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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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Motors in which
the animals tread on the curved surfaces of pivoted drums.
Subclass:
18
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Motors in which
the animals tread on pivoted disks.
Subclass:
19
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
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
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Devices
comprising sweeps for use in sweep motors, including
structure unitary therewith or mounted thereon.
Subclass:
22
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Information Products Division -- Contacts
Questions regarding this report should be directed to:
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Information Products Division
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tel: (703) 306-2600
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email: oeip@uspto.gov
Last Modified: 6 October 2000