U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Information Products Division
[Manual of Classification, Class Listing] [Manual of Classification, Class 185] [Classification Definitions, Class Listing] [USPTO Home Page]

U.S. Patent Classification System - Classification Definitions
as of June 30, 2000

[Explanation of Data]

Patents classified in a subclass may be accessed by either clicking on the subclass number
preceding each subclass definition or on the " [Patents] " icon, below.
( please note that patents for some subclasses may not be available )

For classification search strategies, please refer to the Classification Index Explanation of Data web page.

(definitions have been obtained from the Patents ASSIST CD-ROM which is produced by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Electronic Products Branch)


Class 185

MOTORS: SPRING, WEIGHT, OR ANIMAL POWERED


Class Definition:
This is the class of spring, weight, and animal powered motors and is specific to motors of these types and to plural arrangements of such motors.
(1) Note. Composite motors are defined as involving a plurality of energy converting means, each of which is capable of delivering an output to a load which is not one of the means. Accordingly, the combination of two motors in which the sole function of one of the motors is to wind the second motor or to otherwise condition it for performing work for delivering energy is not classified as a composite motor but merely as a single motor having winding means.
Plural motors, both of which are Class 185 motors, are classified in this class. For plural motors of diverse types, one of which is a Class 185 type motor, see Lines With Other Classes, below.

LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
Plural motors of diverse types, one of which is a Class 185 type motor, are classified in appropriate subclasses of Class 60, with the exception noted in the paragraph below.
Relative to combinations involving a Class 185 motor and a winding arrangement therefor, Class 185 takes such combinations when both the output motor and the winding motor are Class 185 type motors. Where the winding motor is not a Class 185 motor (as, for example, tide motors), classification is in the appropriate subclass of Class 60 with one exception. Combinations involving an electric motor for winding a Class 185 motor, the electric motor being incapable of performing other work, are classified in the appropriate winding subclasses of this class.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 2+ for plural motors, both of which are Class 185 motors.


SUBCLASSES


Subclass: 2 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Motors composed of two or more prime movers, with separate trains running to a common transmitting element, all of which prime movers are of the class comprising spring motors, weight motors and animal powered motors.
(1) Note. See the Class Definition and Lines With Other Classes of this class for further definition of composite motors of the type herein classified and for the distinction between such motors and motor-motor winding combinations.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
60, Power Plants, subclasses 698+ for motors of types properly classifiable in other classes than this combined with motors of the type provided for in this class.

Subclass: 3 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Composite motors in which energy expended by animals is converted into mechanical energy in all of the prime movers.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 15+ for single motors of the animal powered type.

Subclass: 4 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Composite motors in which all of the prime movers are weight motors.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 27+ for weight motor features not specific to composite weight motor combinations, and see the definition of subclass 27 for the definition of weight motors.

Subclass: 5 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Composite weight motors which include escapements for controlling the operation of the motor.
(1) Note. By the term "escapement", as used throughout this class, is meant a device which receives energy from a power plant and by virtue thereof performs a cycle of movements in which the escapement first causes the power element to cease its motion and later permits it to resume its motion. Throughout this class, if the escapement includes a spring or a weight which derives its energy from another motor, the device is classified in the appropriate Winding Motor subclass instead of in the Escapement controlled subclass and a cross-reference is placed in the appropriate Winding, Overwinding preventers subclass.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
7 for composite weight motors having escapements which include a spring or a weight which derives its energy from
another motor.
9 for composite spring motors including escapements and indented subclass 13 for similar structures having also overwinding prevention means. See (1) Note.
31 for escapement controlled weight motors.
35 for weight motors having winding means and overwinding prevention means and including escapements. See (1) Note.
38 for escapement controlled spring motors.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, subclass 1.5 for escapements, per se.
368, Horology: Time Measuring Systems or Devices, subclasses 124+ for escapements included in devices which are restricted to use in instruments employed for measuring time.

Subclass: 6 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Composite weight motors having special devices for raising the weights.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 10+ 39+, for spring motors including winding arrangements.
subclasses 32+ for weight motors including weight raising or winding means.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, subclasses 111+ and appropriate indented subclasses, for mechanical movements of the intermittent grip type adapted to be used in winding arrangements.
254, Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or Pulling Force, subclasses 266+ for apparatus for hauling or hoisting a load including a driven drum which contacts and pulls on a cable.
368, Horology: Time Measuring Systems or Devices, subclass
33, 50, 147+, 190+, and 206+ for similar combinations which are restricted to use in time measuring instruments.

Subclass: 7 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Composite weight motors in which the weights are raised by motor means.
(1) Note. See the class definition and Lines With Other Classes of this class for the distinctions made between plural and composite motors and single motors having a winding motor and for statement of the line between this class and Class 60.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 11+ and 40+, for spring motors which derive their energy from other motors.
33 for weight motors in which the weight is raised by motor means.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
368, Horology: Time Measuring Systems or Devices, subclasses 149+, and 206+, for spring and weight motors which derive their energy from other motors, and which are restricted to use in time measuring instruments.

Subclass: 9 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Composite motors in which all the prime movers are spring motors.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 37+ for spring motor features not specific to composite spring motor combinations and see the search notes thereunder.

Subclass: 10 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Composite spring motors having special devices for winding the springs.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 6+ for mechanism for operating winding drums, and see the search notes to subclass 6.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
124, Mechanical Guns and Projectors, subclasses 7+ and 16+, for compressing and releasing devices for springs used to operate devices for projecting missiles through the air.
186, Merchandising, subclasses 10+ for spring operated store service car systems.

Subclass: 11 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Composite spring motors in which the springs are wound up by motor means.
(1) Note. See the Class Definition and Lines With Other Classes of this class for the distinctions made between plural and composite motors and single motors having a winding motor and for a statement of the line between this class and Class 60.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
7 for composite weight motors which derive their energy from other motors, and see the search notes thereunder.

Subclass: 12 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 11. Composite spring motors having shafts rotating in one direction only, which alternately wind the springs and receive power therefrom, the connecting trains coming to rest after each alternation.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
41 for similar structures related to single spring motors.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
280, Land Vehicles, subclasses 215+ for such motors combined with vehicle structure having occupant propulsion means.

Subclass: 13 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Composite spring motors having means for preventing the overwinding of the springs.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
35 for overwinding preventers as included in single weight motors having winding means.
43 for overwinding preventers as included in single spring motors having winding means.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
81, Tools, subclasses 467+ for wrenches or screwdrivers responsive to the amount of torque on the work being turned.
368, Horology: Time Measuring Systems or Devices, subclass 209, for time measuring instruments having overwinding preventers.

Subclass: 14 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Composite spring motors having means for showing the degree to which the springs of the motors are wound or for operating an indicator when the springs need winding.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 6+ for composite weight motors having winding means some of which include indicating means.
36 and 44, for means combined with single weight and spring motors respectively for indicating the need for winding or the degree to which the motor has been supplied with potential energy.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
368, Horology: Time Measuring Systems or Devices, subclasses
210+ for winding indicators as included in time measuring instruments.

Subclass: 15 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Motors comprising means whereby energy expended by animals, including human beings is converted into mechanical energy.
(1) Note. Where merely the dead weight of an animal or operator is used to do work, classification is in the appropriate weight motor subclass. See, for example, subclass 28 of this class.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
2 and 3, for composite motors, one or all of which may be motors of the type provided for in this subclass.

Subclass: 15.5 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Motors in which a pivoted seat is the means used to apply the energy of the animal or human being to a system of levers whereby such energy is transmitted to an output element.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, subclasses 523+, for hand levers and treadles, per se.
280, Land Vehicles, subclasses 220+ for such pivoted seat motors combined with vehicle structure.

Subclass: 16 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Motors in which the animals tread upon an endless belt.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
474, Endless Belt Power Transmission Systems or Components, particularly subclasses 202+ for a positive drive belt; and subclasses 237+ for a friction drive belt.

Subclass: 17 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Motors in which the animals tread on the curved surfaces of pivoted drums.

Subclass: 18 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Motors in which the animals tread on pivoted disks.

Subclass: 19 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Motors in which the animals draw upon a sweep.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, subclasses 107+ and 207+ for sweep type drives combined with comminutors.

Subclass: 20 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Sweep type motors having devices for driving or whipping the draft animals.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
24 for other driving and whipping devices found in motors of the animal powered type.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
54, Harness, appropriate subclasses, for driving and whipping devices associated with harness.
231, Whips and Whip Apparatus, subclasses 2+ for whips, per se.
280, Land Vehicles, subclasses 170+ for whip socket
attachments for land vehicles, and especially subclass 178 for whip manipulating devices.

Subclass: 21 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Devices comprising sweeps for use in sweep motors, including structure unitary therewith or mounted thereon.

Subclass: 22 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Sweeps in which provision is made for equalizing the draft of the animals.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
278, Land Vehicles: Animal Draft Appliances, subclasses 3+ and 5+ for equalizers of general application.

Subclass: 23 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Devices comprising draft devices for use in sweep motors.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
22 for equalizers for such draft devices when included in sweep subcombinations.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
54, Harness, for draft devices of general application associated with harness.
278, Land Vehicles: Animal Draft Appliances, for draft devices of general application.

Subclass: 24 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Animal powered motors having means for driving or whipping the draft
animals.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
20 for sweep type motors including driving or whipping means, and see the search classes noted there.

Subclass: 25 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Motors having means for anchoring such motors to a fixed position during operation.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), subclasses 155+ for an earth piercing or expanding anchor, per se.

Subclass: 27 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Motors in which kinetic energy is derived from the movement of a mass by virtue of the effects of gravity. Such motors are generally known as weight motors.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 4+ for composite motors, all of which are weight motors.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
60, Power Plants, subclasses 639+ for a motor actuated by accumulating and dumping liquid or fluent material; and subclass 675 for a gravity water actuated by weight of condensed steam.
242, Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding, subclass 390.4 for a reeling device powered by a weight.

Subclass: 28 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Weight motors in
which energy is derived from the weight of the operators without other application of energy by the operators.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
15.5 for motors in which energy is derived from work done by an operator on a lever system including a pivoted seat.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, subclasses 523+, for hand levers and treadles, per se.

Subclass: 29 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Weight motors in which the actuating mass or masses have an oscillating motion.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
368, Horology: Time Measuring Systems or Devices, subclasses 134+, 165+ and 179+, for clocks including motors which are operated by pendulums.

Subclass: 30 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Oscillating weight motors in which the actuating mass or masses are mounted on supports subjected to irregular movements, or to a wave motion.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, subclass 485, for changeable exhibitors which are operated by pendulum type weight motors.
184, Lubrication, subclass 30, 44, 73, and 78, for pendulum type motor operators for various types of pressure lubricating systems.
235, Registers, subclass 105, for pedometers in which the register is operated by movements of a weight.
368, Horology: Time Measuring Systems or Devices, subclass 150 and 208, for self-winding watches which include weight motors of the type provided for in this subclass.
440, Marine Propulsion, subclass 10 for oscillating weight, wave propulsion motors combined with ship structure for ship propulsion.

Subclass: 31 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Weight motors having escapement means to control the cycle of operation of such motors.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
5 for composite weight motors which are escapement controlled, and see the search notes thereunder for related fields of search, and (1) Note thereto for the definition of the term "escapement".

Subclass: 32 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Weight motors having special devices for raising the weights, as by winding a weight supporting line on a drum.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 6+ for composite weight motors having winding means, and see the search notes under subclass 6.

Subclass: 33 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Weight motors in which the weights are raised by motor means.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
7 for composite weight motors having motor means for raising the weights, and see the search notes to that subclass.

Subclass: 35 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Weight motors having means for preventing overwinding the weights of weight motors.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
13 for overwinding preventers as included in composite spring motors having winding means, and see the search notes thereunder.

Subclass: 36 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Weight motors having means for indicating the degree to which the weights are wound or for operating an indicator when the weights need winding.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
14 for composite spring motors including winding indicating means, and see the search notes thereunder.

Subclass: 37 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Motors in which the prime movers are springs.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 9+ for motor combinations comprising a plurality of spring motors of the type provided for in this subclass.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, appropriate subclasses, and especially subclass 517 and 520+ for changeable exhibitors having spring motor operating means or spring reels.
43, Fishing, Trapping, and Vermin Destroying, subclass 18.1, 20+ and 22, for fishing rods having spring reels.
54, Harness, subclass 70 for harness checking and unchecking devices containing spring reels.
124, Mechanical Guns and Projectors, subclasses 7+ and 16+
for compressing and releasing devices for springs used to operate devices for projecting missiles through the air.
160, Flexible or Portable Closure, Partition, or Panel, particularly subclasses 291+ for roll type closures having spring motors when the motors are combined with a brake or stop, and subclasses 313+ when not so combined.
186, Merchandising, subclasses 10+ for store service car propelling means in which springs are employed to propel the cars.
191, Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles, subclasses 12+ for flexible extensions for electrical transmission lines, including spring means, and subclasses 91+ for trolley retrieving devices which are retracted by spring motors.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses 63+ for rotating contact snap acting switches having operating means.
242, Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding, subclass 226, 251+, and 371+ for a reeling device powered by a spring.
248, Supports, subclass 330.1 and 334.1+ for spring reel operated, vertically adjustable suspended supports.
362, Illumination, subclass 402 for light supporting devices having vertical adjusting means operated by spring reels.
473, Amusement Devices: Games, subclasses 35+ for a cue chalking device which may contain a spring reel.

Subclass: 38 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Spring motors having escapement means for controlling the operation of such motors.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
5 for composite weight motors which are escapement controlled, and see the search notes thereunder for related fields of search, and (1) Note thereto for the definition of the term "escapement".

Subclass: 39 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Spring motors
having special devices for winding the springs.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 6+ for composite weight motors having winding means and see the search notes under subclass 6.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
81, Tools, subclass 7.5, and see the notes thereto, for watch and clock mainspring winders.

Subclass: 40 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Spring motors in which the springs are wound up by motor means.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
7 for composite weight motors having motor operated winding means and see the search notes thereunder, for spring and weight motors which derive their energy from other motors.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, subclass 31 and 63+ for toy phonographs having a spring powered motor.

Subclass: 41 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Spring motors having shafts rotating in one direction only, which alternately wind the springs and receive power therefrom, the connecting trains coming to rest after each alternation.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12 for composite spring motors of the momentum type and see the search notes thereunder.

Subclass: 43 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Spring motors
having means for preventing the overwinding of the springs.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
13 for composite spring motors having overwinding preventers and see the search notes thereunder.

Subclass: 44 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Spring motors having means for showing the degree to which the springs of the motors are wound or for operating an indicator when the springs need winding.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
14 for composite spring motors having winding indicators and see the search notes thereunder.

Subclass: 45 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Spring motors which are distinguished by special features relating to the mounting of the springs.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
267, Spring Devices, subclasses 113-182, appropriate subclass therein for springs and the mounting therefor not including sufficient related structure to constitute a motor; e.g., subclasses 174+ for a coil-spring type spring device for moving a tool through (or returning it from, subclass 176) a work stroke, or for moving some other object (e.g., door latch) for a condition-changing stroke.
368, Horology: Time Measuring Systems or Devices, subclasses 141+ for motor spring mounting means as included in instruments employed for measuring time.


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Information Products Division
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Washington, DC 20231

tel: (703) 306-2600
FAX: (703) 306-2737
email: oeip@uspto.gov


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Last Modified: 6 October 2000