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U.S. Patent Classification System - Classification Definitions
as of June 30, 2000
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Class 125
STONE WORKING
Class Definition:
This class includes machines, tools, and processes not
otherwise classified for operating upon stone or stone-like
substance, which has previously been removed from its native
position in the earth, and also some miners' hand-tools. This
class does not include:
(1) Inventions classifiable in the class for Mining or In
Situ Disintegration of Hard Material, for mining valuable
material or disintegrating hard material in situ (See Search
Notes below for specific class reference.);
(2) Inventions classifiable in the class for Abrading, for
operating upon the surface of the material with an abradant;
(See Search Notes below for specific class reference.);
(3) Processes and apparatus for comminuting stone and
stone-like substance, classifiable in the class for Solid
Material Comminution or Disintegration. (See Search Notes
below for specific class reference.) Class 125 includes some
patents for working stone or stone-like comminuting elements
(e.g., millstones) to prepare them for use. See particularly
subclasses 27+ and 42.
(4) Inventions which are equally useful for operation upon
metal and are classifiable in classes for Metal Working; for
Turning; for Cutting; for Cutting by Use of Rotating
Axially Moving Tool; and for Gear Cutting, Milling, or
Planing. (See Search Notes below for specific class
references);
(5) Inventions which are equally useful for operation upon
softer material, like wood and are classifiable in classes
for Cutting; for Wood Turning; and for Woodworking (See
Search Notes below for specific class references);
(6) A process or means for boring into the earth, concrete,
stone or the like in situ is classified in the class for
Boring or Penetrating the Earth, as is a hammer or impact
device for impacting an earth penetrating means. (See Search
Notes below for specific class reference.);
(6A) The class for Tool Driving or Impacting provides for
subject matter directed to driving or impacting a tool, when
such subject matter includes combined features peculiar to
tool driving, but which does not include features limiting
the subject matter to a specific tool art, such as specific
shape of the work contacting portion of a tool, related
tools, or an opposed work support. Class 125 has not been
cleared as to subject matter in conflict with this line.
(See Search Notes below for specific class reference.)
(7) Tools in which the invention resides merely in the means
for securing the operating portion of the tool to the handle
or holder. These are classified in the class for Chucks or
Sockets. (See Search Notes below for specific class
reference.)
(8) The subcombination of cleaning stone or brick by
detergent, for which see the class for Cleaning and Liquid
Contact With Solids. (See Search Notes below for specific
class reference.)
(9) Ice picks and chippers, for which see the class for
Cutlery Cutlery. (See Search Notes below for specific class
reference.)
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, for inventions equally useful for
operation upon metal (see (4) above).
30, Cutlery, for ice picks and chippers (also see (9)
above).
82, Turning, for inventions equally useful for operation upon
metal (see (4) above).
83, Cutting, for inventions equally useful for operation upon
metal (see (4) above).
83, Cutting, for inventions equally useful for operation upon
softer material, like wood (see (5) above).
134, Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, for the
subcombination of cleaning stone or brick by detergent (also
see (8) above).
142, Wood Turning, equally useful for operation upon softer
material, like wood (see (5) above).
144, Woodworking, equally useful for operation upon softer
material, like wood (see (5) above).
173, Tool Driving or Impacting for subject matter directed
to driving or impacting a tool, when such subject matter
includes combined features peculiar to tool driving, but
which does not include features limiting the subject matter
to a specific tool art, such as specific shape of the work
contacting portion of a tool, related tools, or an opposed
work support. (see (6A) above).
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, for a process or means
for boring into the earth, concrete, stone or the like in
situ; subclass 135 for a hammer or impact device for
impacting an earth penetrating means; and see the class
definition of Class 175 for the line between Class 125 and
Class 175 (also see (6) above).
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegratio, for
processes and apparatus for comminuting stone and stone-like
substances. See the main class definition of that class (241)
for the line. (also see (3) above).
279, Chucks or Sockets, for t.ools in which the invention
resides merely in the means for securing the operating
portion of the tool to the handle or holder. (see (7)
above).
299, Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material, for
mining valuable material or disintegrating hard material in
situ. (See (1) above).
451, Abrading, for operating upon the surface of the material
with an abradant (see (2) above).
408, Cutting by Use of Rotating Axially Moving Tool, for
inventions equally useful for operation upon metal (see (4)
above).
409, Gear Cutting, Milling, or Planing, for inventions
equally useful for operation upon metal (see (4) above).
SUBCLASSES
Subclass:
1
Inventions relating to the stone-working art are not
otherwise classifiable.
Subclass:
2
Mechanically operating upon stone to cut, chip, or otherwise
remove material from the surface thereof in such a manner as
to produce a surface of definite form, the tool having a
cutting movement independent of the relative feeding movement
between the tool and the stone.
Subclass:
3
The stone is operated upon by the rotation of a cutter other
than a grinding-wheel.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
408, Cutting by Use of Rotating Axially Moving Tool,
appropriate subclasses, for drilling machines which feed the
work or tool or both relative to one another along the axis
of the tool; and, see the Notes thereto for other machines in
which a rotating tool is fed relative to work.
Subclass:
4
Machines in which the cutter-support is given a feeding
movement during operation of the cutting-tool.
Subclass:
5
Rotary power-operated tools adapted to be interchangeably
secured to power-driven arbors of stone-dressing machines.
Subclass:
6
The stone is operated upon by the continuous operation of a
picking-tool.
Subclass:
7
Machine in which the picking-tool support is given a feeding
movement during operation of the picking-tool.
Subclass:
8
Machines in which a tool capable of independent operation is
supported on the end of an arm which extends considerably
beyond the main frame of the machine.
Subclass:
9
Material is removed from a stone-surface by movement of a
tool with a cutting edge along the surface of the stone.
Subclass:
10
The stone is given a continuous rotary movement against a
tool.
Subclass:
11.01
Grinding-wheel dressing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter
in which the wheel is sharpened by cutting away its glazed or
loaded grinding surface, thereby exposing sharp new cutting
grains to the work.
(1) Note. For ease of cutting and proper chip removal,
voids are provided in the grinding wheel. As cutting
proceeds, some chips become firmly lodged in the voids. This
reduces grain clearance and cutting efficiency. This
condition is called "loading". [figure]
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
451, Abrading, subclass 442 for an accessory having a
function supplemental to grinding such as "truing," subclass
72 for a combined abrading machine with dressing, subclasses
21 and 22 for a grinding machine with grinding wheel wear
compensation, and subclass 56 for a method of grinding and
tool forming.
Subclass:
11.02
Indexing of tool point:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.01. Subject
matter in which a dressing tool for truing up the grinding
wheel has a plurality of cutting edges and is secured to a
tool holder for a movement which causes a change from one
cutting edge to another.
(1) Note. The dressing tool may include a truing head
consisting of a cylinder provided with a series of separate
retractable diamond tools each of which is capable of being
rigidly locked.
(2) Note. The dressing tool may include a body having a
shank, an insert holder and an indexable head diamond insert
press fitted into the insert holder. [figure]
Subclass:
11.03
Rotary or crush dressing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.01. Subject
matter for dressing the grinding wheel surface by use of a
(heavy crushing) pressure between the tool and the grinding
wheel to break the grinding wheel abrasive bond or by the use
of a dressing tool which rotates during dressing. [figure]
Subclass:
11.04
Contouring of grinding wheel face:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.01. Subject
matter to produce a form other than flat on the wheel
surface.
(1) Note. This form may be a curve or radius, an angle,
indentation or serration (tooth), or any type of profile
other than straight.
Subclass:
11.05
Cam controlled:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.04. Subject
matter for forming a shape on the grinding wheel with a
relative movement between the grinding wheel and dressing
tool, the path of which is guided or controlled by a
rotatable, pivotal or rockable member having a contour.
(1) Note. Three generic types of cam are: face,
cylindrical, and plate.
(1) The face cam consists of a cam track cut into the
periphery of a wheel.
(2) The cylindrical cam has the cam track cut into the face
of a cylinder.
(3) The plate cam use the periphery of edge of a
longitudinal member. The cam follower presses against the
edge of a plate cam and is held there by pressure from a
spring or the pressure of the grinding wheel itself.
(2) Note. In cam controlled, the dressing tool is mounted
in a floating holder that is actuated by a cam to produce
required shape in the wheel. [figure]
Subclass:
11.06
Templet-or pattern-controlled:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.04. Subject
matter which includes an original or model form contour for
imitation and a stylus. The point of the stylus following
the form contour activates the dressing tool to duplicate the
form contour on the periphery of the grinding wheel.
(1) Note. The device duplicates the motion path of a tracer
moving over a templet, but does so with a reduction in motion
in proportion to the pantograph ratio. The templet is the
exact form that is required on the grinding wheel but is
enlarged by an amount equal to the pantograph ratio.
[figure]
Subclass:
11.07
Hydraulically actuated:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.06. Subject
matter in which the dressing motion is imparted by fluid
acting on a piston. [figure]
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
11.20 for dressing tool motion controlled by fluid actuated
drive means.
Subclass:
11.08
Pantograph:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.06. Subject
matter in which the dressing tool is operated by a device,
having a stylus for tracing and copying, mounted on multiple
jointed members in the form of a parallelogram. [figure]
Subclass:
11.09
Fulcrum bar:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.06. Subject
matter which includes a single lever or arm having one end
journaled for universal movement and the other end operating
over a form template.
(1) Note. The arm or lever has a single support which may
be a spherical bearing, a gimble mechanism, a ball or roller
type bearing or other similar means which permits the lever
movement. [figure]
Subclass:
11.1
Tangent bar forms arcuate surface:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.04. Subject
matter in which the dressing tool is guided by an elongate
bar which is transversely rotated around a curved surface.
[figure]
Subclass:
11.11
Forming arcs and tangents thereto:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.04. Subject
matter in which the wheel dresser produces a surface of
curved form on the grinding wheel and also a planer surface
which intersects the curved form. [figure]
Subclass:
11.12
Generation of arc or bevel by two or more tools:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.04. Subject
matter in which a curved or bevel surface on a grinding wheel
is accomplished by two or more dressing tools.
(1) Note. Both tools may produce bevel surface on each side
of a wheel or one tool may produce a bevel surface and the
other tool may produce a curved surface. [figure]
Subclass:
11.13
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.04. With
compound motion of tool:ubject matter in which the dressing
tool is moved in a main dressing motion and also has an
additional or separate motion which motion together produces
the desired shape. [figure]
Subclass:
11.14
Arc forming by swinging tool:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.04. Subject
matter in which a swinging arm that carries the dressing tool
pivots in an arc or radius about an axis to form a curved
shape on the grinding wheel.
Subclass:
11.15
Forming bevel:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.04. Subject
matter in which the dressing tool cuts an inclination that
forms an angle other than a right angle with respect to the
grinding wheel axis of rotation. [figure]
Subclass:
11.16
By swinging tool:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.15. Subject
matter in which the dressing tool swings about an axis to
form an angle on the grinding wheel face.
Subclass:
11.17
Transverse swinging motion to form planar surface:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.01. Subject
matter which forms a linear grinding surface across the
grinding wheel by a dressing tool pivoting in a plane
generally parallel to grinding wheel surface. [figure]
Subclass:
11.18
Peripheral grinding face:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.01. Subject
matter in which the tool is especially adapted for dressing
of a grinding wheel which is used in grinding the internal
bore of a workpiece. [figure]
Subclass:
11.19
Radial grinding face:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.01. Subject
matter which provides for movement of dressing tool across
the side face of the grinding wheel, i.e., the dresser acts
along the radial face of the grinding. [figure]
Subclass:
11.2
Hydraulic tool traversing means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.01. Subject
matter in which the dressing tool is moved across the
grinding wheel by fluid actuated drive means.
Subclass:
11.21
Rectilinearly reciprocating tool:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.01. Subject
matter in which the dressing tool traverses back-and-forth in
a straight line across the face of the grinding wheel.
(1) Note. The dressing tool may dress the wheel during
forward movement or during backward movement. [figure]
Subclass:
11.22
Coolant supply:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.01. Subject
matter in which a coolant fluid or similar means is provided
to cool the dressing tip.
(1) Note. The life of the dressing tip is extended by
preventing it from becoming overheated during the wheel
dressing and truing operation. [figure]
Subclass:
11.23
With compensator for tool wear:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11.01. Subject
matter including a supplementary mechanism responsive to the
operation of means for dressing the wheel and effective to
adjust the distance between the wheel and the dressing tool
by a predetermined fixed amount to offset the reduction in
the dressing tool which results from the dressing operation.
Subclass:
12
The stone is divided into two or more smaller stones by
sawing a kerf either entirely through the stone or to a
sufficient depth to permit the portions to be readily broken
apart.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
30, Cutlery, subclass 166, is the generic place for hand
manipulable saws and see (3) Note thereto for other classes
where hand manipulated saws and sawing machines will be
found.
83, Cutting, 875 and 915.3 for ice-cutting machines.
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, subclass 91 for earth
boring means including a continuously rotating bit describing
a noncircular cross-sectional bore.
Subclass:
13.01
Rotary:
This subclass is indented under subclass 12. Subject matter
in which sawing of stone or similar material is accomplished
by rotation of a circular saw in the plane of the kerf.
(1) Note. The device usually comprises a blade which is
held between a pair of plates or supported by a frame
assembly or similar support means and operatively connected
to a drive means to rotate at a very high speed. [figure]
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
30, Cutlery, subclass 347 for rotary blades.
83, Cutting, 409 for cutting by using rotatable-disc tool
pair or tool and carrier.
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, subclass 91 for
rotating cutters forming circular bores.
408, Cutting by Use of Rotating Axially Moving Tool,
appropriate subclasses for drilling machines which feed the
work or tool or both relative to one another along the axis
of the tool; and, see the notes thereto for other machines in
which a rotating tool is fed relative to work.
Subclass:
13.02
Having internal cutting edge:
This subclass is indented under subclass 13.01. Subject
matter including a rotary blade having an opening with a
cutting edge on the internal edge of the opening, the
workpiece being projected into the opening for cutting.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
451, Abrading, subclass 180 for an abrading machine in which
grinding is done by the internal peripheral face of an
annular tool having rotary motion.
Subclass:
13.03
With pivoted frame:
This subclass is indented under subclass 13.01. Subject
matter in which the saw blade is mounted for movement on a
swingable arm adjacent to the workpiece. [figure]
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
83, Cutting, subclass 490 for cutting by saws mounted on a
rotatable carrier movable during cutting.
451, Abrading, subclass 236 for abrading machines in which
the tool is mounted on a swinging carrier, permitting its
application to and removal from the work, as desired.
Subclass:
14
Machines in which the saw-support is given a feeding movement
during the operation of the saw.
Subclass:
15
Rotary disk saws adapted to be interchangeably secured to
power-driven arbors of stone-sawing machines.
Subclass:
16.01
Reciprocating:
This subclass is indented under subclass 12. Subject matter
wherein the cutting blade moves back and forth in a straight
line. [figure]
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
83, Cutting, subclass 746, for cutting by tool reciprocable
along elongated edge and by rectilinearly reciprocating
tool.
451, Abrading, subclass 164 for abrading machine having
rectilinearly reciprocating tool.
Subclass:
16.02
Having saw with supply and take-up means:
Subject matter under 16.01 having means to feed a fresh
portion of the saw for cutting to the workpiece and to move
the used portion of the saw away from the workpiece.
[figure]
Subclass:
16.03
Lever-operated saw:
This subclass is indented under subclass 16.01. Subject
matter in which the saw blade is supported by pivoting
members for its cutting movement. [figure]
Subclass:
16.04
Angular cutting saws:
This subclass is indented under subclass 16.01. Subject
matter in which a plurality of saws are arranged to cut the
workpiece in blocks or slabs of tapering form. [figure]
Subclass:
17
Frames in which the saws are mounted and which reciprocate
with the saws during operation.
Subclass:
18
Reciprocating saw-blades adapted to be interchangeably
secured to the other parts of the machine for receiving a
reciprocating movement.
Subclass:
19
Sawing stone by the oscillation of a saw-blade in the plane
of the kerf.
Subclass:
20
Cutting of a cylindrical kerf by rotary movement of a saw in
a closed path around the periphery of the disk.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, 403 for a core forming
type earth boring bit.
Subclass:
21
Sawing stone by the continuous travel of an endless flexible
member along its own length while in contact with the stone.
Subclass:
22
Abrading or cutting units adapted to be independently secured
to or formed along the edge of a saw-blade at spaced-apart
points.
Subclass:
23.01
SPLITTING, SHEARING AND PUNCHING:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter for shearing, splitting, or punching of stone
by the application of opposing forces to different portions
of an integral stone.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
225, Severing by Tearing or Breaking, 93 for breaking or
tearing apparatus.
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, subclass 4
which includes physical steps of separation of the
laminations of materials (such as mica) when combined with
the comminuting or disintegrating step.
Subclass:
23.02
Roller-type cutters:
This subclass is indented under subclass 23.01. Subject
matter in which a working force is applied by at least one
member having a cutter in the form of a rotatable element
which is traversed across the workpiece.
(1) Note. Cutting to a desired size or shape is usually
accomplished by scoring the surface of the workpiece.
[figure]
Subclass:
24
Separating mica or mica-like substance along its planes of
cleavage.
Subclass:
25
Dressing the surfaces of slates or thin slabs of stone.
Subclass:
26
Removing foreign material adhering to bricks.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
134, Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, for processes
of cleaning brick by detergent action.
Subclass:
27
Cutting or cleaning the grooves or millstones or like
objects.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, 291 for
comminuting elements (e.g., millstones). Patents including
claims to both the comminuting element and the process or
apparatus for dressing or fashioning it are classified in
class 241 on the basis of the article.
Subclass:
28
Operating upon the grooves of millstones by the continuous
rotation of a cutter other than a grinding-wheel.
Subclass:
29
Operating upon the grooves of millstones by the continuous
operation of a picking-tool.
Subclass:
30.01
PRECIOUS STONE WORKING:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter for working various minerals, such as diamond,
emerald, ruby, or sapphire, valued for their rarity or
appearance.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, subclass 25.35 for piezoelectric device
making.
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, subclass 434 for an
earth boring bit which includes a diamond on its cutting
edge.
356, Optics: Measuring and Testing, subclass 30 which
includes claims for nominal cutting of crystal to prepare it
for optical examination.
Subclass:
30.02
Wire drawing die making:
This subclass is indented under subclass 30.01. Subject
matter for forming or reconditioning the hole in a wire
drawing die. [figure]
Subclass:
35
Supporting structures for holding stones in place while being
operated upon.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
269, Work Holders, appropriate subclasses. Class 269 is the
residual locus for patents to a device for clamping,
supporting and/or holding an article (or articles) in
position to be operated on or treated. See notes thereunder
for other related loci.
Subclass:
36
Tools for operating upon stone not otherwise classifiable.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
30, Cutlery, 164.5 for ice picks and chippers.
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, 327 for an earth
boring bit or bit element.
299, Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material, 79.1
for a cutter head or tooth for mining or disintegrating hard
material in situ.
Subclass:
37
A freely rotatable wheel adapted to wear down the surface of
the stone by traveling across the same.
Subclass:
38
The cutting portions are rigidly held in place and are adaped
to be moved along the stone-surface to remove material
therefrom.
Subclass:
39
The cutting portion consists of a diamond rigidly held in
place.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, subclass 434 for an
earth boring bit which includes a diamond on its cutting
edge.
Subclass:
40
For dressing stone by striking against the stone-surface.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
81, Tools, subclass 463, and see the notes thereto for other
impact tools.
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, 414 for an impact type
earth boring bit.
Subclass:
41
Provided with a plurality of closely-arranged projections
upon the stone-striking portion.
Subclass:
42
For cleaning and cutting the grooves of millstones. The
cutting element usually consists of a blade with its cutting
edge extending laterally and transversely of the handle.
(1) Note. See the note under subclass 27.
Subclass:
43
Adapted to be used upon comparatively soft material or
ordinary earth.
CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS
Subclass:
901
FORMING PIEZOELECTRIC CRYSTALS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus having means to form an element which has ability
to generate voltage when mechanical force is applied or to
produce mechanical force when a voltage is applied.
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