement of the breech-block in
opening and closing the breech is in line with the axis or
bore of the gun.
Subclass:
12
Machine guns in which the barrels revolve during the loading
operations. The Gatling and Hotchkiss type are here
included.
Subclass:
13.05
Revolving cylinders:
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Subject matter in
which, like the common revolver, the cylinder containing the
charges revolves to bring a new load or set of loads to
firing position.
Subclass:
13.1
Nonparallel bores:
This subclass is indented under subclass 13.05. Subject
matter where the axes of the bores of the cylinders are not
parallel to each other.
Subclass:
14.05
BARRELS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter including structure of the barrel or body of the gun
or the shape or arrangement of the bore of firing chamber.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, subclass 76.01 for firearm barrels.
Subclass:
14.1
This subclass is indented under subclass 14.05. Devices
having means to promote the transfer of heat between the
barrel and any external media.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1.12 for heat exchange devices for parts other than
barrels.
1.2 for devices which flush the bore or remove residual
gases therefrom.
14.2 for devices which reduce flash by cooling burning gases
at the barrel muzzle, and for combinations of barrel heat
exchangers with flash reducers.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
165, Heat Exchange, subclasses 177+ for a tubular structure
of general application with attached heat-transfer means.
Subclass:
14.2
Flash shield:
This subclass is indented under subclass 14.05. Subject
matter which reduce the sudden flame at the end of the barrel
when a gun is fired.
Subclass:
14.3
Recoil absorbers and climb arrestors:
This subclass is indented under subclass 14.05. Subject
matter where the rearward and/or upward motion of the barrel
caused by firing the barrel is reduced.
Subclass:
14.4
Silencers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 14.05. Subject
matter which tends to reduce the noise caused by the firing
of a gun.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
181, Acoustics, subclasses 233+ for silencers, per se.
Subclass:
14.5
Recoil increasers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 14.05. Subject
matter to amplify the effects of the rearward motion of the
barrel caused by firing the gun.
(1) Note. These are almost always used with practice
ammunition in recoil- operated guns.
Subclass:
14.6
Sabot strippers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 14.05. Subject
matter having a device on the muzzle of the barrel to remove
from a fired projectile a packing or wadding which covers or
encloses a substantial portion of said projectile or supports
it when engaged with the barrel.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
102, Ammunition and Explosives, subclass 520 for sabots, per
se.
Subclass:
15
Gun barrels strengthened by winding of wire, metal ribbon,
rawhide, etc.
Subclass:
16
Gun barrels built up or formed of more than one piece.
Subclass:
17
The breech-block, its operating mechanism, or the means for
securing the block to the breech.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1.1 for manual breech-block operating means for automatic
ordnance.
4.05 for guns with explosion opened breech.
subclasses 9+ for machine guns.
subclasses 125+ for automatic or self-loading guns.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, appropriate breech-block subclasses,
particularly subclass 16, for manual breech-block operating
means for automatic firearms.
Subclass:
18
Breech-closures in which a locking-key is used to hold the
block in the breech. The key may be radially thrown out,
inserted behind the block, or otherwise employed.
Subclass:
19
Breech-blocks adapted to be screwed into the breech.
Subclass:
20.2
Interrupted:
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Subject matter
having segmental threads mounted to be move in or out of
grasping relationship.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
109, Safes, Bank Protection, or a Related Device, subclass 72
for other interrupted threads on wall and panel closures.
285, Pipe Joints or Couplings, subclasses 34+ for
interrupted threads on pipe joints or couplings.
411, Expanded, Threaded, Driven, Headed Tool-Deformed, or
Locked-Threaded Fastener, subclasses 417+ for screws and
bolts provided with circumferentially interrupted threads.
Subclass:
20.4
Motor operated:
This subclass is indented under subclass 20.2. Subject matter
wherein the breach closure is turned by means of a motor.
Subclass:
21
Closures of the divided-screw-thread type adapted to fire
charges enclosed in a rigid case.
Subclass:
22
Breech-closures in which the block opening or closing the
breech moves transversely to the axis of the bore.
Subclass:
23
Breech-closures in which the breech-block has both a
transverse sliding and then a swinging movement.
Subclass:
24
Breech-closures in which the breech-block slides laterally to
open the breech.
Subclass:
25
Breech-closures in which a block is pivoted and has no
movement except to swing transversely to the axis of the bore
to open or close the breech.
Subclass:
26
Breech-closures in which the novelty resides in the means for
checking the gases from escaping at the breech in those guns
which fire loose charges.
Subclass:
27.11
FIRING DEVICES:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter having a lock or charge-exploding mechanism.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 9+ for firing devices for machine guns.
subclasses 132+ for firing devices for automatic guns.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, particularly subclasses 41+, 65+ and 69.01+ for
firing devices for nonautomatic firearms.
Subclass:
27.12
Safety:
This subclass is indented under subclass 27.11. Subject
matter provided with a selectively operable device for
preventing firing.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
148 for like devices on automatic guns.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, subclass 70.01 for like devices on firearms.
Subclass:
27.13
Primer fired:
This subclass is indented under subclass 27.11. Subject
matter using a cap or cylinder containing a substance that is
exploded in order to ignite an explosive charge.
Subclass:
27.14
Percussion firing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 27.11. Subject
matter which is detonated by a sharp blow.
Subclass:
27.3
Gun firing actuators:
This subclass is indented under subclass 27.11. Subject
matter for pulling the trigger of a gun which is operated
from a location remote from the gun.
Subclass:
28.05
Electric:
This subclass is indented under subclass 27.11. Subject
matter for firing guns or ordnance by means of electricity.
(1) Note. Electric releasing mechanism for mechanical
projecting apparatus is found in Class 124, Mechanical Guns
and Projectors, subclass 32.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
135 for electrical firing devices for automatic guns.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, subclass 84, for electrical appliances,
including firing devices, for nonautomatic firearms.
Subclass:
28.1
Electrical and mechanical:
This subclass is indented under subclass 28.05. Subject
matter having an alternate mechanical means (normally
percussive) to fire a propellant.
Subclass:
28.2
Training and firing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 28.05. Subject
matter combined with electrically aiming or directing the
gun.
Subclass:
29
Small barrels adapted to be inserted in the bore of larger
guns in order to permit firing a small load for practice or
any other purpose.
(1) Note. For devices inserted into real firearms to convert
them into mere spring-operated target marking devices, see
search notes below.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, subclass 77 for similar devices in firearms.
124, Mechanical Guns and Projectors, subclass 28, for devices
inserted into real firearms to convert them into mere
spring-operated target marking devices.
Subclass:
30
Inventions relative to the vent or touch-hole or its
stopper.
Subclass:
31
Devices for closing the gun-muzzle or other opening in the
barrel.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits subclass 89 and indented
subclasses and the notes thereto, for closures or plugs for
pipes and tubular conduits.
181, Acoustics, subclass 223 for gun silencers, per se.
Subclass:
33.01
CARTRIDGE FEEDING:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter to hold and/or feed a plurality of cartridges to a
gun. The gun may be automatic, and the inclusion in the
claims of conventional explosion-operated means, such as a
recoiling barrel on a gas piston, will not prevent
classification in this or indented subclasses where the
improvement lies in the feeding device.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 45+ for devices for loading single cartridges,
charges or projectiles to guns.
subclasses 125+ for significant automatic gun structure in
addition to cartridge feeding.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, appropriate "magazine" subclasses for cartridge
feeding devices for firearms.
193, Conveyors, Chutes, Skids, Guides, and Ways, for the
structure of cartridge chutes and guides not structurally
associated with a gun.
221, Article Dispensing, appropriate subclasses for article
dispensers not otherwise provided for.
Subclass:
33.02
Drum magazine:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33.01. Subject
matter having a cylindrical magazine from which cartridges
are fed in a spiral path to the gun.
Subclass:
33.03
Movable chamber:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33.01. Subject
matter where the part of the gun which holds the ammunition
when it is fired is displaced between a loading and a firing
position.
Subclass:
33.04
Selective feed:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33.01. Subject
matter wherein alternative type of ammunition are
alternatively fed to a gun chamber from one or more
magazines, or belts or other ammunition holders while on the
gun.
Subclass:
33.05
With rammer separated breach block:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33.01. Subject
matter where the round is pushed into the gun by something
other than the breech block.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
47 for rammer, per se.
Subclass:
33.1
With magazine:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33.01. Subject
matter having a case or chamber on a gun from which
cartridges are inserted into the gun.
Subclass:
33.14
Belt feed:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33.1. Subject matter
wherein cartridges are supplied from a strip of material.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
33.2 for belt feed without magazine.
Subclass:
33.16
With rotary feeder:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33.14. Subject
matter having a sprocket which places a cartridge in position
to be chambered.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
33.17 for magazine with rotary feeder without belt feed.
33.25 for rotary feeder with belt feed without a magazine.
Subclass:
33.17
With rotary feeder:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33.1. Subject matter
having a sprocket which places a cartridge in position to be
chambered.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
33.16 for magazine with rotary feeder with belt feed.
33.25 for rotary feeder with belt feed without a magazine.
Subclass:
33.2
Belt feed:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33.01. Subject
matter wherein cartridges are supplied from a strip of
material.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
33.14 for a belt feed with a magazine.
Subclass:
33.25
With rotary feeder:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33.2. Subject matter
having a sprocket which places a cartridge in position to be
chambered.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
33.16 for a rotary feeder with a belt feed and a magazine.
33.17 for a rotary feeder with a magazine without a belt
feed.
Subclass:
33.4
Empty shell receivers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33.01. Subject
matter to receive or catch spent cartridge cases ejected from
the gun.
Subclass:
33.5
Cartridge feeding auxiliary feeder:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33.01. Subject
matter where a plurality of cartridges are fed to one or more
cartridge feeders before being ultimately being fed to a
gun.
Subclass:
34
Magazines, feed-cases, packages, etc., in which cartridges
are regularly placed to be fed therefrom to the feeding-chute
or other mechanism which directly supplies the gun.
Subclass:
35.01
Belts:
Devices under subclasses 33.01+ having a series of loops,
links or grips for holding cartridges that are fed from it
into an automatic gun.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
221, Article Dispensing, subclasses 76+ for article
dispensers not otherwise provided for, in which the source is
a conveyor-type cellular magazine, and see especially
subclasses 84+ for flexible belt-carried cell structures.
224, Package and Article Carriers, subclass 223 for plural
receiver pockets formed by strips attached to a backing at
spaced points.
Subclass:
35.02
Disintegrating type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 35.01. Devices
wherein the cartridge-holding means or a portion of the
holding means separate into parts or decompose.
Subclass:
36.01
SHIELDS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Devices
adapted to render protection an ordnance device or to the
ordnance operating personnel.
(1) Note. Included in this subclass are devices which also
screen, cover, shroud or cloak.
(2) Note. Enclosures and walls having gun ports which are
not in combination with a gun or gun mount are not proper for
this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
2, Apparel, subclass 2.5 for guards and protectors which are
penetration resistant.
105, Railway Rolling Stock, subclass 394 for armored railway
cars.
109, Safes, Bank Protection, or a Related Device, subclass 9
for guard booths; subclass 49.5 for shields and protectors,
and subclasses 58+ for enclosures and walls.
114, Ships, subclasses 1+ for warships having armor.
152, Resilient Tires and Wheels, subclasses 167+ for
armored resilient tires.
244, Aeronautics, subclass 121 for shields and other
protective devices.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclass 911
for penetrating resistant layer and subclass 919 for
camouflaged articles.
Subclass:
36.02
Shape or composition:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.01. Devices
wherein the configuration of the ordnance protector is
specified or the material and structure is also specified.
Subclass:
36.03
Rotating shield:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.01. Devices
wherein the ordnance protector revolves about an axis.
Subclass:
36.04
For fixed structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.01. Devices
wherein the ordnance protector is installed on a stationary
structure means, e.g., hanger, building, etc.
Subclass:
36.05
Body:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.01. Devices
wherein the ordnance protector is specifically adapted to fit
the human body, e.g., jackets, helmets, shoes, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
2, Apparel, subclass 2.5 for guards and protectors which are
penetration resistant.
109, Safes, Banks Protection, or a Related Device, subclass
49.5 for shields and protectors.
Subclass:
36.06
Small arms attached:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.01. Devices
wherein the ordnance protector is adapted to be installed on
a weapon which may be carried by an individual operator.
(1) Note. A small arm is a firearm of small caliber or (MM),
including pistols, rifles, machine guns and shot guns. The
maximum caliber or (MM) may vary up top an including 30
caliber.
Subclass:
36.07
Transportable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.01. Devices
wherein the ordnance-protector means can be carried from one
place to another to a desired location.
(1) Note. Included in this subclass are devices such as
blinds, protectors on tripods, covers for machine guns, etc.
Subclass:
36.08
Self-propelled, e.g., tanks:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.07. Devices
wherein the ordnance protector is attached to or is part of
an armored vehicle which moves under its own power.
(1) Note. This subclass is not intended to include running
gear, drive trains, engine details, etc. It is intended to
provide only structure to protect an ordnance piece in broad
combination with a self-propelled vehicle.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
180, Motor Vehicles, appropriate subclasses for a
self-propelled vehicle of general utility, per se, especially
subclass 6.2 for vehicles steered by driving and subclasses
9.1+ for vehicles including special driving devices of
endless, flexible track.
280, Land Vehicles, appropriate subclasses for a land vehicle
of general utility not elsewhere classifiable, especially
subclasses 762+ for an exterior attachment thereto;
subclass 834 for a land vehicle having a fuel tank,
container, receptacle or reservoir with or without any
protective means; or subclasses 847+ for dust and mud
guards.
296, Land Vehicles: Bodies and Tops, subclasses 187+ for
vehicle body-structural means, including means for
reinforcing and resisting deformation from impact.
305, Wheel Substitutes for Land Vehicles, subclasses 185+
for track or tread ground engaging elements of a land
vehicle.
Subclass:
36.09
Wheeled:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.07. Devices
wherein the ordnance protector is provided with wheels for
mobility to a desired location.
Subclass:
36.11
For aircraft:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.01. Devices
wherein the ordnance protector is attached to some portion of
the aircraft structure.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
244, Aeronautics, subclass 121 for shields and other
protective devices.
Subclass:
36.12
For ships:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.01. Devices
wherein the ordnance protector is attached to some portions
of the ship structure.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
114, Ships, subclasses 1+ for warships having armor.
Subclass:
36.13
Turret type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.01. Devices
wherein the ordnance protector is a dome-shaped or
cylindrical structure having observation slits or gun ports
and mounted on a fixed or mobile structure, e.g., tank,
armored vehicle, building, aircraft, etc.
Subclass:
36.14
With vision slit or gun port closure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.13. Devices
provided with movable means to cover or uncover the slit or
port.
(1) Note. Also included in this subclass are bullet proof
vision blocks and feriscopes.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements,
subclasses 402+ for a periscope, per se.
Subclass:
36.15
On elevatable platform:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.01. Devices
wherein the ordnance protector is mounted on a permanent
structure or a movable device and can be raised or lowered to
a different level.
Subclass:
36.16
Anti-aircraft type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.01. Devices
comprising a barrage barrier or a plurality of barrage
barriers usually a balloon restrained from free flight by
means of a cable thereby denying access to the air space in
the vicinity of the ordnance protector.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
102, Ammunition and Explosives, appropriate subclass for
details of explosive devices, mechanism, etc.
109, Safes, Bank Protection, or a Related Device, subclass 20
for fluent material releasing, generating and/or for
explosive devices and wall contained detonators.
Subclass:
36.17
With explosive device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.01. Devices
wherein an explosive mechanism or element is combined with
the ordnance protector.
Subclass:
37.01
MOUNTS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Devices
comprising structure for supporting any ordnance-type
apparatus.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1.7 for rocket launching and nonrecoil gun mounts.
1.815 for movable launcher.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, subclass 94 for rests for supporting the for
ward end of a manually held gun.
124, Mechanical Guns and Projectors, subclass 29 for
simulated mounted ordnance which projects a missile by spring
operated mechanical means.
Subclass:
37.02
Anti-aircraft:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.01. Devices
wherein the ordnance mount is especially designed to be
shifted in direction and elevation, including overhead, for
the purpose of defense against airborne aircraft.
Subclass:
37.03
Light machine gun type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.01. Devices
wherein the supporting structure is specifically adapted to
support an ordnance device that fires small arms ammunition
automatically and is capable of sustained rapid fire.
Subclass:
37.04
Rifle and pistol mounts:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.01. Devices
comprising supporting structure for short automatic or
semiautomatic firearms.
(1) Note. Included in this subclass are bipods and cradles
for supporting the ordnance device.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, subclass 94 for rests for small side arms.
Subclass:
37.05
Mortars:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.01. Devices
wherein the supporting structure is adapted to provide a firm
base for an ordnance device that has a high angle of fire,
e.g., greater than 45 deg..
Subclass:
37.06
Submarine:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.01. Devices
wherein the ordnance supporting structure is adapted to be
submerged under water.
Subclass:
37.07
Trunion:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.01. Devices
wherein one or two pivots supports the ordnance device on its
carriage and forms the horizontal axis about which the
ordnance barrel rotates when elevated.
Subclass:
37.08
Counterbalances:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.01. Devices
wherein the supporting structure includes force producing
mechanism designed to provide a movement about the trunions
of a gun cradle which is equal and opposite to that caused by
the unbalanced weight of the tipping parts, thus making it
easier to elevated the gun.
Subclass:
37.09
Leveling:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.01. Devices
wherein the supporting structure includes mechanism for
adjusting the device so that all horizontal or vertical
angles will be measured in the true horizontal and vertical
planes.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
41.18 for motor operated trunion tilt training mechanisms.
41.22 for training mechanisms which are gyroscope or
pendulum initiated.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
33, Geometrical Instruments, subclasses 235+ for gun sights
or ordnance devices having means for leveling.
Subclass:
37.11
Locks:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.01. Devices
wherein the supporting structure includes means by which the
motion of the ordnance tube supporting structure is retarded,
arrested or dampened.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
188, Brakes, appropriate subclass for brakes, per se.
Subclass:
37.12
Spherical or oval gun support:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.01. Devices
wherein the supporting structure is adapted to cradle an
ordnance device in a sphere-like or egg shaped support.
Subclass:
37.13
Bases:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.01. Devices
wherein the supporting structure includes a firm foundation
for resting an ordnance device.
Subclass:
37.14
Reciprocating mounts:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.01. Devices
wherein the supporting structure includes means that dampen
the recoil or rapid fire ordnance devices.
Subclass:
37.15
With body protecting devices:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.01. Devices
wherein the supporting structure includes gripping handles,
breast pads, head pieces or shoulder devices for preventing
harm to personnel that operate an ordnance device.
Subclass:
37.16
Aircraft type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.01. Devices
wherein the ordnance supporting structure is mounted on some
portion of the structure of an aircraft.
Subclass:
37.17
Power operated:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.16. Devices
having a source of power, other than manual, for directing
the ordnance supporting structure at a target.
Subclass:
37.18
On engine:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.16. Devices
wherein the ordnance supporting device is mounted on the
wings of the aircraft.
Subclass:
37.19
On aircraft wing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.16. Devices
wherein the ordnance supporting device is mounted on the
wings of the aircraft.
Subclass:
37.21
Retractable gun turret:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.16. Devices
wherein the ordnance supporting structure is a dome shaped or
cylindrical structure having observation slits or gun ports
and is capable of being drawn back or into the aircraft
structure.
Subclass:
37.22
Multiple guns on mount:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.16. Devices
wherein the ordnance supporting structure has more than one
ordnance device supported thereon.
Subclass:
38
Mounts for guns made to disappear after firing to be
reloaded.
Subclass:
39
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Mounts which are
balanced by a weight or weights.
Subclass:
40.01
For field use:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.01. Devices
wherein the ordnance supporting structure is particularly
adapted to be utilized in the field and mobile enough to be
readily moved.
Subclass:
40.02
Wheeled mortars:
This subclass is indented under subclass 40.01. Devices
having wheels attached to the ordnance supporting structure
and an ordnance device mounted thereto which is adapted to be
fired at elevation angles greater than 45 deg..
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1.3 for muzzle loading device.
1.35 for trench mortars.
37.05 for mortars mounts that do not have wheels.
Subclass:
40.03
On armored car:
This subclass is indented under subclass 40.01. Devices
wherein the ordnance supporting structure is mounted on a
wheeled motor vehicle having protective armor plate designed
for combat use.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
36.08 for self-propelled vehicles, e.g., tanks.
Subclass:
40.04
Nonshielded motor driven guns:
This subclass is indented under subclass 40.01. Devices
wherein the wheeled motor vehicle is not provided with armor
protection.
Subclass:
40.05
On sleds:
This subclass is indented under subclass 40.01. Devices
wherein the ordnance supporting device and the ordnance piece
are mounted and moved into field operation on skids or
runners.
Subclass:
40.06
On tripods (i.e., for light guns):
This subclass is indented under subclass 40.01. Devices
wherein the field mount is a three-leg supporting structure
and the ordnance device is of such small size as to be
readily movable by the user in the field.
Subclass:
40.07
Limbers and caissons:
This subclass is indented under subclass 40.01. Devices
comprising wheeled devices, usually two-wheeled type, for the
transport of ammunition with the ordnance device in the
field.
Subclass:
40.08
With hitches and couplings:
This subclass is indented under subclass 40.01. Devices
including means for attaching an ordnance device to its
ammunition supply vehicle while both are being repositioned
in the field.
Subclass:
40.09
With training spades:
This subclass is indented under subclass 40.01. Devices
including projections on the ordnance training for digging
into the earth to prevent the ordnance supporting structure
from moving during recoil.
Subclass:
40.11
Carriage suspended for firing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 40.01. Devices
wherein the weight of the ordnance device and supporting
structure, though borne by wheels when being positioned in
the field, are supported by auxiliary structure when the
ordnance is discharged.
Subclass:
40.12
Traveling locks:
This subclass is indented under subclass 40.01. Devices
including devices for holding the ordnance device in a fixed
position with respect supporting structure while the
supporting structure is being repositioned in the field.
Subclass:
40.13
By separate transport carriage:
This subclass is indented under subclass 40.01. Devices
wherein the ordnance device is moved in the field on vehicle-
type devices from which the ordnance must be removed before
actual use.
Subclass:
40.14
Components are separable for transport:
This subclass is indented under subclass 40.01. Devices
wherein the ordnance device is adapted to be broken down into
modular components for repositioning the field, e.g., the
ordnance barrel is separated from its cradle during field
movements.
Subclass:
40.15
Trail carriages and links:
This subclass is indented under subclass 40.01. Devices
comprising wheeled vehicles upon which ordnance devices are
mounted for in-field service.
Subclass:
40.16
Railroad type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 40.01. Devices
wherein an ordnance device is mounted and transported by
and/or fixed from a railroad car.
Subclass:
41.01
Training mechanisms:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.01. Devices
wherein the ordnance supporting structure includes means for
directly moving the supporting structure to aim or direct an
ordnance device at a target.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
434, Education and Demonstration, subclasses 11+ for
training mechanisms for teaching gunnery.
Subclass:
41.02
Motor operated:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41.01. Devices
having a source of power, other than manual for directing the
ordnance device at a target.
Subclass:
41.03
Predetermining parameters for automatic firing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41.02. Devices
including means for automatically firing the ordnance device
and determining the various individual ballistic parameters
used in firing gun, e.g., barrel droop, powder temperature,
tube ware velocity of round fired, etc.
Subclass:
41.04
Eliminates lag or overrun:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41.02. Devices
wherein the power source includes antihunt devices, e.g.,
position, velocity or higher deriviates feedback.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
91, Motors: Expansible Chamber Type, subclasses 358+ for
feedback to hydraulic motor.
318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, subclasses 628+ for
feedback to electric motors.
Subclass:
41.05
By television monitoring;
This subclass is indented under subclass 41.02. Devices
wherein a target area is viewed by means of a television
camera, e.g., iconoscope, and the target scene is converted
into an electronic image which is reproduced into a visual
image on a television viewing screen for controlling the
motor.
(1) Note. Night vision devices are proper for this
subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
348, Television, subclass 143 for television surveillance.
Subclass:
41.06
By light reception:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41.02. Devices
having means for receiving light either originating from a
target or reflected by the target from a light source
originating from the ordnance for controlling the motors
which direct the ordnance device at a target.
(1) Note. Laser range finders in combination with ballistic
computers controlling the aiming of an ordnance device are
proper for this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
356, Optics: Measuring and Testing, subclass 3.01, 4.01+,
5.01+, 139.04 through 139.1, 141.1 through 141.5 and 152.1
through 152.3 for laser direction and distance detectors.
Subclass:
41.07
By radar:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41.02. Devices
including means utilizing short radio wave signals to control
the power source in aiming an ordnance device.
Subclass:
41.08
By sound:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41.02. Devices
including means utilizing acoustic energy to control the
power source in aiming an ordnance device.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
181, Acoustics, subclass 125 for sound locating apparatus.
367, Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave Systems and
Devices, subclasses 118+ for distance or direction
finding.
Subclass:
41.09
Gyroscopically or pendulum controlled:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41.02. Devices
having initial means to actuate and maintain the equilibrium
of the ordnance device.
(1) Note. Ordnance devices mounted on aircraft, ships and
tanks are proper for this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
33, Geometrical Instruments, subclass 236 for similar-type
devices.
Subclass:
41.11
Compensates for trunion tilt:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41.02. Devices
including means to correct for or offset the effects of a
nonlevel condition.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
37.09 for leveling the gun mount.
Subclass:
41.12
By hydraulic means;
This subclass is indented under subclass 41.02. Devices
having an expansible chamber motor to control the aiming of
an ordnance device.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
91, Motors: Expansible Chamber Type, for hydraulic motors,
per se.
Subclass:
41.13
For scattering effect:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41.02. Devices
having means to vary the direction at which the ordnance
devices is aimed between individual rounds to achieve a
dispersion pattern (shot gun effect) at a target.
Subclass:
41.14
For naval gun fire control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41.02. Devices
wherein the ordnance device supporting structure and aiming
mechanism is mounted aboard a naval vessel (i.e., for use in
water) and firing is controlled therefrom.
Subclass:
41.15
With unitary control for plural motors:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41.02. Devices
wherein the power source includes a single control means,
e.g., joy stick, for controlling both movement of the azimuth
and the elevation motors.
Subclass:
41.16
For relatively movable gun barrels:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41.01. Devices
including means to adjust the gun barrels relative to each
other for the purpose of effecting parallelism amongst the
barrels or to converge a volley of rounds to a target.
Subclass:
41.17
Aiming device mounted on gun:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41.01. Devices
wherein the supporting structure includes an ordnance device
that has an aiming device directly attached to an ordnance
barrel.
(1) Note. The aiming devices include sights, lights, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, subclass 1.01 for lights, sights and
telescopes mounted on a firearm.
362, Illumination, subclasses 110-114 for lights that
illuminate the line of fire.
Subclass:
41.18
For limiting the field of fire:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41.01. Devices
wherein the supporting structure includes means to prevent
aiming an ordnance device in certain predetermined directions
to avoid damaging the structure on which the ordnance is
mounted or other surrounding friendly structures.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
134 for devices for rendering the firing devices of gun
inoperative when the guns are pointed in certain
predetermined directions, to avoid damaging the structure
surrounding the guns.
Subclass:
41.19
Sights or line devices:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41.01. Devices
having attachments for ordnance devices whereby a line of
sight may be established parallel to the longitudinal axis of
the ordnance device and/or at angle thereto.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
33, Geometrical Instruments, subclasses 233+ for gun sights
and subclass 237 for automatic gun movement compensations.
235, Registers, subclasses 400+ for ordnance or weapon
system computers.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclass 825.69 and 825.72
for miscellaneous radio wave energy control systems.
356, Optics: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 247+ for
fiducial instruments including recticles and deflection of
the line of sight.
Subclass:
41.21
On aircraft:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41.19. Devices
wherein the aiming sight device is mounted on the structure
of an aircraft.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
33, Geometrical Instruments, subclasses 229+ for
bombsights.
Subclass:
41.22
For anti-aircraft:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41.19. Devices
wherein the aiming sight device is for the purpose of
directing the ordnance fire at aerial targets.
Subclass:
42.01
With recoil check:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.01. Devices
wherein the supporting structure for the ordnance device
includes a mechanism designed to absorb the energy of recoil
in such manner as to prevent violent movement of the
ordnance-supporting carriage.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
4.05 for explosion-opened breech guns with recoiling
barrels.
subclasses 160+ for automatic guns with movable barrels.
177 for automatic guns with barrel buffers.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, subclass 75.01 for barrel mounts for recoiling
barrel automatic guns.
181, Acoustics, subclass 223 for gun silencers, per se.
Subclass:
42.02
On trail spade:
This subclass is indented under subclass 42.01. Devices
wherein the shock absorbing mechanism is located on the
supporting structure which is normally embedded in the ground
to restrict movement of the carriage during recoil.
Subclass:
42.03
Fire-out-of-battery type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 42.01. Devices
wherein there is recoil energy compensation and compensation
for the forward movement of the ordnance device while being
discharged.
Subclass:
43.01
Fluid:
This subclass is indented under subclass 42.01. Devices
wherein the recoil absorbing mechanism includes a device
which utilizes compression of air, water or other liquid or
gaseous material for its energy absorbing operation.
Subclass:
43.02
With function of elevation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 43.01. Devices
wherein there is compensation of the compressed fluid as
ordnance device is elevated or lowered so as to maintain
proper center of gravity for the ordnance device.
Subclass:
44.01
Spring type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 42.01. Devices
wherein the recoil absorbing mechanism includes resilient
means.
Subclass:
44.02
Elastic type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33.01. Devices
wherein the resilient means are stretchable, flexible
expandable, etc., (e.g., rubber type).
Subclass:
45
Devices for getting the load into firing position in the gun
not otherwise classifiable.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
4.05 for explosion opened breech guns involving features
additional to gun loading.
33.01 for devices to hold and/or feed a plurality of
cartridges to a gun.
Subclass:
46
Apparatus for raising the load to the muzzle or breech of the
gun.
Subclass:
47
Devices for ramming or pushing the load into the gun.
Subclass:
125
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Guns in
which the forces developed by the explosion cause operation
of the breechblock, firing mechanism and self-loading
mechanism.
(1) Note. In order to cause classification in this or the
indented subclasses, the firearm must be of the self-loading
explosion-operated type, and all devices of this type and
subcombinations thereof are placed in these subclasses with
the exceptions noted in the notes of this subclass.
(2) Note. Explosion-operated means are the gas piston,
barrels which move due to the explosion and operate the gun
mechanism, breechblocks having features for blow-back, means
operated by motion of the projectile, and breechblocks having
springs or other means which will cause the breechblock to
return to closed position.
(3) Note. This and the indented subclasses have both hand
and shoulder firearms and the heavier firearms and mounted
ordnance.
(4) Note. Appended to this subclass and to the indented
subclasses are notes setting forth related subject matter
classified in other classes and in other subclasses of this
class with a more specific statement of the particular lines
followed.
(5) Note. The term "automatic" as normally used in the
patents of this art has two distinct meanings: (a) To
indicate automatic gun operation, where the gun is entirely
self-loading; and (b) to indicate automatic firing control,
where the automatic gun is constructed to fire continuously
while the trigger is held retracted, as long as the
ammunition supply will permit.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1.1 for conventional automatic ordnance combined with
auxiliary means for placing the gun in condition to begin
automatic fire (e.g., breechblock retracting means).
4.05 for explosion-opened breech guns, i.e., guns having
explosion-operated features as defined in (2) Note but of the
nonself-loading type. The line is disclosure. In all cases
where the disclosure is not clear that the gun is of the
nonself-loading type, classification is in subclasses 125+.
subclasses 9+ for nonautomatic rapid-fire guns in which
external mechanical means are employed to load, fire and
reload the gun.
27.11 for firing devices for nonautomatic ordnance.
33.01 for conventional automatic ordnance claimed in
combination with cartridge feeding devices.
37.01 +, for conventional automatic guns claimed in
combination with mount structures.
41.01 for guns having explosion-operated means for changing
the angle of fire (in any direction) and including for
example explosion-operated traversing and plural barrels with
explosion-operated means to cause the angles between the
barrels to change.
subclasses 45+ for loading apparatus for nonautomatic
ordnance.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, subclass 16 for conventional automatic
firearms of the rearward sliding-breechblock type combined
with auxiliary devices for manually retracting the
breechblock; subclasses 59+, for nonautomatic firearm
revolvers; all "magazine" subclasses, for cartridge holders
for or combined with conventional automatic firearms;
subclasses 69.01+, for miscellaneous firing mechanisms for
nonautomatic firearms.
60, Power Plants, subclasses 632+ for one shot
explosion-actuated expansible chamber-type motors.
Subclass:
126
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Guns or gun
assemblies in which two or more guns, barrels or barrel boxes
are claimed.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 9+ for nonautomatic, machine guns with plural
barrels or boxes.
Subclass:
127
This subclass is indented under subclass 126. Guns with
particular firing control mechanisms.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 132+ for firing control for single barrel guns.
Subclass:
128
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Guns
convertible to different types of automatic gun operation, r
to nonautomatic gun operation.
(1) Note. The different types of operation may relate to the
breech locking means, or the cartridge feeding, extracting or
ejecting means, for examples.
(2) Note. This subclass includes, for example, recoiling
barrel guns having means settable to prevent the barrel from
recoiling.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
129.01 140+, for convertible firing control as distinguished
from convertible gun operation.
169 170, for barrel latches for other purposes.
193 for gas piston-operated guns with shutoff valves to
convert the gun to nonautomatic operation.
Subclass:
129.01
Regulation or speed or rate of automatic fire:
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Devices having
means for regulating the rate of continuous or automatic
fire.
(1) Note. This subclass and the indented subclasses, include
means for controlling or adjusting the cyclic period of the
gun mechanism as well as the time of automatic release of the
firing member.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
132 for trigger-operated firing control means.
169 for breach block acceleration for recoiling barrel
guns.
177 for barrel buffers and breaks.
193 for gas regulators for gas piston guns.
198 for breech block buffers and brakes.
Subclass:
129.02
By regulating burst:
This subclass is indented under subclass 129.01. Devices
having means which can control the number of rounds which can
be fired by an automatic ordnance device.
Subclass:
130
Guns under subclasses 129.01+ wherein the return of the
breech block is delayed for a predetermined time, (e.g., by a
breech block sear controlled by a clock escapement or fluid
check).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
143 for trigger control of breech mechanism in
semi-automatic fire.
Subclass:
131
Guns under subclasses 129.01+ wherein the release of the
hammer is delayed for a predetermined time after the closing
of the breech block.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
149 through 154, for means for automatically firing when, or
preventing firing until, the breech block or barrel moves
into battery (firing) position.
Subclass:
132
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Guns where
features of the firing mechanism are claimed as a part of the
invention.
(1) Note. The firing mechanism includes the firing pin and
the mechanism for controlling or actuating the same (e.g.,
trigger, sear, etc.). Where the breech block and its
controlling or actuating means are claimed the mere statement
that it carries a firing pin will not cause classification in
this or the indented subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
27.11 for firing devices for nonautomatic ordnance.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, subclass 69.01, for firing devices for
nonautomatic firearms.
Subclass:
133
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Guns wherein
the firing device is synchronized with a moving nongun
element such as an aircraft propeller, for example.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
127 for synchronized firing of plural guns.
Subclass:
134
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Guns having
means to prevent firing towards parts of the structure on
which the gun is mounted.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
41.01 for gun mounts having means to prevent pointing the
gun in predetermined directions.
Subclass:
135
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Guns with
claimed electrical operation or control for the firing
device.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
28.05 for electrical firing devices for nonautomatic
ordnance.
134 for electrical firing devices which are disabled at
predetermined angles of fire.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, subclass 84, for electrical appliances
including firing devices for nonautomatic firearms.
Subclass:
136
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Guns wherein a
particular trigger is claimed. The trigger may be mounted on
the gun or remote therefrom.
(1) Note. The term "trigger" is used to designate the
manually operated element or mechanism arranged to release
the sear from the striker. The sear releasing device is
sometimes called a "trigger motor".
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
27.11 for triggers for nonautomatic ordnance.
127 for firing control for plural guns, barrels or bores.
133 for triggers synchronized with aircraft propellers.
135 for electrical triggers.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, subclass 69.01 for triggers for nonautomatic
firearms.
Subclass:
137
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Guns having
interlocks between the firing mechanism and cartridge feeding
mechanism.
(1) Note. Usually the interlock is designed to prevent
firing when the magazine is empty, or removed from the gun.
Subclass:
138
This subclass is indented under subclass 137. Guns wherein
the breech block is locked open after the last cartridge is
fed from the magazine.
Subclass:
139
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Guns capable of
semi-automatic firing operation.
(1) Note. The term "semi-automatic", as applied to gun
firing, is used to designate a firing device which requires
manual release of the trigger after each shot before the next
shot can be fired.
(2) Note. Firing mechanisms comprising two trigger-operated
sears (or sear shoulders) alternately engageable with the
hammer are placed in this subclass (139).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
132 and 149 to 154, for guns capable of full automatic fire
only.
Subclass:
140
This subclass is indented under subclass 139. Guns wherein
the firing device is selectively operable either
full-automatic or semi-automatic.
(1) Note. The terms "full-automatic" or "automatic" are
applied to firing devices which effect continuous fire as
long as the trigger is retracted and ammunition is supplied
to the gun.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
128 for convertible gun operation.
129.01 for guns convertible to different rates of automatic
fire.
Subclass:
141
This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Guns wherein
the trigger and sear are automatically disconnected by the
motion of some gun element other than the trigger or sear
(e.g., breech block, barrel or hammer), when operating in
semiautomatic condition.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
145 and 146, for similar firing devices in guns capable of
semiautomatic fire only.
Subclass:
142
This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Convertible
firing mechanisms provided with a selectively operable safety
device for preventing firing.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
148 for similar safety devices for nonconvertible firing
mechanisms.
Subclass:
143
This subclass is indented under subclass 139. Guns wherein
the trigger alternately controls the hammer and either the
breech block or a movable barrel.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
139 for alternate control of two hammer sears.
Subclass:
144
This subclass is indented under subclass 139. Guns having
means for disconnecting the trigger and sear.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 140+ for similar firing devices convertible to
full-automatic fire and/or safe condition.
148 for selective safety devices including those in which
the trigger and sear are disconnected to prevent firing.
Subclass:
145
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Guns wherein
the trigger and sear are automatically disconnected by motion
of the breech block or barrel.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
141 for similar disconnection in convertible firing
devices.
Subclass:
146
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Guns wherein
the trigger and sear are automatically disconnected by the
motion of the hammer.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
141 for similar disconnections in convertible firing
devices.
Subclass:
147
This subclass is indented under subclass 139. Guns wherein
the hammer is cocked and released by a continuous pull on the
trigger.
(1) Note. These firing devices are closely analogous to
firing devices for double acting revolvers.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, subclasses 65+ and 69.01+ for similar firing
devices for nonautomatic firearms.
Subclass:
148
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Firing devices
provided with a selectively operable safety device for
preventing firing.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
142 for similar safety devices for convertible firing
mechanisms.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, subclass 66 and 70.01+ for miscellaneous
safety devices for gun firing mechanisms.
Subclass:
149
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Guns having
means automatically operable by motion of breech block or
barrel into firing position to release either the trigger
operated sear or a separate sear, to effect firing.
(1) Note. The separate sear is sometimes termed a "safety
sear", or "automatic sear".
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
150 for automatic safety devices to prevent premature
operation of the sear or trigger.
subclasses 151+ for devices other than sears to
automatically effect firing.
Subclass:
150
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Guns having
means automatically operable by motion of breech block or
barrel into battery position to release a safety lock for a
sear or trigger.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
149 for automatic sears or sear releasing devices.
154 for automatic hammer safety devices.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, subclass 66 and 70.01+ for nonautomatic
(manually operated) sear or trigger safety locks.
Subclass:
151
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Guns having
means automatically operable by motion of breech block or
barrel into battery position to effect firing movement of the
hammer (e.g., inertia-operated firing pins or hammers).
(1) Note. Usually the hammer is automatically cocked.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
149 for automatic sear release means.
Subclass:
152
This subclass is indented under subclass 151. Guns in which
the automatic hammer also operates the breech lock (e.g., a
firing pin carried by a gas piston-operated action slide).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
153 for breech locks operated by an element of the firing
device other than an automatic hammer.
Subclass:
153
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Guns in which
the firing device also operates the breech block lock.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
152 for breech locks operated by an automatic hammer.
155 through 190, for automatic breech locks operated
independently of the firing devices.
Subclass:
154
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Guns having
means automatically operable by motion of breech block or
barrel to cock the hammer and/or to operate a hammer safety
device.
(1) Note. The hammer safety device is operative only when
the breech is open or unlocked. Any movement of the hammer or
firing pin upon release of the safety device is insufficient
to cause firing.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
142 and 148, for selective safety devices for firing
mechanisms of automatic guns.
149 for automatic sears which when released permit firing
movement of the hammers.
151 for hammers which are automatically cocked and fired.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, subclass 66 and 70.01+ for miscellaneous
safety devices for gun firing mechanisms.
Subclass:
155
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Guns wherein
the cartridge is fired in a movable firing chamber (e.g., a
revolver cylinder actuated by a gas piston).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
13.05 for nonautomatic machine guns with revolving
chambers.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, subclass 15, 27, 39.5, 59+, for nonautomatic
firearms with movable chambers.
Subclass:
156
This subclass is indented under subclass 155. Guns wherein
the movable chamber operates as a gas piston and/or a recoil
member to unlock and/or open the breech.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
159 and 191.01+, for other gas piston- operated guns.
Subclass:
157
This subclass is indented under subclass 155. Guns with a
recoiling barrel and revolving chambers actuated by the
recoil movement of the barrel.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
159 and 162+, for other recoiling barrel guns.
Subclass:
158
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Guns wherein
the breech mechanism is actuated by the recoil of the gun
proper relative to a butt-piece movable on the shoulder
stock.
(1) Note. Patents claiming a movable butt-piece and
disclosing or claiming possibly novel breech locking
structure are cross-referenced into the appropriate subclass
indented under subclass 180 below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 180+ see (1) Note.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, subclass 71.01 for stock structure, per se.
Subclass:
159
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Guns having
interrelated movable barrel and gas-operated features.
(1) Note. Where the gas-operated feature involves nothing
more than blow back of the breech block or blow forward of
the barrel after being unlocked, classification is elsewhere.
See the search notes below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
37.01 for gun mounts for conventional movable guns.
subclasses 160+ for a gas-operated feature involving
nothing more than blow back of the breech block or blow
forward of the barrel after being unlocked.
Subclass:
160
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Guns in which
the barrel is movably mounted relative to the stock.
(1) Note. This subclass (160) takes guns having barrel
movement other than forward and rearward reciprocation, e.g.,
rotary only.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
159 for movable barrel guns having gas- operated features
other than mere blow back.
Subclass:
161
This subclass is indented under subclass 160. Guns wherein
the barrel moves forwardly relative to the stock or other
mount when a shot is fired.
(1) Note. Usually the breech block is fixed, and the barrel
is not locked in battery position. These are sometimes called
"Blow Forward" guns.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, subclasses 10+ for nonautomatic guns having
forwardly movable barrels.
Subclass:
162
This subclass is indented under subclass 160. Guns wherein
the barrel recoils rearwardly relative to the stock or other
mount.
(1) Note. The breech block is usually locked to the barrel
when the shot is fired, and is unlocked by the movement of
the barrel on recoil. The locking member may be mounted on
either the breech block or the barrel.
(2) Note. Usually the barrel has axial, rectilinear motion.
(3) Note. In this and indented subclasses the motion of the
breech block considered is that relative to the barrel to
open the breech for reloading.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
4.05 for explosion-opened breech guns with recoiling
barrels.
155 and 156, for guns in which the chamber only is movable.
157 for recoiling barrels with revolving chambers.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, subclass 75.01 for barrel mounts for recoiling
barrels.
Subclass:
163
This subclass is indented under subclass 162. Guns, wherein
the barrel has motion in addition to axial, rectilinear
motion (e.g., rotary, tilting, transverse sliding).
Subclass:
164
This subclass is indented under subclass 162. Guns, having
means automatically operable to latch the breech block lock
in unlocked position during a predetermined portion of the
gun operating cycle.
Subclass:
165
This subclass is indented under subclass 162. Guns, usually
termed "long recoil guns", wherein the barrel and breech
block recoil substantially the same distance, and the fired
shell is extracted by the subsequent counter recoil (forward)
movement of the barrel relative to the breech block.
(1) Note. The breech block (or an auxiliary cartridge fed
slide) is usually held in recoil position during extraction
by a catch which is automatically released after extraction
is completed.
(2) Note. So called "short recoil" guns are distributed
among the various subclasses indented under subclass 162,
particularly subclasses 171 through 176.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
163 169 through 176, for "short recoil" guns, i.e., those in
which the barrel recoils are relatively short distance locked
to the breech block, and then the breech block is unlocked
and continues to recoil, extracting the fired shell.
Subclass:
166
This subclass is indented under subclass 165. Guns wherein
the breech block motion or one component thereof is
nonrectilinear.
(1) Note. Usually the motion is a combined one (e.g.,
tilting or rotary and sliding).
Subclass:
167
This subclass is indented under subclass 165. Guns wherein
the breech block motion is rectilinear but nonaxial relative
to the barrel (e.g., transverse sliding)
Subclass:
168
This subclass is indented under subclass 165. Guns with a
pivoted member or toggle for locking the breech block.
Subclass:
169
This subclass is indented under subclass 162. Guns provided
with a means for accelerating the rearward movement of the
breech mechanism (or a part thereof) relative to the barrel.
(1) Note. In some guns the accelerator also serves as a
barrel latch.
Subclass:
170
This subclass is indented under subclass 162. Guns provided
with means for latching the barrel in recoiled position
during the opening and closing of the breech.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
128 for barrel locks for preventing recoil of the barrel.
169 for accelerators serving as barrel latches.
Subclass:
171
This subclass is indented under subclass 162. Guns wherein
the breech block motion or one component thereof is
nonrectilinear.
(1) Note. Usually the motion is a combined one (e.g.,
tilting and sliding).
Subclass:
172
This subclass is indented under subclass 171. Guns wherein
the breech block rotates and slides.
Subclass:
173
This subclass is indented under subclass 162. Guns in which a
locking member slides relative to the breech block.
Subclass:
174
This subclass is indented under subclass 162. Guns with a
breech block locking member rotatable about the barrel axis.
Subclass:
175
This subclass is indented under subclass 162. Guns with a
toggle lock for the breech block.
(1) Note. The term "toggle" is applied herein to an assembly
of two links pivoted together at one end and pivoted to the
breech block and the barrel extension at the other end, and
arranged substantially in a straight line, the toggle being
broken during recoil to allow the breech block to be moved to
loading position by blow back or otherwise.
Subclass:
176
This subclass is indented under subclass 162. Guns with a
pivoted member for locking the breech block.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
175 for pivoted locking members of the toggle type.
Subclass:
177
This subclass is indented under subclass 160. Guns wherein
the barrel is provided with either a buffer to absorb excess
recoil or counter-recoil energy, or a brake to retard the
rate of recoil or counter-recoil motion.
(1) Note. The intended function of the barrel buffer may be
that of increasing the rate of fire.
(2) Note. To cause classification in this subclass the
buffer must involve more than a rigid stop surface and more
than a barrel return spring.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
42.01 for recoil checks for nonautomatic guns.
129.01 for devices other than buffers or brakes for
regulating the rate of fire.
178 for barrel recoil springs. 198, for other buffers and
brakes.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
188, Brakes.
267, Spring Devices.
Subclass:
178
This subclass is indented under subclass 160. Guns in which
the invention lies in the means for returning the barrel to
firing position.
(1) Note. The return means is usually a spring device, which
also opposes the recoil of the barrel.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 42+ for similar devices for nonautomatic guns.
177 for barrel buffer springs, claimed per se or combined
with barrel return means.
199 for breech-block return means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
267, Spring Devices.
Subclass:
179
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Guns in which
the breech block is unlocked by a gas piston-type actuator
carried by the breech block.
(1) Note. The actuator may be actuated by recoil of either
the entire cartridge or the primer thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
156 for guns having movable chambers serving as gas
pistons.
183 for lock operating inertia members started by slight
blow back of the entire breech block.
Subclass:
180
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Guns in which
the claimed inventions is limited to a breech block locking
or retarding means.
(1) Note. The breech block may be either positively locked
in breech closed position against any substantial blow back
motion, or merely initially retarded. To cause classification
in this or indented subclasses the patents must claim some
locking or retarding means other than the breech block recoil
spring, a brake or the inertia of the parts.
(2) Note. Patents claiming breech block locking structure
and also claiming or disclosing novel gas piston structure
will be classified here and cross-referenced to the
appropriate gas piston subclasses 191.01+.
(3) Note. The breech block locking member may be movably
mounted on either the breech block or the stationary receiver
or frame.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 17+ for breech block locks for nonautomatic
ordnance.
159 and 160+, for breech block locks for movable barrel
guns.
191.01 see (2) Note.
subclasses 194+ for inertia-locked or "blow back" guns.
198 for brakes for retarding substantially the entire motion
of the breech block.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, appropriate subclasses, for breech block locks
for nonautomatic firearms.
Subclass:
181
This subclass is indented under subclass 180. Guns provided
with a latch for the locking means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
164 for similar latches for recoiling barrel guns.
Subclass:
182
This subclass is indented under subclass 180. Guns in which
the breech block lock is unlocked or released by a separate
member movable by inertia relative to the breech block.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
156 for inertia operated movable chambers.
subclasses 162+ for inertia operated barrels.
Subclass:
183
This subclass is indented under subclass 182. Guns in which
the inertia member is started by a slight blow back motion of
the breech block.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
179 for breech block locks operated by blow back of a part
only of the breech block.
subclasses 194+ for blow back guns having no breech lock.
Subclass:
184
This subclass is indented under subclass 180. Guns in which
the breech block motion or one component thereof is
nonrectilinear (e.g., tilting rotary).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
166 and 171+, for movable barrel guns with nonrectilinearly
movable breech block.
Subclass:
185
This subclass is indented under subclass 184. Guns in which
the motion is that of rotating and sliding.
Subclass:
186
This subclass is indented under subclass 180. Guns in which
the breech block motion is rectilinear but nonaxial (e.g.,
transverse sliding).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
167 for long recoil, movable barrel guns with nonaxial,
rectilinear breech block motion.
Subclass:
187.01
Sliding locking member:
This subclass is indented under subclass 180. Devices
including means with a sliding member for locking the breech
block.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
173 for short recoil, movable barrel guns with sliding
locks.
Subclass:
187.02
Cylindrial or ball bearing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 187.01. Devices
wherein the sliding member is columnar in shape or includes a
ball shape bearing.
Subclass:
188
This subclass is indented under subclass 180. Guns with a
breech block locking member rotatable about the barrel axis.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
174 for short recoil, movable barrel guns with rotary
locks.
Subclass:
189
This subclass is indented under subclass 180. Guns with a
toggle lock for the breech block.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
168 and 175, for movable barrel guns with toggle locks.
Subclass:
190
This subclass is indented under subclass 180. Guns with a
pivoted member for locking the breech block.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
168 and 176, for movable barrel guns with pivoted locks.
Subclass:
191.01
Gas piston type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Devices having
a gas- operated cylinder device, the movement of which
operates the extracting and reloading mechanism of an
automatic ordnance device.
(1) Note. Blow back guns (no breech lock) are excluded from
this and indented subclasses.
(2) Note. To cause original classification herein the claims
must be directed to the structure of the gas port, cylinder
or piston, and/or the connection with the breech block lock
and must not include and specific breech block lock.
(3) Note. Usually the gas piston unlocks the breech block
lock, but in some guns it serves to retard blow back of the
breech block.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
156 for movable chambers operating as gas pistons.
159 for combined movable barrel and gas operated guns.
179 for gas pistons carried by the breech block.
subclasses 180+ for gas piston-type guns where the claims
include a breech block lock.
subclasses 194+ for blow back guns.
Subclass:
191.02
Annular piston:
This subclass is indented under subclass 191.01. Devices
wherein the gas-operated device is circular in shape.
Subclass:
192
Guns under subclasses 191.01+ in which the exploding gases
move a gas piston to compress a spring, which, after the gas
drops to a predetermined value, unlocks and moves the breech
block to open position.
Subclass:
193
This subclass is indented under subclass 191. Guns with
specific gas ports, cylinders and/or regulators.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits, subclasses 37+ for
regulators, per se.
251, Valves and Valve Actuation, appropriate subclasses for
valve structure, per se.
Subclass:
194
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Guns in which a
breech block, having rectilinear motion only, is not locked,
but is resiliently held in breech closing position solely by
its own inertia and its recoil or return spring.
(1) Note. Classification is in this or indented subclasses
where the claims are limited to the mounting of the breech
block, even though a breech block lock is disclosed.
(2) Note. Guns in which a breech lock or retarding means is
released by some means after which the breech block is moved
back by blow back are classified on the type of the locking
or retarding means claimed.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
4.5 for explosion opened breech guns of the blow back type.
183 for inertia operated locks initiated by limited blow
back of the breech block.
Subclass:
195
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Guns in the
form of a piston with a magazine mounted in the grip
thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, subclass 7 for nonautomatic-grip magazine
pistols.
Subclass:
196
This subclass is indented under subclass 195. Guns in which
the breech block is rigidly connected to a member which
extends forwardly adjacent the barrel and provides an
abutment for the breech block return spring.
(1) Note. Usually the member surrounds the barrel and is an
integral part of the breech block.
Subclass:
197
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Guns having a
box magazine other than of piston grip type.
(1) Note. A box magazine is one that dispenses cartridges
therefrom in side-by-side relation, as distinguished from a
tubular magazine, for example.
(2) Note. The disclosure of a box magazine is sufficient to
cause classification in this subclass rather than subclass
194.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
33.01 for cartridge holders for ordnance.
194 see (2) Note.
subclasses 195+ for blow-back guns with pistol grip
magazines.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
42, Firearms, appropriate subclasses, for box magazine
features in nonautomatic guns, or in automatic guns where the
automatic features are not claimed.
Subclass:
198
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Guns provided
with buffers and/or brakes (e.g., for the breech block).
(1) Note. The buffer must involve something more than a
rigid stop surface, and more than a breech block return
spring.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
129.01 for devices other than buffers or brakes for
regulating the rate of fire.
177 for buffers and brakes for movable barrels.
subclasses 180+ for means for retarding the initial opening
movement only of the breech block.
199 for breech block stops and return springs.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
188, Brakes.
267, Spring Devices.
Subclass:
199
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Guns with
particular receiver closures and/or breech-block return
means.
(1) Note. The closure may provide an abutment for the
breech-block return means, or a stop surface for the breech
block.
(2) Note. The breech-block return means is usually a spring
device, which also apposes the recoil motion of the breech
block.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
178 for return means for movable barrels.
Information Products Division -- Contacts
Questions regarding this report should be directed to:
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Information Products Division
PK3- Suite 441
Washington, DC 20231
tel: (703) 306-2600
FAX: (703) 306-2737
email: oeip@uspto.gov
Last Modified: 6 October 2000