This class comprises methods and apparatus relating to (a) the performing of the various and usually normal but required
activities pursuant to a selling or other mutually beneficent transaction at a retail or like service level available to the public or (b) activities directly relating to dining.
(1) Note. The transaction is normally held between persons in or at a building or other structure.
(2) Note. The subject matter of the class is intended to include the combination of a device classifiable, per se, in another class, e.g., conveyor, dispenser, etc., and structure adapting it for use in a business establishment available to the public. No attempt has been made to clear other classes of conflicting art and lines and/or placement of art between other classes and this class remains the same.
(3) Note. Dining activities include those which transpire between a prospective diner and a person or apparatus whereby a contract is satisfied or operations are completed whereby a certain desired food or foods and related appurtenances are made available to the diner for his or her consumption.
(4) Note. Mere method of doing business which consists of nonstatutory matter is not subject matter for this class.

REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
104, Railways, appropriate subclasses for railway systems, per se.
105, Railway Rolling Stock, subclass 327 and 328 for dining and merchandising cars, respectively.
108, Horizontally Supported Planar Surfaces, 94 for rotatable terraced horizontal planar surfaces, for example, self-waiting tables; and subclasses 103+ for plural related horizontal planar surface members which are rotatable about a vertical axis.
141, Fluent Material Handling, With Receiver or Receiver Coacting Means, for devices for transfer of fluent material from a source and relatively movable coacting receiver.
187, Elevator, Industrial Lift Truck, or Stationary Lift for Vehicle, for an elevator, per se.
191, Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles, appropriate subclasses for the transmission of electrical energy between a relatively moving vehicle and another object.
194, Check-Actuated Control Mechanisms, for a check-controlled device, per se.
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, for power-driven conveyors, per se.
221, Article Dispensing, for a dispenser, per se, for articles.
222, Dispensing, for a dispenser, per se, for fluent material.
406, Conveyors: Fluid Current, for apparatus for the propulsion of a carrier through a tube means by fluid pressure.
414, Material or Article Handling, for devices for handling material or an article, and especially subclass 9 for a human body operated eating aid.
452, Butchering, 177 for an elevator and conveyor means used in a butchering operation.
705, Data Processing: Financial, Business Practice, Management, or Cost/price Determination, subclass 15 for a data processing system for administration of restaurant ordering; subclasses 16+ for a data processing system having an electronic cash register or point of sale terminal.
708, Electrical Computers: Arithmetic Processing and Calculating, appropriate subclasses for electrical apparatus for, and corresponding methods of, performing calculation operations in general.

Miscellaneous inventions not otherwise classifiable. The tracks are inclined, and the propelling force for the carriers is gravity.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
104, Railways, subclass 53 and 112.
193, Conveyors, Chutes, Skids, Guides, and Ways, subclass 27 and 32.

There are a number of terminals to which the cars are switched from the main line, the particular switch operated by a given carrier depending on its configuration or size.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
15 and 20, for other selective switching features.

One end of the track is raised or lowered to give the necessary impelling force in the required direction.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
104, Railways, subclass 53 and 112.

Here each end of the track is raised and lowered.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
4

The ends of the track are attached to pivoted arms, so that when one end of the track is raised the other is lowered.

The propelling means is on the car in the form of a spring, electric, or other motor. In some cases the cars run on a closed track loop and distribute and collect selectively and automatically. In other cases the cars are switched selectively and automatically from the main line.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
28

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
104, Railways, subclass 112, 124 and 295+.

The car is impelled by the hand either directly or by means of interposed mechanism.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
104, Railways, subclass 112.

The car is impelled usually by hand, but with speed increasing means interposed between the power and the car.

The impelling means is a spring which is strained to the requisite point and then suddenly released to propel the car along the track.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
124, Mechanical Guns and Projectors, subclass 7, and indented subclasses, and subclass 16 and indented subclasses, for spring straining and releasing mechanisms similar to those shown in this subclass.

The track itself or a line parallel to and coextensive with the track is an elastic cable or has springs inserted between its ends and the supports. The car is propelled from either end by pulling the line at the end and straining the elastic cable or the spring at the opposite end and quickly releasing, when the car is propelled through means of a projecting part on the line.

The end of the track upon which the car rests is tilted to give the necessary impulse to propel the car along the remainder of the track, which is not inclined. This subclass also includes cases in which the car rest on the level portion of the track, the car being impelled by a bunter running down the inclined portion of the track, which is tilted, and the bunter released at will.

The car is given an impulse by the spreading apart at one end of two members inserted between suitable parts on the car. In some cases both members are flexible, in other cases one is flexible and the other rigid, and one or both movable. In some cases one member forms the track on which the car runs and the other is coextensive with it, in other cases the second member extends for a limited distance only.

The car is propelled by a running cable or belt and runs on a track or is suspended on the cable or belt.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
104, Railways, subclass 53, 112 and 180.
198, Conveyors: Power Driven, appropriate subclasses.

The carrier is propelled along a track by a continuously running cable, to which when the carrier is placed in the proper position it is automatically attached by means of a gripper on the carrier. The carrier runs to a designated station, when the gripper is automatically operated and the car switched to its terminal. The point of release and switching is determined by the configuration of the car.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
104, Railways, subclass 112, 124, 202, and 204.

A belt or cable in the form of a closed loop propels a wheeled car or a flight usually along a track. A receptacle is carried by the car or pushed by the flight and is itself deposited at a previously selected point, or the contents of the receptacle are deposited at the given point.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
104, Railways, subclass 112 and 124.
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, appropriate subclasses.

The carrier is attached to a cable and is propelled back and forth in the same path between the terminals. It may be propelled both ways by the cable or in one direction by the cable and in the reverse by gravity. In some instances the carrier runs on a track, in others it is suspended from the propelling cable.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
104, Railway, subclass 112 and 180.
211, Supports: Racks, subclass 119.01 and indented subclasses.

Here the carrier is attached to the cable and is propelled back and forth in the same path. The car runs on a track or is suspended from the cable. Provision is made in some cases for lowering the carrier at the terminals. In other instances it is lowered at any intermediate point.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
212, Traversing Hoists, subclass 71 and indented subclasses.

Devices not otherwise classified for directing a carrier from one track to another over an intervening movable track section.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
246, Railway Switches and Signals, subclass 415 and indented subclasses, and other appropriate subclasses.

Mechanisms by which the carrier is directed to a particular branch along a track, the point of switching depending upon the configuration or size of the carrier. In some cases the switch is movable, in others immovable.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
3 13, and 15.

The carrier is switched to a particular point, depending upon the size or configuration of the carrier, the switch being returned to its original position by action of the carrier after passing.

Devices for hoisting or lowering a carrier from one level to another. In some cases the devices operate between tracks at different levels, in others between a station and a track at another level.
(1) Note. A large number of these devices are shown in this class, subclasses, 2, 3 and 8, and indented subclasses.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
89, Ordnance, subclass 46.
182, Fire Escape, Ladder, or Scaffolds, 42 for an endless conveyor type escape.
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, 739 for a platform moved about an endless path.
414, Material or Article Handling, 592.
452, Butchering, subclass 178 for an elevator means used in a butchering operation.

Devices for hoisting or lowering a carrier from one level to another, connected with which are means for controlling the speed of the falling carrier.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
29

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
187, Elevator, Industrial Lift Truck, or Stationary Lift for Vehicle, 345 for fluid dampening means regulating the movement of an elevator car, and subclasses 373+ for an elevator car supported brake actuated by a speed governor or sensor.
193, Conveyors, Chutes, Skids, Guides, and Ways, subclass 18, 19 and 24.
254, Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or Pulling Force, 264 for apparatus for hauling or hoisting a load including a driven device which contacts and pulls on a cable attached to the load.

Devices for receiving the impact of the carrier as it reaches the end of the line.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
16, Miscellaneous Hardware, subclass 82, and indented subclasses.
104, Railways, subclass 254.
187, Elevator, Industrial Lift Truck, or Stationary Lift for Vehicle, 343 for means cushioning the contact of an elevator car with an end of its shaft.
414, Material or Article Handling, subclass 601 or 602, 623 and 719, and indented subclass.

The retarding action is produced by the carrier sliding on the buffer, which is in the form of an inclined plane. In some cases the buffer is a wedge embraced by parts on a car.

Miscellaneous cash and parcel carriers not otherwise classified.

Carriers running on wheels adapted to the service indicated in the general definition of this class and not specifically included in the remaining carrier subclasses.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
104, Railways, subclass 89 and 124.
105, Railway Rolling Stock, subclass 147 and 150.

Wheeled carriers propelled by a self-contained motor of any form.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
7

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
104, Railways, subclass 112, 124 and 295+.
105, Railway Rolling Stock, subclass 148.
254, Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or Pulling Force, 134.5 for tractors utilized to pull wire into conduits or along a messenger.

Wheeled carriers in which the cash or parcel receptacle is lowered from its normal position while still remaining attached to the car. In some instances the car remains attached to some part of the structure.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
18 22 and 23.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
212, Traversing Hoists, subclass 71 and indented subclasses.

Devices for preventing derailment of wheeled carriers.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
104, Railways, subclass 243, 244 and 246.

Carriers of spherical, cylindrical, and other permissible shapes which roll along the track.

The carriers slide along the track. The method of propulsion is unrestricted.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
15

Elementary parts of cash carrier systems and their accessories not otherwise classifiable.

Track accessories and elementary parts not otherwise classifiable.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
104, Railways, subclass 112, 124 and 189.
212, Traversing Hoists, subclass 71, and indented subclasses.
246, Railway Switches and Signals, subclass 415.

CUSTOMER SERVICE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus comprising means by which a purchaser or user may personally and directly consummate a purchase or other transaction with a seller or other agent.

Combined services:
This subclass is indented under subclass 35. Apparatus provided with means by which two or more diverse retailing operations may be performed either simultaneously or sequentially from a specific locus.
(1) Note. For example, a person may order groceries or food from an automobile while having the tank of the automobile filled with gasoline.

Banking:
This subclass is indented under subclass 35. Apparatus
directly related to a transaction at a bank or like place of business.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
705, Data Processing: Financial, Business Practice, Management, or Cost/price Determination, subclass 39 for this subject matter combined with a data processing arrangement.

Dining room service:
This subclass is indented under subclass 35. Apparatus directly related to dining.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
705, Data Processing: Financial, Business Practice, Management, or Cost/price Determination, subclass 15 for a data processing system having a limitation particularly designed for a restaurant.

With machine readable means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Apparatus wherein a dining establishment includes a device into which sensible encoded menu information is fed, the device upon sensing the menu information initiating one or more activities relating to a dining operation.

In a transport vehicle:
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Apparatus wherein a public conveyance is provided with a food carrier means, the carrier means conveying food to the vicinity of passengers from a food storage or preparation area.

Drive-in:
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Apparatus wherein there is provided means directly available to a
motorist while in or at a vehicle either for selecting items from a menu or for receiving selected items when delivered.

Dining table structure movable in fixed path:
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Apparatus comprising a dining structure surface for supporting food or drink being consumed by a diner in the act of eating, the structure being secured to a movable support movable in a fixed path of travel into and out of a dining area.

With conveyor cleaner:
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Apparatus in which there is provided a moving conveyor or carrier and there is further provided a means to cleanse the conveyor or carrier at a zone or station as it moves therepast.
(1) Note. Removing dishes or the like from a moving conveyor is not considered to be conveyor cleansing for classification here. Classification of such structure will be based on other features.

Menu make-up table:
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Apparatus comprising a support structure for supporting a variety of foods from which a selection may be made, consumption of the food selected being at a place spaced from the support structure.

Wheeled carrier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Apparatus comprising a wheeled device for carrying food from a preparation area to a dining or other use area (e.g., hospital room).

Track guided:
This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Apparatus wherein the wheeled device is mounted to travel on rails or other like fixed path means.

With food carrier elevating means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Apparatus wherein there is provided structure to raise or lower either the wheeled device or a load bearing part thereof whereby to transport food for dining from one level to another.
(1) Note. An inclined trackway, per se, for a food carrier carrying prepared food to a dining area is not considered proper subject matter for classification here, classification of such subject matter being based on other features.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
22 for devices for hoisting or lowering a carrier proper for this class, but in other than dining room service, from one level to another.

Overhead:
This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Apparatus wherein the rail or fixed path means is fixed to or otherwise mounted to support structure at or adjacent the ceiling of a dining establishment so that the load carrying parts supported on the wheel device are suspended therefrom.

With conveyor (e.g., belt type):
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Apparatus comprising a laterally moving surface for carrying food or other items pertaining to a dining operation.

With food carrier elevating means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 49. Apparatus wherein there is provided structure to raise or lower a food tray or the like to or from a conveying level.

With elevator:
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Apparatus comprising a device for vertically hoisting or lowering food or appurtenances pertaining to a dining operation.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
187, Elevator, Industrial Lift Truck, or Stationary Lift for Vehicle, for an elevator, per se.

Store service:
This subclass is indented under subclass 35. Apparatus wherein the purchase or transaction is effected in a retail or like establishment for the purchase of goods.

Drive-in:
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Apparatus wherein there is provided means directly available to a motorist, while in or at a vehicle, either for selecting merchandise or for receiving the delivery of selected merchandise.

With cooling room having transparent access door:
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Apparatus wherein the retail or like establishment is provided with a partitioned cooling area for perishable items, the partition having a see-through door means for permitting item removal.

With remote item dispensing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Apparatus having an order make-up means comprising a control means spaced from a gate means or the like on the supply or stock structure is actuated for dispensing desired items of merchandise therefrom, the selected dispensed items being conveyed either to a control station or to a point of assembly for further processing of the order.

Machine readable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 55. Apparatus wherein the control means comprises a device into which sensible encoded order information is fed whereby the control means actuates respective gate or the like means mounted on the supply or stock structure for selecting desired items of merchandise.

Relatively movable selection station and merchandise shelving:
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Apparatus wherein there is provided a merchandise supply or stock structure and a customer or clerk support or station, at least one of which being movable relative to the other to facilitate item selection by the customer or clerk.

This subclass is indented under subclass 52. With order carrier movable or track means: Apparatus provided with fixed path means upon which a container for receiving selected items of merchandise is supported for travel therealong.
(1) Note. A shopper pushing a cart in the aisles and selecting items from adjacent racks is not considered proper for classification here.

Checkout counter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Apparatus
comprising store structure to which a purchaser may bring his selected items of merchandise either for payment or for otherwise completing the transaction.
(1) Note. It is not necessary for a cash register or the like to be claimed with the checkout counter structure for classification here.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
705, Data Processing: Financial, Business Practice, Management, or Cost/price Determination, 16 for a point of sale terminal or electronic cash register having significant data processing.

With conveyor to vehicle loading station:
This subclass is indented under subclass 59. Apparatus wherein the store structure comprises a conveyance means for delivering the purchased items of merchandise to a vehicle loading station.

With means enabling price reading:
This subclass is indented under subclass 59. Apparatus wherein the store structure comprises means for at least allowing utilization of a scanning or other device for reading price information placed on merchandise.

With cart accommodation or handling:
This subclass is indented under subclass 59. Apparatus wherein the store structure comprises means on or at the store structure or the cart for facilitating the emptying or other handling of a shopping cart.
(1) Note. The store structure (i.e., checkout counter) must cooperate with a grocery cart in a special way other than merely having the grocery cart brought into proximity thereto.

Cart emptying facilitation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Apparatus wherein there is provided means on either the store structure or the shopping cart to facilitate unloading of the shopping cart by a checkout clerk.

Self-unloading:
This subclass is indented under subclass 63. Apparatus provided with means on or at the store structure coacting with means on the shopping cart for discharging items of merchandise from the shopping cart, one of said means being connected to a source of power.

With elevating means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 63. Apparatus comprising a hoist or other means for raising the shopping cart or a part thereof whereby items of merchandise may be more readily accessible for removal therefrom by the checkout clerk.

With bag storage or bagging support:
This subclass is indented under subclass 59. Apparatus provided with (a) means on or at the store structure for holding a supply of bags into which items of merchandise may be placed after checkout or (b) means on or at the store structure and convenient to a clerk for supporting a bag into which the checked-out items of merchandise are placed.

With turntable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 59. Apparatus wherein the store structure comprises a rotatable platform.

With power driven belt conveyor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 59. Apparatus wherein the store structure comprises a powered endless surface means for moving items of merchandise thereon.

With power driven conveyor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Apparatus wherein the store structure comprises a powered endless surface means for transporting selected items of merchandise.