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
the subclass number
preceding each subclass definition or on the
" " 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 198
CONVEYORS: POWER-DRIVEN
Class Definition:
GENERAL STATEMENT OF CLASS SUBJECT MATTER
A power-driven conveyor is an assemblage of elements for
moving a load over a predetermined path or path section. The
assemblage generally includes a single frame structure
mounting a power-driven load-advancing means which is used to
advance the load over the predetermined path.
The load-advancing means may comprise either a single
load-advancing element or a group of like members acting as a
single load-advancing device. A group of like members may be
considered as acting as a single unit if they coact one with
the other to effect movement of the load, where said coaction
occurs along the entire length of said path or path section.
Some other criteria which generally indicate that a group of
like members is acting as a single unit are: a common frame
structure supporting all the members; or a drive means for
all the members, with the elements being driven at the same
speed or over the same speed range. The above are merely
certain parameters that most groups acting as a single unit
exhibit. As with any rule or definition, there will be
exceptions.
See the Glossary, below, for clarification and limitation of
the concepts of the terms Chute and Condition Responsive,
applying to the manner in which they are encountered in this
class (193).
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
ORGANIZATION OF THE CLASS
Perusal of the first-order (capitalized) titles of the
schedule will show that the class is composed of a relatively
few major collections of subclasses. Search fields are
provided for special-purpose and particular-function
conveyors as well as for particular combinations of conveyor
structure and subcombinations of conveyor structure.
Generally, in order of superiority, the major collections
provide for the following search fields.
1. Conveyor on a vehicle (subclasses 300+) or for people
(subclasses 321+).
2. Selective conveyor (subclasses 348+).
3. Conveyors handling a specific article or specific group of
articles, including: (a) a conveyor "orienting" an article
(subclasses 667+); or (b) a system of conveyors grouping
plural articles into a group (subclasses 418+); or (c) a
system of conveyors conveying articles as a stream wherein
articles are successively arranges (subclasses 434+); or (d)
a system of conveyors conveying articles each as a separate
article (subclasses 463+).
4. Special conveyor or one having special features
(subclasses 339+, 493+, 502.1, 506+, and 347).
5. Arrangement of plural conveyors of which (a) one conveyor
is not power-driven (subclasses 523+); and (b) all conveyors
are power-driven (subclasses 570+).
6. Methods of conveying (subclass 617).
7. Conveyor, per se, including subcombinations (subclasses
618+).
8. Stopping of a conveyor (subclasses 854+).
9.The frame or supporting structure for a conveyor
(subclasses 860.1).
In some of the collections summarized above (step 3), the
disclosed intent of the claimed apparatus is significant and
important. Mechanisms that are apparently similar in
structure are used for different functions by modifying the
arrangement or providing a different adjunct to the
structure.
See Subclass References to the Current Class, below, for
subclasses with apparently similar structure used for
different functions.
Subclass 584 of this class (198) should be limited to a
conveying system composed of a plurality of sections which
are joined to each other by means allowing ready connection
or disconnection of the sections, said means further allowing
the sections, to partake of a pivotal motion relative to each
other. Examples of the type of patent which will be placed
here are nonambulant articulated trains or movable
articulated trains which are connected to a stationary
element in the system.
LINE BETWEEN CLASS 198, CLASS 193, CLASS 226, CLASS 242,
CLASS 414, AND CLASS 72
The conveyor, per se, is in Class 198. As between Class 193,
Conveyors, Chutes, Skids, Guides, and Ways; Class 198,
Conveyors: Power-Driven; Class 226, Advancing Material of
Indeterminate Length; Class 242, Winding, Tensioning, or
Guiding; Class 294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements;
Class 414, Material or Article Handling, Class 72 is
superior.
However, in the case of a subcombination for structure or
process wherein it is not clear from the claims whether
handling or deforming is involved, a reasonable
interpretation of the total disclosure will determine whether
classification should be in Class 72, as a deforming
subcombination. For example, a claim reciting a "roller pair"
may be considered as a feeding subcombination in the absence
of disclosure of deformation. On the other hand, "a
configured roller" will usually be a deforming device unless
it is feeding a correspondingly configured workpiece. A
claimed "pinch-roll couple" may be disclosed (a) with many
details showing its effectiveness as a feeder, or (b) may be
sparsely described as a deforming device and still be clearly
a deformer.
A patent including a claim involving both metal deforming and
work handling is classified in Class 72, unless both the
following criteria are met (a) there is no claim limited to
deforming, per se, and (b)the claims to handling and
deforming recite deforming by name only. Search subclasses
137.1+ for the combination of a conveyor with provision to
load or unload a buoyant vehicle.
LINE BETWEEN CLASS 241, CLASS 198, AND CLASS 83
See Class 241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration,
especially the various feeding and discharging subclasses,
for comminutors combined with power conveyors. See the Class
241 main class definition, "Material Handling, Excavating,
Distributing, Harvesting" for a statement of the line.
However, when such instrumentality is set forth with
structural specificity, the claimed congregation of elements
is properly placed with the work modifying instrumentality
(Class 83). For example: A claim reciting structurally
defined work-handling means (not claimed as synchronized with
"work-modifying means", or "tool", or "cutter", or "punch",
or "knife", etc.) is properly placed in Class 198, on the
basis of the work-handling means. A claim reciting a power
conveyor and, for instance, a work station including "a
reciprocating tool", or "a tapered tool", or "a round
cutter", or a "rotary cutter", etc., is properly placed in
the class of the specified tool set forth.
In addition, Class 83, Cutting, receives patents for
classification therein which claim a cutting tool (of the
type provided for in Class 83) synchronized with, or in power
transmitting relation with, a work handling means, regardless
of whether such tool is claimed significantly or merely
nominally.
See References to Other Classes, for various fields of search
for devices related to those in this class (198)
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
301 for a control means responsive to a sensing means when
carried by a ground vehicle.
323 for a control means responsive to a sensing means when
part of a people-carrier.
326 particularly for an endlessly orbiting conveyor, either
as one belt or chain or as a plurality of connected
components when used as a people-carrier.
341 for a control means responsive to a sensing means when
part of a working station.
368 for a control means responsive to a sensing means when
part of a selective conveyor system.
375 384+, 393, 397, 404+, and 408 for an endlessly orbiting
conveyor, either as one belt or chain or as a plurality of
connected components when used for orienting articles.
376 for a control means responsive to a sensing means when
part of an orienting mechanism, and particularly for a
reciprocating or oscillating conveyor when part of a conveyor
section.
395 or 401 for a control means responsive to a sensing means
when part of an orienting mechanism.
418 most of the subclasses for a control means responsive to
a sensing means when used to control the operation of a
group-forming mechanism control of this operation is so much
a part of grouping that the control subclasses have not been
specifically set out.
429 particularly for a reciprocating or oscillating conveyor
when used to form a group of articles;
437 for a control means responsive to a sensing means when
the function is the formation or arrangement of a stream of
items.
440 and 449+, particularly for an endlessly orbiting
conveyor, either as one belt or chain or as a plurality of
connected components when used in a stream-moving conveyor
system.
464.1 for a control means responsive to a sensing means when
the function is to separate or convey a particular article.
467.1 particularly for a rotating screw or helix when used
to separate or convey a particular article;
468.01 particularly for a reciprocating or oscillating
conveyor when used to separate or convey a particular
article;
469.1 particularly for an endlessly orbiting conveyor,
either as one belt or chain or as a plurality of connected
components when used to separate or convey a particular
article.
502 for a control means responsive to a sensing means when
responsive to weight variations.
507 for a control means responsive to a sensing means when
part of structure to collect load from the ground.
513 particularly for a rotating screw or helix when part of
a structure to collect load from the ground;
515 particularly for an endlessly orbiting conveyor, either
as one belt or chain or as a plurality of connected
components when part of a structure to collect load from the
ground.
523 for power-driven conveyors combined with gravity
conveyors.
524 for a control means responsive to a sensing means when
part of a system having a nondriven conveyor.
545 particularly for an endlessly orbiting conveyor, either
as one belt or chain or as a plurality of connected
components when part of a system having a nonpower-driven
conveyor; and particularly for a rotating screw or helix when
part of a system having a nonpower-driven conveyor.
547 particularly for an endlessly orbiting conveyor, either
as one belt or chain or as a plurality of connected
components when part of a system having a nonpower-driven
conveyor
548 550.6, 550.10, particularly for a rotating screw or helix
when part of a system having a nonpower-driven conveyor.
571 for a control means responsive to a sensing means when
part of a conveyor system.
597 particularly for a reciprocating or oscillating conveyor
when part of a conveyor system;
606 particularly for an endlessly orbiting conveyor, either
as one belt or chain or as a plurality of connected
components when part of a conveyor system.
626 725+, 793+, and 804+, particularly for an endlessly
orbiting conveyor, either as one belt or chain or as a
plurality of connected components when part of a conveyor
section.
634 639, 718, 751, 794, and 810.1+, for a control means
responsive to a sensing means when part of a conveyor section
each noted subclass number is applicable to a different kind
of conveyor section.
657 particularly for a rotating screw or helix when part of
a conveyor section.
750.1 particularly for a reciprocating or oscillating
conveyor when part of a conveyor section.
855 for a control means responsive to a sensing means when
part of a conveyor that is not specified as to the kind of
conveyor under consideration.
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
14, Bridges, subclass 70, for endless-conveyor gangplanks.
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, for
conveyors claimed in combination with added means to promote
a drying action or contact of gases or vapors with solids
conveyed, and see subclass 203, Notes (2), (3) and (4).
37, Excavating, for conveyors particularly adapted for
digging in the earth. If no actual digging element, as
teeth, wheel, plow, scoop, or the like, is claimed, and if
the conveyor is not particularly adapted to trench, it is
classified in this class (198). If other operations are
included, as a melting snow, classification is in Class 37.
If the presence of a wagon to be loaded is essential to the
intended operation of the device, classification is in Class
414, Material or Article Handling.
53, Package Making, for conveyor or article handling
mechanisms combined with packaging machines.
56, Harvesters, 158 for conveyors limited to use on
harvesters. For excavating and loading machines of the type
having a scoop or a rake delivering to an endless or rotary
carrier, see Class 56, subclasses 344+. The line between
conveyors of this type and harvesters of the raking or
loading type is that where tines, prongs, or the like are the
raking means and the apparatus is particularly designed for
raking up loose material while moving across a field, or if
it can be so used without modification, classification is in
harvesters. If the conveyor alone and not the raking
conveyor is claimed, classification is in the conveyor
class.
72, Metal Deforming, 199, and in particular subclasses 227+
and 250+, for a rolling mill having a conveyor to carry work
to the rolls or to manipulate or guide the work for proper
shaping.
83, Cutting. The line between Class 198 and Class 83,
Cutting, is in concert with the general line which
distinguishes Class 198 from other classes having a greater
combination. That is, the claimed recitation of a
power-driven conveyor (or a power-driven work-feeding means)
in combination with a cutting instrumentality, in name only
or in nominal terms, with respect to which the work feed
means may move work, will not of itself exclude original
placement of the patent in Class 198. (Also see Lines With
Other Classes, above for the line between Class 83, and this
class - 198)
193, Conveyors, Chutes, Skids, Guides, and Ways, for gravity
conveyors. Power-driven conveyors combined with gravity
conveyors are classified in this class (198). See Subclass
References to the Current Class.
73, Measuring and Testing, 863 for an apparatus for sampling
material being conveyed.
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclasses 360-366 for
a conveyor designed to receive food, a food article or a
beverage containing receptacle, and having a heat generator,
a heat exchanger, other means physically effecting the food
or beverage during the conveying, or an enclosure or tank
having more than enough structure for the operation of the
conveyor.
100, Presses, subclass 167, for plural stage roll-type
presses, not elsewhere provided for and having a conveyor
between stages.
104, Railways, for tracks or road beds with endless traction
means which are detachably connected to or which push the
carrier or car, and subclass 25, for endless railways and
moving sidewalks combined with an endless railway.
105, Railway Rolling Stock, subclass 48.1, for conveyors
combined with railway locomotives to convey solid fuels to
their combustion chambers.
114, Ships, subclass 366 and 375 for apparatus in the form
of chutes or tracks for launching life craft from ships.
118, Coating Apparatus, appropriate subclasses, for coating
apparatus having means to convey the work.
119, Animal Husbandry, 52.1, for the combinations of a source
of supply, which is disclosed as being feed for creatures of
that class, a conveyor for removing material therefrom, and a
receiver in the form of a receptacle (trough, bank, etc.) or
surface in or upon which the feed is placed for consumption.
165, Heat Exchange, subclass 120, for heat exchanger with an
impeller or conveyor for moving material therethrough.
171, Unearthing Plants or Buried Objects, for conveyors which
(1) are used to dig, convey, and separate from the earth
desired objects; or (2) are combined with digging or
excavating means and function to separate from the soil
flowing from the digging or excavating means the desired
plant or buried object; or (3) are combined with an
unearthing device and function merely to feed material to or
from such device.
186, Merchandising, 38 and 52+ for dining and store service
conveyors, respectively.
202, Distillation, 23, 117+, 253, and 262+, for distillation
apparatus including conveying means.
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, 198, for
conveying means specialized for electrolytic devices.
209, Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids, for a
conveying system for separating conveyed articles employing
means to sense variations in size or other physical
characteristics of the article.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, 400, for belt-type
filters and subclasses 523+, for gravitational separators
having a mechanical mover constituent.
226, Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, provides the
search for methods of and apparatus for feeding material
without utilizing the leading or trailing ends thereof to
effect movement of the material.
266, Metallurgical Apparatus, for apparatus for treating
solid metal. Cooling beds in which a bar of metal is conveyed
while cooling are classified in Class 198, even though the
bar may be rotated while being conveyed to keep it straight.
270, Sheet-Material Associating, for sheet-material
associating conveying and feeding.
271, Sheet Feeding or Delivering, appropriate subclasses, for
a machine having one or more of the following functions: A.
Separating a sheet from a stack of such sheets and conveying
the separated sheet, usually to a station whereat an
operation (e.g., printing, cutting, etc.) is to be performed,
B. Conveying a sheet, usually from a station whereat an
operation has been performed, to a receiver whereat the sheet
is stacked together with other such sheets, C. Conveying a
sheet (e.g., from a stack to an operation), and concurrently
performing an operation-related function (e.g., aligning the
conveyed sheet relative to the operation station,
interrupting the feed in response to absence or excess of
sheets, intermittently moving a sheet relative to an
operation station, etc.). Also see subclass 213, (1) Note
for a particular combination of conveyor on which a plurality
of sheets is stacked and subsequently moved as a stack, and
for a line note distinguishing structure proper for Class 271
and this class (198).
406, Conveyors: Fluid Current, for the combination of
conveying mechanisms, of the type classified in Class 198,
and pneumatic conveyors.
414, Material or Article Handling, for instruments and
mechanical methods for placing or displacing particular
articles in a particular manner or with reference to a
particular support, for loading or unloading vehicles with
materials or objects in general, charging or discharging
furnaces, ovens, bins or other containers, stacking or piling
articles or materials, also combination of general types of
carriers or forwarding mechanisms, which types, per se, are
separately classified elsewhere, and general types of
elevators, cranes or hoists when associated with special
means for handling the load to place it on the carrier or
remove it therefrom.
415, Rotary Kinetic Fluid Motors or Pumps, 7, for impellers
acting in an unconfined or undirected fluid medium.
483, Tool Changing, generally for a process or apparatus
including a tool transfer means combined with either a tool
support or storage means.
221, Article Dispensing, 76 for endless conveyors used in
dispensing environments.
312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, for endless conveyors used
in dispensing environments; see subclass 97, if the conveyor
moves the load to a door for manual removal from within a
cabinet.
211, Supports: Racks, for endless conveyors used in
dispensing environments; 121 for an endless support rack not
claiming cabinet structure or dispensing (e.g., endless
filing system, etc.).
GLOSSARY:
The following explanations represent an attempt to clarify
and limit the concepts of certain conveyor art terms, the
first two applying to the manner in which they are
encountered in Class 193, Conveyors, Chutes, Skids, Guides,
and Ways, subclasses 44+.
CHUTE
A structure capable of guiding a gravity induced flow of
material therethrough or thereon. While a chute is more
often than not an inclined passageway in the form of a
trough, it occasionally takes the form of a conduit. Inasmuch
as a chute with a gate, especially a chute in the form of a
conduit, presents structure closely related to that of a
hopper, such structures are distinguished on the basis of
whether a storage concept exists (hopper) or does not exist
(chute). A receptacle positioned in such manner as to impart
the property of gravity induced flow to material contained
therein, and, therefore, to be a source of supply to
components "downstream" thereof. While it is not essential
that the contained material be "stored" for a finite period
of time, there should be a concept of supporting it for an
interval longer than that required for mere passage
therethrough. A hopper has an inlet and an outlet, although
the inlet may be merely an open side (of the receptacle). The
outlet, however, will have a provision whereby passage of the
contents can be controlled (e.g., possibly a conveyor). The
provision of chutelike structure integral with the hopper,
whereby material is guided into the inlet or out of the
outlet, should not be considered as constituting a separate
element. (This is in line with what appears to be a basic
difference between chutes and hoppers; namely, a chute guides
whereas a hopper stores and may guide). "Gravity-induced" is
not intended to be construed to exclude those nondriven
conveyors which utilize mechanical means (e.g., a vibrator)
to start to maintain flow (i.e., bridge breaking).
CONDITION RESPONSIVE
Apparatus having (1) means to sense a condition of the
environment surrounding the conveyor and means responsive to
said sensing means to cause a change in the operating
condition of the conveyor, or (2) means to sense a particular
condition which may or may not exist relative to the conveyor
itself, such as speed, overload, motor temperature, etc., and
means responsive to said sensing means to act to change the
operating condition of the conveyor.
SUBCLASSES
Subclass:
300
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus wherein the load conveyor or conveyor system is
wholly supported upon a carrier having wheels, treads, skids,
or other means permitting its free movement on the ground or
a floor.
(1) Note. The words "wholly supported upon a carrier having
wheels, skids,. . ." in the definition of this subclass
excludes a conveyor or conveying system partially sustained
by such a carrier or a plurality of such carriers and
partially sustained by any other support except the ground or
a floor. Thus the subclass includes a conveyor support frame
mounted on a carrier of the type described so that one end of
said frame can slide on the ground, but the subclass does not
include a conveyor partially supported on such a carrier and
partially supported by (1) fixed ground supports such as
stanchions or (2) a mobile carrier of a different type, such
as a track traversing vehicle.
(2) Note. Assignment of a patent in this subclass or its
indents does not require a claim that a conveyor is mounted
on specific ground vehicle type supports such as wheels,
skids, or caterpillar tracks, but may be based on any claim
language indicating that a conveyor is freely movable on the
ground, e.g., by claim limitations stating that a conveyor is
mounted on a "carriage," "truck," "slidable support" or
"movable support means," where such terms are clearly
supported by the disclosure of a ground vehicle type support
for a conveyor. However, a conveyor defined only as being
"portable" has not been included here.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
618 for structure of conveyors not carried by a vehicle.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
37, Excavating, appropriate subclasses, for conveyors mounted
on mobile excavation apparatus.
Subclass:
301
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Apparatus
having separate means which senses the occurrence of a
condition or a change in condition and in response thereto
acts to start, stop, or change the manner of operation of
either the load conveyor or its carrier.
Subclass:
302
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Apparatus
including means for lifting a wheel of the carrier from its
supporting surface, e.g., to transfer the weight of the
apparatus to a fixed support leg while the conveyor is
operated at a selected site.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
172, Earth Working, 240, for earth working vehicle having
ground support engageable with ground for transport only.
Subclass:
303
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Apparatus
wherein at least three separate carriages having wheels or
tracks are joined together to support the conveyor assembly
and are independently movable relative to each other.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, 726, for
sprinkling apparatus carried on a train of vehicles.
Subclass:
304
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Apparatus in
which the carrier includes means for controlling its
direction of travel.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
303 for a conveyor assembly carried by a dirigible train of
vehicles.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
172, Earth Working, subclass 799, 832 and 834, for steerable
wheel on an earth working vehicle.
305, Wheel Substitute for Land Vehicles, subclass 44, for
steerable vehicle tracks or treads.
Subclass:
305
This subclass is indented under subclass 304. Apparatus
including flexible means connected to a reel mounted on the
carrier, the free end of said flexible means being anchored
at a selected point and the reel then rotated to thereby pull
the carrier toward said point.
Subclass:
306
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Apparatus
including at least one carrier support wheel securable in two
ground engaging positions disposed 90o a part relative to the
carrier frame, thus permitting selective travel of the
carrier in either one of two perpendicular directions merely
by shifting the position of said wheel.
(1) Note. This subclass does not include a conveyor
supported on a vehicle equipped with a caster wheel that is
not lockable in two positions spaced 90 deg. apart.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
172, Earth Working, subclass 507, for ground support
adjustably mounted on earth working vehicle.
239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, subclass 742,
for sprinkling apparatus carried on a train of vehicles with
adjustable wheels permitting travel of the train in the
direction of its length or in the direction normal to its
length.
Subclass:
307.1
Bucket conveyor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor includes at least one holder having a
pocket formed thereon for retaining a load.
Subclass:
308.1
Shovel or tine pushable under load:
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Apparatus
including lifting means, such as a scoop or a row of closely
spaced teeth, movable under a load by translation of the
carrier or by movement of said means itself, usually for the
purpose of transferring the load to another section of the
conveyor assembly.
(1) Note. Included here is a vehicle equipped with a
ground-engaging ramp having mounted thereon a rotatable arm
which gathers ore or other loose material and moves it up
said ramp.
Subclass:
309
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor is supported by a skid or other means
readily slidable over a surface.
(1) Note. Included here is a conveyor supported by both a
wheel or track equipped vehicle and an element that slides on
the ground or a floor.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
308.1 for a vehicle carrying a shovel or tines that scoop
material from the ground and feed it to a conveyor mounted on
the same vehicle.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
172, Earth Working, subclass 80 and 387+, for wheel
substitute on an earth working vehicle.
Subclass:
310
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Apparatus
including conveyor drive means operated by motion of a wheel
or other support element of the carrier.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, subclass 43, for an
endless belt used as a display device and actuated from the
revolving axle or wheel of a vehicle, and subclass 48, for an
endless belt of the same type that is actuated by mechanism
which contacts an obstacle located along the track of a
vehicle carrying the device.
56, Harvesters, subclass 14.8, for harvester drive train
powered by ground engaging wheels.
172, Earth Working, 105, for earth working means driven from
ground wheel.
239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, subclass 685,
for a rotating scatterer driven from ground wheel.
Subclass:
311
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Apparatus
wherein the load is moved along at least a portion of the
conveyor by the force of gravity alone, or including a bin
from which material is removed by a conveyor.
Subclass:
312
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Apparatus
including means permitting movement of a conveyor to
different working positions or orientations relative to the
carrier on which it is mounted.
(1) Note. Included here is a conveyor vertically adjustable
relative to ground engaging supports of the carrier vehicle.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
172, Earth Working, 395, for earth working tool mounted on a
vehicle frame that is vertically adjustable.
Subclass:
313
This subclass is indented under subclass 312. Apparatus
wherein a conveyor can be telescoped or swung to a more
compact configuration that it has when operating, e.g., to
facilitate transporting the conveyors along a road.
Subclass:
314
This subclass is indented under subclass 312. Apparatus
including separate conveyors mounted on a single carrier so
that they successively convey a load.
Subclass:
315
This subclass is indented under subclass 312. Apparatus
including motorized means for moving the conveyor support
frame relative to the carrier.
Subclass:
316.1
Fluid-actuated ram:
This subclass is indented under subclass 315. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor moving means includes a cylinder and
piston mechanism operated by fluid pressure.
(1) Note. Included here is a ram operated by fluid pressure
derived from any means, including a manually worked pump.
Subclass:
317
This subclass is indented under subclass 312. Apparatus
including a conveyor rotatable to extend in different
directions circumferentially of the carrier.
Subclass:
318
This subclass is indented under subclass 312. Apparatus
including a conveyor inclinable at different angles relative
to the ground.
(1) Note. Not included here as vertically swingable is a
conveyor support frame that pivots about the axle of a
two-wheeled vehicle in the same way that the drawbar and bed
of a two-wheeled trailer pivot about the trailer axle. The
support frame of the conveyor must be vertically swingable
relative to a supporting frame of the vehicle.
Subclass:
319
This subclass is indented under subclass 318. Apparatus
having means for retaining a support platform for a conveyor
drive motor in the same position as the conveyor swings to
different inclinations.
Subclass:
320
This subclass is indented under subclass 318. Apparatus
including flexible means connected to a support frame for the
conveyor and to a reel mounted on the carrier, whereby
rotation of said reel changes the inclination of said
conveyor.
Subclass:
321
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Devices wherein a conveying section is provided with
structure which particularizes the section to move people
from one location to another. Further included herein are
the subcombinations peculiar to such sections, e.g.,
handrails, guards, etc.
(1) Note. Examples of structure particularizing a section
for conveying people are moving steps, conveyors having
handrails, conveyors having serrated foot engaging surfaces
and entrance or exit comb plates, passenger operated drive
control means, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
14, Bridges, subclass 70, for gangways of the endless
conveyor type.
104, Railways, subclass 25, for endless railways or moving
sidewalks combined with an endless railway. Some of the
features indicative of an endless railway are cabs or other
passenger enclosures, releasable drivers for the cars, seats,
etc.
182, Fire Escape, Ladder, or Scaffold, 42, for endless
conveyor escapes.
Subclass:
322
This subclass is indented under subclass 321. Device wherein
the section is provided with means to regulate the operation
of the section, which means effects such regulation in
response to an operating instruction which is either
originated by a condition sensing means or is introduced into
the system by the operator.
(1) Note. Examples of structure to be found herein include
passenger controlled conveyors, jam prevention safety
circuits, section speed controllers, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
854 for means to drive, start or stop a conveying section,
especially subclass 856, for controls responsive to abnormal
operating conditions of a conveying section.
Subclass:
323
This subclass is indented under subclass 322. Device wherein
a means to sense the operation of the section is provided
which originates an operation command to vary the speed of or
to stop the section if some condition is sensed which is
dangerous or potentially dangerous to either the conveying
mechanism or to the passengers moved by the mechanism.
Subclass:
324
This subclass is indented under subclass 321. Device wherein
the section is provided with means located at a terminal end
of the section to aid in the movement of passengers onto or
off of the section.
Subclass:
325
This subclass is indented under subclass 324. Device wherein
the means to facilitate entry or exit, includes a platform
formed with a plurality of elements which interleaf with
grooves formed on the conveying surface to effect or to aid
movement of passengers to or from the section.
Subclass:
326
This subclass is indented under subclass 321. Device wherein
the section includes a continuous train of moving tread
members which are either attached one to the other so as to
form a closed loop or are mounted to an interminable
belt-like member and which form a moving flight of stairs as
they are moved along an inclined surface.
Subclass:
327
This subclass is indented under subclass 326. Device wherein
the endless member includes a plurality of pivotally
connected tread and riser members which alternate one with
the other and wherein the moving flight of stairs is formed
by flexing the endless member to displace the risers to a
vertical attitude and the treads to a substantially
horizontal attitude.
Subclass:
328
This subclass is indented under subclass 326. Device wherein
the endless member includes a plurality of articulated steps
which are arranged to bend about an axis which is generally
normal to the horizontal.
(1) Note. Moving stairways having side-by-side ascending
and descending flights formed from the same endless member
will be found herein.
Subclass:
329
This subclass is indented under subclass 326. Device wherein
the section is provided with means which will take up
undesired slack in the endless member or will accommodate for
misalignments which occur when such slack is taken up.
Subclass:
330
This subclass is indented under subclass 326. Device wherein
the section is provided with means to effect movement of the
endless member.
Subclass:
331
This subclass is indented under subclass 330. Device wherein
the system is provided with a moving hand supporting and
guiding structure and means are provided for moving the steps
and the hand support structure in unison.
Subclass:
332
This subclass is indented under subclass 326. Device wherein
the section is provided with two guide rail means which
simultaneously coact with followers carried by each step to
maintain the tread portion of the step in a horizontal
attitude as it moves through that portion of its path which
constitutes the flight of stairs.
Subclass:
333
This subclass is indented under subclass 326. Device wherein
the section includes the specific structural features of the
passenger supporting platforms, i.e., the steps, carried by
the endless member.
Subclass:
334
This subclass is indented under subclass 321. System wherein
the means specialized to handle people includes a) a
conveying means or an accessory therefore which is adapted to
move at different rates at different points along its path of
travel, or b) a system of plural conveying sections which
operate at different speeds and which are arranged such that
a passenger may move from one section to another.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
792 for a conveyor having a zone of varying speed.
Subclass:
335
This subclass is indented under subclass 321. Device wherein
a structure is provided which has a moving member adapted to
be grasped by the hand of a passenger to steady the passenger
while entering, riding on or exiting from the conveying
section.
Subclass:
336
This subclass is indented under subclass 335. Device wherein
the moving member is a flexible belt and the structure
further includes means to take up slack which may develop in
the belt.
Subclass:
337
This subclass is indented under subclass 335. Device wherein
the moving member is a flexible belt of a specific
construction.
Subclass:
338
This subclass is indented under subclass 335. Device
preventing the entry of a passenger's hand into an entrance
or exit hole formed in a balustrade for the moving member.
Subclass:
339.1
WITH MEANS TO FACILITATE WORKING, TREATING, OR INSPECTING
CONVEYED LOAD AT A STATION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus including specialized structure, either part of the
conveyor or separate means associated therewith, specifically
provided for the purpose of aiding the working, treating, or
inspecting of the load by separate means at a station
situated along the conveying path.
(1) Note. Included herein is a conveyor having associated
therewith claimed means for working or treating a load, where
the combination of such means and the conveyor is not
classifiable elsewhere on the basis of the working or
treating means.
(2) Note. A nominal recitation that a conveyor operates in
a machine for performing some work operation, that the load
passes through a treating station or that a conveyor is
intermittently driven in a working or treating apparatus does
not warrant placement of a patent here. Such patens should
be classified in other subclasses of this class on the basis
of the claimed structure.
(3) Note. Combinations of a conveyor and a treating tank
are found in the appropriate treating class such as Class
118, 134 or 204.
Subclass:
340
This subclass is indented under subclass 339.1. Apparatus
including indicia or other identification means associated
with the conveyed load, or a signalling device associated
with either the conveyor or separate work means, which
provides an attendant or workman with information regarding
operation of the conveyor or handling of the load.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
340, Communications: Electrical, 500 for electrical
automatic condition responsive indicating systems, especially
subclass 676 relating to conveyor belts.
Subclass:
341.01
Condition responsive control of conveyor or station
apparatus:
This subclass is indented under subclass 339.1. Subject
matter including means for sensing (1) a change in the
conveyed load or (2) a change in (a) the mode of operation of
the conveyor or (b) the load-working, treating, or inspecting
apparatus and in response to the change controlling the
conveying of the load or the operation of the conveying
system, e.g., means for stopping a conveyor if the load is
not properly positioned at a station for a work operation to
be performed thereon.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
301 for condition responsive control means for vehicle or
conveyor supported by mobile ground engaging means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
53, Package Making, 52, for a package making apparatus having
operation control means responsive to a condition of a
package or its contents.
Subclass:
341.02
Conveyor displacement controls station apparatus:
This subclass is indented under subclass 341.01. Subject
matter wherein the sensing means detects the advancement of
the conveyor along the conveying path and the sensing means
in response to the advancement actuates a device which
controls the apparatus for performing the work operation on
the load.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
464.3 for a control of a conveyor system responsive to a
position of the conveyor.
Subclass:
341.03
Station operation responsive to presence or absence of item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 341.01. Subject
matter wherein the sensing means has a characteristic which
changes in response to a detection of a property of or the
presence or absence of the load being conveyed on the
conveyor and in response to the detection actuates a device
which controls the apparatus for performing the work
operation on the load.
Subclass:
341.04
Item size:
This subclass is indented under subclass 341.03. Subject
matter wherein the characteristic being detected is a
particular dimension (e.g., length, width, height) of the
load on the conveyor.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
502.2 for a means for measuring dimensions of the load on
the conveyor.
Subclass:
341.05
Item position relative to station position:
This subclass is indented under subclass 341.03. Subject
matter wherein the characteristic being detected is one of
many possible locations of the load on the conveyor.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
502.3 for a means for indicating position of the load.
Subclass:
341.06
Quantity of items:
This subclass is indented under subclass 341.03. Subject
matter wherein the characteristic being detected is a
specific number of conveyed loads on the conveyor.
Subclass:
341.07
Item presence:
This subclass is indented under subclass 341.03. Subject
matter wherein the characteristic being detected is the
existence of the loads on the conveyor.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
464.2 for a control of a conveying system responsive to the
presence of the load.
Subclass:
341.08
Conveyor responsive to station operation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 341.01. Subject
matter wherein the sensing means detects an activity of the
load conveying apparatus and in response thereto regulates a
movement of the conveyor.
Subclass:
341.09
Speed control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 341.08. Subject
matter wherein the station operation controls a rate of
movement of the conveyor.
Subclass:
343.1
Load supporting conveyor portion is retarded or stopped with
load at station without being disconnected from remainder of
continuously moving conveyor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 339.1. Subject
matter wherein the load and its respective supporting
conveyor portion are caused to move relative to the remainder
of a moving endless or rotary conveyor such that the load
advancement relative to the station is halted or slowed.
Subclass:
343.2
Load supporting conveyor portion is movably secured to
conveyor drive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 343.1. Subject
matter wherein the load supporting means is pivotally or
slidably secured to its endless or rotary drive means.
Subclass:
345.1
Means engaging conveyor or load on a conveyor to align load
for working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 339.1. Subject
matter including separate aligning means, such as a locator
pin or clamp, which temporarily engage the conveyor or the
load to position said load at the station.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
346.1 346.2, or 346.3 for means which shift a palleted load
or the load solely back and forth between the mainline
conveyor and the station.
Subclass:
345.2
Means engages conveyor to fix conveyor position relative to
station:
This subclass is indented under subclass 345.1. Subject
matter wherein at least the conveyor or conveyor portion is
engaged by the locator pin or clamp to position the load at
the station.
Subclass:
345.3
Means engages a conveyor portion (i.e. pallet) which is
separable from the conveyor drive to fix the position of said
conveyor portion:
This subclass is indented under subclass 345.2. Subject
matter wherein a detachable conveyor portion or pallet is
engaged by the aligning means to position the load at the
station.
Subclass:
346
This subclass is indented under subclass 339.1. Apparatus
including fixedly positioned means for supporting the load or
a workman beside a conveyor while said load is being worked
on, treated, or inspected.
Subclass:
346.1
Means to convey a palleted load back and forth between an
initial location and the work station:
This subclass is indented under subclass 339.1. Apparatus
wherein the load is supported by a carrier which is separable
from a conveyor which transports the load and the pallet in
both directions between an initial location (e.g., a main
conveyor) and the working, treating or inspection station.
(1) Note. Included herein are reversibly driven conveyors
and loop path forming conveyors which convey both the load
and the pallet to and from a station and an initial
location.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
465.1 681, 795, and 803.01+, for patents showing loads
supported by separable carriers.
Subclass:
346.2
Means to transfer a load back and forth between the mainline
conveyor and the work station:
This subclass is indented under subclass 339.1. Apparatus
wherein only the load is transported in both directions
between the mainline conveyor and the working, treating, or
inspecting stations.
Subclass:
346.3
Conveyor(s) lowers the load to at least one of a plurality of
fixed work stations:
This subclass is indented under subclass 339.1. Apparatus
wherein the load is lowered to at least one of a plurality of
fixed working, treating or inspecting stations by a conveyor
and is then raised away from the station before continuing
along the conveyor path.
Subclass:
347.1
CONVEYOR SYSTEM HAVING AUXILIARY SECTION FOR STORING ITEMS
MOVING BETWEEN SOURCE AND DESTINATION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter including at least one primary path conveyor
for the purpose of conveying articles from a supply to a
destination and a laterally adjacent supplemental conveyor
for the temporary repository of articles which have been
diverted from the primary path conveyor and which will
subsequently be reintroduced onto the primary path conveyor.
Subclass:
347.2
Auxiliary section has the same entrance and exit:
This subclass is indented under subclass 347.1. Subject
matter wherein the supplementary section receives and
discharges articles relative to the primary path conveyor
through the same passageway.
Subclass:
347.3
Auxiliary section has a reversibly driven conveyor for
bidirectional article movement:
This subclass is indented under subclass 347.2. Subject
matter wherein at least one conveyor in the supplemental
section is capable of being driven in one direction during
removal of articles from the main path conveyor and being
driven in the opposite direction during return of articles to
the primary path conveyor.
Subclass:
347.4
Plural laterally spaced, same direction auxiliary paths:
This subclass is indented under subclass 347.1. Subject
matter wherein articles are diverted onto one of several
laterally separated auxiliary conveyors which are all driven
in the same direction to return articles to the primary path
conveyor at a point upstream or downstream from the point of
initial diversion.
Subclass:
348
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus having at least one driven conveyor section, said
apparatus further having either a plurality of supply points
or zones or a plurality of discharge points or zones arranged
such that a discrimination may be made as to which supply or
discharge point is to be used.
(1) Note. An outlet which is in constant communication with
a conveying system and which can be pointed to direct the
flow in different directions is not considered to constitute
a selective or changeable destination and will not be found
herein.
(2) Note. Recycling of the load back to a supply is not
considered to comprise plural destinations.
(3) Note. The word arrangement as used in this title and
the definitions indented hereinunder includes a single
conveying section which is provided with either means to
alter the length of travel of the load along the section so
that different sources or destinations may be communicated
with the section or means which allows selective supply or
delivery of the conveying section from either side.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
536 for a conveyor system having a gravity section and
wherein the last section of the system is adjustable, usually
for the purpose of changing the exit path of material leaving
the system.
537 for a conveyor system having a gravity conveyor section
and having means to handle a portion of the load which
becomes separated from the main flow path and wherein the
separated portion may comprise a portion which is shunted to
an auxiliary path for return to the main supply and eventual
recirculation.
580 for a conveyor system having plural power-driven
conveyor sections and wherein a portion of the load is
recycled in a closed path.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
209, Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids,
appropriate subclass, for conveying arrangements which
function to separate or sort conveyed articles based on
either a physical characteristic of the articles or a load
carried code; further, see 703 and 705 for power-driven
sorting tables and carriers, respectively. If a destination
code is carried by a reusable load carrier in lieu of a
article itself, the patent will be placed as an original in
this class (198). Also, a conveyor to transfer material (or
an article) to a selected destination by use of computer
memory is to be found in this class (198). The combination
of a Class 198 device with a Class 209 sorting means is to be
found in Class 209.
414, Material or Article Handling, subclass 133, for
conveying arrangements having some additional means external
to the conveyor structure which allows an operator to control
the destination of a conveyed load. Thus, Class 414 provides
for patents claiming a conveying system having a central
control means and a synchronous memory means, e.g., coded
memory wheels, shift register system, etc. Examples of such
arrangements are devices wherein a code would be impressed by
an operator at a central station onto an analog system
associated with a conveying section; that is, the code would
be placed in a device separate from, but which operates in
synchronism with the conveying structure. Operator actuated
keyboards used to effect destination selection will likewise
be found in Class 414.
Subclass:
349
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus
wherein the arrangement is provided with an operations
control means which is arranged with respect to the systems'
load transferring means such that it controls the manner of
communication of the transferring means with a selected
source or destination in response to changeable operating
instructions introduced into the conveyor arrangement by the
operator, said instructions being either introduced into the
system at a point remote from the control means by means of
an information carrying element moved in association with
said transferring means or being contained in information
storage means associated with the control means.
Subclass:
349.1
By synchronously moving signal carrier distinct from
conveyor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 349. Apparatus
including a driven conveyor section for movement in a
particular manner and including a memory member for movement
in direct relationship thereto, such that movement of the
conveyor is accompanied by corresponding movement of the
memory member.
(1) Note. The "memory member" of this subclass stores the
"changeable operating instructions" as set forth in the
definition of parent subclass 349. "Memory" allows
utilization of information at a time later than input time
later than input time.
(2) Note. A memory member riding on a conveyor is not
considered to be a "synchronous" for placement herein.
(3) Note. The synchronous signal carrier of this subclass
may be called a "timer", but ever "timer" is not a
synchronous signal carrier.
Subclass:
349.2
Moving at different velocity than conveyor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 349.1. Apparatus
wherein the memory member is driven at a different speed or
in a different manner (e.g., about an axis rather than
linearly) than the linearly) than the conveyor.
Subclass:
349.3
Rotary signal carrier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 349.2. Apparatus
wherein the memory member is generally circular in
cross-section and is driven to turn about its concentric
axis.
Subclass:
349.4
Magnetic means on rotary carrier stores codes:
This subclass is indented under subclass 349.3. Apparatus
(a) wherein the turning memory member includes a sensor
responsive to prescribed magnetic characteristics of the
surrounding structure or, (b) including a fixed sensor
responsive to prescribed magnetic characteristic of the
turning memory member.
Subclass:
349.5
Using central memory to store code until article is
discharged:
This subclass is indented under subclass 349. Apparatus
including a memory member to allow selection in advance of
the particular supply/discharge point/zone of the material on
the conveyor and to store such selection until disposition of
such material.
(1) Note. The "memory member" of this subclass stores the
"changeable operating instructions" as set forth in the
definition of parent subclass 349. "Memory" allows
utilization of information at a time later than input time.
(2) Note. The following terms are common among the patents
of this subclass: "central memory", "computer", "timer",
etc.
Subclass:
349.6
Memory stores plural sources or destinations:
This subclass is indented under subclass 349.5. Apparatus
wherein the memory member is intended to allow selection of
multiple supply/discharge points/zones of the portions of
material and stores such selections until disposal thereof.
Subclass:
349.7
Inventory also in memory:
This subclass is indented under subclass 349.6. Apparatus
also including provision to determine placement of material
in the conveyor arrangement and to store that information
substantially permanently for later retrieval or replacement
of the material.
Subclass:
349.8
Material detector indexes codes:
This subclass is indented under subclass 349.6. Apparatus
having a material sensor positioned along the conveying path
to cause the changeable operating instructions to be revised
as the material travels through the conveyor arrangement.
Subclass:
349.9
Plural, longitudinally spaced, material detectors index
code:
This subclass is indented under subclass 349.8. Apparatus
having multiple sensors positioned along the conveying path
to cause the changeable operating instructions to be revised
as the material travels through the conveyor arrangement.
Subclass:
349.95
Conveyor detector indexes code:
This subclass is indented under subclass 349.6. Apparatus
having a sensor responsive to the position of a portion of
the conveyor to cause the changeable operating instructions
to be revised as the conveyor moves.
Subclass:
350
This subclass is indented under subclass 349. Apparatus
wherein means are provided which contain or store the
operating instructions as the lines of force emanating from a
magnetic element within said means.
Subclass:
351
This subclass is indented under subclass 349. Apparatus
wherein the arrangement is provided with relatively moveable
members, one of which carries means containing or introducing
changeable operating instructions. Said means containing or
introducing the changeable instructions comprises a contact
element, the position of which may be varied. Another of said
members is provided with structure which is contacted by and
coacts with said contact element, when said element is
aligned therewith, to effect communication between a
particular source or destination and the transferring means.
Subclass:
352
This subclass is indented under subclass 351. Apparatus
wherein said means containing or introducing the operating
instructions is provided with a plurality of contact elements
which are capable of being arranged in different arrays. The
structure contacted by said elements is constructed so that
it will only coact with single specific array of said
elements.
Subclass:
353
This subclass is indented under subclass 351. Apparatus
wherein the member carrying the means containing or
introducing the operating instructions includes a support
upon which said contact element is mounted for sliding
movement, said contact element being moveable along said
support to a plurality of positions at each of which said
element is aligned with the coacting structure of a different
other member.
Subclass:
354
This subclass is indented under subclass 351. Apparatus
wherein said containing or introducing means includes a
contact element supporting structure having a plurality of
apertures or recesses within which said element is releasably
retained.
Subclass:
355
This subclass is indented under subclass 349. Apparatus
wherein the means containing the operating instructions
includes a movable member which coacts with an electric
circuit to energize the circuit for effecting delivery of the
conveyed load to a selected destination.
(1) Note. The term switch as used herein includes any
circuit completing device, some of which need not be
physically contacted by the switch actuator, as for example,
a photocell and repositionable reflector. Also the switch
actuator is generally an element mounted on or carried by
some part of the conveying structure and is movable or
repositionable relative to the part carrying it and is not
merely the load units themselves. Thus, a counter which
merely responds to the passage of a predetermined number of
load units will not be found herein.
Subclass:
357
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Condition
responsive control means to prevent collision on merging
conveyors: Apparatus wherein the arrangement is provided with
means responsive to the feeding of a load from a source and
means to regulate or position a load from another source or
its conveyor when the danger of impacting upon one another
exists.
Subclass:
358
Condition responsive control means including sensing
condition of source or destination:
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus,
wherein the arrangement has means to detect a condition at a
source or destination and means responsive to said means to
control the operations of selected transfer means.
Subclass:
359
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus
wherein the arrangement includes one or more gravity conveyor
sections.
Subclass:
360
This subclass is indented under subclass 359. Arrangement
wherein a gravity conveyor section is repositionable.
(1) Note. Included herein are baffles that deflect a
falling load.
Subclass:
361
This subclass is indented under subclass 360. Apparatus
wherein a gravity conveyor section includes either a
cylindrical member which is mounted to freely rotate about
its longitudinal axis or a frame carrying a plurality of such
cylindrical members, the attitude of either of which may be
altered so as to direct the load to or from the arrangement
at a selected source or destination.
Subclass:
363
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus
wherein a section has a plurality of means to supply it with
material to be conveyed, which supply means are so
interconnected and regulated that the composition of the load
is controllable.
Subclass:
364
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus
wherein the coacting means is adapted for travel along the
length of the conveying path so that said means can be
shifted to different supply or discharge positions.
(1) Note. Means for distributing bales of hay along either
side of a bale conveyor will be found herein.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
812 for conveyors of the endless type having means to vary
the length of the conveying path.
Subclass:
367
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus
wherein the selecting means includes a member which is
adapted to be placed athwart the path of movement of the
conveyed load to direct the load to a selected conveying
path.
Subclass:
367.1
Material diverted by plural, successive gates:
This subclass is indented under subclass 367. Apparatus
including a circuit of travel for the material to the chosen
destination having two or more shutters along that circuit
that are actuated to directed the material therealong.
Subclass:
367.2
Plural, manually manipulated gate actuators:
This subclass is indented under subclass 367. Apparatus
including a material directing shutter manipulated as a
result of manual input from a keyboard or a plurality of hand
or foot operated control members.
Subclass:
368
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Apparatus
wherein one or more of the conveying paths is provided with
an abutment member which is capable of being shifted into the
path of movement of the conveyed load to arrest load movement
along that path.
Subclass:
369.1
One of a plurality of main line conveyors selectively moves
to connect with a spaced path:
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Subject matter
wherein an adjacent source or destination route is physically
separated from a principal carrying route having two or more
carriers and including a particular means for effecting a
relative movement of one of the carriers in the principal
carrying route between the separated source or destination
and the remainder of the principal carrying route to close
the gap when it is desired to carry a load to or from the
adjacent source or destination route.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
359 for a system using a gravity conveyor which connects the
system with a normally spaced source or destination.
370.07 through 370.09 and 370.1, for an adjacent conveyor
movable instead of the main conveyor to close a gap between
the main path and the adjacent path.
435 for a system for distributing articles of succession
which are moved by one conveyor and are apportioned among
plurality of second conveyors arranged to be one above the
other and further convey or retain the apportioned articles.
Subclass:
369.2
Endless conveyor or portion thereof pivots about a horizontal
axis perpendicular to path:
This subclass is indented under subclass 369.1. Subject
matter wherein a continuous carrier or a part of the
continuous carrier selectively tilts about a horizontal
straight line extending normal to the principal carrying
route to connect the principal carrying route with the spaced
source or destination.
Subclass:
369.3
Endless conveyor or portion thereof pivots about an axis
parallel to path:
This subclass is indented under subclass 369.1. Subject
matter wherein a continuous carrier or a portion thereof
selectively tilts about a longitudinal straight line
extending parallel to the carrying route to connect the
principal carrying route with a spaced source or
destination.
Subclass:
369.4
Roller pivots about a vertical axis:
This subclass is indented under subclass 369.1. Subject
matter wherein the main conveying path includes at least one
revolving cylinder or similar element which supports the load
and selectively swivels around an upward or downward straight
line to convey the load to or from a selected source or
destination.
Subclass:
369.5
Endless conveyor or portion thereof pivots about a vertical
axis:
This subclass is indented under subclass 369.1. Subject
matter wherein a continuous carrier or a part of the
continuous carrier selectively swivels around an upward or
downward straight line connecting the main line conveying
path to a spaced source or destination.
Subclass:
369.6
Rollers shift the load vertically to a different plane:
This subclass is indented under subclass 369.1. Subject
matter wherein the main line conveying path includes
revolving cylinders or similar elements which move upward or
downward as a unit to selectively transfer loads between the
main line conveying path and the selected spaced source or
destination.
Subclass:
369.7
Conveyor slides to provide an opening in main path:
This subclass is indented under subclass 369.1. Subject
matter wherein the carrier moves selectively on a smooth
continuous surface along or laterally of the carrier route to
create an opening in the carrier route to selectively receive
or discharge the load.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
359 for a system using a gravity conveyor to connect the
system with a normally spaced source or destination.
Subclass:
370.01
By loading or unloading section at a selected one of a
plurality of pre-established locations along the length
thereof:
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Subject matter
wherein (a) a main line conveyor has two or more supply or
discharge points at intervals along the conveyor's path and
(b) a means to select which of these points is to be used to
receive a load to the carrier or to discharge the load from
the carrier.
(1) Note. The selected locations along the length may be
merely the ends of the conveyor and do not necessarily
include the selective locations in between.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
359 for a system using a gravity conveyor which connects the
system with a normally spaced source or destination.
369.1 for a main line conveyor which selectively moves
relative to adjacent conveyors to feed or receive from the
spaced source or destination.
371.1 for a reversibly driving main line section.
890 for selective delivery from or to plural laterally
spaced paths which are upstream or downstream of the
conveyor.
Subclass:
370.02
Conveyor has independent lateral pushers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.01. Subject
matter wherein the carrier includes more than two force or
pressure exerting elements which selectively move the loads
sideway of the carrier for discharge or receipt at the
selected location along the conveyor's path.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
370.03 for an independently movable load supporting
portion.
Subclass:
370.03
Conveyor has independently movable load supporting portions:
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.01. Subject
matter wherein the carrier includes more than two load
holding members which are moved along the carrying path and
each member is capable of partaking of a motion separate from
other members of the carrier to affect the discharge or
receipt of the load at a selected location along the
carrier.
Subclass:
370.04
Supporting portions tilt about an axis parallel to path of
travel:
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.03. Subject
matter wherein the load holding members pivot transverse to
the carrying route around a straight line in the same
direction as the track of load movement.
Subclass:
370.05
Supporting portions tilt vertically about an axis
perpendicular to path of travel:
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.03. Subject
matter wherein the load holding members pivot in an upright
plane relative to the carrying route around a straight line
at a right angle to the route of load movement.
Subclass:
370.06
Supporting portions are laterally extending belts:
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.03. Subject
matter wherein the load holding members are endless or
segments of flexible bands having their conveying surfaces
driven transverse to the conveying path.
Subclass:
370.07
By separate reciprocating or oscillating pusher:
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.01. Subject
matter wherein an independent fixed location force exerting
means having a back and forth or arcuate movement impels the
load to or from the conveyor along the conveyor's length.
Subclass:
370.08
By separate endless or rotary pusher:
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.01. Subject
matter wherein the conveyor is serviced by an independent
fixed location with a continuous or circular motion force
exerting means to impel the load to or from the conveyor
along the conveyor's length.
Subclass:
370.09
By separate supporting rollers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.01. Subject
matter wherein the conveyor is provided with an independent
fixed location revolving cylinders or similar means which
hold and impel the load to or from the conveyor along the
conveyor's length.
(1) Note. Rollers are not directly used to convey the load
along the main conveying path.
Subclass:
370.1
By separate endless or rotary supporting conveyor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.01. Subject
matter including an independent fixed location continuous or
circular motion carrier to hold and impel the load to or from
the carrier.
Subclass:
370.11
By separate fluid jet:
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.01. Subject
matter wherein an independent fixed location forceful rush of
liquid, gas, or vapor through a narrow or restricted opening
impels the load to or from the conveyor along the conveyor's
length.
Subclass:
370.12
By selective application of suction:
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.01. Subject
matter wherein a specific amount of load is impelled from a
main line conveyor by the force produced due to a reduced air
pressure.
Subclass:
370.13
By selective application of a magnetic field:
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.01. Subject
matter wherein a body having a property of attracting a
ferrous material is placed at specific locations on the main
line conveyor to guide or remove the load having a
ferromagnetic property.
Subclass:
371.1
By reversibly driving the main line section:
This subclass is indented under subclass 370.01. Subject
matter wherein the selecting means includes a device to
operate a portion of the main line conveyor selectively in
the direction opposite to its normal direction of operation.
Subclass:
371.2
Endless belt or chain:
This subclass is indented under subclass 371.1. Subject
matter includes a continuous band of flexible material (e.g.,
leather, rubber, fabric) or a continuous band constructed of
links of metal, plastic or similar material.
Subclass:
371.3
Rollers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 371.1. Subject
matter wherein the reversible section of the conveyor
includes a revolving cylinder or similar element.
Subclass:
373
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus wherein a conveyor section or a conveyor system
moves an article along a predetermined path, and wherein said
article is turned to have its posture*, or its heading, or
its leaning* intentionally or significantly varied with
relation to said path. (*These terms are discussed in (2)
Note below.)
(1) Note. In this and indented subclasses the disclosed
intent of the claimed apparatus is important. Therefore,
although the structure of two devices may be similar, a
patent disclosing such structure will be placed into this
portion of the schedule only if its claimed disclosure is
clearly for accomplishing one of the functions set forth in
the definition by asterisk (*) and further discussed in (2)
Note that follows. The similar structure that is disclosed
in terms of its structure and not disclosing such a function
will be found elsewhere in accordance with its claimed
function or its claimed structure that is provided for in
other subclasses of this schedule.
(2) Note. For the purpose of helping to visualize the terms
to be discussed herein, assume a three-dimensional-line
figure consisting of three axes (i.e., an "X-axis", a
"Y-axis" and a "Z-axis") that intersect at a mutual point,
each axis being perpendicular to the plane in which both of
the other two axes lie. Assume further that said mutual
point lies within the article to be conveyed and that a) the
conveyor moves the article in the direction of the "X-axis",
b) the conveyor has a major article-support surface that
extends transversely (i.e., athwart) of said direction along
the "Z-axis", and c) the remaining axis that extends
perpendicularly of the plane formed by both of the
previously-mentioned axes is the "Y-axis". With these
assumptions in mind, variation in "posture" will refer only
to a turning of an article about a "Z-axis", variation in
"heading" will refer only to a turning of an article about a
"Y-axis", and variation in "leaning" will refer only to a
turning of an article about an "X-axis". It is understood
that any or all of these turnings may occur sequentially or
simultaneously, and if there is a major dimension of the
article being conveyed, such major dimension may coincide
with any or none of the axis mentioned.
(3) Note. This note is in amplification of preceding notes
regarding intent of disclosure and attitude of article
relative to its conveyed direction. The predetermined path of
an article may be straight, or arcuate, or crooked, but
whatever the path, if the conveyed article is at a first
point on the path with a particular dimension in a particular
relationship to the path (e.g., its length is parallel to the
path), and is thereafter at a second point with the same
dimension in a different relationship to the path (e.g., its
length is perpendicular to the path), its attitude relative
to the path has been changed. For proper placement of a
patent into this, or an indented subclass, the claim thereof
must recite the change in attitude of the article in
significant terms; that is, the recitation must be clear, and
the change must be intentional. A patent that discloses a
change in attitude that is incidental to the movement of an
article on a conveyor system (e.g., an article on a
nonrectilinear system could change its attitude relative to a
particular compass direction, but not necessarily change
relative to conveyed direction) will not be placed herein,
but will be placed on the basis of the claimed function or
structure of the conveyor.
Subclass:
374
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus
wherein the articles move sequentially past a station at
which the articles are either turned or not turned in a
preset pattern, which pattern occurs repeatedly, whereby
groups of articles are formed, each group appearing like
other similar groups.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
418 for a conveyor system forming groups of articles wherein
the facing of individual articles therein is not
significant.
Subclass:
375
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus
wherein a) a member retains an article with respect to
itself, b) the member is mounted on a conveyor section that
thereby moves the member and the article concurrently in the
conveyed direction, and c) the member is moved with respect
to the conveyor section, whereby the member and its retained
article are both turned with respect to the conveyed
direction.
(1) Note. The limitation that the member retains the
article does not preclude the movement of the article into or
out of the member as long as the article is held in the
member during the conveyance thereof.
Subclass:
376
This subclass is indented under subclass 375. Apparatus
provided with means for detecting the presence or attitude of
an article, and provided with means for regulating or
changing the operation of said apparatus, wherein said
regulating means is caused to operate as a result of the
detection of the article by the detecting means.
Subclass:
377.01
Holder carried by orbiting conveyor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 375. Subject matter
wherein the conveyor section comprises a plurality of
components that are connected together and moved in a
closed-loop path such that each component is followed by and
preceded by another component and a part of the closed-loop
path coincides with a part of the path of a movement of the
article holder.
Subclass:
377.02
Holder rotates item about axis spaced from the item:
This subclass is indented under subclass 377.01. Subject
matter wherein the holder conveying the article is turning
the article about referenced straight line which lies outside
the physical boundary of the article.
Subclass:
377.03
Holder having load gripping element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 377.02. Subject
matter wherein the holder includes either (1) a device which
holds or attracts the article by friction or by use of a
force field, or by fluid current or (2) a device which
attracts the article by the force field or fluid pressure
difference on the conveyor.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
470.1 for a conveyor system including a rotating or endless
carrier having a load gripping element.
803.3 for grippers mounted on a single rotary or endless
conveyor.
Subclass:
377.04
Holder having vacuum or air blast element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 377.03. Subject
matter wherein the holder includes a gaseous fluid medium
under subatmospheric or atmospheric pressure to hold the
article during conveyance.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
471.1 for a conveyor system including a rotating or endless
carrier having a suction type load gripping element.
689.1 for a conveyor section using suction to enhance
friction between the load and the conveyor.
803.5 for a conveyor section having suction holders.
Subclass:
377.05
Holder having magnetic or electrostatic element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 377.03. Subject
matter wherein the holder includes the force field from
either the attraction or repulsion of (1) magnetic charges
(i.e., magnetism), or (2) electric charges at rest (i.e.,
static electricity) to hold the article during conveyance.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
472.1 for a conveyor system including a rotating or endless
carrier having a magnetic or electrostatic gripping element.
690.1 and 691, for conveyor section using magnetic or
electrostatic forces to enhance frictional contact between
the load and the conveyor.
803.6 for a conveyor section with magnetic or electrostatic
holders.
Subclass:
377.06
Holder rotation stops at predetermined position:
This subclass is indented under subclass 377.02. Subject
matter wherein the rotating holder stops at a previously
established location relative to the conveyor portion
supporting the holder.
Subclass:
377.07
Holder having load gripping element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 377.01. Subject
matter wherein the holder includes either (1) a device which
holds or attracts the article by friction or by use of a
force field, or by fluid current, or (2) a device which
attracts the article by the force field or fluid pressure
difference on the conveyor.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
377.03 for a load gripping means for a holder which rotates
the load about an axis which lies outside a load boundary.
470.1 for a conveyor system including a rotating or endless
carrier having a load gripping element.
803.3 for grippers mounted on a single rotary or endless
conveyor.
Subclass:
377.08
Holder having vacuum or air blast element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 377.07. Subject
matter wherein the holder includes a gaseous fluid medium
under subatmospheric or atmospheric pressure to hold the
article.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
377.04 for a load gripping means having a vacuum means for a
holder which rotates the load about an axis lies outside a
load boundary.
471.1 for a conveyor system including a rotating or endless
carrier having a suction type load gripping element.
689.1 for a conveyor section using suction to enhance
friction between the load and the conveyor.
803.5 for a conveyor section having suction holders.
Subclass:
377.09
Holder having magnetic or electrostatic element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 377.07. Subject
matter wherein the holder includes the forced field from
either attraction or repulsion of (1) magnetic charges (i.e.,
magnetism) or (2) electric charges at rest (i.e., static
electricity).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
377.05 for a load gripper having a magnetic or electrostatic
means for a holder which rotates the load about the axis
which lies outside the load boundary.
472.1 for a conveyor system including a rotating or endless
carrier having a magnetic or electrostatic gripping element.
690.1 and 691, for conveyor section using magnetic or
electrostatic forces to enhance frictional contact between
the load and the conveyor.
803.6 for a conveyor section with magnetic or electrostatic
holders.
Subclass:
377.1
Holder rotation stops at predetermined position:
This subclass is indented under subclass 377.01. Subject
matter wherein the rotating holder stops at a previously
established location relative to the conveyor portion
supporting the holder.
Subclass:
378
This subclass is indented under subclass 377.01. Apparatus
wherein said member moves relative to the conveyor in a
step-by-step manner, or the conveyor section moves in a
step-by-step manner relative to the path of the article being
conveyed.
(1) Note. The described movement permits the article to be
"indexed" in a stop-and-go fashion in order to permit an
operation to be performed on the conveyed article during
periods of stopping, and then convey the article to its next
operation, or convey another article to an operation
station.
Subclass:
379
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus
wherein an article moving on a conveyor is momentarily
stopped in its movement, the stoppage occurring by reason of
the article being securely held, and wherein the article so
held is rotated about a stationary axis of rotation before
the article is released for further conveyance by the same,
or a different conveyor.
(1) Note. The holding can be performed by a suction member,
or a magnetic member, or a gripper couple comprising two
surfaces engaging the article frictionally on opposing sides
thereof.
Subclass:
380
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus
wherein a gas or a liquid pressure impinges against the
article being conveyed by a conveyor section to effect a
turning of the article.
(1) Note. The pressurized fluid that effects the turning is
in addition to whatever mechanism that effects the conveyance
of the article.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
493 for a conveyor wherein impinging fluid is a conveyor
means.
Subclass:
381
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus
wherein a device that generates lines of magnetic flux acts
upon the article being conveyed by a conveyor section to
effect a turning of the article.
(1) Note. The magnetism that effects the turning is in
addition to whatever mechanism that effects the conveyance of
the article.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
619 for a conveyor wherein magnetic forces effect movement.
690.1 for a conveyor wherein magnetic forces enhance the
friction of a conveyor.
Subclass:
382
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus
wherein the initial attitude of any article is unpredictable
and wherein as the article is conveyed on or by a conveyor
its attitude relative to its path of conveyance is caused to
be predictable.
(1) Note. Included in this and indented subclasses are
devices wherein articles are supplied in a hopper or on a
conveyor in a haphazard array, or faced in a direction
relative to the conveyor in a manner which cannot be
predicted to occur. If, by change, a particular article is
properly faced on the conveyor, no change in its attitude
will occur. However, if an article is improperly faced,
either its attitude or its facing will be corrected, or it
will be returned to supply for reconveyance and proper
refacing; in either event, the attitude must be changed or
corrected to be moved through the conveyor.
(2) Note. In this and indented subclasses, the meaning of
the word "uniform" will vary with the intent of the
disclosure. For example, if in one disclosure the article at
its source is in a haphazard (i.e., random) array, and at its
destination the article is in an attitude which is acceptable
as disclosed (e.g., one of two attitudes, either of which is
acceptable), then the occurrence of that attitude is
predictable and, therefore, is "uniform" in accordance with
the disclosed intent. However, if in another disclosure the
article at its source is in one of the two attitudes, the
occurrence of which attitude is not predictable (i.e.,
random), and at its destination the article must be faced in
only one particular attitude to be acceptable as disclosed,
then only the proper attitude is predictable and, therefore,
is "uniform" in accordance with the other disclosed intent.
Subclass:
383
This subclass is indented under subclass 382. Apparatus
wherein the article to be conveyed has a particular
configuration, and wherein the conveyor, or an adjunct
thereto, has a particular configuration, and wherein the two
configurations conform one to the other, whereby only an
article whose configuration conforms to the conveyor
configuration will be conveyed.
(1) Note. To be properly placed into this or an indented
subclass, a patent must include a claim to a conveyor portion
that is clearly shaped so as to match or fit or be inserted
into an article, and the claim should be clear that
cooperation between the conveyor portion and the conveyed
article occurs, such that articles that fit the conveyor pass
and articles that do not fit the conveyor do not pass.
Subclass:
384
This subclass is indented under subclass 383. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor comprises a plurality of components that
are connected together and moved in a closed-loop path such
that each component is followed by and preceded by another
component and a part of said closed-loop path coincides with
a part of the path an article to be conveyed, one or more
components forming a receptacle for an article during its
conveyance and each receptacle having means associated
therewith for moving the article relative to the receptacle
as it is conveyed therein, whereby each article is turned to
a uniform facing in each receptacle.
Subclass:
385
This subclass is indented under subclass 384. Apparatus
wherein the means for moving the article relative to the
component comprises a rotating wheel having a periphery that
contacts the surface of the article is received within the
receptacle, and wherein the article is a spheroidal object
having a relatively small portion of its surface depressed
within the outline of the major portion of its surface to an
extent that when the wheel or an auxiliary finger fits the
small, depressed surface the wheel periphery will not contact
the depressed portion, at which time the wheel will cease
moving the article within the component.
(1) Note. In most of the devices of this subclass, the
roller serves the dual purpose of turning the object until
the roller periphery "finds" the depression in the object; in
some of the devices the roller periphery turns the object and
an auxiliary finger, or "finder", senses the depression and
causes the wheel to stop its rotation or move out of contact
with the object; in either event, the object will stop
turning when it is properly faced within the receptacle or
pocket.
(2) Note. The objects being conveyed and faced in this and
the indented subclasses are usually peaches, apricots, or
other "drupe" fruits having a line of cleavage along which
line a pit is aligned, or are other food objects such as
apples, olives, whole pears, that are characterized by having
a surface depression or indentation with respect to which
depression the fruit is to be faced for further processing.
Subclass:
386
This subclass is indented under subclass 385. Apparatus
wherein the rotating wheel turns about an internal axis of
turning, and can be further turned about a different axis of
turning.
(1) Note. Usually the roller is mounted between the
branches of a bifurcated stem, the length of which is
perpendicular to the axis of the roller. Thus, the roller
rotates in a vertical plane on its own horizontal axis,
whereas the stem rotates on its longitudinal axis, thereby
changing the vertical plane in which the roller rotates.
Subclass:
387
This subclass is indented under subclass 384. Apparatus
wherein the components comprise rotatable shafts extending
laterally across the direction of movement of the conveyor
and moving perpendicular to their extent in said direction,
each shaft having one or more peripheral depressions in the
circumference thereof, adjacent shafts having their
peripheral depressions aligned along the direction of
movement, whereby the peripheral depressions of two adjacent
shafts form a receptacle for the conveyed article.
(1) Note. The device of this subclass conveys an ovid
object, such as a egg, supported between adjacent rollers in
the grooves of the rollers. By rotating the objects on the
roller, the longitudinal axis of the ovid is caused to extend
parallel to the axes of the rollers and perpendicular to the
direction of movement thereof.
Subclass:
388
This subclass is indented under subclass 383. Apparatus
wherein the configuration on the conveyor is a part, on or
adjacent the conveyor, that juts out or protrudes into the
path of articles being conveyed, wherein the configuration of
the article includes a bifurcation or a cavity therein, and
wherein the conveyor configuration is inserted into the
article configuration, whereby those articles that match
configurations pass along the conveyor and those that do not
match configurations do not pass along the conveyor, or are
turned so that the configurations do match.
(1) Note. Usually, those articles that do not match and
pass are returned to a supply of articles for recirculation
and refacing.
Subclass:
389
This subclass is indented under subclass 383. Apparatus
wherein the article to be conveyed is so proportioned that
with respect to a major dimension thereof a first portion
extending perpendicular to the dimension at one end thereof
is larger than a second portion extending perpendicular to
the dimension at the other end, and wherein the conveyor is
provided with supports that are so spaced that the article
will move along the conveyor with the first portion above the
supports and the second portion hung from and below the
supports.
Subclass:
390
This subclass is indented under subclass 383. Apparatus
wherein the configuration of the conveyor is in the form of
an opening through which an article passes, and wherein the
article to be conveyed is configured to have its bounding
line conforming to the bounding line of the opening, whereby
articles so faced as to have their bounding lines matched
with the opening pass therethrough.
Subclass:
391
This subclass is indented under subclass 383. Apparatus
comprising a bowl-shaped means having a passageway which
conforms to the article to be conveyed, and wherein the
attitude of the article relative to its path of conveyance is
caused to be predictable by vibrating said bowl.
Subclass:
392
This subclass is indented under subclass 383. Apparatus
comprising means having a passageway or exit which conforms
to the article to be conveyed whereby the attitude of the
article relative to its path of conveyance is caused to be
predictable by rotating said means.
Subclass:
393
This subclass is indented under subclass 383. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor comprises a plurality of components that
are connected together and moved in a closed-loop path such
that each component is followed by and preceded by another
component and a part of said closed-loop path coincides with
the path of an article to be conveyed, each component forming
a receptacle that is configured to the configuration of the
article to be conveyed, and wherein another part of said
closed-loop path coincides with a hopper or bin in which the
articles are temporarily stored in haphazard array, whereby
as a receptacle moves within the hopper an article will be
received thereinto if its configuration conforms to the
receptacle configuration and the so-received article will be
conveyed.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
397 for similar structure wherein an item-receiving pocket
does not fit the item.
Subclass:
394
This subclass is indented under subclass 382. Apparatus
wherein the article to be conveyed is formed with a
particular point or zone thereon which is identifiable to the
apparatus as that point which should face in a predetermined
direction relative to the conveyor, and wherein the article,
while it is being conveyed, is caused to turn on its own axis
and is caused to stop turning when said point or zone is
faced in said predetermined direction.
(1) Note. The article is usually a bottle or a can having a
visible projection or seam that is to be faced relative to a
station (e.g., a label-applying station). However, the
position characteristic can be a visible mark or an invisible
indicium that is sensed by the apparatus. For other means
actuated in response to an improperly-faced article, see
subclass 395.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
395 and see (1) Note above.
Subclass:
395
This subclass is indented under subclass 382. Apparatus
provided with means for detecting the attitude of an article
and further provided with means for regulating the operation
of said apparatus such that the article attitude will be
corrected, or the article is rejected if it is presented
incorrectly, and the attitude will remain unchanged if the
article is presented correctly.
(1) Note. Usually those articles that are rejected are
returned to a supply of articles for recirculation and
refacing.
Subclass:
396
This subclass is indented under subclass 382. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor moves in a path, a part of which path
coincides with a bin in which the articles to be conveyed are
temporarily stored in a haphazard array, and wherein the
article is taken from said bin and its attitude changed
during the movement of the conveyor.
Subclass:
397.01
By orbiting progression of item-receiving pockets passing
through supply:
This subclass is indented under subclass 396. Subject matter
wherein the conveyor comprises a plurality of components that
are connected together and moved in a closed-loop path such
that each component is followed by and preceded by another
component, a part of said closed-loop path coincides with the
path of an article to be conveyed, and other part of said
path coincides with the bin, and wherein each component forms
a receptacle for the article to be conveyed.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
393 for similar structure wherein an item-receiving pocket
fits the shape of the item.
Subclass:
397.02
Rotary pocketed conveyor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 397.01. Subject
matter wherein the item-receiving pockets in the conveyor
turns symmetrically about an assumed straight line during the
conveyance of the article.
Subclass:
397.03
Horizontal axis of rotation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 397.02. subject
matter wherein the straight line about which the pockets
turns during the conveyance of the article is directed
horizontally.
Subclass:
397.04
Item oriented while on rotary conveyor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 397.03. Subject
matter wherein the rotating conveyor includes a device which
places the article in a position relative to a referenced
direction during the conveyance of the article.
Subclass:
397.05
Item oriented while on rotary conveyor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 397.02. Subject
matter wherein the rotary conveyor includes a device which
places the article in a position relative to a referenced
direction during the conveyance of the article.
Subclass:
397.06
Item oriented while on endless conveyor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 397.01. Subject
matter wherein the conveyor includes a continuous bend of
flexible material or a continuous band constructed of links
of metal, plastic or similar material having a device which
places the article in position relative to a referenced
direction during the conveyance of the article.
Subclass:
398
This subclass is indented under subclass 382. Apparatus
wherein the article being conveyed is presented in one of
only two opposite attitudes (the occurrence of any particular
attitude being random or unpredictable), and wherein the
conveyor, or an adjunct thereto, differentiates between the
opposite attitudes and causes all the articles to have the
same attitude.
(1) Note. This subclass provides for a device wherein
articles facing one way will be separated from those articles
facing the opposite way so that both articles will face the
same way, but will travel in different directions, or the
improperly-faced articles will be returned to the supply of
articles for recirculation and refacing.
Subclass:
399
This subclass is indented under subclass 398. Apparatus
wherein those articles having the correct attitude will
remain in that attitude, and those articles having an
incorrect attitude will have their attitudes changed to be
correct.
Subclass:
400
This subclass is indented under subclass 398. Apparatus
wherein each article has its attitude changed so that they
all have the same attitude and all are moving along the same
path of movement.
Subclass:
401
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus
provided with means for detecting the presence or absence of
an article and further provided with means for regulating or
changing the operation of the conveyor that causes an article
to be turned, wherein said regulating means is actuated as a
result of a detection by said detecting means.
Subclass:
402
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus
wherein each article that is conveyed in a sequence of
articles is turned upside down (i.e., from an attitude
wherein a particular face that is up is changed to an
attitude wherein that particular face is down).
(1) Note. In this subclass the mechanism for inverting is a
passive means acting in conjunction with a powered conveyor
to invert successive articles.
Subclass:
403
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Apparatus
provided with mechanism that is powered to effect the turning
of each article upside down.
(1) Note. In this subclass the mechanism for inverting is
separate from the apparatus for conveying.
Subclass:
404
This subclass is indented under subclass 403. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor for articles includes one or more
components moving in a closed-loop path and a part of said
closed-loop path coincides with a part of the path of the
articles to be conveyed, and wherein the conveyor effects the
turning of each article upside down.
Subclass:
405
This subclass is indented under subclass 404. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor comprises an endlessly-orbiting surface
that travels in the direction of the "X" axis and extends
transversely of said direction along a "Z" axis, and wherein
as a particular "Z" axis line moves along the "X" axis, the
"Z" axis turns about the "X" axis, thereby turning the
article supported and carried by the surface.
(1) Note. The terms "X" axis and "Z" axis are defined and
further discussed in (2) Note of subclass 373.
(2) Note. Usually the conveyor comprises two belts
cooperating together to frictionally maintain a conveyed
article between them and both belts twist together.
Subclass:
406
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus
wherein each article that is conveyed in a sequence of
articles is a) lifted or lowered relative to an original
direction of conveyance, and is also b) turned about its "Z"
axis, during its conveyance.
(1) Note. See (2) Note to subclass 373 for a definition and
further discussion of "Z" axis.
(2) Note. A device wherein an article is simply lifted and
lowered (or vice versa) to its original elevation is not in
this subclass, but may be found in such subclasses as 411 or
414.
Subclass:
407
This subclass is indented under subclass 406. Apparatus
wherein each article is conveyed through a conveyor system in
which first one conveyor moves an article and then a second
conveyor moves said article.
Subclass:
408
This subclass is indented under subclass 406. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor for articles includes one or more
components moving in a closed-loop path and a part of said
closed-loop path coincides with a part of the path of the
articles to be conveyed, whereby the conveyor changes both
the elevation and the attitude of each article.
Subclass:
409
This subclass is indented under subclass 406. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor for articles includes a component that
is connected to an actuator that imparts to-and-fro motion in
a path, at least part of which path coincides with a part of
the path of the article to be conveyed, the component having
the function of contacting an article to change both the
elevation and the attitude of each article at least while the
paths coincide.
Subclass:
410
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus
wherein each article that is conveyed in a sequence of
articles has its attitude changed at least twice in different
actions that are separated in time or distance from one
another.
(1) Note. Included in this subclass is an apparatus wherein
an article is faced in a particular direction to have an
operation performed thereon, and that article is refaced in
its original direction after the operation has been
performed.
Subclass:
411
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus
wherein each article that is conveyed in a sequence of
articles is moved by a conveyor and is turned by a mechanism
that is powered to effect the turning of each article.
Subclass:
412
This subclass is indented under subclass 411. Apparatus
wherein each article is moved by a plurality of conveyors in
the form of separate conveyor sections forming a conveyor
system, or in the form of separate conveyor components
forming a conveyor section, but in either event, the
conveyors are spaced apart along the direction of movement of
the articles, and wherein the turning mechanism transfers
each of the sequence of articles from a preceding conveyor to
a succeeding conveyor, and during such transfer turns the
article.
Subclass:
413
This subclass is indented under subclass 412. Apparatus
wherein the turning mechanism comprises one or more members
that pass through the space(s) between the conveyors to
contact and turn the articles successively.
Subclass:
414
This subclass is indented under subclass 413. Apparatus
wherein the turning mechanism contracts each successive
article and is caused to raise the article out of contact
with the conveyor, rotate the article partially with respect
to the conveyor, and descend with the article to replace it
on the same or a succeeding conveyor section.
(1) Note. In this subclass, it is not significant whether
an article moves from one conveyor section to another
conveyor section, or moves from one conveyor component to
another conveyor component. It is significant that between
the parts of a conveyor a turntable mechanism effects turning
of the article.
Subclass:
415
This subclass is indented under subclass 411. Apparatus
wherein each article is moved by plurality of components
forming a conveyor section, all of which components engage
the same item at the same time to move that item, but one of
which components has a greater rate of movement than another
of said components, whereby the components cooperate with
each other and the article to effect turning of the article
as it moves in the conveyed direction.
Subclass:
416
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Apparatus
wherein each article that is conveyed in a sequence of
articles is moved by a conveyor and is turned by an
appurtenance that is located next to the conveyor and in the
path of movement of the articles, whereby during the movement
of each article, it engages the appurtenance and the reaction
between the moving article and the appurtenance causes the
article to turn.
(1) Note. In most mechanisms of this subclass the member
(i.e., appurtenance) is a stationary and fixed object, but it
also may be member that, in use, is fixed in the path of the
articles, but may be moved at will out of such path, or may
be a member that is in the path of the article, but as the
member is engaged by the moving article, the member moves to
permit the now-turned article to pass.
Subclass:
417
This subclass is indented under subclass 416. Apparatus
wherein the appurtenance comprises a channel through which
the successive articles pass, which channel substantially
encloses the outline of the article as seen in the "X" axis,
and wherein sections through the channel taken in the plane
of the "Y" axis and "Z" axis in successive stations along the
"X" axis show the channel displaced angularly about the "X"
axis.
(1) Note. For definitions and further discussion of the
axes referred to, see (2) Note of subclass 373.
Subclass:
418
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus including at least two conveyor sections
cooperating for the purpose of conveying plural articles in
such manner that a particular plurality of articles will be
arranged or formed into a particular array or cluster
comprising a specific number of such articles, and for
subsequently conveying said array or cluster as a separate
collection.
(1) Note. This note is intended to express in short form
the differences in the concepts among patents placed in this
subclass (418) and those of the two following coordinate
subclasses 434 and 463.1. In all three major subclasses and
their indented subclasses, the function of the disclosed
structure is the movement of one or more items via two or
more conveyors. In this subclass (418) the items are
arranged as an identifiable and significant group consisting
of a predetermined plurality of items moved as a group
through that structure being claimed by the patent. In
subclass 434, the items are arranged as a succession of items
consisting of an indeterminate number of items moved
consecutively via the conveyors being claimed by the patent,
and at least the last downstream claimed conveyor does not
provide structure for individualization or separation between
the successive conveyed items. In subclass 463.1 the items
are individual and separate one from the other, each being an
identifiable and significant item being moved separately via
the conveyors being claimed by the patent, and at least the
last downstream claimed conveyor does provide structure for
individualization or separation between one item and a
preceding or succeeding item.
(2) Note. For a patent to be placed in this or an indented
subclass it is not necessary for a group to retain its
identity separate from other such groups. For example, in a
subclass such as 418.1 a formed group of items could be
packed into a container (not claimed) into which other groups
have been or will be packed. Nor is it necessary for all of
the claimed structure to move the group as a group. For
example, in a subclass such as 431 a group of items is formed
by depositing successive items one by one into group
formation, after which the group is moved as a group. The
term "array" is inclusive of, but not limited to, a plurality
of items arranged in a straight line; the term "cluster" is
inclusive of, but not limited to, a plurality of items
arranged in an irregular formation or a formation such as a
circle. For purposes of convenience, the term "group" will
be used in the definitions of subclasses indented hereunder
unless one of the other terms is specifically applicable.
(3) Note. See the search note below for the line between
Class 198 and the Material or Article Handling, class
relative to apparatus for placing articles into or removing
them from an intersupporting group.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
271, Sheet Feeding or Delivering, 213, for a conveyor on
which sheets are delivered in succession to form a stack, on
which conveyor the stack is moved as a stack without the aid
of structure other than the conveyor.
414, Material or Article Handling, the line between Class 198
Conveyors: Power-Driven, and Class 414, Material or Article
Handling, relative to apparatus for placing articles into or
removing them from an intersupporting group is as follows:
(a) Class 198 takes such apparatus when (1) it consists of a
power driven or gravity conveyor, (2) the site on which the
group is supported is a horizontally extended conveyor
surface, and (3) the group is formed on the surface of the
conveyor while the conveyor both moves and transports the
article in a horizontal direction; and (b) Class 414 takes
such apparatus, even if it consists of a conveyor(s) proper
for Class 198, when either (1) the site on which the group is
supported is other than a conveyor proper for Class 198
(e.g., an elevator, a shelf) or (2) the site on which the
group is supported is a conveyor surface which has been fully
stopped while each article is added to the group.
Subclass:
418.1
Having items discharged from plural distinct outlets into
group:
This subclass is indented under subclass 418. Apparatus in
which either (1) a single conveyor section having two or more
separate exits or (2) plural conveyor sections each having a
separate exit deliver articles to another conveyor section on
which the articles are arranged or formed into a common
group.
(1) Note. The definition does not limit the taking of only
one article from each of the exits. Rather, it permits the
taking of one or more articles from any two or more exits
even if one or more possible exits are skipped. The articles
can be supplied from a random mass, a regular stack, or
succession of articles.
Subclass:
418.2
With outlets longitudinally spaced along path of
progressively formed group:
This subclass is indented under subclass 418.1. Apparatus
wherein at least two of the conveyor exits which deliver
articles to the group supporting conveyor section are
positioned at different points along its length and add
articles to the group thereon when it is moved past each of
the exit points.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
270, Sheet-Material Associating or Folding, 58.01, for a
mechanism to associate sheets from different supply stacks
into new stacks containing different sheets in each new
stack.
Subclass:
418.3
Superposes items within group:
This subclass is indented under subclass 418.2. Apparatus
wherein at least a portion of one of the articles is placed
by a delivery conveyor section on top of or below a portion
of another one of the articles of the group which was
previously delivered thereto either by this or another
delivery conveyor.
Subclass:
418.4
With vertically aligned outlets discharging in the same
direction and superposing items:
This subclass is indented under subclass 418.1. Apparatus
wherein one of the conveyor exits which delivers articles to
the group supporting conveyor section is positioned directly
above and delivers articles in an identical direction to
another conveyor exit, the articles delivered by both exits
having each a portion thereof which is located above or below
another article within the final group.
Subclass:
418.5
Having plural successive groups discharged by single conveyor
into larger group:
This subclass is indented under subclass 418. Apparatus in
which a single conveyor section having one exit consecutively
delivers several small groups to another conveyor section on
which the articles of the groups are arranged or formed into
a bigger common group.
(1) Note. It is not necessary for the number of articles in
each group to be the same as the number of articles in a
previous or succeeding group, but the variances should recur
regularly. For example, in forming a staggered layer of
bottles to be packaged, a row of seven bottles is formed, a
row of six bottles is then formed, followed by another row of
seven bottles.
Subclass:
418.6
Having conveyor drop grouped items simultaneously onto
another conveyor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 418. Apparatus
wherein a conveyor section which supports the entire group of
articles is located above a second conveyor section to which
it delivers the group by releasing all the articles of the
group at the same time and allowing them to fall as a group
onto the second conveyor.
Subclass:
418.7
Subdivides continuous item stream into longitudinally spaced
groups:
This subclass is indented under subclass 418. Apparatus
wherein the articles to be grouped are already in a
succession of articles moving along a particular line of
motion, and wherein the group is formed by separating the
last article of a preceding group from the first article of a
succeeding group while continuing the movement of the
preceding group along substantially the same line of motion
followed by its articles prior to becoming a group.
(1) Note. The separation can be caused by increasing the
speed of the preceding group after the last item of the group
has passed a particular point, or by intermittently stopping
or decreasing speed of the first item of a succeeding group
after the last item of the preceding group has passed a
particular point.
Subclass:
418.8
By offsetting first or last article:
This subclass is indented under subclass 418.7. Apparatus
which separates the preceding group from the succeeding group
by abruptly shifting out of alignment with its adjacent
articles, an article located at either (1) the end of the
preceding group or (2) the beginning of the succeeding
group.
Subclass:
418.9
And imbricates items within group:
This subclass is indented under subclass 418.7. Apparatus
wherein the articles are delivered to the group in such a
manner that the leading edge of each article in the group
both (1) overlaps or underlies the trailing edge of the
adjacent previously delivered article and (2) travels ahead
of the leading edge of all articles subsequently placed
within the group.
Subclass:
419.1
By item engaging stop means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 418.7. Apparatus
wherein the preceding group is separated from the succeeding
group by means which contacts the first article of the
succeeding group and prevents its movement for a period of
time.
Subclass:
419.2
By different speed conveyors:
This subclass is indented under subclass 418.7. Apparatus
wherein the last conveyor section supporting the succession
of articles to be formed into groups moves the articles at a
different velocity for at least a portion of the time it
transports them than the succeeding conveyor section which
supports the formed groups.
Subclass:
419.3
With spaced dividers on conveyor limiting group size:
This subclass is indented under subclass 419.2. Apparatus
wherein either (1) the last conveyor section supporting the
succession of articles or (2) the succeeding conveyor section
supporting the groups is provided with structural means
located along its article transporting surface which
restricts the number of articles possible in each group by
dividing the surface into two or more distinct sections.
Subclass:
426
This subclass is indented under subclass 418. Apparatus
wherein the articles to be grouped comprise a succession of
such articles moving on a first conveyor along a particular
line of motion, and wherein a particular plurality of said
articles is engaged by means for transferring all of said
particular plurality of articles at the same time from said
first conveyor to a second conveyor, which transfer means
moves in a direction different from said particular lines of
motion.
(1) Note. For discussion of the term "stream", see (1) Note
of subclass 434 below.
Subclass:
427
This subclass is indented under subclass 426. Apparatus
wherein the second conveyor is divided into a plurality of
conveyor sections substantially corresponding in number to
the number of articles in the transferred group, whereby the
articles transferred as a group are subsequently divided so
that each article is one of a subsequent succession of
articles on the second conveyor, and the number of such
successions corresponds to the number of articles in the
transferred group.
(1) Note. In the subclass (427), the items from one stream
are arrayed in a group before being distributed into plural
streams. For a mechanism wherein items from a stream are
distributed into plural streams without the intermediate
transfer as a group, see subclasses 436+.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
436 and see (1) Note above.
Subclass:
428
This subclass is indented under subclass 426. Apparatus
wherein the transfer means includes a gaseous fluid medium
under subatmospheric or above-atmospheric pressure.
(1) Note. The pneumatic conveyor usually is (though it is
not limited to) a series of suction members that engage and
carry the groups of items.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
438 and 493+, for other conveyors having transfer means
using air blast or suction.
Subclass:
429
This subclass is indented under subclass 426. Apparatus,
wherein the transfer means moves to-and-fro and during one of
its movements engages the particular plurality of articles to
transfer the articles simultaneously from the first conveyor
to the second conveyor.
Subclass:
430
This subclass is indented under subclass 429. Apparatus
wherein either a) the to-and-fro movement of the transfer
means is in a direction that is angularly related to the line
of motion imparted to the articles by the first conveyor, or
b) the to-and-fro movement of the transfer means is included
in a movement that follows an endless closed-loop path, at
least a part of the to-and-fro movement intercepting the line
of motion imparted to the articles by the first conveyor.
Subclass:
431
This subclass is indented under subclass 418. Apparatus
wherein the articles to be grouped are conveyed one followed
by another aligned along a particular line of motion on a
first conveyor, and wherein the articles are engaged by a
transfer means and placed one at a time in an aligned group
on a second conveyor, which transfer means changes the line
of motion of the articles on the second conveyor relative to
the line of motion of the articles on the first conveyor, or
changes the alignment of articles on the second conveyor
relative to the alignment of articles on the first conveyor.
Subclass:
432
This subclass is indented under subclass 418. Apparatus
wherein the articles to be grouped are conveyed as an array
followed by another array, each array consisting of a
particular number of articles aligned along a particular
array line, which array line is substantially transverse to a
line of motion of a first conveyor, and wherein each arrayed
group of articles is engaged by a transfer means and placed
as an arrayed group on a second conveyor, which second
conveyor carries each successive conveyed group in an array
whose alignment is transverse to the line of motion of the
second conveyor.
(1) Note. Patents are placed in this subclass wherein the
conveyed group is formed either on the first conveyor, by
means associated with the first conveyor, or prior to
placement as a group on the first conveyor.
Subclass:
433
This subclass is indented under subclass 418. Apparatus
wherein the articles to be grouped are conveyed as an array
followed by another array, each array consisting of a
particular number of articles aligned along a particular
array line, which line is substantially transverse to a line
of motion of a first conveyor, and wherein each arrayed group
of articles is engaged by a transfer means and placed as an
arrayed group on a second conveyor, and the second conveyor
carries the array so that its array line is in alignment with
the line of motion of the second conveyor.
(1) Note. Patents are placed in this subclass wherein the
conveyed group is formed either on the first conveyor, by
means associated with the first conveyor, or prior to
placement on the first conveyor.
Subclass:
434
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus including at least two conveyor sections
cooperating for the purpose of moving a succession of
articles from one conveyor to another, and during such
movement changing the relationship between, or the direction
of movement of, or the path of, successive articles.
(1) Note. A conveyor system of this or an indented subclass
functions to form a stream of items from a random mass or
quantity of such items, or functions to redirect or respace
the items of such a stream relative to each other, or
functions to change the number of streams passing through the
system. The term "stream of items" refers to a plurality of
articles moving in accordance with two criteria. The first
criterion is that the articles move in succession, one
article followed by another which is followed by a third,
etc., the number of articles so moved being indeterminate or
indefinite. The second criterion is that the succession of
articles moves along a predetermined line or path. It is not
necessary that the line be straight, but if it is other than
straight, it must be a line along which each article of the
succession moves in its turn. It is not necessary that the
line be the only line (i.e., there may be plural lines or
streams), but if there are plural streams (e.g., one stream
alongside another stream) the claimed disclosure must clearly
describe the presence of such plural streams or describe
means to channelize or guide each such streams separately
from the other(s). Thus, a disclosure of a belt carrying a
plurality of articles extending along the direction of
movement of the belt and articles extending across said
direction would not be considered as a disclosure of plural
streams unless the specification clearly described the
articles as being arranged in plural successions of articles
or the structure indicated channels to form plural
successions. In the absence of such "stream" disclosure the
belt would be considered as a quantity source of articles or
as a destination for articles.
(2) Note. A distinction should be made as to the structural
and functional difference between a conveyor system for
conveying plural articles arranged as a stream of items and a
conveyor system for conveying plural articles, each article
being a specific load as a separate unit. In the stream
conveyor (found in this subclass (434) and indented
subclasses) there is no means for dividing and maintaining
separately one article from the preceding or succeeding
article. The emphasis in the claimed disclosure of a patent
to such a system is in the manner of forming the stream, or
reforming the stream into other streams. In the unit
conveyor (found in subclass 463.1, and indented subclasses)
there is a means for dividing one article from the preceding
or succeeding article and conveying it separately even though
a plurality of articles may be conveyed simultaneously. The
emphasis in the claimed disclosure of the patent in
subclasses 463.1+ is in the individuality of each of the
plural articles, rather than in the plurality of the
articles. A particular conveyor section proper as part of a
system for subclass 463.1 could be used as a means for
combining or dividing streams and thus be proper as part of a
system for subclass 434.
(3) Note. If the structure of a patent comprises a conveyor
moving its load against a member that serves to deflect, or
guide, or restrain, or regulate the movement of the load, and
if the claimed disclosure of the patent significantly
describes the load as comprising a plurality of articles, and
further significantly describes the function of the structure
as for forming a stream (defined in (1) Note above) from a
source of such articles, or for changing the arrangement of
streams a) from a particular number of streams upstream of
the member to a different number of streams downstream of the
member, or b) from a particular path of stream upstream of
the member to a different path of stream downstream of the
member or c) from a particular space between successive
articles upstream of the member to a different space between
successive articles downstream of the member, in such a
disclosure the upstream conveyor will be considered as one
conveyor section and the downstream conveyor will be
considered as a different conveyor section despite the
apparent use of one conveyor element.
Subclass:
435
This subclass is indented under subclass 434. Apparatus
wherein the articles of the succession that are moved by one
conveyor are apportioned among a plurality of second
conveyors, which second conveyors are arranged to be one
above another, and further convey, or temporarily retain and
then convey, the apportioned articles.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
209, Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids, 509, for
a machine wherein sheets are assorted into plural receivers
in accordance with characteristics of the respective sheets.
270, Sheet-Material Associating and see Search Class note
below to Class 271.
271, Sheet Feeding or Delivering, 306, wherein the sheets to
be delivered comprise a sequence of two or more sheets that
are being conveyed one after the other(s) toward two more
receivers, the device being provided with means for diverting
a first of said sheets into a first receiver a second of said
sheets into a second receiver, the sequence continuing until
a sheet is diverted into the last receiver, whereupon the
next sheet of the sequence is diverted into said first
receiver and the operation is repeated. A machine for Class
271, subclasses 306+, differs from a machine for Class 270,
subclasses 58.01+, in that Class 271, subclasses 306+,
provides for the stacking into plural receivers of sheets
from a single or an undetermined source, whereas Class 270,
subclasses 58.01+, provides for the stacking into plural
receivers of sheets from a plurality of source stacks, the
sheets of which are to be collated into a plurality of
finished stacks. See the Search Class notes in the class
definition of Class 271 for further discussion. In this
subclass will also be found a machine which is programmed so
that one or more of the receivers is "skipped" to form
special stacks.
Subclass:
436
This subclass is indented under subclass 434. Apparatus
wherein the purpose of the system is to change the path of
successive articles from a single succession of articles to
at least two successions of articles.
Subclass:
437
This subclass is indented under subclass 436. Apparatus
provided with means for detecting a condition of a conveyor
system, or of the load carried by said system, or of the
environment in which the system operates, and provided with
means for regulating or changing the operation of said
system, wherein said regulating means is actuated as a result
of the detection of the condition by said detecting means.
(1) Note. The regulating may be for the purpose of
maintaining the intended operating conditions, as by slight
changes on either side of usual operation. The changing may
be for the purpose of altering or correcting the operating
conditions, such as would result from feedback of undesired
operating conditions or discovery of the need for new or
different operating conditions.
Subclass:
438
This subclass is indented under subclass 436. Apparatus
provided with means using a gaseous medium under
sub-atmospheric or above-atmospheric pressure to change the
path of successive articles.
Subclass:
439
This subclass is indented under subclass 436. Apparatus
provided with means using lines of magnetic flux to change
the path of successive articles.
Subclass:
440
This subclass is indented under subclass 436. Apparatus
provided with a plurality of components that are connected
together and moved in a closed-loop path such that each
component is followed by and preceded by another component
and a part of said closed-loop path coinciding with a part of
the path of one of the successions of articles referred to in
the definition of subclass 436, each component having the
function of contacting one article of a succession thereof,
whereby said article will be caused to partake of movement
that is imparted to said component at least while said paths
coincide.
Subclass:
441
This subclass is indented under subclass 440. Apparatus
wherein the closed-loop path is a circle, and the components
follow the circular path.
Subclass:
442
This subclass is indented under subclass 436. Apparatus
provided with a member that may be positioned to intersect
the line of movement of said single succession of articles in
such manner as to either a) intersect said line or not
intersect said line after passage of successive articles, or
b) intersect said line in a particular relationship to said
line, or intersect said line in a different relationship to
said line after passage of successive articles, whereby to
cause at least two successions of articles to be formed from
the single succession of articles.
Subclass:
443
This subclass is indented under subclass 434. Apparatus
wherein the purpose of the system is to change a supply of
articles into at least one succession of articles.
(1) Note. The term "quantity source of items" has been used
to refer to a supply consisting of many articles. Thus it
includes a mass of articles having a haphazard or random
arrangement, as well as a supply of plural streams of items
as in subclass 448 below. The term does not refer to a
single stream from which only one article can be taken at a
time; for disclosure of such a function, see subclasses
463.1+ below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
463.1 and see (1) Note above.
Subclass:
444
This subclass is indented under subclass 443. Apparatus
provided with means for detecting a condition of a conveyor
system, or of the load carried by said system, or of the
environment in which the system operates, and provided with
means for regulating or changing the operation of said
system, wherein said regulating means is actuated as a result
of the detection of the condition by said detecting means.
(1) Note. The regulating may be for the purpose of
maintaining the intended operating conditions, as by slight
changes on either side of usual operation. The changing may
be for the purpose of altering or correcting the operating
conditions, such as would result from feedback of undesired
operating conditions, or discovery of the need for new or
different operating conditions.
Subclass:
445
This subclass is indented under subclass 443. Apparatus
wherein the purpose of the system is to change a supply of
articles into two or more successions of articles.
Subclass:
446
This subclass is indented under subclass 445. Apparatus
provided with means to agitate, vibrate, or jog the
successive articles so as to urge the articles into separate
successions of articles, which means is either part of or in
addition to one of the conveyor sections referred to in the
definition of subclass 434.
Subclass:
447
This subclass is indented under subclass 445. Apparatus
wherein said articles from said two or more successions of
articles are interspersed to form only one succession of
articles.
(1) Note. In this subclass the original source of articles
is usually a random mass of articles. The articles are first
arranged into plural streams, which streams are then
rearranged into one stream. Compare this subclass with
subclass 448 wherein the original source is a plurality of
streams.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
448 and see (1) Note above.
Subclass:
448
This subclass is indented under subclass 443. Apparatus
wherein said supply of articles comprises two or more
successions of articles, and wherein said articles from said
successions are interspersed to form only one succession of
articles.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
447 and see (1) Note therein.
Subclass:
449
This subclass is indented under subclass 448. Apparatus
provided with a plurality of components that are connected
together and moved in a closed-loop path such that each
component is followed by and preceded by another component,
and a part of said closed-loop path coinciding with a path of
one of the successions of articles referred to in the
definition of subclass 443, each component having the
function of contacting one article of a succession thereof,
whereby said article will be caused to partake of movement
that is imparted to said component at least while said paths
coincide.
Subclass:
450
This subclass is indented under subclass 449. Apparatus
wherein the closed-loop path is a circle, and the components
follow the circular path.
Subclass:
451
This subclass is indented under subclass 448. Apparatus
provided with barrier means that may be inserted into or
removed from the course of movement of each of the
successions of articles, thereby to regulate the passage of
articles past the barrier means of each succession and permit
the orderly interspersion of articles from each of the
successions of articles into one said succession of
articles.
Subclass:
452
This subclass is indented under subclass 448. Apparatus
provided with a member that may be positioned to intersect
the course of movement of each of the succession of articles,
or not intersect such course of movement, which member
diverts an article from one of such successions when it is
caused to intersect such course of movement.
Subclass:
453
This subclass is indented under subclass 443. Apparatus
wherein the supply of articles is a random or haphazard
arrangement, and the apparatus is provided with a passageway
between the supply and the succession of articles to be
formed, which passageway permits the passage of only one
article at a time, and the apparatus includes means for
moving articles successively through the passageway.
(1) Note. The article-moving means may be one of the
conveyor sections needed to form a conveyor system, or may be
a conveyor section additional thereto.
Subclass:
454
This subclass is indented under subclass 453. Apparatus
provided with structure additional to said article-moving
means, which additional structure includes a face or area
that contacts the articles passing thereby, and which
additional structure is moved relative to the movement of the
article-moving means.
(1) Note. The additional movement may be at right angles to
or in the direction of movement of the stream, but the
purpose is to facilitate passage of single articles in
succession. For additional movement counter to the direction
of stream movement (either unidirectional or vibratory) see
subclass 455 indented hereunder.
Subclass:
455
This subclass is indented under subclass 454. Apparatus
wherein the movement of the additional structure is in a
direction opposite to the direction of movement of the
succession of articles.
(1) Note. See (1) Note to subclass 454 for exemplary
movements for this subclass.
Subclass:
456
This subclass is indented under subclass 434. Apparatus
wherein a succession of articles moves along a path in a
particular direction of movement, and wherein the articles
are successively shunted in a direction transverse to, or
raised or lowered with respect to, said particular direction
to change either the path or the direction of movement of the
succession of articles.
(1) Note. The movement of the succession of articles after
the transverse shunting can be either a) along a new path
that is substantially parallel to the original particular
direction, or b) along a new path that is transverse to, or
inclined relative to, the the original particular direction,
or c) along a new path that is vertical or vertically
inclined.
Subclass:
457.01
To change direction of longitudinally moving stream:
This subclass is indented under subclass 456. Subject matter
wherein the direction of movement of the succession of
articles after they have been successively shunted is along a
new path that is transverse to, or inclined relative to, the
original particular direction of movement.
(1) Note. Included in this subclass is apparatus wherein
each of the articles is successively shunted in a transverse
direction, and each is successively shunted into a new path
that is parallel to the old path, laterally displaced from
the old path, and in a direction reverse to the old path. In
brief, each article follows a "U-shaped" path.
(2) Note. Structure for this subclass includes a first
conveyor for moving articles in a first direction and
delivering the articles to a second conveyor that moves the
articles in a different direction. In such structure the
claimed disclosure of the patent is important to the proper
placement of the patent for original and cross-reference
purposes. If the attitude of the successive articles relative
to the conveyors is not significant (i.e., not claimed or
particularly disclosed), the patent disclosing such conveyor
structure is properly placed in this subclass as an original.
If the attitude of the successive articles is significant
(e.g., a claim recites a turning of the conveyor article),
the effect of such turning should be considered for
placement. If the turning of the article relative to the
conveyors is such that on the first conveyor a particular
face is headed in the conveyed direction and during turning,
and when on the second conveyor said particular face is still
headed in the conveyed direction, then its attitude relative
to its conveyed direction has not been changed; a patent
claiming such "turning" is proper for original placement in
this subclass. If the turning of the article is such that on
the first conveyor a particular face is headed in the
conveyed direction, and if during turning or when on the
second conveyor a different face is headed in the conveyed
direction then its attitude relative to its conveyed
direction has been changed; a patent claiming such turning is
proper for original placement in subclasses 373+.
Subclass:
457.02
Item supporting rollers cause direction change:
This subclass is indented under subclass 457.01. Subject
matter wherein the conveyor includes rotating cylindrical
members and the members support the article and causes a
change in a direction of movement of the article.
Subclass:
457.03
Item supporting endless belt causes direction change:
This subclass is indented under subclass 457.01. subject
matter wherein the conveyor includes a continuous band of
flexible material (e.g., leather, rubber, fabric) or a
continuous band constructed of links of metal, plastic or
similar material and the band supports the article and causes
a change in a direction of movement of the article.
Subclass:
457.04
Item supporting screw causes direction change:
This subclass is indented under subclass 457.01. Subject
matter wherein the conveyor includes a conveying section
comprising a helical surface formation which is rotated about
its longitudinal axis and the surface supports the article
and causes a change in a direction of movement of the
article.
Subclass:
457.05
Fixed guide causes direction change:
This subclass is indented under subclass 457.01. Subject
matter wherein the conveyor includes a member which is
mechanically fastened or secured in place and causes a change
in a direction of movement of the article.
Subclass:
457.06
Nonsupporting endless belt causes direction change:
This subclass is indented under subclass 457.01. subject
matter wherein the conveyor includes a continuous band of
flexible material or a continuous band constructed of links
of metal, plastic or similar material and the article is
supported independently of the band and the conveyor causes a
change in a direction of movement of the article.
Subclass:
457.07
Nonsupporting rotary member causes direction change:
This subclass is indented under subclass 457.01. Subject
matter wherein the conveyor includes a member which turns on
an axis and the article is supported independently of the
member and the conveyor causes a change in a direction of
movement of the article.
Subclass:
458
This subclass is indented under subclass 456. Apparatus
wherein at least two successions of articles move along a
corresponding number of substantially parallel paths in a
particular direction of movement, and wherein the articles of
at least one of said successions are successively shunted in
a direction transverse to said particular direction, whereby
the distance between the successions of articles after the
shunting is different from the distance between the
successions before the shunting.
Subclass:
459.1
By longitudinally respacing successive articles in stream:
This subclass is indented under subclass 434. Subject matter
wherein a series of loads are repositioned or relocated
lengthwise in a timely and properly spaced order.
Subclass:
459.2
Rotating star wheel:
This subclass is indented under subclass 459.1. Subject
matter wherein a change in the load position is effected by
the engagement of the load with a revolving member having an
alternate arm and recess or having a plurality of radially
disposed fingers.
Subclass:
459.3
Rotating screw:
This subclass is indented under subclass 459.1. Subject
matter wherein the change in the article spacing is effected
by a revolving member which turns about its axis and includes
a body of cylindrical form having a plurality of helical or
spiral ribs or threads.
Subclass:
459.4
Varying pitch:
This subclass is indented under subclass 459.3. Subject
matter wherein a distance between a point on one of the
threads of the rotating screw and a corresponding point on an
adjacent thread is different.
Subclass:
459.5
Fixed obstruction and means for moving articles over or
around the obstruction:
This subclass is indented under subclass 459.1. Subject
matter wherein a stationary barrier to the movement of the
loads is overcome by a means which elevates or advances
laterally a leading load relative to the barrier to permit
further movement.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
463.5 for a similar barrier.
Subclass:
459.6
Movable gate:
This subclass is indented under subclass 459.1. Subject
matter wherein a barrier changes its position into the
conveying path to retard or stop the load and the barrier is
retractable to resume the load position to provide
predetermined longitudinal spacing between the adjacent
loads.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
463.4 for a similar gate.
Subclass:
459.7
Plural:
This subclass is indented under subclass 459.6. Subject
matter including two or more barriers.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
463.6 for a similar gate.
Subclass:
459.8
Endless or rotary conveyor having zone of varying speed:
This subclass is indented under subclass 459.1. Subject
matter wherein a continuous or revolving carrier includes a
load carrying roller or similar element contacting the loads
and changing the relative spacings of the articles by
temporarily increasing or decreasing the rate of motion of
the contacted articles.
Subclass:
460.1
With space-control means responsive to article sensing
means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 459.1. Subject
matter including means for detecting the presence or absence,
or other condition, of the loads of the succession, and
including means for regulating or changing the operation of
the conveyor to change the distance between the successive
loads as a result of the condition detected by the detecting
means.
Subclass:
460.2
Variable conveying length conveyor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 460.1. Subject
matter wherein the detecting means automatically changes the
effective carrying distance along the path of travel to delay
or speed up the time of discharge or receipt of the loads.
Subclass:
460.3
To crowd or imbricate:
This subclass is indented under subclass 460.1. Subject
matter including means for automatically controlling the
conveyor system for (a) decreasing the spacing between the
loads or (b) overlapping one load partly over the adjacent
load in a predetermined spacing arrangement.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
462.1 for crowding or imbricating without a sensor.
Subclass:
461.1
By successive conveyors having dissimilar speeds:
This subclass is indented under subclass 459.1. Subject
matter wherein a change in the spacing between the loads is
effected during a passage of the loads from one portion of
the carrier to the adjacent portion of the carrier, and the
change is caused by a difference in the rate of movement of
the carrier portions relative to each other.
Subclass:
461.2
Conveyors having increased speeds only:
This subclass is indented under subclass 461.1. Subject
matter wherein each downstream carrier moves faster than the
upstream carrier.
Subclass:
461.3
Belt or chain conveyors only:
This subclass is indented under subclass 461.2. Subject
matter wherein the carriers consist only of continuous bands
of flexible material or continuous bands constructed of links
of metal or plastic or similar material.
Subclass:
462.1
To crowd or imbricate articles:
This subclass is indented under subclass 461.1. Subject
matter wherein at least one of the conveyors is driven at a
speed to (a) cause a decreased spacing between the loads or
(b) cause one load to partly overlap the adjacent load in a
predetermined spacing arrangement.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
460.3 for an article sensing means controlling a crowding or
imbricating.
Subclass:
462.2
Articles imbricated:
This subclass is indented under subclass 462.1. Subject
matter wherein at least one of the conveyors is driven at a
speed to cause one load to overlap the adjacent load in a
predetermined spacing arrangement.
Subclass:
462.3
Crowding by endless belts or chain conveyors only:
This subclass is indented under subclass 462.1. Subject
matter wherein the decreased spacing is caused only by
continuous load carriers made of bands of flexible material
or bands constructed of links of metal or plastic or similar
material.
Subclass:
463.1
CONVEYOR SYSTEM FOR MOVING A SPECIFIC LOAD AS A SEPARATE
UNIT:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus including at least two conveyor sections
cooperating for the purpose of conveying one portion of
material, one article or one group of articles as a unit
separate from other portions or articles.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
418 for plural conveyor sections cooperating to form a group
of items into a unit from a mass or a plurality of sources of
items.
434 for plural conveyor sections cooperating to move
articles in a particular continuous arrangement such as a
stream of articles instead of as a separate unit.
Subclass:
463.2
System includes a linear conveyor or portion thereof which
bodily shifts transversely to move a load in synchronization
with a transverse continuously operating conveyor section:
This subclass is indented under subclass 463.1. Apparatus
wherein the system includes a conveyor driven to convey a
load in a straight line and in addition is in whole or part
bodily shifted sidewise to its direction of conveyance in
synchronization with a transverse, continuously operating
conveyor such that the load can be transferred between
conveyors without halting article movement.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
631.1 for conveyor adjustably mounted for extra conveying
function.
Subclass:
463.3
System includes linear conveyor or portion thereof which
shifts to lift or lower load before or after linearly
conveying load relative to adjacent conveyor section:
This subclass is indented under subclass 463.1. Apparatus
wherein the system includes a conveyor, which normally
conveys a load in a straight line, which in whole or part
bodily shifts to elevator or depress the load prior to or
following having conveyed the load relative to an adjacent
conveyor section.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
631.1 for conveyor adjustably mounted for extra conveying
function.
Subclass:
463.4
System includes gate means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 463.1. Apparatus
wherein the system includes a barrier which may be inserted
into or removed from the course of movement of the load
moving along the system to regulate the movement of the load
from one conveyor to another in the system.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
425 for gates used to form a unit from a stream of
articles.
451 for gates used to merge plural streams into one stream.
459.1 for gates used to space articles in a stream.
Subclass:
463.5
Load obstructing gate and means for lifting load over the
obstruction:
This subclass is indented under subclass 463.4. Apparatus
wherein the system includes a barrier to the movement of
articles and a means which elevates at least the leading unit
over the barrier to permit further movement of said unit
along the system.
Subclass:
463.6
Plural successively operated gate means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 463.4. Apparatus
wherein the system includes two or more barriers which are
sequentially operated.
Subclass:
464.1
System includes control means responsive to sensing means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 463.1. Apparatus
wherein the system includes means for detecting a condition
of a conveyor system or of the load carried thereon, or of
the environment in which the system operates and includes
means for regulating or changing the operation of said system
in response to the detecting means.
Subclass:
464.2
Responsive to load presence or absence:
Apparatus under 464.1 wherein the detecting means is actuated
by the existence or nonexistence of the load.
Subclass:
464.3
Responsive to condition of at least one conveyor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 464.2. Apparatus
wherein the detecting means is responsive to a condition
(e.g., position, speed, etc.) of one conveyor of the system
in addition to the existence or nonexistence of the load.
Subclass:
464.4
Responsive to undesired condition of load:
This subclass is indented under subclass 464.1. Apparatus
wherein the detecting means determines an unwelcome condition
of the load such as a jam.
(1) Note. Sensing load orientation or attitude is found in
subclass 395 of this class.
Subclass:
465.1
System includes a load supported by a conveyor portion which
is separable from the conveyor drive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 463.1. Apparatus
wherein the load is supported by a reusable carrier (conveyor
portion) which is frictionally or positively driven by a
drive means and is disengagable therefrom.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
803.1 for separable carriers used with a single conveyor.
Subclass:
465.2
Wherein the conveyor portion moves in a closed path in the
horizontal plane only:
This subclass is indented under subclass 465.1. Apparatus
wherein the load carrier portion is moved only in a closed
path in the longitudinal plane by one or more separate
carrier drives.
Subclass:
465.3
Wherein the conveyor portion is supported and driven adjacent
its opposite sides by horizontally spaced drives:
This subclass is indented under subclass 465.1. Apparatus
wherein the load carrier portion is driven by longitudinal
spaced drives which engage opposite sides of the portion.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
681 and 803.2, for carriers supporting loads between
horizontally spaced drives.
Subclass:
465.4
Wherein the conveyor portion supports the load below the
drive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 465.1. Apparatus
wherein the load carrier portion engages the load at a point
below to the location of engagement of the load carrier by
its drive means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
681 for carriers which engage load below the location of
engagement between the carrier and the carrier drive.
Subclass:
466.1
System includes a T-shaped or headed load suspended between
parallel conveyors directly:
This subclass is indented under subclass 463.1. Apparatus
wherein a load which is so proportioned that with respect to
a major dimension thereof a first portion extending
perpendicular to the dimension at one end thereof is larger
then a second portion extending perpendicular to the
dimension at the other end, and wherein the conveyor section
is provided with at least two horizontally spaced rails or
conveyors that the load will move along the conveyor sections
with the first portion above the rails or conveyors and the
second portion hung from the below the rails or conveyors.
(1) Note. Changing the attitude of a load by horizontal
spaced rails or conveyors if found is subclass 389 of this
class.
Subclass:
467.1
System includes a rotating screw:
This subclass is indented under subclass 463.1. Apparatus
wherein one of the conveyor sections includes a member which
turns about its axis and has a helical surface which is
shaped to extend radially of and simultaneously advance
longitudinally of said axis whereby the turning member
engages the load and advance it parallel to the axis.
Subclass:
468.01
System includes an oscillating or reciprocating load engaging
element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 463.1. Apparatus
wherein one of the conveyor sections comprises a component
which is connected to an actuator that imparts to-and-fro
motion in a path, at least a part of which path coincides
with a part of the path load being conveyed, the component
having the function of contacting the load whereby said load
will partake of movement imparted to said component at lest
while said paths coincide.
Subclass:
468.1
Element pushes load over separate support and has nonlinear
path of travel:
This subclass is indented under subclass 468.9. Apparatus
wherein the load is supported by a distinct support as it is
pushed by the load engaging component which travels in a
curvilinear or orbital path.
Subclass:
468.11
Element pushes load over separate support and has linear path
of travel:
This subclass is indented under subclass 468.9. Apparatus
wherein the load is supported by a separate support as it is
pushed by the engaging component which travels in a straight
line path.
Subclass:
468.2
Comprising load gripping elements:
This subclass is indented under subclass 468.01. Apparatus
wherein the load engaging component positively holds or
attracts the load by friction, or by use of a force field, or
by fluid current.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
750.11 for reciprocating conveyor section having a
reciprocating gripper.
Subclass:
468.3
Gripping elements movable relative to one another to space
articles in the load:
This subclass is indented under subclass 468.2. Apparatus
wherein the load engaging components are relatively movable
to move one portion of the load with respect to other
portion(s) thereof.
Subclass:
468.4
Suction gripping elements:
This subclass is indented under subclass 468.2. Apparatus
wherein the load gripping member comprises a gaseous medium
under subatmospheric pressure to hold the load during
conveyance.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
750.12 for reciprocating conveyor section having a
reciprocating suction gripper.
Subclass:
468.5
Magnetic or electrostatic gripping elements:
This subclass is indented under subclass 468.2. Apparatus
wherein the load gripping member uses lines of magnetic flux
or an electric force field to hold the load during
conveyance.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
750.13 for reciprocating conveyor section having a
reciprocating magnetic or electrostatic gripper.
Subclass:
468.6
Engaging element moves load vertically and horizontally:
This subclass is indented under subclass 468.01. Apparatus
wherein the load compact moves the load simultaneously in
both a raised or lowered position in a plane generally
parallel with the ground.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
750.14 for reciprocating conveyor section having a
reciprocating surface which carries a load horizontally and
vertically for one cycle only.
Subclass:
468.7
Element pushes load over nonlinear support:
This subclass is indented under subclass 468.6. Apparatus
wherein the load is supported during conveying by a separate
support with a horizontally and vertically extending
supporting surfaces and the engaging component propels the
load over said supporting surface.
Subclass:
468.8
Engaging element moves load vertically only:
This subclass is indented under subclass 468.01. Apparatus
wherein the load is only moved in a raised or lowered
position by the load engaging component.
Subclass:
468.9
Engaging element moves load horizontally in a straight line:
This subclass is indented under subclass 468.01. Apparatus
wherein the load is only moved in a straight line in a plane
generally parallel to the ground by the load engaging
component.
Subclass:
469.1
System includes a rotating or endless carrier with a load
engaging element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 463.1. Apparatus
wherein at least one conveyor comprises a plurality of load
contacting components spaced about and attached to a drive
member which moves in a closed loop or a belt movable
continuously along a path defined by the longitudinal axis.
Subclass:
470.1
Comprising a load gripping element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 469.1. Apparatus
wherein the load engaging components are mounted on a
rotating or endless drive which holds or attracts the load by
friction or by use of a force field, or by fluid current or
wherein at least one component is used to attract the load by
a force field or fluid pressure difference on a rotating
endless conveyor.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
803.3 for grippers mounted on a single rotary or endless
conveyor.
Subclass:
471.1
Suction gripping element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 470.1. Apparatus
wherein the load engaging component or attracting means
comprises a gaseous medium under subatmospheric pressure to
hold the load during conveyance.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
689.1 for conveyor section using suction to enhance friction
between the load and the conveyor.
803.5 for a conveyor section having suction holders.
Subclass:
472.1
Magnetic or electrostatic gripping element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 470.1. Apparatus
wherein the load engaging or attracting element uses lines of
magnetic flux or an electric force field to hold the load
during conveyance.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
690.1 and 691, for conveyor section using magnetic or
electrostatic forces to enhance frictional contact between
the load and the conveyor.
803.6 for a conveyor section with magnetic or electrostatic
holders.
Subclass:
473.1
Nongripping elements are adjustable or replaceable for
different sized loads:
This subclass is indented under subclass 469.1. Apparatus
wherein the load engaging component attached to the rotating
or endless drives do not grip the load and are adaptable or
changeable to accommodate different sized loads.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
803.11 for a conveyor section with replaceable or adjustable
holders for different sized loads.
Subclass:
474.1
With means to move load engaging elements relative to
carrier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 469.1. Apparatus
wherein the load engaging components are provided with means
to cause said load contacting components to have motion
relative to its drive member.
Subclass:
475.1
Whereby the load engaging component moves relative to the
carrier to maintain load in a desired position during travel
along a curved path:
This subclass is indented under subclass 474.1. Apparatus
wherein the load engaging component is moved relative to the
drive member such that the load is maintained in the same
attitude during travel of the load engaging component along a
circuitous path.
Subclass:
476.1
Element is shifted to discharge or receive a load:
This subclass is indented under subclass 474.1. Apparatus
wherein the load engaging element is movable relative to the
drive member for the purpose of ejecting or receipt of a
load.
Subclass:
477.1
Element is only shifted with the load during discharge:
This subclass is indented under subclass 476.1. Apparatus
wherein the load engaging component is only movable relative
to the drive member to eject the load.
Subclass:
478.1
Carrier rotates about a fixed axis:
This subclass is indented under subclass 469.1. Apparatus
wherein the load engaging components are attached to a fixed
member traveling in a closed loop path.
Subclass:
479.1
Elements push the load over a separate support:
This subclass is indented under subclass 478.1. Apparatus
wherein the load is supported by distinct means and the load
engaging component propels the load over said distinct
means.
Subclass:
480.1
With a load retaining guard means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 479.1. Apparatus
wherein the load is additionally contacted or guided by a
guide or fence which is spaced from the rotating load drive
at a distance sufficient to permit a load to be conveyed by
said drive member as it is pushed over the separate support
without permitting the load to escape therefrom.
Subclass:
481.1
With load retaining guard means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 478.1. Apparatus
provided with a guide or fence which is spaced from the
rotating load drive member at a distance sufficient to permit
a load to be conveyed by said driven members without
unintended escape therefrom.
Subclass:
482.1
Means mounted on the engaging element to forceable eject the
load from the element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 469.1. Apparatus
wherein each load contacting component includes a forcing
means to expel the load from the element.
Subclass:
483.1
Means movably mounted inside the path of the element to eject
the load:
This subclass is indented under subclass 470.1. Apparatus
wherein the rotating or endless conveyor has a moveably
mounted means located within the orbital path of the load
engaging elements to engage and discharge the load from the
load engaging elements.
Subclass:
484.1
Elements comprise a nongripping pair of members which
self-open as they pass through a curved path:
This subclass is indented under subclass 469.1. Apparatus
wherein the load engaging elements are formed by a pair of
opposed member which cooperate to contain the load without
gripping during linear travel and which pivot or flex
relative to one another to permit receipt or discharge of the
load.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
803.13 for a conveyor section with nongripping self-opening
holders.
Subclass:
485.1
Nongripping elements support the load below the endless
carrier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 469.1. Apparatus
wherein the load engaging elements contact the load without
gripping said load at a point below the location of
connection of the elements to the rotating or endless drive.
Subclass:
486.1
Elements are hooks:
This subclass is indented under subclass 485.1. Apparatus
wherein the nongripping load engaging elements are curved or
angular pieces of hard material.
Subclass:
487.1
Nongripping elements are laterally projecting pins which
engage the interior of a hollow load:
This subclass is indented under subclass 469.1. Apparatus
wherein the load has a cavity and the load engaging elements
are pins which engage said load cavity without gripping and
which project sidewise from the drive member.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
803.12 for conveyor section with means to engage the
interior of a hollow load.
Subclass:
493
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus wherein a conveying section has means associated
therewith which will a) shift a load on, supply a load to, or
remove a load from the conveying section by contacting the
load with a stream of moving fluid, b) remove detritus or
other unwanted material from the section or some part
thereof, c) maintain the cleanliness of the section, d) place
the section or a portion thereof in an aseptic condition, or
e) provide grease, oil, or other lubricant thereto to
facilitate the operation of the section.
(1) Note. Conveyors having cabinets with or without
ventilating means to prevent contamination of the conveyor or
its load will be found herein.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
15, Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning, appropriate
subclass, for cleaning implements of general utility and for
cleaning implements specialized for use on conveyors, but
which are not adapted to be mounted on an operating
conveyor.
184, Lubrication, appropriate subclass, especially 15.1, for
lubricating systems and devices, per se, or combined with a
nominal conveyor.
384, Bearings, 418 for a bearing and support means for
roller elements which may be used with power conveyors.
406, Conveyors: Fluid Current, 51 for apparatus by which the
load is moved by contact from a power-driven surface and by a
fluid current, either simultaneously or alternately.
Subclass:
494
This subclass is indented under subclass 493. Apparatus
wherein the section is provided with means which is
positioned so that it can directly act on the section, or
some part thereof, to remove soil or other unwanted or
undesirable material therefrom.
(1) Note. The cleaning means is structure, in addition to
that which is normally used to discharge the load. This
additional structure may discharge the unwanted material to
the same area that the load is delivered to if the unwanted
material is of the same material as the load. For example,
belt conveyors are often provided with a cleaning implement
located immediately downstream of the load discharge point,
which implement strikes off load adhering to the belt beyond
the discharge zone. This adhering load must be removed as it
could have a deleterious effect on the conveyor; however,
such material obviously could be carried along with the
discharged load without contaminating the same. In fact, if
the adhering load was not rejoined with the discharged load,
material would be wasted. In such arrangements, the adhering
load is, in fact, rejoined with the discharged load.
Subclass:
495
This subclass is indented under subclass 494. Apparatus
wherein the means for removing the unwanted material includes
means for contacting the section with a fluid.
(1) Note. Examples of structures to be found herein are a)
fluid spraying nozzles which impinge the section with a
stream liquid or gas to remove undesired material therefrom,
as opposed to impinging means for discharging the load from
the conveying section, b) vacuum applying means relying on
the sweeping action of a stream of atmospheric gas, e.g.,
air, or c) tanks into which the section dips, or which carry
liquid transferring means which, in turn, contact the
section.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
134, Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, appropriate
subclass, for processes of cleaning, and for apparatus which
clean a work piece by contacting said work piece with a
liquid.
Subclass:
496
This subclass is indented under subclass 494. Apparatus
wherein the means for removing the undesired material
includes a bristle carrying means which contacts the section,
or a portion thereof, to sweep such material therefrom.
Subclass:
497
This subclass is indented under subclass 494. Apparatus
wherein the means for removing the unwanted material includes
a blade-like member which engages some portion of the
section, and which is effective to dislodge such unwanted
material therefrom.
Subclass:
498
This subclass is indented under subclass 497. Apparatus
wherein means are provided which mount the blade-like member
for movement relative to the section, or section portion, to
effect or facilitate removal of unwanted material therefrom.
(1) Note. Movable conveyor flight cleaners for
barn-cleaning conveyors will be found herein.
Subclass:
499
This subclass is indented under subclass 497. Apparatus
wherein the means for removing the unwanted material includes
means which urge the blade-like member into contact with the
surface to be cleaned.
Subclass:
500
This subclass is indented under subclass 493. Apparatus
wherein the section, or some part thereof, has means
providing grease, oil, or some other lubricant thereto, to
promote efficiency in the operation of the section.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
721 for a pusher-type conveyor having means to facilitate
movement of the load across its supporting surface.
811 for endless belt-type conveyors provided with means for
forming an air cushion between the belt and its supporting
structure to facilitate movement of the belt.
Subclass:
501
This subclass is indented under subclass 500. Apparatus
wherein the section is of the troughed belt type having
support structure employing a plurality of drum-like members
which are arranged to contact and deflect the belt into an
open channel shape, and wherein the lubricant providing means
communicates with bearings carried by the drum-like members
to insure free turning of said members.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
824 for belt-type conveyors having roller assemblies for
troughing the belt thereof.
Subclass:
502.1
WITH ALARM OR INDICATOR:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter including means for (1), warning an attendant
of an undesirable conveyor operating condition (2),
indicating the operating mode of conveyor (3), indicating
dimensions of load or (4), indicating the position of a
moving or recently moved load along a conveying path.
(1) Note. Specific Conveying functions (orienting articles,
grouping articles, etc.) which are in combination with
nominal weighing means should be classified in the
appropriate conveying function subclass in Class 198.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
464.1 through 464.3, and 571-577, for controls for article
movement on conveyor systems.
464.4 for conveying systems having indicators for
undesirable conditions.
810.01 for the combination of an endless belt and a sensor
for articles, belt damage, belt tracking, or belt tension.
958 for conveyors in combination with a load unit counter.
959 for conveyors in combination with weighing.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
177, Weighing Scales, and Class 222, Dispensing, for specific
weighers in combination with conveying means.
235, Registers, 98 or Class 377, subclasses 6+ for conveyors
and article counting means.
Subclass:
502.2
Means for measuring dimensions (height, width, or length) of
load on a conveyor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 502.01. Apparatus
wherein the physical proportions of the load are detected
while the load is on a conveyor.
Subclass:
502.3
Means for indicating position of unit load:
This subclass is indented under subclass 502.1. Apparatus
wherein the physical location of the load is tracked and
indicated as it moves along the conveyor path.
Subclass:
502.4
Means responsive to conveyor movement to indicate speed or to
actuate alarm due to abnormal speed:
This subclass is indented under subclass 502.1. Apparatus
wherein means senses the velocity of the conveyor movement
and displays said velocity or actuates means warning on
attendant if the velocity is erratic.
Subclass:
506
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device
wherein a conveying section is provided with means which
particularizes the section either to gather material
scattered on a stationary-supported surface, e.g., the
ground, or to remove material from a mound or pile of such
material located on such a surface.
(1) Note. The term static support, as used herein, means a
surface that is stationary, or generally stationary, at the
time material is removed therefrom. Thus, a stopped railway
car or a moored ship is considered a static support for
purposes of classification in this subclass.
(2) Note. Water in a well is not considered to be material
scattered on a stationary support surface, nor is it
considered to be a mound or pile of material.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
700 702 and 715, for a driven conveyor of the bucket type
which is particularly adapted to convey liquid, and wherein
the source of liquid frequently is an entrapped, stationary
body of water (e.g., a well, etc.).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
15, Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning, 78, for street
cleaners which are loading devices, including brushes or
flexible members to aid in the loading. If the conveyor and
its support only are claimed, or its support only is claimed,
and if it otherwise meets the definition of this class (198),
the patent should be placed in this Class.
37, Excavating, appropriate subclass, for conveyors
particularly adapted for in situ digging, where the surface
of the earth is penetrated. If no actual digging element, as
teeth, wheel, plow, scoop, or the like, is claimed, and if
the conveyor is not particularly adapted to trench, the
patent should be placed in this class (198). If other
provided for operation, e.g., melting snow, are included, the
patent should be placed in Class 37. If the conveyor is
useful to handle loose material, the patent should be placed
in this class (198). If the presence of a wagon to be loaded
is essential to the intended operation of the device, the
patent should be placed in either Class 37 or Class 414,
Material or Article Handling.
56, Harvesters, appropriate subclasses, especially 16.4+,
71+, 153+, and 345+, for conveyors combined with other
harvester structure, or for conveyors limited to use on
harvesters. The line between conveyors of the type provided
for in subclass 506 and those provided for in Class 56,
which are of the raking and loading type, is that where
tines, prongs, or the like, are the raking means and the
apparatus is particularly designed for continuous raking up
of loose crop material while moving over a field, or if it
can be so used without modification, the patent is placed in
Class 56.
171, Unearthing Plants or Buried Objects, appropriate
subclasses, especially 31+, 63+, 89, 110, 111+, and 138, for
excavating and loading machines of the type having a scoop or
rake delivering to a power-driven conveyor. Class 171
further provides for conveyors which (1) are used to dig,
convey, and separate from the earth desired objects, (2) are
combined with digging or excavating means and function to
separate from the soil flowing from the digging or excavating
means from the desired plant or buried object, or (3) are
combined with an unearthing device and function merely to
feed material to or from such devices.
299, Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material, 64,
for hard material disintegrating machines having
material-handling means.
Subclass:
507
This subclass is indented under subclass 506. Device wherein
the conveying section is provided with means to regulate the
operation of the section, or of some part thereof, which
means includes means to sense a) an undesirable operating
characteristic of the section, or b) a property or
characteristic of the conveyed load.
(1) Note. Undesirable operating characteristics of a
conveying section includes conditions which are potentially
dangerous to machine operators or to those in the vicinity of
the machine, or conditions which might cause damage to the
conveying section, or some part thereof.
Subclass:
508
This subclass is indented under subclass 506. Apparatus
wherein the section is provided with means which enables the
section to form a mound of material on a stationary
supporting surface.
Subclass:
509
This subclass is indented under subclass 506. Device wherein
the particularizing means for the conveying section comprises
an orbiting progression of load confining receptacles, each
of which intermittently engages material on the static
support, and each of which removes a volumetrically confined
discrete load unit of the material from the support.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
701 for bucket conveyors in general, subclass 700, for
bucket members carried by a freely hanging, endless member,
and subclass 715, for flexible pocket conveying members.
Subclass:
510.1
Power-driven feed means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 506. Device wherein
the particularizing means includes a driven-load transferring
device which is located at the entrance to a conveying
section, and which acts on the material on the static support
to compel the material onto the section.
(1) Note. A feeding means is an apparatus which is
structurally similar to a conveying section, but which
assumes an ancillary role due to its position with respect to
the section served. It is present merely to enhance or
improve the operation of the section served.
Subclass:
511
This subclass is indented under subclass 510.1. Apparatus
wherein the power-driven feeding means is mounted to move in
a plane normal to the horizon to any one of a plurality of
desired positions, such that the feeding means will be
maintained in contact with a receding pile of material.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
519 for a conveyor having means mounting the conveyor for
pile surface attack.
589 and 592+, for plural power-driven conveyors with means
mounting a section to swing about a generally horizontal
axis.
861.1 for a conveyor frame which may be adjustable or
mounted for swinging.
Subclass:
512
This subclass is indented under subclass 510.1. Device
wherein the particularizing means includes a set of two load
transferring devices which are adapted to be positioned on
opposite sides of the entrance to a conveying section, and
which devices coact with each other to move the material
therebetween and onto the section.
Subclass:
513
This subclass is indented under subclass 512. Device wherein
the set of transfer devices includes two rotating members,
each of which has a helical wound load engaging flight
extending around and along its axis of rotation, each flight
being configured to move material in a direction opposite to
the direction of material movement in the other flight so
that the material is fed by both members towards a central
delivery point at which a conveying section is adapted to be
located.
Subclass:
514
This subclass is indented under subclass 512. Apparatus
wherein each of the load transferring devices has a material
contacting member which is swept across a load support
surface common to both devices to cause the movement of the
material therebetween.
Subclass:
515
This subclass is indented under subclass 514. Apparatus
wherein each transfer device includes a plurality of material
contacting members which are moved in a closed path.
Subclass:
516
This subclass is indented under subclass 515. Apparatus
wherein the plurality of material contacting members are
secured to, and moved by, a flexible band-like member.
Subclass:
517
This subclass is indented under subclass 510.1. Apparatus
wherein the particularizing means includes a plate-like
member which sweeps across the material supporting surface to
draw material towards the conveying section.
Subclass:
518
This subclass is indented under subclass 510.1. Apparatus
wherein the particularizing means includes a load
transferring device which turns about an axis of rotation and
which engages and compels the material to move into the
entrance of a conveying section by following a path which is
coincident with or tangent to the path described by the
periphery of the rotating device.
Subclass:
519
This subclass is indented under subclass 506. Device wherein
the conveying section is provided with means which enable the
section's conveying member to engage and to remain in contact
with the surface of a mound of loose material so that the
section can continue to remove material from the mound as its
surface recedes.
Subclass:
520
This subclass is indented under subclass 506. Apparatus
including a conveying section having a material contacting
member which sweeps across a load-supporting surface, said
section being configured such that it is capable of either
collecting loose bulk material scattered on a supporting
surface, e.g., the ground, or separating the bulk material
from a mass of loose material, e.g., a pile of coal.
Subclass:
521
This subclass is indented under subclass 506. Apparatus
wherein the conveying section is a generally channel-shaped
element which is adapted to be rapidly reciprocated to and
fro, and which has a material inlet designed to facilitate
removal of the load from the ground.
Subclass:
522
This subclass is indented under subclass 506. Apparatus
wherein the section is provided with means forming an
entrance for the section, which means acts to guide material
from the static support to the section.
Subclass:
523
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus comprising a conveyor system consisting of at least
one gravity conveyor section and at least one power-driven
conveyor section in any sequence. Devices (e.g., gates,
etc.) appurtenant to either section, or otherwise forming a
part of the system, are included.
(1) Note. "Gravity conveyor section" is a term embracing
structures which support, or guide, or otherwise define a
flow path for material which is moving from one elevation to
another under the influence of gravity. Art terms such as
"hopper", "chute", etc., frequently are indicative of a
gravity aspect, but their usage is sufficiently inconsistent
as to be nondefinitive thereof.
(2) Note. Gravity conveyor sections are of two principal
kinds: (1) gravity discharge material holders (the art term
"hopper" occasionally corresponds), and (2) gravity flow
paths (the art term "chute" frequently corresponds).
A gravity discharge material holder is primarily a storage
device having a vertically (or predominantly so) downward
discharge path. No specific "bottom" structure need be
claimed as long as it is apparent that material may be
supported therein for an interval somewhat longer than that
required for mere passage therethrough, i.e., that the device
is something more than a funnel. If the device is a holder
by these criteria, the claiming of flow-inducing internal
structure (e.g., "downwardly and inwardly sloping sidewalls",
etc.) is irrelevant.
A gravity flow path is an inclined structure which supports
and/or guides material moving therealong or therethrough
under the influence of gravity. The inclination may vary
from just above the horizontal to vertical, and the
structure, often of a trough-like nature, may be anything
from a surface (supporting, but not guiding the material) to
a conduit (which, if vertical, guides, but does not support).
(While the term "gravity flow path" is not specifically set
forth in a subclass title until subclass 560, structure of
this nature appears throughout this and the indented
subclasses.)
(3) Note. When a gravity discharge material holder serves
as a source of supply for the claimed system, it is more
precisely identified in this and the indented subclasses as a
"source of supply discharging by gravity" (or, more briefly,
as a "gravity source"). This particular usage of a gravity
discharge material holder is provided for in subclasses 540+
below.
(4) Note. Some material-containing receptacles (usually
designated as a "hopper" or a "bin") found in this and the
indented subclasses are not capable of discharging by gravity
and, therefore, do not constitute gravity conveyor sections
in the sense that gravity discharge material holders do. A
power-driven conveyor section is provided within, or
otherwise associated with, each such receptacle for removing
(upwardly or laterally) the material therefrom. Where such a
receptacle and conveyor, identified herein as a "bin with a
power-driven conveyor section for discharging it",
constitutes a source of supply for the claimed system,
subclasses 550.01+ provides for the system; however, if it
appears elsewhere in the system, it has only the status of
its power-driven section.
One other usage of a receptacle appears occasionally in this
and the indented subclasses, namely, as an element for
receiving the material transported by the system. Having
neither a capability for gravity discharge nor a power-driven
section for moving the material therefrom, it is treated as a
mere receiver, for which no classification is provided. As a
matter of fact, a receiver for this and the indented
subclasses is not limited to a receptacle, but can be merely
a surface.
(5) Note. Inasmuch as conveyor systems and sections for the
conveying of articles usually are more adequately and
specifically provided for in certain subclasses above, most
of the art in this and the indented subclasses involves the
conveying of bulk-type material (e.g., coal, sand, etc.).
Subclass:
524
This subclass is indented under subclass 523. Apparatus
wherein the system includes means to sense a condition (or a
change therein) which affects the operation of the system,
and to cause a response thereto by one or more elements of
the system.
Subclass:
525
This subclass is indented under subclass 523. Apparatus
wherein the system includes means which has an effect (e.g.,
starting, maintaining, slowing, stopping, reshaping (e.g.,
leveling of bulk material), redirecting, regulating, etc.)
upon the flow of the principal body of material entering,
moving through, or leaving the system.
(1) Note. Usually the means is in the form of an element,
member, device, etc., which is in addition to the conveyor
sections; however, it may comprise a conveyor section,
gravity or power-driven which has a mounting means of the
kind whereby the section is adjustable, provided that the
purpose of so mounting the section is to enable it to affect
the flow of material.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
537 for a conveyor system under this heading which may
include means to affect the flow of material which has become
separated, whether purposely or otherwise, from the principal
body of material.
633 for a conveyor section provided with a passive means,
which means, upon contact of the load therewith, changes the
movement of the load with respect to the section.
Subclass:
526
This subclass is indented under subclass 525. Apparatus
wherein the flow-affecting means comprises an element (or
series of elements) which moves (e.g., orbitally, rotatably,
etc.) through or within the path of flow from a gravity
section to a power-driven section in timed relation with the
movement of the power-driven section for the purpose of
momentarily interfering with flow along that path at such
times no one of the successive conveying elements (e.g., a
bucket) of the power-driven section is properly positioned to
receive the flow.
(1) Note. The means of this subclass (526) frequently is a
series of traveling deflectors, each of which temporarily
diverts or interrupts the flow, and which are more commonly
referred to as "gap closers". While such deflectors may, per
se, constitute a gravity conveyor section (i.e., a gravity
flow path), classification herein does not take into account
either the presence or the absence of such a conveying
function.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
708 for a conveyor section of the bucket type wherein a
bucket is provided with structure to close a gap between it
and the next successive bucket.
Subclass:
527
This subclass is indented under subclass 526. Apparatus
wherein the moving means comprises a power-driven conveyor
section.
(1) Note. The coordinated movement of the power-driven
sections is sometimes utilized to control the duration of
flow (e.g., gating), or to accomplish delivery from one to
the other in a particular manner (e.g., with reduced shock,
with less friction-developing speed differential, etc.).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
531 for a reciprocating, load-supporting element which,
while sometimes identified as a "carrier", and which may be
spaced below the gravity sections, function more in the
nature of a gate than a power-driven conveyor section.
Subclass:
528
This subclass is indented under subclass 525. Apparatus
wherein the flow-affecting means comprises an adjustable
(e.g., repositionable) gravity section (e.g., a
pivotably-mounted gravity flow path) which is moved (raised)
from an inclined, discharging attitude to a less inclined
(e.g., horizontal), nondischarging attitude and back
(lowered), by a power- driven conveyor which passes beneath
the gravity section in a discharge-receiving relationship.
The shifting is caused by the engagement of a conveying
element (e.g., a bucket) or other component of the
power-driven section with the nonpower-driven section or an
attachment thereto, and the result is an interruption of the
flow of material whenever no one of the conveying elements is
in a proper position to receive same.
(1) Note. The structures of this subclass frequently
include additional means to affect the volume of flow,
usually by controlling its duration.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
533 for a flow-affecting means under this heading wherein a
power- driven section may intermittently contact a gravity
section, but wherein the purpose is to encourage flow on or
in that section rather than to cause the flow to begin or
cease as in this subclass.
Subclass:
529
This subclass is indented under subclass 525. Apparatus
wherein the flow-affecting means comprises structure whereby
an element of a power-driven section is so engaged and/or
moved (e.g., opened, tilted, etc.) as to initiate removal of
the section's load.
(1) Note. In the case of a power-driven section of the
bucket type, which type of section appears frequently in this
subclass, the structure usually is of one or the other of two
kinds; (1) the bucket is movably mounted with respect to its
carrier and a member is provided to cause movement of the
bucket (or a guiding/restraining member is terminated to
permit movement of the bucket by gravity), relative to the
carrier, into a dumping attitude, or (2) one or more portions
of the bucket are movable with respect to the remainder
thereof to throw open the load-confining region of the
bucket. On the other hand, the mere passage of a bucket
around a sprocket into an inverted, load-discharging attitude
is not sufficient for this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
525 for flow-affecting means under this heading which may
involve a means to effect the removal of a load from a
conveying element of a power-driven section, but which
removal-affecting means does not manipulate the conveying
element.
Subclass:
530
This subclass is indented under subclass 525. Apparatus
wherein the flow-affecting means comprises an
adjustably-mounted element which can be moved into or out of
position in which it blocks the flow path of a conveyor
section.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
534 for a flow-affecting means under this heading comprising
structure which interferes with, or otherwise restricts, but
does not close off the flow path.
535 for a flow-affecting means under this heading involving
a gravity conveyor section which has means to reposition it,
and wherein the flow of material over or through the section
may be slowed or stopped by such repositioning.
Subclass:
531
This subclass is indented under subclass 530. Apparatus
wherein the element is associated with a gravity conveyor
section and is shifted from one position to the other as the
result of the movement of a conveying element of a
power-driven section into a position to receive the flow
which results from the shifting of the element. The element
may be shifted by direct contact with the conveying element
or some other portion of the power-driven section, or the
shifting of the element and the movement of the conveying
element may be coordinated otherwise (e.g., geared drive,
etc.).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
526 for a conveyor system under this heading having a moving
flow-control means which is coordinated with a power-driven
section, and which means may be in the nature of a traveling
gate (e.g., an apertured endless apron, an apertured rotary
disc, etc.).
703 for a conveyor section of the bucket type wherein means
is provided to facilitate the loading or the unloading of a
bucket.
Subclass:
532
This subclass is indented under subclass 530. Apparatus
wherein the element is located adjacent the discharge opening
of a gravity discharge material holder. While such an
opening often is located in a horizontal plane, and therefore
has a vertical discharge path, the opening can be any one
from which the discharge path is at least as nearly vertical
as it is horizontal.
(1) Note. The element may be located in a spout (i.e., a
gravity flow path) which is attached to the holder and
depends from the discharge opening thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
531 for a gate under this heading which may be of the type
found in this subclass (532), but wherein its operation is
coordinated with that of a power-driven section.
Subclass:
533
This subclass is indented under subclass 525. Apparatus
wherein the flow-affecting means comprises a device,
mechanism, element, etc., to impart additional energy to the
load for the purpose of assisting its movement through the
system.
(1) Note. The device, etc., may be located within a section
and in direct contact with the load therein (e.g., to prevent
"bridging"), or it may act upon a section exteriorly
thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
537 for a conveyor system under this heading which includes
means to handle a portion of the load which becomes separated
from the main flow path, which means may involve an auxiliary
flow path having a device, etc., for agitating, etc.
752 for a power-driven conveyor section which moves in a
vibrator manner, but wherein that movement constitutes the
principal conveying force upon the load.
Subclass:
534
This subclass is indented under subclass 525. Apparatus
wherein the flow-affecting means comprises structure which is
clearly intended to interfere with, or otherwise restrict,
but not to close off the movement of a load, or a portion
thereof, along or within a flow path.
(1) Note. In the instance of an article-type load,
yieldable (elastic, pivotable, etc.) elements frequently are
utilized to slow or to even the flow, whereas, in the case of
bulk material, the restricting structure often is of a kind
which levels, or otherwise configures the cross-section of a
moving load.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
525 for related structure, but wherein the effect thereof
upon the movement of a load is not expressly related to
retarding its velocity or reducing its volume.
530 for related structure, but which has the capability of,
and is intended to be used at some time for, closing off the
flow path.
Subclass:
535
This subclass is indented under subclass 525. Apparatus
wherein the flow-affecting means comprises the adjustable
(e.g., movable, repositionable, etc.) mounting of one or more
of the conveyor sections for the purpose of altering the flow
of material in such respects as direction, velocity (e.g.,
varying the inclination of a gravity flow path), etc.
(1) Note. This subclass includes a gravity system wherein
the first section of the system is adjustable for the purpose
of receiving, at alternative locations, material from a
source outside of the claimed system.
(2) Note. The adjustability requirement of this subclass is
satisfied by a section which is adjustable only in part.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
360 for a conveyor arrangement for selecting among plural
sources or plural destinations and wherein the selecting
means comprises a movable mounted gravity section.
526 for a flow-affecting means under this heading which
frequently includes traveling deflector elements which may,
in themselves, perform in the nature of momentary gravity
flow paths, but wherein no attempt is made, for purposes of
classification, to account for the presence of such a
function.
528 for a flow-affecting means under this heading which
includes an adjustable gravity section.
533 for a flow-affecting means under this heading which
comprises an agitator, etc., and wherein a conveyor section
may be adjustable to the extent necessary to cooperate with
the agitator.
538 for a conveyor system under this heading wherein one or
more of the conveyor sections is repositionable for a
nonoperative purpose (e.g., storage, transport, etc.).
586 for a conveyor system which comprises plural power-drive
conveyor sections and wherein the sections are relatively
adjustable.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
222, Dispensing, subclass 166, for a dispenser having a
supply container which is tiltable for the purpose of
dispensing by gravity.
Subclass:
536
This subclass is indented under subclass 535. Apparatus
wherein the adjustable section, or at least one of them, if
plural, is the last section of the system.
(1) Note. The purpose of the adjustment ordinarily is to
change the locus of the point at which work is discharged
from the system, and the adjustment frequently comprises
pivotablity in one or more planes.
Subclass:
537
This subclass is indented under subclass 523. Apparatus
wherein the system includes means pertaining to the handling
of a portion or component of the load which becomes separated
from the flow path of the principal portion of the load.
(1) Note. The portion which becomes separated may be, for
example, bulk material which inadvertently escapes from the
principal flow path by overflow, spillage, etc., or it may be
foreign material on articles (e.g., the husk on an ear of
corn) which is encouraged to leave the main flow path. In the
first instance, the means usually involves structure whereby
the separated portion is returned to the flow path of the
principal portion, whereas in the second case, the means may
take the form of an exit path from the system.
(2) Note. The separated portion also may comprise a portion
which is shunted to an auxiliary path for return to the main
supply and eventual recirculation.
(3) Note. While the means of this subclass may itself
comprise an additional conveyor system or an element thereof,
it is not intended that a patent of this subclass be
additionally classified elsewhere on the basis of that system
or element thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
494 for a conveyor section having a means to clean it. In
some instances, a separate flow path is provided for the
material removed by the cleaning means, which material may be
residue from the conveyed load.
580 for a conveyor system involving plural power-driven
conveyor sections, and wherein a portion of the load is
recycled in a closed path.
Subclass:
538
This subclass is indented under subclass 523. Apparatus
wherein the system includes means whereby one or more of the
conveyor sections are adjustable (e.g., repositionable)
relative to one another for a reason having to do with a
nonoperative mode of the system (e.g., for placing the system
in a condition for being stored or being moved to another
location, for moving a component to a nontraffic-obstructing
position, etc.); in general, this subclass involves structure
whereby the system may be made more compact.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
528 and 535+, for other conveyor systems under this heading
having sections which are adjustable, but wherein the
adjusting is for the purpose of affecting the flow of
material in the system.
586 for a conveyor system which comprises plural power-drive
sections and wherein the sections are relatively adjustable.
632 for a conveyor section which is foldable to facilitate
storage or transportation.
861.1 for a conveyor section having a frame which is
adjustable.
Subclass:
539
This subclass is indented under subclass 523. Apparatus
wherein the system includes a member which serves to support
the load as it moves, under the influence of a
previously-acquired momentum, from one conveyor section to
another.
(1) Note. The member may take the form of a horizontal
planar surface; however, a platform which serves only as
depository for the load after it has departed from the system
is not subject matter for this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
600 for a conveyor system having plural power-driven
conveyor sections and involving load-supporting structure
which functions in a similar manner.
Subclass:
540
This subclass is indented under subclass 523. Apparatus
wherein the system comprises a gravity discharge material
holder, which serves as a source of supply for the system,
and a power-driven section downstream thereof. Additional
conveyor sections, either gravity or power-driven, may be
present downstream of the holder, either in one of the
sequences specifically provided for in the subclasses
indented hereunder, or in some other sequence.
(1) Note. Some systems which have a source of supply
present a close case as to whether the source constitutes a
"gravity discharge material holder" for this and the indented
subclasses, or a "bin with a power-driven conveyor for
discharging it" for subclasses 550.01+ below (see the
explanatory material which appears in subclass 523).
If the material leaves the source in a vertically (or
predominantly so) downward path solely by gravity, these
subclasses (540+) are involved. If the material is moved
from the source only by the operation of the power-driven
section, subclasses 550.01+ are proper.
If the source is claimed as "overlying the conveyor", or the
conveyor is claimed as being "below the source" - despite the
absence of a showing of such a separation - gravity flow is
presumed to exist.
The disclosure may be helpful in resolving borderline
situations; for instance, a statement to the effect that "the
material drops onto the power-driven section" is presumptive
of the existence of gravity flow. If the situation remains
doubtful, then the doubt should be resolved in favor of the
existence of gravity flow for this and the indented
subclasses.
Subclass:
541
This subclass is indented under subclass 540. Apparatus
wherein the system includes at least one more gravity section
between the gravity discharge material holder and the
discharge-receiving, power-driven section.
Subclass:
542
This subclass is indented under subclass 541. Apparatus
wherein the system includes at least one additional
power-driven section immediately following the
discharge-receiving, power-driven section.
Subclass:
543
This subclass is indented under subclass 540. Apparatus
wherein the system includes at least one more power-driven
section immediately following the discharge-receiving,
power-driven section.
Subclass:
544
This subclass is indented under subclass 543. Apparatus
wherein the successive power-driven section is a conveyor of
the apron type.
Subclass:
545
This subclass is indented under subclass 543. Apparatus
wherein the successive power-driven section is a conveyor of
the screw type.
Subclass:
546
This subclass is indented under subclass 540. Apparatus
wherein the system includes at least one gravity section
immediately following the discharge-receiving, power-driven
section.
Subclass:
547
This subclass is indented under subclass 540. Apparatus
wherein the discharge-receiving, power-driven section is a
conveyor of the apron type.
Subclass:
548
This subclass is indented under subclass 540. Apparatus
wherein the discharge-receiving, power-driven section is a
conveyor of the screw type.
Subclass:
549
This subclass is indented under subclass 540. Apparatus
wherein the discharge-receiving, power-driven section is a
conveyor of the endless belt type.
Subclass:
550.01
Bin having a power-driven conveyor section for discharging or
feeding discharge to a gravity or power-driven section:
This subclass is indented under subclass 523. Apparatus
wherein the system comprises a receptacle (e.g., bin, tank,
etc.) with a power-driven conveyor section for discharging
it, which receptacle serves as a source of supply for the
system, or the power-driven discharge feeds the discharge to
additional conveyor section either of the power-driven or
gravity type.
(1) Note. This and the indented subclasses provide for a
specific use of the type of conveyor section designated as "a
bin with a power-driven conveyor section for discharging it",
as discussed more fully in subclasses 523 and 540 above.
These subclasses (550.01+) are the only areas within this
heading wherein a receptacle and conveyor arrangement of this
nature is accorded, for purposes of classification, any
status other than that of its power-driven section, per se.
(2) Note. An elevating conveyor, having at its lower end
structure, forming a "boot" from which the conveyor picks up
material, usually is an example of a bin with a power-driven
conveyor for discharging it. However, such is not the case
in the event that structure of the boot is claimed in such a
manner (e.g., "a forwardly and downwardly sloping rear wall
leading to the path of the buckets", etc.) that its function
as a gravity flow path cannot be ignored; in this situation,
the two devices present a system comprised of a
nonpower-driven conveyor section (gravity flow path) feeding
to a power- driven section.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
453 for a conveying system for queueing items from a
quantity source onto another conveyor of the system through a
throat for restricting the flow of massed items.
Subclass:
550.1
Screw type power-driven discharge means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 550.01. Apparatus
wherein the power-driven section for discharging the
receptacle is a load engaging rotating section in the form of
a helical surface.
Subclass:
550.11
Bucket type power-driven discharge means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 550.01. Apparatus
wherein the power-driven section for discharging the
receptacle is a holder having a pocket formed thereon to
receive the discharge.
Subclass:
550.12
Scraper type power-driven discharge means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 550.01. Apparatus
wherein the power-driven section discharging the receptacle
is a conveyor having a blade-like member mounted thereon to
facilitate movement of the discharge.
Subclass:
550.13
Apron type power-driven discharge means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 550.01. Apparatus
wherein the power-driven section discharging the receptacle
is a conveyor of the endless belt type.
Subclass:
550.2
Having adjustable bin or discharge means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 550.01. Apparatus
the receptacle is movable relative to power-driven discharge
means or the power-driven discharge means is movable relative
to the receptacle for the purpose of changing the position of
one relative to the other.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
861.1 for an adjustable conveyor frame or casing.
Subclass:
550.3
Excess material on power-driven discharge means returned to
bin:
This subclass is indented under subclass 550.01. Apparatus
having means for facilitating the reentry of the discharge
carried upon the power-driven discharge means to the source
of supply (e.g., receptacle).
Subclass:
550.4
Power-driven discharge means feeds to a subsequent gravity
section:
This subclass is indented under subclass 550.01. Apparatus
wherein the system includes at least one gravity section
which immediately receives the discharge provided by the
power-driven receptacle discharge means.
Subclass:
550.5
Power-driven discharge means feeds to a subsequent
power-driven section:
This subclass is indented under subclass 550.01. Apparatus
wherein the power-driven conveyor section discharge means
feeds the discharge to another power-driven conveyor section
immediately following said discharge means.
Subclass:
550.6
Of the screw type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 550.5. Apparatus
wherein the power-driven section, which immediately receives
the discharge provided by the power-driven receptacle
discharge means consists of a rotating section having a load
engaging portion which is in the form of a helical surface.
Subclass:
550.7
Of the bucket type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 550.5. Apparatus
wherein the power-driven section, which immediately receives
the discharge provided by the power-driven receptacle
discharge means is a holder having a pocket formed thereon
for retaining the discharge.
Subclass:
550.8
Of the scraper type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 550.5. Apparatus
wherein the power-driven section, which immediately receives
the discharge means, is a conveyor having a blade-like member
mounted thereon to facilitate movement of the discharge.
Subclass:
550.9
Of the apron type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 550.5. Apparatus
wherein the power-driven section, which immediately receives
the discharge provided by the power-driven discharge means is
an endless belt.
Subclass:
560
This subclass is indented under subclass 523. Apparatus
wherein the system comprises three or more conveyor sections,
the first three sections of which are, in sequence,
power-driven, gravity and power-driven.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
554 for a conveyor system under this heading having the same
sequence of power-driven and gravity sections, but wherein
the first power-driven section is a means for discharging a
bin, which bin and power-driven section constitute a source
of supply for the system.
561 for a conveyor system under this heading having a
gravity section located between two runs of plural-run,
power-driven section.
563 for a conveyor system under this heading having gravity
and power-driven sections in a sequence which is the reverse
of that of this subclass (560).
Subclass:
561
This subclass is indented under subclass 560. Apparatus
wherein the system comprises a gravity section which is fed
by one run of a plural-run, power- driven section, and which
then feeds to another run of that section.
Subclass:
562
This subclass is indented under subclass 523. Apparatus
wherein the system comprises a gravity section of the gravity
flow path type feeding to a power-driven section.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
540 for a conveyor system under this heading having the same
sequence of gravity and power-driven sections, but wherein
the gravity section is a gravity discharge material holder
which is the source of supply for the system.
Subclass:
563
This subclass is indented under subclass 562. Apparatus
wherein the system includes another gravity section, which
can be either a gravity discharge material holder or a
gravity flow path, immediately following the power-driven
section.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
546 for a conveyor system under this heading having the same
sequence of gravity and power-driven sections, but wherein
the first gravity section is a gravity discharge material
holder which is the source of supply for the system.
Subclass:
564
This subclass is indented under subclass 562. Apparatus
wherein the power-driven section is a conveyor of the thrower
type.
Subclass:
565
This subclass is indented under subclass 562. Apparatus
wherein there are two or more gravity sections upstream of
the power-driven section, at least the first of which gravity
sections is a gravity flow path.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
541 for a conveyor system under this heading having the same
sequence of gravity and power-driven sections, but where the
first section is a gravity discharge material holder which is
the source of supply for the system.
Subclass:
566
This subclass is indented under subclass 562. Apparatus
wherein there are two or more power-driven sections
downstream of the gravity flow path.
Subclass:
567
This subclass is indented under subclass 566. Apparatus
wherein the power-driven sections are arranged serially with
respect to one another.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
543 for a conveyor system under this heading having the same
sequence of gravity and power-driven sections, but wherein
the gravity section is a gravity discharge material holder
which is the source of supply for the system.
Subclass:
568
This subclass is indented under subclass 523. Apparatus
wherein there are two or more power-driven sections upstream
of the gravity section.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
550.01 for a conveyor system under this heading having the
same sequence of gravity and power-driven sections, but
wherein the first power-driven section is a means for
discharging a bin, which bin and power-driven section
constitute a source of supply for the system.
Subclass:
569
This subclass is indented under subclass 523. Apparatus
wherein there are two or more gravity sections downstream of
the power-driven section.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
553 for a conveyor system under this heading having the same
sequence of gravity and power-driven sections, but wherein
the power-driven section is a means for discharging a bin,
which bin and power-driven section constitute a source of
supply for the system.
Subclass:
570
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus including either (a) conveyors on separate
conveying paths, or (b) conveyors which transfer a load from
one to another.
(1) Note. The following arrangements are not considered
systems with plural conveyors: (a) sets of reciprocating
members tandemly disposed along the load conveying path,
members of adjacent sets being interdigitated, and the load
being supported on, and advance by, the sets successively,
(b) two or more members which are fixedly secured to a single
reciprocating means, such as a pressure actuated ram, and
which push articles or bulk material supported on the same
surface or on different surfaces, and (c) plural
reciprocating means, such as rakes, which positioned in side
by side relation, are not rigidly connected together, and are
arranged to cooperate in pushing a mass of articles or bulk
material supported on a surface without separating means
between the articles or bulk material.
(2) Note. Includes here as a system of plural conveyors is
an arrangement wherein reciprocating members are driven by a
single powered means (e.g., a crankshaft), and are not
fixedly connected together if said members push articles or
bulk material supported in separated relation on the same
surface or on different surfaces (e.g., cans in
spaced-apart-troughs, or rows of cans supported on the same
surface, but separated by a partition).
(3) Note. Not included here as a system of plural conveyors
is a first conveyor which is located above a second conveyor
and which engages a portion of the load carried by said
second conveyor and moves it backward (e.g., a doffing roller
situated above an endless belt and rotating in a direction
opposite to movement of the latter).
(4) Note. Included in this subclass are systems of
conveyors such as endless belts placed side by side, with one
belt carrying cans, and another belt carrying can covers, to
workers at a can assembly area.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
497 for conveyors having cleaning scrapers which are
provided with auxiliary conveyors for transporting removed
detritus away from the main conveyor.
620 for plural conveyors which coact by gripping a load
therebetween, and which do not transfer the load from one to
another.
793 for pallets, carriages, or the like, which move around
an endless path to convey loads supported thereon, plural
drive means being spaced along said path for moving said
load-conveying means.
817 for plural endless belts disposed side by side and
jointly supporting the same load.
Subclass:
571
This subclass is indented under subclass 570. Apparatus
including means for influencing the operation of a conveyor
in response to (a) a change in operation of the conveying
system, (b) presence or absence of the load at a point on its
normal path of travel, or (c) a characteristic of the load.
Subclass:
572
This subclass is indented under subclass 571. Apparatus
wherein the operation influencing means responds to things
recited in either section (b) or section (c) of said
subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
505 for a system of plural conveyors in which the operation
of a conveyor is controlled by means responsive to the weight
of the load.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
53, Package Making, 52, for package making apparatus having
operation control means responsive to a condition of a
package or its contents.
Subclass:
573
This subclass is indented under subclass 572. Apparatus
wherein the operation influencing means responds to an
undesirable accumulation of load at a point on its travel
path.
Subclass:
574
This subclass is indented under subclass 570. Apparatus
wherein a first conveyor is mounted on and moves with a
second conveyor that engages the same or a different load.
(1) Note. Conveying sections merely supported on movable or
repositionable mounts will not be found herein, unless such a
mount is an identifiable conveying section which engages a
load.
Subclass:
575
This subclass is indented under subclass 570. Apparatus
including means for influencing the operating mode of one
conveyor with respect to the operating mode(s) of one or more
additional conveyors for the purpose of establishing or
modifying a particular relationship between the operating
modes of the several conveying sections.
Subclass:
576
This subclass is indented under subclass 570. Apparatus
wherein conveyors that sequentially carry the same load are
synchronized in operation.
(1) Note. Examples of plural conveyors included here are
endless belts having load-supporting platforms spaced
therealong and revolving in timed relation so that a platform
on one belt is positioned to receive a load dropped from a
platform on the other belt as the latter passes around an end
support roller, or an endless belt that is mechanically
linked with the drive of a reciprocating conveyor so that the
belt moves only when the reciprocating conveyor is moving in
the direction that advances load to said belt.
Subclass:
577
This subclass is indented under subclass 570. Apparatus
including means for changing the speed of, stopping, or
reversing the movement of a conveyor.
Subclass:
578
This subclass is indented under subclass 570. Apparatus
including means for cyclically swinging a pivotally mounted
conveyor of the conveying system.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
631.1 for a single conveyor that repetitively swings back
and forth.
Subclass:
579
This subclass is indented under subclass 570. Apparatus
wherein one of the conveyors moves the load faster than
another.
Subclass:
580
This subclass is indented under subclass 570. Apparatus
wherein at least a portion of the load is conveyed in a
loop-like path.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
560 for a conveyor system involving a gravity conveyor
section having means to handle a portion of the load which
becomes separated from the main flow path, and wherein the
separated portion may comprise a portion which is shunted to
an auxiliary path for return to the main supply and eventual
recirculation.
Subclass:
581
This subclass is indented under subclass 570. Apparatus
including a conveyor, the support frame of which comprises
hinged sections that can be swung together to provide a
compact configuration of said conveyor for storage or
transport.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
632 for a single conveyor section having means whereby it
may be folded intermediate its ends.
Subclass:
582
This subclass is indented under subclass 570. Apparatus
provided with a receptacle for storing load to be conveyed by
the system.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
550.01 for conveying systems having a bin feeding a
power-driven section.
Subclass:
583
This subclass is indented under subclass 570. Apparatus
having means which facilitates adding a conveyor to, or
removing a conveyor from, the system.
Subclass:
584
This subclass is indented under subclass 583. Apparatus
wherein a conveyor can be added to the system so that it is
movable relative to another conveyor of said system.
Subclass:
585
This subclass is indented under subclass 570. Apparatus
including an endless belt, the upper conveying reach of which
has its travel direction twice reversed to form an S-shaped
path therein, and a conveyor receiving a load dropped from
said belt when the latter reverses its travel direction at
the uppermost loop of said S-shaped path.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
812 for a tripper movable along and endless belt conveyor to
vary the conveying length of the latter.
Subclass:
586
This subclass is indented under subclass 570. Apparatus
wherein one conveyor of the system is repositionable relative
to another by moving either the entire conveyor or only a
portion thereof.
(1) Note. Included here is a system having means for moving
the support frame of a first conveyor so that said first
conveyor lifts a load from a second conveyor, said first
conveyor then being operated to convey said load. A specific
example is a swingable frame that carries an endless belt,
said frame being moved upward relative to power-driven
rollers so that the endless belt lifts a load from said
rollers, and said endless belt then moving said load by its
orbital motion.
(2) Note. If coacting conveyors which grip a load
therebetween are classifiable as plural conveyors (either
because a load is transferred between the coacting conveyors,
or because a load is transferred between such conveyors and
another conveyor not coacting therewith), a claimed
arrangement for moving one of the coacting conveyors relative
to another is classifiable in this subclass or an indent
thereof.
Subclass:
587
This subclass is indented under subclass 586. Apparatus
wherein a conveyor is mounted for pivotal movement about an
axis generally perpendicular to the ground.
(1) Note. Included here is a vibratory conveyor including
two platforms which swing relative to each other and which
are connected by moving drive links or gears for transmitting
the motion of one platform to the other. The subclass also
includes a vibratory conveyor having (a) two platforms which
are connected together for relative swinging motion by a pin
fixed on one platform and extending into an aperture on the
other platform, and (b) a third platform which is mounted on
one of the swingably connected platforms so that it can be
extended or retracted relative thereto while the conveyor is
operating. The subclass does not include a vibratory
conveyor meeting only the requirement of section (a) of the
preceding sentence.
Subclass:
588
This subclass is indented under subclass 587. Apparatus
including means for changing the length of the path over
which the load is conveyed.
(1) Note. Included here are (a) conveyors movable relative
to each other so that one conveyor can discharge the load at
different points along the available path of load travel on
the other conveyor, and (b) plural conveyors, at least one of
which includes means for varying its conveying length (e.g.,
and endless belt conveyor having a belt storage loop that can
be shortened while the length of the belt conveying reach is
increased during operation of the conveyor, or an endless
belt conveyor provided with means for facilitating the
addition or removal of links or panel sections of its loop
when the conveyor is not operating).
(2) Note. A vibratory conveyor is included here if it
includes two platforms which successively carry the load, and
which can be shifted relative to each other, while the
conveyor is operating, to thereby change the length of the
conveying path. This subclass does not include a vibratory
conveyor having two platforms which successively carry the
load, and which can only be shifted relative to each other
while the conveyor is not operating (e.g., a vibratory trough
consisting of two sections that can be fixedly connected
together by means of bolts, or the like, with different
overlapping of adjacent end portions of said sections). See
subclasses 752.1+.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
812 for an endless belt conveyor having means for varying
its conveying length.
Subclass:
589
This subclass is indented under subclass 587. Apparatus
wherein a conveyor is mounted for pivotal movement about an
axis generally parallel with the ground.
Subclass:
590
This subclass is indented under subclass 587. Apparatus
including side-walls respectively disposed on opposite sides
of the conveying path and arranged to move or flex when a
conveyor is laterally pivoted relative to an adjacent
conveyor.
Subclass:
591
This subclass is indented under subclass 587. Apparatus
wherein the swingable conveyor is supported or guided in its
movement by an arcuate, static means, such as curved track or
curved guide slot cooperating with means mounted on the free
end of the support frame of said conveyor.
Subclass:
592
This subclass is indented under subclass 586. Apparatus
wherein a conveyor is mounted for pivotal movement about an
axis generally parallel with the ground.
Subclass:
593
This subclass is indented under subclass 592. Apparatus
wherein the system is provided with a cable, chain, or other
flexible means having one end secured to the swingable
conveyor, and its other end secured to a winding reel.
Subclass:
594
This subclass is indented under subclass 586. Apparatus
including means for changing the length of the path over
which the load is conveyed.
(1) Note. Included here are the types of conveying systems
described in (1) Note and (2) Note of subclass 588 as
includible in that subclass (if laterally swingable).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
812 for an endless belt conveyor having means for varying
its conveying length.
Subclass:
595
This subclass is indented under subclass 594. Apparatus
including a plurality of platforms, each having a concave
shape transversely of the conveying path so that opposite
side portions of said platforms rise above their central
section, said platforms being fitted one within another and
being movable relative to each other longitudinally of said
conveying path to thereby vary the length thereof.
Subclass:
596
This subclass is indented under subclass 595. Apparatus
including gripping blocks mounted in pairs on one of said
platforms for releasably engaging opposed friction surfaces
on another of said platforms to permit (a) movement of the
two platforms as a unit when said gripping blocks engage said
friction surfaces, and (b) movement of the two platforms
relative to each other when said gripping blocks are
disengaged from said friction surfaces.
Subclass:
597
This subclass is indented under subclass 570. Apparatus
including a first conveyor for moving a load in a first
direction, and a second conveyor for moving said load, while
it rests on said first conveyor, in a direction transverse to
said first direction.
(1) Note. Included here is the combination of a conveyor
and means for shifting a load laterally of said conveyor by
magnetic force exerted against said load.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
370.07 through 370.09, 370.1, 370.11 through 370.13, for a
conveyor arrangement for selecting among plural sources or
destinations and involving a power-driven means for moving a
load from or to a conveyor section
717 for conveying means of the pusher type.
Subclass:
598
This subclass is indented under subclass 597. Apparatus
wherein said second conveyor has orbital motion, or turns
about an axis.
(1) Note. Included here are belts, rollers, swingable arms,
or other like means which move a load transversely of a
conveyor supporting the same.
Subclass:
599
This subclass is indented under subclass 570. Apparatus
wherein a load is moved relative to a conveyor by a
nonpowered means, such as a fixed guide rail or a freely
revolving endless belt moved only by contact with the load.
Subclass:
600
This subclass is indented under subclass 570. Apparatus
including passive support means on which the load moves or
sits when it is not on a conveyor (e.g., freely rotating
rollers or a side platform positioned between the ends of two
driven belts for supporting a load as it moves between the
belts).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
539 for a conveyor system having a gravity conveyor section
and involving load-supporting structure which functions in a
similar manner.
Subclass:
601
This subclass is indented under subclass 570. Apparatus
wherein the load is fed from one conveying path to plural
conveying paths, or vice versa.
Subclass:
602
This subclass is indented under subclass 570. Apparatus
including only one travel path for the load.
Subclass:
603
This subclass is indented under subclass 602. Apparatus
including a plurality of conveyors disposed one above another
and alternately carrying a load in opposite directions as it
is elevated or lowered.
Subclass:
604
This subclass is indented under subclass 602. Apparatus
including at least two conveyors which cooperate to grip the
load therebetween and thereby move it.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
606 for plural endless belts, at least one of which is
disposed adjacent idler rollers or other passive means, the
load engaging both the belt conveyor and said passive means
as it travels therebetween.
620 for a plurality of conveyors which move a load by
engaging it therebetween.
Subclass:
605
This subclass is indented under subclass 604. Apparatus
wherein the load is carried on a first conveyor before the
latter enters a zone of coaction with a second conveyor, and
wherein the load is transferred to said second conveyor and
carried thereby after it leaves said zone.
Subclass:
606
This subclass is indented under subclass 602. Apparatus
including at least two conveyors, each consisting of, or
including as part of its structure, an endless loop.
(1) Note. Examples of plural conveyors included here are
(a) endless belts that directly support a load on their upper
surfaces, and (b) endless belts, each carrying other
elements, such as buckets or platforms, which support the
load.
Subclass:
607
This subclass is indented under subclass 606. Apparatus
wherein the elevation of the load is changed as it is moved
by one of said conveyors.
Subclass:
608
This subclass is indented under subclass 602. Apparatus
including at least two conveyors, each comprising a body that
spins about an axis passing therethrough.
(1) Note. Included here are (a) rotating wheels, each
having a plurality of buckets or platforms mounted on its
periphery, (b) rotating disks which carry the load on their
upwardly facing planar surfaces, or (c) screws rotating about
their longitudinal axes.
(2) Note. Included here as a system with plural conveyors
are screws which successively convey a load and which are
driven by a single power source, a first screw being
connected to said power source, and a second screw being
coupled to said first screw only by gears which transmit
driving force therebetween.
(3) Note. This subclass includes power-driven rollers
arranged in separate groups clearly recognizable as forming
separate portions of a load conveying path (e.g., one line of
rollers disposed perpendicular to another line of rollers, or
two lines of rollers having another type of conveyor
therebetween). But the subclass does not include
power-driven rollers arranged in a single line, even where
the rollers are rotated by separate drive means. See
subclasses 780+.
(4) Note. Included here is a rotatable shaft carrying (a) a
helical surface or screw, and (b) one or more radially
projecting vanes that impel a load radially away from said
shaft after the load has been moved to said vane, or vanes,
by said helical surface.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
662 for screw conveyors having plural helical surfaces,
particularly subclasses 625+, for coating helical surfaces on
parallel axes, and subclass 666, for helical surfaces coupled
end to end.
780 for power-driven rolls arranged in an uninterrupted
sequence to form a single unbranched conveying path.
Subclass:
609
This subclass is indented under subclass 602. Apparatus
including at least two conveyors, each of which moves
to-and-fro with high frequency and low amplitude of motion.
(1) Note. Included here is a vibratory conveying means
formed of plural platforms which successively carry the load
and which are connected by moving drive links or gears for
transmitting to-and-fro motion of one platform to the next.
The subclass does not include a vibratory conveying means
formed of plural platforms fixedly connected together.
Subclass:
610
This subclass is indented under subclass 602. Apparatus
including different kinds of conveyors (e.g., an endless belt
and a star wheel).
Subclass:
611
This subclass is indented under subclass 610. Apparatus
including a conveyor comprising a body that spins about an
axis passing therethrough.
(1) Note. Included here are (a) a rotating wheel having a
plurality of buckets or platforms mounted on its periphery,
(b) a rotating disk carrying the load on its upwardly facing
planar surface, and (c) a screw rotating about its
longitudinal axis.
(2) Note. Included in this subclass is a conveyor
comprising an endless belt and a roller that supports said
belt at a point where it reverses travel direction, the belt
or means connected thereto, such as buckets, discharging the
load onto the roller while passing around the latter.
Subclass:
612
This subclass is indented under subclass 611. Apparatus
wherein said spinning body has mounted on its periphery a
distinct means, such as a blade, bucket, spike, or pocket,
which positively engages the load to ensure its movement
along the conveying path.
(1) Note. Included here is a conveying system comprising
(a) a rotating member, such as a disk, having buckets spaced
about its periphery, and (b) an endless belt also having
buckets spaced apart thereon.
Subclass:
613
This subclass is indented under subclass 612. Apparatus
wherein the peripherally mounted means move relative to said
spinning body to thereby disengage from the load.
(1) Note. The structures to be found herein include, for
example, a conveyor having a screw and retracting fingers
mounted for rotation on the same cylindrical body.
Subclass:
614
This subclass is indented under subclass 611. Apparatus
including a conveyor that moves to-and-fro with low frequency
and high amplitude of motion.
(1) Note. Included here as a reciprocating conveyor is a
load-carrying strip, each end of which is attached to a
winding reel, said strip being moved in opposite directions
between the reels by alternately changing their direction of
rotation.
Subclass:
615
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus (A) adapted to be rearranged to perform different
functions, or (B) adapted to be altered so as to operate in a
different way or change its function in some way by (1) the
steps of disassembling the apparatus in some major portion
and then reassembling the apparatus with the same or
different portion, (2) the step of disassembling some major
portion from the apparatus, or (3) the step of assembling
some major portion to the apparatus.
(1) Note. Conversion features are common in this art. A
mere preamble in a claim to the effect that a device is
convertible or is a conversion attachment is generally not
enough for classification under this definition. The
conversion feature should be spelled out as by (a)
specifically claiming one embodiment of an apparatus having a
first function and claiming with second conversion functions,
or (b) repeated functional statements in the claim. Where no
other suitable classification exists, a broad mention of
conversion may be enough for classification under this
definition.
(2) Note. The change in the apparatus must be more than
merely placing a part in one of a series of adjacent holes,
or, in general, making a change which amounts to only an
adjustment or minor alteration in the overall functioning of
the device.
(3) Note. The change must be more than to change a part
between an operative and an inoperative position.
(4) Note. When the conversion consists of the assembly of a
part, the claim must recite some element of the combination
which has little or no utility when the part is in the
combination, but is useful when the part is absent from the
combination.
(5) Note. A part which is disassembled and reversed to
present a new wearing surface is included under this
definition.
Subclass:
617
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Method, of conveying a load or load portion from one place to
another.
(1) Note. Only those patents which contain method claims
which are susceptible to being practiced by a plurality of
different devices, or which are drawn to functions not
provided for above, should be placed herein, either on an
original or cross-reference basis. Those patents containing
method claims which are limited to the operation of a single
above-provided-for apparatus will be found in the appropriate
apparatus subclass.
(2) Note. See any appropriate subclass above for a process
patent having apparatus or other limitations sufficient to
warrant placement therein.
Subclass:
618
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus wherein an element or an assemblage of elements
acts in a unitary fashion to support and cause movement of a
load of material along a predetermined path from a source to
a destination which lie with a distance between one and the
other.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
860.1 for conveyor frame or casing structure claiming only
that means which supports or encloses only a "conveyor",
"conveyor means", "elevator conveyor", etc.
Subclass:
619
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Apparatus
wherein the load is moved, at least in part, as a result of
its reaction with a moving electron, ion, or magnetic field
and not necessarily to any extent by a power-driven surface
means which may act as a support for said load.
Subclass:
620
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Apparatus
having at least two power-driven conveyor sections which
cooperate to engage the load between said sections and
thereby cause the load to be moved in a given direction.
(1) Note. A conveyor section is considered to be
power-driven if it is motivated by any power means including
another power-driven conveyor section if the first section
has parts which directly contact the second section from
which motion is obtained. The load cannot constitute a power
transmission means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
570 for conveyor systems having plural conveyor sections
which may cooperate to grip and move a load, but which, in
addition thereto, as a conveyor system, begin the movement of
the load by one of the sections, and complete the movement of
the load by another of the sections.
604 for a system of conveying sections having coacting
conveying elements defining a load path therebetween.
625 for coacting parallel screw conveyors.
635 for plural conveyor sections which engage the load
simultaneously, but wherein one of said sections acts to skim
off and reverse the direction of the skimmed off portion to
that direction which a cooperating conveyor section causes
said load to move.
721 for pusher conveyors having a movable surface upon which
the load is supported.
817 for plural endless belt conveyors which cooperate to
support a load set across them.
819 for trough-shaped carrier belts having edges which may
be brought together to enclose a load.
Subclass:
621.1
Reciprocating member:
This subclass is indented under subclass 620. Subject matter
wherein one of the power-driven conveyor sections engages the
load with a back and forth motion as it cooperates with
another power-driven conveyor section.
Subclass:
621.2
Load support member lifted by inclined or vertical supporting
fluid actuator (e.g., piston or air bag):
This subclass is indented under subclass 621.1. Subject
matter wherein an element directly holding the load is raised
from a lower to a higher position by a sloping or
perpendicular hydraulic elevating mechanism such as a
linearly expandable device moving back and forth under fluid
pressure.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
774.2 for a similar lifting means used in an
alternately-acting load support member.
Subclass:
621.3
Load support member lifted by supporting eccentric cam or
rotating crank drive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 621.1. Subject
matter wherein an element directly holding the load is raised
from a lower to a higher position by a revolving or
oscillating mechanical device having its axis of rotation
displaced from its center or by a revolving link having an
axis of rotation at one end and a pivotal connection to the
material holding means adjacent to its opposite end.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
774.3 for a similar lifting means used in an
alternately-acting load support member.
Subclass:
621.4
Load support member lifted by inclined supporting surface:
This subclass is indented under subclass 621.1. Subject
matter wherein an element directly holding the load is raised
from a lower to a higher position by a sloped, slanted or
pitched holding body.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
774.4 for a similar lifting means used in an
alternately-acting load support member.
Subclass:
622
This subclass is indented under subclass 620. Apparatus
wherein two or more of said power-driven conveyors sections,
which simultaneously cooperate to move the load, form a
couple to move the load, but wherein each member of the
couple, if acting independently, would tend to move the load
in opposite directions.
(1) Note. The driven conveyor member which moves opposite
to the direction of motion of the conveyed load contacts a
portion of the load being conveyed and strips off or throws
back the stripped portion of the load.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
635 for static means which scrape or smooth out the surface
of the load being conveyed.
688.1 for means which engage a free surface of the load to
bias the load to the conveying means for greater friction
engagement therewith.
836 for endless conveyors having broadly means independent
of the carrier designed to prevent accidental removal of the
load from the carrier.
Subclass:
623
This subclass is indented under subclass 620. Apparatus
wherein two or more of said power-driven conveyor sections,
which simultaneously cooperate to move the load, form a
couple whose members move relatively in terms of velocity.
(1) Note. A conveyor couple whose members converge to
gradually grip the load between them are not considered to
have relative motion in terms of direction. See other
appropriate subclasses, such as subclasses 620+.
Subclass:
624
This subclass is indented under subclass 620. Apparatus
wherein two or more of said power-driven conveyor sections,
which simultaneously cooperate to move the load, form a
couple, wherein at least two of the sections forming the
couple are adapted to rotate continuously about their own
axes, and wherein the load, when being conveyed, is in such a
position that it is traversed by a line which extends between
the axes of the rotating conveyor section.
Subclass:
625
This subclass is indented under subclass 624. Apparatus
wherein the rotating sections each have a load-engaging
portion which is in the form of a helical surface.
(1) Note. The sections, more often than not are parallel,
and the helical surfaces usually are spaced apart, although
intermeshing of the surfaces sometimes is found where the
load consists of bulk material.
(2) Note. The helical surfaces may, or may not, be
identical insofar as concerns characteristics such as pitch,
diameter, hand, or speed or direction of rotation.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
663 for plural helical surfaces which act together in
forming an underlying support for an article-type load, but
wherein no portion of that load extends downwardly into
intersecting relationship with a line drawn between the axes
of two adjacent helical surfaces.
Subclass:
626.1
Opposed endless belts:
This subclass is indented under subclass 620. Subject matter
wherein the load is engaged on opposite sides by oppositely
facing endless belts which apply forces normal to the belt
faces to the intermediate load.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
793 for plural endless conveyors with individual load
supports supporting the same load.
817 for plural endless belts supporting a load on their
upper surfaces.
Subclass:
626.2
Load is enclosed by belts:
This subclass is indented under subclass 626.1. Subject
matter wherein the load is totally enclosed by the opposed
belts, or belts in combination with guides or housing means.
Subclass:
626.3
Having means to adjust one belt relative to the opposed
belt:
This subclass is indented under subclass 626.2. Subject
matter wherein means permit one of the belts to be moved
relative to the opposing belt.
Subclass:
626.4
By biasing means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 626.3. Subject
matter wherein the one belt is moved relative to the opposing
belt by an urging means.
Subclass:
626.5
Having adjustable belt portion:
This subclass is indented under subclass 626.1. Subject
matter wherein means permit movement of a portion of one of
the belts relative to the opposing belt.
Subclass:
626.6
By biasing means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 626.5. Subject
matter wherein a portion of the one belt is moved relative to
the opposing belt by an urging means.
Subclass:
629
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Apparatus
comprising (1) a single driven conveyor means which acts
through successive stages to move the load in a plurality of
recognized different conveying actions, or (2) a plurality of
unlike driven conveying sections which cooperate to act
simultaneously to move the load.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
570 for plural conveyor sections which act consecutively to
move the load.
620 for plural conveyors which simultaneously engage the
load between them.
817 for plural endless belt conveyors which cooperate to
support a load set across them.
Subclass:
630
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Apparatus
comprising flexible sheet or tubular material which is fixed
against lateral movement and upon which the load to be
conveyed is placed, and having means to cause a ripple, wave
or raised portion to be developed on the surface of said
material, and to move across said surface so that as said
ripple contacts said load the load is caused to move across
said surface.
Subclass:
631.1
Conveyor portion only cyclically rotates, shifts, or
oscillates for extra-conveying function:
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Subject matter
wherein only a part of the load carrier periodically changes
its position or direction by revolving, reciprocating, or
swinging for additional load carrying action.
Subclass:
632
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor section is adapted to be folded or to be
angulated between its extremities to facilitate
transportation or storage thereof, at which time it has no
load conveying capacity.
Subclass:
633
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor section has either (a) a means
associated therewith which in its operative position presents
a nonload-supporting means which may be engaged by, or
engages, the load as it is moved by said section to stop,
slow or cause the load to be manipulated or deflected from
the path of movement imparted only by said conveyor section;
or (b) a means movable to a position where it will cause the
load moved only by the conveyor section to be removed and
supported from the influence of said section for the purpose
of stopping the motion of the load, and which then may
subsequently return the load to the conveyor section for
continued conveyance thereby.
(1) Note. This subclass includes those patents claiming a
single conveyor section and having a load deflector means
which is movable from and to operative position, or is
adjustable to various operative positions. When it is clear
from the claimed disclosure that the function of the
deflector is to increase or decrease the number of streams or
to ultimately select the load destination, etc., see
subclasses above., e.g., 348+, 418+, 434+. See (3) Note for
subclass 434.
(2) Note. This subclass also includes patents having means
which may be placed in the path of the conveyed load to check
the load against movement counter to its intended direction.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
456 for a conveyor system having means to laterally shift
the load on one or more of the conveying elements of the
system.
530 for gravity conveyors combined with power-driven
conveyors and having gate means to stop the movement of the
load thereon.
534 for flow-restricting structure in a system comprising a
gravity conveyor and a power-driven conveyor, which structure
may be a means to change the movement of the load for this or
an indented subclass.
599 for a system of plural conveyors combined with a passive
member that deflects a load from the travel direction
imparted thereto by one of said conveyors.
836 for endless conveyor sections having passive load
retainer means associated therewith which simply holds the
load against falling from the belt or moving relative to the
belt.
Subclass:
634
This subclass is indented under subclass 633. Apparatus
wherein the nonconveying means is moved into its operative
position to engage the load, independent of movement of the
load conveying means, by a means activated either responsive
to a sensed condition which may or may not exist, or to an
independent or conveyor-controlled timing means.
Subclass:
635
This subclass is indented under subclass 633. Apparatus
wherein the nonconveying means engages a portion of the
conveyed load to remove said engaged portion from the
conveyor; to hold the engaged portion against movement by the
conveyor; or to deflect the engaged portion of the load in a
direction other than that imparted by the conveyor.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
534 for means which engages and retards the movement of a
load conveyed by a conveyor system which includes a gravity
conveyor section.
637 for passive means which causes the entire load carried
by the conveyor to discharge therefrom upon contact with said
passive means.
836 for guard means separate from an endless belt conveyor
designed to prevent the load from falling off the belt.
953 and in particular subclass 622, for conveyors having
associated power-driven means which may contact part of the
load conveyed to move that portion of the load conveyed
relative to the load not contacted by the driven means.
Subclass:
636
This subclass is indented under subclass 633. Apparatus
having a passive means associated with the conveyor and which
may be located relative to the conveyor which, when engaged
by the conveyed load, or a portion thereof, will cause such
load to be moved transversely of the moving conveyor
surface.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
367 for a conveyor system having a member adapted to be
placed athwart the path of movement of a conveyed load to
select the source or destination of said load.
836 for endless conveyor means having a load retainer or
guide separate from said means designed to maintain the
conveyed load on the conveyor means.
Subclass:
637
This subclass is indented under subclass 636. Apparatus
wherein said associated means causes said load, or a portion
thereof, to move away from the influence of the conveyor
section.
Subclass:
638
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Apparatus
which projects material to be conveyed by, first exerting a
force on said material to move the same, and then causing
said force to be released from said material, whereby said
material will be projected and continue to move unsupported,
in a trajectory, over a horizontal distance.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
564 for a conveyor system having a gravity section and a
power-driven section, and wherein the latter section is of
the thrower type.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, subclass 58,
for devices subjecting material to centrifugal force when the
function disclosed is that of treating the material.
209, Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids, subclass
642, for methods and means for projecting material through
space associated with means for separately collecting the
articles or components of the material which takes different
paths.
222, Dispensing, 251, for device combined with containers or
specifically adapted for use with containers, and comprising
means acting in addition to, or against, gravity for either
removing material from a container, or which move or tend to
cause material to move, to or through a container outlet.
239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, 214, for a
fluid distributor comprising a slinger, splasher or deflector
rotated relative to the affluent fluid, and subclasses 650+,
for devices having means for holding a supply of material
other than a fluid or slurry, and means for strewing such
material over an extended area on a surface.
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, subclass
5, subclasses 39+ and subclass 275, for comminutors including
means to throw the material.
406, Conveyors: Fluid Current, subclass 71 for a rotary
thrower combined with a fluid current conveyor.
414, Material or Article Handling, 174 and 193+ for a
heating chamber combined with a charging device of the
thrower type.
Subclass:
639
This subclass is indented under subclass 638. Apparatus
having (1) means to sense a condition surrounding the thrower
and means responsive to said sensing means to cause a change
in the operating condition of the conveyor, or (2) means to
sense a particular condition which may, or may not, exist
relative to the conveyor itself, such as speed, overload,
motor temperature, etc., and means responsive to said sensing
means to act to change the operating condition of the
conveyor.
Subclass:
640
This subclass is indented under subclass 638. Apparatus
having means positionable in the path of the impelled
material to control its path after leaving the influence of
the throwing mechanism.
Subclass:
641
This subclass is indented under subclass 638. Apparatus
having means actuatable to control the speed or the
horizontal or vertical angle of the conveying mechanism so
that the horizontal distance or angle of discharge of the
conveyed material may be varied.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
523 for conveyors having means to throw a material to be
conveyed in combination with gravity conveyor means which
support said material before and/or after it has been
thrown.
Subclass:
642
This subclass is indented under subclass 638. Apparatus
having means which revolves about an axis, and in doing so,
projects material to be conveyed so that it will assume a
trajectory as a result of it having contacted said revolving
means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
222, Dispensing, 410, for dispensers having a rotary
discharge assistant.
414, Material or Article Handling, subclass 195 for a
heating chamber combined with a charging device of the rotary
thrower type.
Subclass:
643
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Apparatus
comprising an endless member (i.e., chainlike, smooth or
braided cored-like strand or belt) which is driven over
sheaves or pulleys so that at least a portion of said endless
member dips into the fluid to be lifted and lifts said fluid
by mere cohesion of said liquid to said member, and means
whereby the fluid may be removed from said member at the
desired elevation.
(1) Note. These devices are sometimes called "pumps",
perhaps on the basis that they move a viscous fluid from one
elevation to another. However, any development of kinetic
energy is not a factor. The function of these devices is
merely to move a viscous fluid from one place to another.
(2) Note. The fluid may be removed from the member by
passing said member around a pulley.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
415, Rotary Kinetic Fluid Motors or Pumps, subclass 90, for
rotary pumps or motors having a bladeless surface wherein
transfer of energy between the runner and the fluid which it
contacts is the result of friction in the area of contact of
said runner and said fluid.
416, Fluid Reaction Surfaces (i.e., Impellers), subclass 4,
for rotatable skin friction type fluid engaging impellers or
rotors.
417, Pumps, for expansible chamber type pumps.
Subclass:
644
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Apparatus
which is particularly adapted to convey signatures of
printers or bookbinders, usually on an inverted V support.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
717 for pusher conveyors which comprise a load-supporting
surface over which the load is moved by a power-driven means
which engages and moves the load, but does not support the
load.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
112, Sewing, 21, for book sewing machines having feeding
devices for signatures.
227, Elongated-Member-Driving Apparatus, 99, for a device for
feeding signatures and applying a member, e.g., staple,
thereto.
270, Sheet-Material Associating, particularly 52.01, for
conveyors combined with means to associate or disassociate
signatures.
Subclass:
657
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor section comprises a helical surface
formation which is rotated about its longitudinal axis.
(1) Note. Screw conveyors which move articles frequently do
so by providing a moving "floor" across which an article is
propelled by virtue of resting thereupon (i.e., as in
subclass 663), whereas a screw conveyor which moves bulk
material functions in the nature of a pusher-type conveyor
section.
(2) Note. A screw conveyor which moves bulk material
usually is provided with a housing (conduit, trough, etc.)
which forms a load support surface; however, the housing is
sometimes dispensed with (e.g., a screw conveyor immersed in
a bin of material may rely upon the material which surrounds
its flow path for the confinement otherwise achieved by the
use of a housing).
(3) Note. Usually the helical surface formation includes a
core, within which lies the longitudinal axis of the
formation, and which core is utilized to transmit a driving
force to the conveyor section; however, the so-called
"coreless" type of helical surface formation (examples of
which appear in subclass 676) is characterized by the absence
of a central structure.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
625 for plural screw type conveyor sections which coact to
engage and move a load therebetween.
642 for a thrower type conveyor section of the rotary kind
wherein the impelling surfaces may be comprised of helical
surfaces or segments thereof.
666 for connections between housings of successive helical
surfaces when those connections correspond with connections
between the helical surfaces.
717 for another kind of conveyor section wherein a load is
pushed over a load-supporting surface, but wherein the
pushing means is other than a helical surface rotating about
its axis.
778 for a spiral type conveyor section wherein the
load-supporting surface spiralling defines a path for the
load.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
105, Railway Rolling Stock, subclass 48.1, for a railway
locomotive having a combustion chamber and a screw conveyor,
which conveyor feeds solid fuel to the chamber.
366, Agitating, 156.1 for a mixing chamber with a feed means
therefor, and wherein a screw conveyor is provided in a
feeder or supply reservoir for agitating material therein;
and subclasses 318+ for a stationary mixing chamber having a
rotatable stirrer of the screw type, and see particularly the
subclasses indented thereunder for specific kinds of screw
structure.
406, Conveyors: Fluid Current, 53 for a screw conveyor
combined with a fluid current conveyor.
416, Fluid Reaction Surfaces (i.e., Impellers), 176, for a
fluid impeller having a working surface in the form of a
spiral.
Subclass:
658
This subclass is indented under subclass 657. Apparatus
wherein the helical surface formation extends from or is
integral with the inner surface of a rotatable tubular
member.
(1) Note. Included herein is, for example, a device wherein
(a) the helical configuration extends across the diameter of
the tubular member, (b) the helical configuration is formed
from a plurality of members extending radially inward toward
the axis of rotation, and (c) the helical configuration is
formed by the inner surface of the hollow tubular member.
Subclass:
659
This subclass is indented under subclass 657. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor section structure includes a component,
the shape of which is subject to change during the operation
of the conveyor, or may be changed to establish a shape
whereby said component can be accommodated as an operative
part of a conveyor.
Subclass:
660
This subclass is indented under subclass 657. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor section comprises one or more helical
surface formations, at least one of which can be moved in a
direction parallel to its axis of rotation.
(1) Note. Typical of the movement found here is the
repositioning of a helical surface with respect to its
housing, or of one helical surface with respect to another.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
629 for a conveyor section which moves a load by a plurality
of different conveying actions (e.g., a helical surface which
is rotated and, in addition, reciprocated).
659 for a flexible helical surface which has one portion
which is movable relative to another portion (e.g., a helical
surface which may be lengthened by stretching it).
Subclass:
661
This subclass is indented under subclass 657. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor section comprises one or more helical
surface formations and which, by virtue of a changing pitch,
diameter (overall or core), number of threads, etc., has a
capacity which varies along its length.
Subclass:
662
This subclass is indented under subclass 657. Apparatus
wherein there are a plurality of helical surface formations.
Subclass:
663
This subclass is indented under subclass 662. Apparatus
wherein the helical surface formations comprise laterally
spaced members which form an underlying support for an
article-type load, the load continuously contacting at least
two of the members.
(1) Note. Movement of the load may be in a direction
parallel to the longitudinal axes of the members, or may be
diagonally thereof. In the absence of an axial component of
movement, however, consideration should be given as to
whether the members do not more nearly comprise one of the
types of rolls provided for in subclasses 780+.
(2) Note. Confinement of the movement of the load to the
axial direction usually is accomplished by either (a) the
provision of an external guide as an abutment for some
portion of the load, or (b) the use, in more or less equal
number, of oppositely rotating, opposite-handed, helical
surfaces.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
625 for plural helical surfaces which act together upon a
load, and wherein at least a portion of the load is so
located as to be intersected by a line drawn between the axes
of two of the helical surfaces.
Subclass:
664
This subclass is indented under subclass 662. Apparatus
wherein the plural helical surface formations comprise a
plurality of coaxial elements, each of which has formed
thereon a working surface which extends for less than 360o
about the common axis.
(1) Note. The working surface of an individual element may
itself be a segment of a helical surface, or it may be planar
in nature; in the latter instance, however, the elements are
arranged along the axis in such a manner as to form a helical
path.
(2) Note. In the instance of those elements which have a
working surface which is a segment of a helical surface, the
elements may abut one another in such a manner that the
individual surfaces form a continuous helical surface.
(3) Note. The structures of this subclass commonly provide
means to attach the elements to a member (e.g., a shaft)
which extends along the common axis.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
141, Fluent Material Handling, With Receiver or Receiver
Coacting Means, subclass 73, for a collection of packing
augers wherein blade-like members on a shaft are utilized to
move and/or pack fluent material into a receiver.
Subclass:
665
This subclass is indented under subclass 664. Apparatus
wherein means is provided to join the elements to the shaft
in such a manner that the angular relationship of the
elements to the longitudinal axis of the shaft can be
reversed for the purpose of changing the direction of thrust
of the surfaces.
Subclass:
666
This subclass is indented under subclass 662. Apparatus
wherein the plural helical surface formations are coupled one
to another in an end to end relationship.
(1) Note. The coupling usually is of a disconnectable or
otherwise separable nature, but may comprise a permanent
union.
(2) Note. If each surface is formed upon a shaft, it is
sufficient that the shafts be coupled end to end, in which
event there may be--especially in the instance of an
intermediate bearing or an intermediate drive--a brief
discontinuity. In turn, it is frequently the practice to
utilize one or more short helical surface portions to fill in
a discontinuity of this nature.
(3) Note. This and the indented subclasses usually involve
also the corresponding connection between any housing members
which may be present.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
602 for a conveyor system having plural, power-driven
sections arranged in a single flow path.
Subclass:
667
This subclass is indented under subclass 666. Apparatus
wherein the coupled formations are driven by way of a member
(gear, pulley, sprocket wheel, etc.) which is located between
the formations at, or in the vicinity of, the coupling.
(1) Note. When the surfaces are provided with housing
members, a means to seal the spaced, confronting ends of the
latter usually is involved.
Subclass:
668
This subclass is indented under subclass 666. Apparatus
wherein the coupled formations are pivotably related one to
another (e.g., the coupling is a universal joint).
Subclass:
669
This subclass is indented under subclass 662. Apparatus
wherein the plural helical surface formations comprise at
least one formation of a right-handed thread and at least one
formation of a left-handed thread, which formations generate
flow paths which either approach, or recede from, each
other.
Subclass:
670
This subclass is indented under subclass 657. Apparatus
including means coacting with said helical surface formation
and/or with the load to regulate or facilitate the passage of
the load.
(1) Note. The means includes either a passive structure or
a moving surface.
Subclass:
671
This subclass is indented under subclass 657. Apparatus
wherein means is provided to facilitate or control either the
entry of the load into the housing of a helical surface or
the exit of the load therefrom.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
670 for a means which may be structurally similar to a means
for this subclass (671), but wherein the functioning thereof
is influenced by a condition which exists within the housing
(e.g., pressure).
Subclass:
672
This subclass is indented under subclass 657. Apparatus
provided with means for sustaining the helical surface
formation for rotation.
Subclass:
673
This subclass is indented under subclass 672. Apparatus
wherein the means to sustain is positioned about the outer
periphery of the formation.
Subclass:
674
This subclass is indented under subclass 657. Apparatus
provided with means to rotate the helical surface formation.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
667 for drive means located between coupled helical
surfaces.
Subclass:
675
This subclass is indented under subclass 674. Apparatus
wherein the means to rotate may be modified to change the
direction or rate of rotation of the formation.
Subclass:
676
This subclass is indented under subclass 657. Apparatus
involving structural aspects of a helical surface formation.
(1) Note. This subclass is concerned primarily with those
aspects which show most readily in a sectional view taken at
90 deg. to the working portion of the helical surface (e.g.,
the configuration of the surface, its angular relationship
with its axis of rotation, its internal structure, etc.).
Subclass:
677
This subclass is indented under subclass 657. Apparatus
wherein means is provided for attaching a helical surface
formation to a driving member, which member usually is in the
form of a shaft located in the axis of rotation of the
formation.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
664 for plural helical surface formations in the nature of a
plurality of coaxial elements, which structures commonly
provide means for securing the elements thereof to a driving
shaft.
Subclass:
678.1
Endless conveyor having means for suspending load:
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Subject matter
wherein the conveying means comprises a hanger from which the
load is suspended, said hanger being supported above the
location where the load engages the hanger by a support means
which is either (1) a track or guide means along which said
hanger is caused to move by an endless drive means, or (2) an
endless means which both supports and moves said hanger.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
463.1 for conveying systems having at least one article
suspending conveyor.
793 for load holding designs for a unit load conveyor having
an endless or rotating path of travel where the load may be
suspended also.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
104, Railways, for suspending conveyors having rail
supported, power and free, suspending trolleys.
452, Butchering, 177 and 187+ for endless hooks limited for
use in the butchering art..
Subclass:
679
This subclass is indented under subclass 678.1. Apparatus
wherein the conveyed load, or the hanger means supporting the
load, is maintained in engagement with the drive means by
magnetic means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
690 for conveyors having magnetic means used to enhance the
frictional engagement between the conveyor and its load.
Subclass:
680
This subclass is indented under subclass 678. Apparatus
having a hanger means which comprises relatively movable
parts or is movable relative to the support means, in
addition to its conveying motion, and having means to engage
and cause movement of said part of said hanger means relative
to said support means to cause the suspended load to change
position relative to the support means as it is being
conveyed, or to cause the load to be disengaged from said
hanger or released from the grip of the hanger so that said
load may be removed from said hanger.
Subclass:
681
This subclass is indented under subclass 678. Apparatus
having a plurality of substantially parallel guide or track
support means along each of which an articulated drive means
is adapted to move in parallel fashion with respect to the
other, and means supported by and spanning the space between
said drive means from which a load may be suspended.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
817 for endless strip-like belts arranged to move parallel
to and spaced from one another, and having load engaging and
supporting elements extending transversely of and spanning
the gap between the belts.
Subclass:
682
This subclass is indented under subclass 678. Apparatus
having a means which is positioned between the hanger means
and the load, and which is secured to said hanger means
whereby the two said means are maintained in engagement for
the purpose of bearing a load.
Subclass:
683
This subclass is indented under subclass 678. Apparatus
wherein the articulated drive means transmits the weight of
the load from the hanger means to the track or guide support
means and said drive means is provided with support engaging
means which guide said drive means as it moves along said
support means.
Subclass:
684
This subclass is indented under subclass 678. Apparatus
wherein motion is transmitted to the hanger means through a
sprocket means or other drive means which, in turn, engages
and drives the articulated drive means, and including
particular means whereby motion is transmitted from said
sprocket or other drive means to said articulated means.
Subclass:
685
This subclass is indented under subclass 678.1. Apparatus
having means interconnecting or causing engagement between
the articulated drive means and the hanger means whereby
motion can be transmitted from said drive to said hanger.
Subclass:
686
This subclass is indented under subclass 685. Apparatus
wherein said articulated drive means is a strand or cable
means and is connected to the hanger means below the point of
engagement between the hanger and the support means to
transit motion from the drive means to the hanger means.
Subclass:
687
This subclass is indented under subclass 685. Apparatus
wherein said articulated drive means is a chain or pivotally
interconnected members and is connected to the hanger means
below the point of engagement between the hanger and the
support means to transmit motion from the drive means to the
hanger means.
Subclass:
687.1
Separable conveyor portion:
This subclass is indented under subclass 678.1. Subject
matter wherein the load is supported upon a reusable carrier
which engages a load at a point below the location of
engagement of the load carrier by its drive means from which
it is disengageable.
(1) Note. The drive means may drive the load carrier by
either frictional or positive drive means.
Subclass:
688.1
Having means to enhance the friction or adherence between the
conveyor and load at random locations on conveyor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Apparatus
comprising a conveying means which is provided with means
designed to enhance the frictional engagement between the
load and the conveying means beyond that which result from
the mere weight of the load.
Subclass:
689.1
Suction:
This subclass is indented under subclass 688.1. Apparatus
having means to reduce below ambient the air pressure between
the load and the power-driven conveying surface means and
thereby enhance the frictional engagement between the load
and the conveying means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
471.1 for conveyor systems using suction to enhance the
frictional contact between the load and the conveyor.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
271, Sheet Feeding or Delivering and 414, Material or Article
Handling, appropriate subclass for suction conveyors used to
stack or unstack articles.
Subclass:
690.1
Magnetic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 688.1. Apparatus
having lines of magnetic flux which cause the load to adhere
to the power-driven conveyor.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
472.1 for conveyors systems using magnetic forces to enhance
frictional contact between the load and the conveyor.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
271, Sheet Feeding or Delivering and 414, Material or Article
Handling, appropriate subclass for magnetic conveyors used to
stack or unstack articles.
Subclass:
690.2
Transversely extending elongated ridge means formed on or
attached by nonmechanical means to the conveyor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 688.1. Apparatus
having an elongated laterally extending projection formed on
or attached, without using mechanical fastener means, to the
conveyor for the purpose of increasing the frictional
relationship between the conveyor and the load.
Subclass:
691
This subclass is indented under subclass 688.1. Apparatus
wherein the natural slippage between the load and the
conveyor means is reduced because of the effect of electrical
polarization of the load and the conveying means.
Subclass:
692
This subclass is indented under subclass 688.1. Apparatus
wherein the means which causes the conveyed load to adhere to
the conveying means is a sharp spike-like member carried by
the conveying means on which the load may be stuck or which
pierces into the load to convey the load.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
620 for means wherein a load is conveyed between separately
moving surfaces, which surfaces may be provided with means to
impale the load.
638 for conveying means which throw a load into a free
flight trajectory and which means may impale the load prior
to throwing it.
717 for conveyors comprising a load-supporting surface and a
pusher where-in the pushing member may impale the load being
pushed thereby.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
19, Textiles: Fiber Preparation, 67, for such devices to
carry fibrous material to a textile machine.
118, Coating Apparatus, subclass 31, for confection holders,
per se, and subclass 502, for impaling-type work holders for
use in a coating operation.
221, Article Dispensing, 213, for article dispensers not
elsewhere provided for using impaling means to engage and
carry articles from a source of supply to a point of
discharge.
406, Conveyors: Fluid Current, subclass 81 for a fluid
current conveyor fed by an endless belt conveyor having load
impalers.
Subclass:
693
This subclass is indented under subclass 692. Apparatus
employing means other than gravity to remove or to assist in
the removal of the load from the impaling means.
Subclass:
697
This subclass is indented under subclass 688.1. Apparatus
comprising an endless belt, the outer face of which contacts
the load, and a separately formed means hinged to the belt
and protruding therefrom in at least one position thereof for
the purpose of exerting a positive propelling force on the
load (e.g., a belt having mounted thereon a slat or lug
swingable between a load-propelling position extending
outwardly from the belt face and a retracted position lying
flat against the belt face).
Subclass:
698
This subclass is indented under subclass 688.1. Apparatus
comprising an endless belt, the outer face of which contacts
the load, and a separately formed means secured to and
protruding from the belt for the purpose of exerting a
positive-propelling force on the load, said means extending
substantially across the belt face and a separate screw, pin,
rivet, tongue and groove connection, or other mechanical
fastening means securing it to said face.
Subclass:
699
This subclass is indented under subclass 698. Apparatus
wherein the belt is formed of a flexible, continuous strip of
monofilament, composition or laminated sheet material.
(1) Note. Included here is a longitudinally slitted tubular
slat that is attached to a conveyor belt by means of (1) a
looped portion of said belt which extends through the slit in
said slat, and (2) a rod or tube that is positioned within
said belt loop to press it firmly against the inner surface
of said slat.
Subclass:
699.1
By a plurality of laterally spaced, projecting members to the
conveyor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 688.1. Apparatus
having a plurality of elements which projects sidewise from
one another across the conveyor surface and are formed on or
attached without using mechanical fastener means (i.e., glue,
etc.) to the conveyor for the purpose of increasing the
frictional relationship between the conveyor and the load.
Subclass:
700
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Apparatus
comprising an endless carrier means in the form of a freely
suspended loop whereby a carrier-supported load may be raised
or lowered.
(1) Note. The loop may or may not be weighted.
Subclass:
701
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Apparatus
wherein the load-engaging and conveying part comprises
structure in the form of a bucket which either (1) completely
enclosed and moves the load as a unit or in noncommunicating
segments, or (2) is substantially cup or trough shaped, or is
a variation thereof, and has means to vertically support the
load with cooperating sidewall surface means surrounding the
load to hold the load against movement in any lateral
direction while being conveyed; said part either forms a part
of, or is connected to, endless means whereby said load
conveying part is moved over an endless path.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
509 for bucket conveyors having means specialized to gather
a load from a pile of material (e.g., by means whereby the
conveyor support may be moved relative to a pile of material
so that the bucket may dig into and remove material from the
pile, etc.).
715 for conveyors having flexible pocket means in which a
load may be placed for conveyance, but which pocket means
does not have wall means completely surrounding the load.
793 for conveyors having surface means to provide vertical
support for a unit load. These surfaces may be provided with
guard means or other means movable therewith to prevent
lateral movement of the load from said surface, but will not
have wall means completely surrounding said surface as in
subclasses 701+.
819 for trough-shaped endless conveyors which can be made to
completely enclose the load, and, in so doing, form a
continuous tubular conveyor having no means to
compartmentalize the load along the longitudinal axis of the
conveyor.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
406, Conveyors: Fluid Current, subclass 81 for a fluid
current conveyor fed by an endless conveyor having buckets.
Subclass:
702
This subclass is indented under subclass 701. Apparatus
wherein it is particularly intended that the bucket means
convey a load in the liquid state.
Subclass:
703
This subclass is indented under subclass 701. Apparatus
having particular means whereby the bucket may be loaded or
unloaded more readily, including: means adapted to coact
with the load in the bucket to assist in the loading or
unloading operation; means to give the bucket a particular
direction, motion, or path; by particularly designing or
constructing the bucket for that purpose; or means
controlling the flow of fluid to or from the bucket.
(1) Note. Patents having a mere end sheave over which the
bucket passes to thereby invert the same so the load is
caused to drop from the bucket are not included herein.
However, patents providing sheave means in addition to the
end sheave means to cause the bucket to travel a particular
path which will facilitate a more complete or particularly
directed load discharging or loading operation will be found
in this and indented subclasses.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
526 for a conveyor system having a gravity conveyor section
and including a moving (e.g., traveling) flow control means
which is coordinated with a power-driven section (often of
the bucket type) for the purpose of interrupting the flow of
material when no one of the conveying elements of the latter
section is in a proper position to receive the flow.
702 for bucket conveyors for conveying liquid and having
means whereby the liquid may be removed therefrom.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
414, Material or Article Handling, 334 for a moving,
wheeled, load-transporting type vehicle (e.g., a bucket
having track-engaging wheels for supporting it, and attached
to an endless element for traction purposes) and a portable
loading or unloading device therefor, the device being
supported at least in part independently of the vehicle and
traveling with the vehicle during the transfer of a load
between the two; see especially subclass 336 thereunder for a
suspendedly supported device, which is frequently the
situation when the vehicle being loaded or unloaded is a car
of an aerial tramway.
Subclass:
704
This subclass is indented under subclass 703. Apparatus
wherein a portion of the surface of the bucket means which
supports or restrains the load may be displaced so that the
load may be removed from the bucket.
Subclass:
705
This subclass is indented under subclass 703. Apparatus
having means which will engage and cause the load to move
relative to the bucket to remove the load from the bucket.
Subclass:
706
This subclass is indented under subclass 703. Apparatus
wherein the bucket means is mounted for pivotal movement
relative to the endless means, and means is provided whereby
the bucket means may be pivoted to facilitate loading or
discharging a load therefrom.
Subclass:
707
This subclass is indented under subclass 701. Apparatus
wherein a plurality of bucket means are pivotally
interconnected, one to the other, in endless fashion, so that
power employed to move one or more of the interconnected
bucket means will cause movement in all the other buckets
interconnected therewith.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
710 for noninterconnected bucket means which are adapted to
abut and push one another around an endless track.
Subclass:
708
This subclass is indented under subclass 701. Apparatus
having a plurality of bucket means and a means, either
incorporated with or separate from the bucket means, moving
with the bucket means and providing a covering for the space
between the bucket means, as they are spaced for movement, so
that material or load will not tend to be lost from the
conveyor should it be released to the conveyor in the area
between the buckets.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
526 for a conveyor system having a gravity conveyor section
and including a moving (e.g., traveling) flow control means
which is coordinated with a power-driven section (often of
the bucket type) and which means may be in the nature of a
"gap closer".
707 for a plurality of buckets which are pivotally
interconnected to form a chain and which may include means
covering the space between buckets to prevent the fall of
material between the buckets.
Subclass:
709
This subclass is indented under subclass 701. Apparatus
having means to vary the tension on the endless means.
Subclass:
710
This subclass is indented under subclass 701. Apparatus
having slide and guide or wheel and track means to support
the bucket means while it is being driven by the endless
drive means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
706 for a slide and guide or wheel and track which is
involved in the pivoting of a bucket to facilitate the
loading of the bucket or the discharging of a load
therefrom.
854 for other slide and guide or wheel and track means to
support other types of movable load-carrying means driven by
an endless means.
Subclass:
711
This subclass is indented under subclass 701. Apparatus
wherein the endless means is monofilament, composition or
woven, band or strand, and particular means is provided
whereby the bucket means may be connected to the band or
strand and thereby driven to convey the load.
Subclass:
712
This subclass is indented under subclass 701. Apparatus
wherein the endless means is a chain or an elongated
articulated means formed by pivotally interconnected members,
and wherein particular means is provided whereby the bucket
means may be connected to the chain means.
Subclass:
713
This subclass is indented under subclass 701. Apparatus
wherein the structure or construction of the conveying part
of bucket means is particularly defined.
Subclass:
714
This subclass is indented under subclass 713. Apparatus
wherein the conveying part comprises a plurality of
interconnected, joined, attached, or separate parts.
Subclass:
715
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Apparatus
having a flexible load-support means which, when a load is
placed thereon, forms a cradle or sling which supports and
restrains the load against movement in one or more, but not
all, lateral directions.
Subclass:
716
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Apparatus
comprising a vertically extending conduit means which, at
least through said extension, completely surrounds a
conveying means comprising an elongated power transmission
means and flight means attached thereto and driven thereby,
whereby a flowable solid material may be elevated.
(1) Note. Included in this subclass are those patents
wherein the conduit is formed by relatively movable members
and including conduits formed in part by the elongated power
transmission means.
Subclass:
717
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor section includes surface means which is
the sole support for a load or loads against gravity and
which does not move to convey the load, said conveyors also
including load-propelling means which moves substantially
parallel to said surface means and exerts only a force
against the load or a portion thereof to move said load said
surface means.
(1) Note. Patents solely disclosing pusher-type conveyors,
but claiming only flight structure, flight and transmission
connection means, flight or flight transmission guide means,
or any subcombination of a pusher-type conveyor, not
classified elsewhere, which is directly in contact with the
load, or deals with load movement, will be found in this or
indented subclasses.
(2) Note. See the Notes to subclass 570 for the distinction
between plural and single pusher conveyors.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
597 for conveying systems having a plurality of conveying
sections and a pusher-type shifter associated with one of the
sections.
644 for conveyors for moving structures, some of which are
the pusher-type.
657 for screw conveyors wherein a helix pushes a load over a
load-supporting surface.
660 for screw conveyors wherein the helix may be shifted
axially.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
15, Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning, subclass 93
and 236.01, for scraping machines and scraping implements.
56, Harvesters, the subclasses including "endless" in their
titles, for pushers in that art.
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclasses 360-366 for
a conveyor designed to receive food, a food article or a
beverage containing receptacle, and having a heat generator,
a heat exchanger, other means physically effecting the food
or beverage during the conveying, or an enclosure or tank
having more than enough structure for the operation of the
conveyor.
144, Woodworking, 242.1 for a work feed mechanism on a
woodworking machine.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, 154, for flume
stream-type strainers which may include like devices for
cleaning the strainers.
415, Rotary Kinetic Fluid Motors or Pumps, subclass 5, for
like structures utilized in a pump or turbine.
416, Fluid Reaction Surfaces (i.e., Impellers), 7, for like
structure reacting with an unconfined or undirected medium
fluid.
452, Butchering, 177 for pushers to push hooks along a track
in the butchering art.
Subclass:
718
This subclass is indented under subclass 717. Apparatus
having means, separate from the load pushing and support
means, which senses or is responsive to the occurrence of a
condition or a change in a condition and thus acts to cause a
change in the operation of any means whereby the load is
caused to move or to not move, or acts to relocate the
load-conveying means or its support means.
Subclass:
719
This subclass is indented under subclass 717. Apparatus
having means or particular construction designed to prevent
damage of the conveyor because of (1) a worn, misaligned,
bent, or otherwise abnormal part or parts of the conveyor,
or because (2) the load being conveyed has become
unmanageable by the conveyor.
Subclass:
720
This subclass is indented under subclass 717. Apparatus
having means whereby the load which has been caused to move
between given points by flight means of a given conveyor may
be further moved by said flight means so that it will again
be moved between the same said points by said flight means or
other flight means of said conveyor.
Subclass:
721
This subclass is indented under subclass 717. Apparatus
wherein the load-supporting surface is specially designed or
is provided with means whereby the coefficient of friction of
said surface is indicated as being low.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
629 for plural conveying sections which cooperate to
simultaneously move a given load, one of said sections being
a pusher.
Subclass:
722
This subclass is indented under subclass 717. Apparatus
wherein the said member extends from and turns about an axis
of rotation in a continuous circular path.
Subclass:
723
This subclass is indented under subclass 722. Apparatus
wherein the member moves the load in a circular path on at
least a portion of the load-supported surface.
Subclass:
724
This subclass is indented under subclass 723. Apparatus
wherein the load is moved along the axis of rotation of said
member as well as in said circular path.
Subclass:
725
This subclass is indented under subclass 717. Apparatus
wherein said member is a flexible closed-loop
force-transmitting assemblage that is driven in an endless
path, a portion of said path being parallel to said
load-supporting surface along which the member moves a
portion of said load.
(1) Note. The assemblage included herein is, for example, a
chain, or a belt, or a rope, or a cable.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
406, Conveyors: Fluid Current, subclass 81 for a fluid
current conveyor fed by an endless conveyor having load
pushers.
Subclass:
726
This subclass is indented under subclass 725. Apparatus
provided with at least two said assemblages, each moving in
its own path, but a portion of each path being concurrently
parallel to said load-supporting surface, whereby, when said
paths are parallel to said surface, the members carried by
said assemblages cooperate together to move a portion of said
load.
Subclass:
727
This subclass is indented under subclass 725. Apparatus
wherein the load-supporting surface is a trough having a
particular cross-sectional shape and the periphery of the
load-engaging surface of the load-engaging means conforms in
shape to the cross-sectional shape of the trough.
Subclass:
728
This subclass is indented under subclass 725. Apparatus
wherein a load-engaging means is attached to, or is carried
by, or is part of said closed-loop assemblage.
Subclass:
729
This subclass is indented under subclass 728. Apparatus
provided with means that are shaped to fit a dimension or
shape of any part or all of the pusher member, which means is
adapted to move or maintain said pusher in its intended path
of movement.
(1) Note. Included herein is, for example, an idler wheel,
or a sprocket wheel, or a rail, or a track way, having a
particular shape to accommodate the pusher, for the purpose
of holding the assemblage in its intended path.
Subclass:
730
This subclass is indented under subclass 728. Apparatus
wherein the closed-loop assemblage comprises a plurality of
connected segments, each segment including: a) a portion
thereof that serves as a means for engaging and moving a
load, and b) a portion thereof that serves to hold the means
in load-moving position, and c) a portion thereof that serves
to connect each segment with its preceding and its
succeeding segment, and each segment being formed as a single
unit.
(1) Note. Each segment may be formed by shaping a single
blank, or by permanently assembling a number of pieces into a
single unitary assemblage (as by welding, bolting, rewetting,
etc.), provided that each segment can be connected to its
preceding and its succeeding segment without the use of
additional interconnecting elements.
Subclass:
731
This subclass is indented under subclass 728. Apparatus
provided with means for facilitating the attachment of said
load-engaging means to said closed-loop assemblage in the
detachment of said load-engaging means from said assemblage;
provided with means for facilitating the repositioning said
member relative to said assemblage.
(1) Note. The integral element found in the patents of
subclass 730 is inherently capable of being readily attached
and detached from other such segments. Search for the
connection of this subclass (731) should include a search
through subclass 730, where applicable.
Subclass:
732
This subclass is indented under subclass 728. Apparatus
wherein the attachment of said load-engaging means of said
assemblage is by way of means permitting arcuate oscillation
of the load-engaging means relative to the assemblage.
Subclass:
733
This subclass is indented under subclass 728. Apparatus
wherein there is only one closed-loop assemblage which is
driven in an endless path, and wherein said load-engaging
means is rigidly attached to the said assemblage.
Subclass:
734
This subclass is indented under subclass 725. Apparatus
wherein the shape of the load-engaging surface of the means
is significant.
Subclass:
735.1
Load support, casing, shield, or auxiliary attachment:
This subclass is indented under subclass 725. Subject
matter, wherein the significance is attributed to the load
support design, partial or total load enclosing casing
design, shield attached to the load support or casing or an
auxiliary attachments on the load support or casing of an
endless pusher system.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
860.1 for similar concepts in combination with other
conveyor systems.
Subclass:
735.2
Modules connectable end to end with no relative movement:
This subclass is indented under subclass 735.1. Subject
matter, wherein the load support or casing is formed of
plural detachable sections which are attached together in a
manner to prevent motion relative to each other after
assembly.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
860.2 for similar modules and their connection.
Subclass:
735.3
Door, casing, cover, or load supporting surface:
This subclass is indented under subclass 735.1. Subject
matter, wherein significance is attributed to a movable or
removable closure, enclosing casing, overlying cover or load
support design.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
860.3 for similar concepts in other conveyors.
Subclass:
735.4
Casing or load supporting floor with door:
This subclass is indented under subclass 735.3. Subject
matter wherein the enclosing casing or the load supporting
floor has movable or removable closure to permit access to at
least one run of the endless pusher.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
860.4 for access doors in other conveyors.
Subclass:
735.5
Removable cover overlying the conveyor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 735.3. Subject
matter wherein a housing portion which overlies the conveyor
and load is capable of being moved therefrom to provide
access to said housing portion.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
860.5 for removable overlying covers on other conveyors.
Subclass:
735.6
Modules connected end to end permitting relative angular
positioning (e.g., due to uneven ground):
This subclass is indented under subclass 735.1. Subject
matter wherein the load support or casing is formed of plural
detachable sections which are capable of turning movement
relative to other sections during conveyor operation.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
861.1 for the same concept in other conveyors.
Subclass:
736
This subclass is indented under subclass 717. Apparatus
wherein the member is moved alternately to and fro and
wherein said member engages said load to exert a force on and
move the load on one of its movements and returns without
moving the load to a load-engaging position on the other of
its movements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
406, Conveyors: Fluid Current, subclass 76 for a fluid
current conveyor combined with reciprocating pusher-type
conveyor.
Subclass:
737
This subclass is indented under subclass 736. Apparatus
provided with at least two members arranged transversely of
each other and extending along the path of travel of the
load, each member moves alternately in a load-moving
direction and in a nonload-moving direction, and wherein (1)
the load-moving direction is the same for all members, and
(2) the entire load-moving motion of two of the members does
not extend during the same time interval.
Subclass:
738
This subclass is indented under subclass 736. Apparatus
wherein the force-exerting member is held by a movable
carriage, which carriage moves the member alternately to and
fro.
Subclass:
739
This subclass is indented under subclass 738. Apparatus
wherein the movable carriage swings to and fro about a
pivot.
Subclass:
740
This subclass is indented under subclass 738. Apparatus
wherein the movable carriage moves in a continuous
closed-loop path.
Subclass:
741
This subclass is indented under subclass 738. Apparatus
wherein there are two or more force exerting members held by
the movable carriage.
Subclass:
742
This subclass is indented under subclass 741. Apparatus
wherein the members are pivotable about an axis of the
carriage.
Subclass:
743
This subclass is indented under subclass 742. Apparatus
wherein the members are held by the movable carriage for
arcuate oscillation, each member oscillating about its own
axis and each axis extending laterally of the path of load
travel.
Subclass:
744
This subclass is indented under subclass 743. Apparatus
wherein the axis of oscillation of the members are below the
load-support surface.
Subclass:
745
This subclass is indented under subclass 742. Apparatus
wherein the axes of oscillation of the members are at right
angles to the load-support surface.
Subclass:
746
This subclass is indented under subclass 738. Apparatus
wherein the force exerting member is mounted on the movable
carriage for arcuate oscillation.
Subclass:
747
This subclass is indented under subclass 736. Apparatus
wherein the member is moved along a straight line from a
starting point during its load-engaging movement and is moved
along the same straight line, but in the opposite direction,
when returned to its starting point.
Subclass:
748
This subclass is indented under subclass 747. Apparatus
wherein the member is moved by a closed-loop device.
(1) Note. Examples of a device for this subclass include
(a) endless chain, or (b) endless cable, or (c) endless
rope.
Subclass:
749
This subclass is indented under subclass 736. Apparatus
wherein the shape of the member is significantly claimed.
Subclass:
750.1
Reciprocating conveying surface:
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Subject matter
wherein a member which is directly supporting the load of
material is moving to and fro.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
752.1 for a reciprocating conveyor where the conveyed
material moves out of contact with the reciprocating surface
during one of the directions of reciprocating movement.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
406, Conveyors: Fluid Current, 73 for a fluid current
conveyor combined with a reciprocating conveyor.
Subclass:
750.11
Reciprocating gripper:
This subclass is indented under 750.1. Subject matter in
which an item holding, seizing, grasping, clamping, or
clutching means moves forward and backward alternately during
a cycle to pick up, convey, and release the item, then repeat
the cycle.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
468.2 for reciprocating conveyor moving a specific load as a
separate unit with load gripper.
Subclass:
750.12
Suction gripper:
This subclass is indented under 750.11. Subject matter in
which the holding, seizing, grasping, clamping, or clutching
means is a device that reduces the atmospheric pressure at
the item contact point.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
468.4 for reciprocating conveyor moving a specific load as a
separate unit with load gripper using suction.
Subclass:
750.13
Magnetic or electrostatic gripper:
This subclass is indented under 750.11. Subject matter in
which the holding, seizing, grasping, clamping, or clutching
means is a device that utilizes (a) the attractive-repulsive
nature of certain materials or (b) the phenomenon due to
attraction or repulsion of electric charges but not dependent
upon their motion.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
468.5 for reciprocating conveyor moving a specific load as a
separate unit with load gripper using magnetic or
electrostatic force.
Subclass:
750.14
Reciprocating surface carries load horizontally and
vertically for one cycle only:
This subclass is indented under 750.1. Subject matter in
which an article or item alternately forwardly and backwardly
moving supporting member transports the article or item in
two perpendicular planes during one operation pass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
468.6 for a reciprocating conveyor moving a specific load as
a separate unit with a load gripper that moves the load
vertically and horizontally.
Subclass:
750.2
Surface formed by plural parallel elongated sections
reciprocating horizontally:
This subclass is indented under subclass 750.1. Subject
matter wherein the reciprocating conveying surface is
comprised of two or more stretched out material holding
members extending in the conveying direction and moving to
and fro as a group during the material advance and moving to
and fro sequentially during holding retraction in order to
keep the material stationary.
Subclass:
750.3
Seals:
This subclass is indented under subclass 750.2. Subject
matter comprising a gap closing means in or over the joints
between the holding members or between the holding members
and an adjacent member of the conveying system to prevent
undesired entry of debris or fluid into the gap.
Subclass:
750.4
With specified bearing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 750.2. Subject
matter wherein a significance is attributed to a material,
pattern, or shape of a member supporting the plural elongated
sections of the load conveying surface.
Subclass:
750.5
Piston drive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 750.2. Subject
matter wherein the horizontal movement of the plural parallel
elongated sections is provided by a linearly expandable
device moving back and forth under fluid pressure.
Subclass:
750.6
Detachable drive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 750.5. Subject
matter wherein the piston drive is releasably engaged between
a support framework and the elongated load supporting members
so that the load supporting members as a unit are separable
from a power transferring mechanism.
Subclass:
750.7
Piston drive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 750.1. Subject
matter wherein the reciprocating movement of a single
conveyor member is provided by a linearly expandable device
moving back and forth under fluid pressure.
Subclass:
750.8
Eccentric cam or rotating crank drive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 750.1. Subject
matter wherein the reciprocating movement of the conveying
surface of the conveyor is provided by a revolving or
oscillating mechanical device having its axis of rotation
displaced from its center or by a revolving link having an
axis of rotation at one end and a pivotal connection to the
load conveyor member adjacent to its opposite end.
Subclass:
751
This subclass is indented under subclass 750.1. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor is provided with a detector that
generates a signal upon the occurrence of a predetermined
condition of the load or the conveyor, which signal causes
actuation of a means to regulate the conveyor or movement of
the load.
Subclass:
752.1
Vibratory conveying member:
This subclass is indented under subclass 750.1. Subject
matter wherein the load carrying surface moves alternately to
and fro with a high frequency and a low amplitude so that the
material moves out of contact of the carrying surface during
a portion of the to and fro movement.
(1) Note. In use, the load is carried on the conveying
member during its forward or a portion of its forward
movement, and the load continues its forward movement by
reason of its inertia and out of contact with the conveying
element while the conveyor element reverses its direction to
return to its original position for a repeat of the conveyor
element movement.
Subclass:
753
This subclass is indented under subclass 752.1. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor member is provided with means to change
its load-conveying movement to a direction opposite to its
former load-conveying movement, which means is operable at
the will of an operator.
Subclass:
754
This subclass is indented under subclass 752.1. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor member includes a bendable or pliant
strip or band to increase or decrease the load-conveying path
of the conveyor member.
(1) Note. In use, one end of the flexible belt is fastened
to an adjacent end of the vibrating conveyor and the other
end of the flexible belt is wound into a reel. Thus, by
increasing or decreasing the distance between the conveyor
and the reel, the effective length of the conveyor may be
varied.
Subclass:
755
This subclass is indented under subclass 752.1. Apparatus
provided with means in addition to the conveyor member, which
means prevents backward movement of the load during the
backing movement of the conveyor member.
Subclass:
756
This subclass is indented under subclass 752.1. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor member includes a surface that extends
around an axis, as well as along said axis.
Subclass:
757
This subclass is indented under subclass 756. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor member surface is secured to the inside
wall of a container, said wall being radially spaced from
said axis and extending generally parallel to said axis.
(1) Note. The container generally has a bowl shape and is
vibrated with an oscillatory motion about the axis so as to
effect conveying of the load along the helical path formed by
the conveyor member surface.
Subclass:
758
This subclass is indented under subclass 752.1. Device
wherein the conveyor is composed of a plurality of
channel-shaped conveying parts which are rapidly reciprocated
to effect load movement, which parts are provided with means
allowing the members to be readily joined or separated.
Subclass:
759
This subclass is indented under subclass 752.1. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor member is a load-supporting surface
provided with sustaining means to allow controlled vibratory
movement of said surface, or provided with means to cause
such movement.
Subclass:
760
This subclass is indented under subclass 759. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor member is provided with a counter mass
or energy-absorbing means to balance or retard destructive or
excessive conveyor member motions.
(1) Note. Example of a device of this subclass include (a)
another conveyor, or (b) a dash pot, or (c) a shock absorber,
or (d) a coil spring.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
330 for a damper applied to a vibratory drive means.
Subclass:
761
This subclass is indented under subclass 759. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor member is provided with means to
regulate the rate of movement of the load.
Subclass:
762
This subclass is indented under subclass 761. Apparatus
wherein the rate of movement of the load is regulated by
varying the frequency of the to-and-fro movements as caused
by the drive means.
Subclass:
763
This subclass is indented under subclass 759. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor member is a load-supporting surface
provided with sustaining means to allow controlled vibratory
movement of said surface.
(1) Note. Included herein, for example, is (a) a coiled
spring, or (b) a leaf spring, or (c) rubber or synthetic
rubber blocks, or (d) a spring formed of glass fiber, steel
or elastomer.
Subclass:
764
This subclass is indented under subclass 763. Apparatus
wherein said sustaining means includes a plurality of
spaced-apart connecting rods, each rod being hingedly
connected at its one end to said load support and being
hingedly connected at its other end to a foundation or base.
Subclass:
765
This subclass is indented under subclass 763. Apparatus
wherein said sustaining means is at least one rotatable
antifriction element located between and touching both of
said conveying member and a foundation or base.
(1) Note. Included herein, for example, is (a) a roller, or
(b) a ball, or (c) a cylinder, or (d) a wheel, or (e) an
endless belt, any of which allows the conveyor member may
roll to and fro.
Subclass:
766
This subclass is indented under subclass 763. Apparatus
wherein said load-supporting surface is further provided with
a vibrating means to cause said controlled vibratory
movement.
Subclass:
767
This subclass is indented under subclass 766. Apparatus
wherein a balance of energy-absorbing means is operatively
connected to the vibratory means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
760 for a damper applied to the conveyor surface or its
support.
Subclass:
768
This subclass is indented under subclass 766. Apparatus
wherein said vibrating means is powered by a gaseous or
liquid medium under pressure.
Subclass:
769
This subclass is indented under subclass 766. Apparatus
wherein said vibrating means is powered by mechanism to
generate lines of magnetic flux.
Subclass:
770
This subclass is indented under subclass 766. Apparatus
wherein the vibrating means includes a rotating mass having a
center of rotation and a center of gravity that is not on the
center of rotation, said mass being connected to the
load-supporting surface.
Subclass:
771
This subclass is indented under subclass 752.1. Apparatus
wherein the shape of the load-supporting surface of the
conveyor member is significantly claimed.
Subclass:
772
This subclass is indented under subclass 750.1. Apparatus
provided with means in addition to, and separate from, the
conveyor member, which means prevents backward movement of
the load during the backward movement of the conveyor
member.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
755 for a retrograde movement preventer associated with a
vibrator conveyor.
Subclass:
773
This subclass is indented under subclass 750.1. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor includes at least two groups of
load-carrying bars, each group comprising plural bars
connected and acting together, a bar of one group being
adjacent to one or more bars of another group, at least one
group being movable and another group being either movable or
stationary, and the groups coacting in cyclic alternation to
lift at least a portion of the load from either group and to
advance said load by either of the groups in a wave-like
manner.
Subclass:
774.1
This subclass is indented under subclass 773. Longitudinally
extending interdigitated sets (lifting by oscillating arms,
etc.): Subject matter wherein said load carrying bars reach
in the direction of said load and are positioned between or
on opposite sides of the bars of another group.
Subclass:
774.2
This subclass is indented under subclass 774.1. Load support
members lifted by inclined supporting fluid actuators:
Subject matter wherein vertical movement of the load support
members is effected by fluid actuating means which directly
support the members.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
774.1 for fluid actuators which actuate oscillating arms.
774.4 for fluid actuators which move the members along
inclined support surfaces.
Subclass:
774.3
Load support members lifted by supporting, eccentric cam or
rotating crank drive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 774.1. Subject
matter wherein the vertical movement of the load-support
members is by a rotating or oscillating eccentric member
having its axis of revolution displaced from its center or by
a rotating (not oscillating) member.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
774.1 for an eccentric cam or a rotating crank operating an
oscillating arm which supports the member.
Subclass:
774.4
Load support members lifted by inclined supporting surface:
This subclass is indented under subclass 774.1. Subject
matter wherein vertical movement of the load-support member
is by a supporting surface which is sloped, slanted or
pitched with respect to a horizontal surface on the member.
Subclass:
775
This subclass is indented under subclass 774.1. Apparatus
wherein each group of load-carrying bars has an active
motion.
(1) Note. In this subclass one group is movable to lift the
load from supporting relationship with another group, and
another group is movable to advance the load relative to the
one group.
Subclass:
776
This subclass is indented under subclass 775. Apparatus
wherein each group of load-carrying bars moves in an orbited
endless path, but in opposite phase, one group to the other,
whereby alternate groups alternately carry and alternately
support the load.
Subclass:
777
This subclass is indented under subclass 773. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor includes at least two groups of
load-carrying components, each group comprising plural
components connected and acting together, each component
oscillatable about an axis that is perpendicular to the
direction of load advance, and a component of one group being
adjacent to a component of another group; and wherein the
groups coact to transfer at least a portion of the load from
one group to an adjacent component of another group, and from
said adjacent component of said other group to a component of
said one group.
Subclass:
778
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Apparatus
having a load-supporting surface which traverses a spiraling
path over which the load will be conveyed.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
657 for screw conveyors in which a rotatable helical surface
moves the conveyed load.
724 for rotating pusher means which may move the conveyed
load over a spiral path.
813 for an endless conveyor belt having means to maintain or
to adjust the tension on said belt.
Subclass:
779
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Apparatus
wherein the conveying element comprises a series of
load-contacting rolls attached to an endless driven member.
The rolls may be rotated themselves, by power or other means,
or braked to prevent rotation.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
780 for rolls mounted to be rotated about their own axis to
thereby convey a load supported thereby.
804 for endless conveyors which may be made of rotatable
elements which are moved about an endless path.
Subclass:
780
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor comprises one or more parts or roller
means which will rotate about an axis when influenced to do
so by a source of power, and thereby cause movement of a load
directly supported by and in contact with said rotated part.
(1) Note. Conveyors in this and indented subclasses may
include an idler roller which may aid the power-driven roller
in supporting the load conveyed. However, see subclasses 523+
for power-driven rollers and nonpower-driven rollers which
act independently wherein one is active as a conveyor for the
load, while the other is disengaged from the load.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
624 for conveyor means wherein the load is moved by being
gripped between a plurality of driven rollers.
779 for rolls moved about an endless path and having means
to axially rotate a roll or rolls as they move about the
endless path.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
19, Textiles: Fiber Preparation, subclass 24, and indented
subclasses, for a series of rollers to crush fibers.
72, Metal Deforming, 199, for sets of rolls used for metal
deforming.
83, Cutting, subclasses having reference in their title to
work or product moving, and particularly subclass 156, 235,
259+, 268+, and 436.3.
193, Conveyors, Chutes, Skids, Guides, and Ways, 35, for
gravity-actuated rollers.
226, Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, appropriate
subclasses, for methods of and apparatus for feeding material
without utilizing the leading or trailing ends to effect
movement of the material.
384, Bearings, for bearings of general use.
406, Conveyors: Fluid Current, subclass 70 for a fluid
current conveyor combined with a line roller conveyor.
492, Roll or Roller, for a roll, per se, not elsewhere
provided for, and see the notes thereunder.
Subclass:
781.01
Live roll drive engages, disengages, or slips responsive to
load position or blockage:
This subclass is indented under subclass 780. Subject matter
having a means to bring a cylindrical motion transmitting
device and the load conveying device in contact with each
other or out of contact with each other or to permit abnormal
movement to take place between the cylindrical motion
transmitting device and the load conveying device in response
to (a) a sensor detecting the presence or absence of the load
at a predetermined position on the conveyor or (b) a device
responsive to excessive load on the conveyor.
Subclass:
781.02
Friction drive slips or disengages:
This subclass is indented under subclass 781.01. Subject
matter wherein the cylindrical motion transmitting device
releases a motion transmitting force to the load conveying
rollers via a coupling (e.g., friction clutch) breaking the
motion transmitting force relative to one another in response
to the overload caused by a desired load stoppage or weight.
Subclass:
781.03
Belt drive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 781.02. Subject
matter wherein the frictional motion transmitting device
includes a continuous flexible band.
Subclass:
781.04
Friction wheel drive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 781.02. Subject
matter wherein the frictional motion transmitting device
includes a mechanical device consisting of a circular member
having a smooth surface of contact.
Subclass:
781.05
Live roll is driven by load sensor (e.g., trigger roller):
This subclass is indented under subclass 781.01. Subject
matter wherein the roll drive means is controlled by a device
which detects the load.
Subclass:
781.06
Sensor and drive interconnected by fluid or electric means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 781.05. Subject
matter wherein a circuit between the load detecting means and
a means to connect or disconnect a motion transmitting device
to the roll drive means is powered by liquid, air, gas, or
electricity.
Subclass:
781.07
Positive gear drive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 781.05. Subject
matter wherein the roll drive motion is transmitted by a
meshing toothed wheel without slippage.
Subclass:
781.08
Friction wheel drive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 781.05. Subject
matter wherein the motion is transmitted by a mechanical
device consisting of a circular member having a smooth
surface in direct contact with the roller.
Subclass:
781.09
Flat belt drive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 781.05. Subject
matter wherein the motion is transmitted by a continuous band
of flexible material having substantially a rectangular cross
section.
Subclass:
781.1
O-Ring drive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 781.05. Subject
matter wherein the motion is transmitted by a continuous band
of flexible material having a round cross section.
Subclass:
781.11
Chain drive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 781.05. Subject
matter wherein the motion is transmitted by a continuous band
constructed of metal or plastic links.
Subclass:
782
This subclass is indented under subclass 780. Apparatus
wherein a load-supporting roller may be shifted in any
direction (vertically, laterally, longitudinally) with
respect to the load which it conveys.
Subclass:
783
This subclass is indented under subclass 780. Apparatus in
which the power means or power transmission means which
rotates the roller means is timed, programmed, or is
otherwise provided with means whereby said roller means is
caused to rotate intermittently or periodically to move the
load.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
854 for drive means for conveyors in general, which means
are intermittent, indexed, condition responsive controlled,
etc.
Subclass:
784
This subclass is indented under subclass 780. Apparatus
having means (1) whereby the rotatable speed of a single
roller or of a plurality of rollers may be varied, or (2)
whereby one roller rotates at a different speed from another
roller, or otherwise changes load speed as it moves from one
roll to another, and wherein said rollers cooperate to
simultaneously support the load being conveyed.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
570 for plural roller conveyors which do not support the
load simultaneously and wherein each conveyor may be
independently driven or driven at different speeds.
Subclass:
785
This subclass is indented under subclass 780. Apparatus
wherein the load being conveyed on the roller means is
persuaded to travel along a predetermined longitudinal path
on the conveyor because of either the shape of the roller
means or the angular relationship of one roller means with
another.
Subclass:
786
This subclass is indented under subclass 780. Apparatus
wherein the roller means is shaped or arranged to move the
load in a direction having at least a component thereof in
the direction which is axially of the roller means.
Subclass:
787
This subclass is indented under subclass 780. Apparatus
wherein the rolls are constructed or arranged to curve the
path of movement given the load conveyed.
Subclass:
788
This subclass is indented under subclass 780. Apparatus
having specific motor means by means of which the roller
means may be rotated.
Subclass:
789
This subclass is indented under subclass 780. Apparatus
having specific means whereby power is transmitted to the
roller means so that when activated the rollers will be
caused to rotate.
Subclass:
790
This subclass is indented under subclass 789. Apparatus
wherein said transmission means is an endless belt or chain
which engages the roller means or sprocket means attached to
said roller means.
Subclass:
791
This subclass is indented under subclass 789. Apparatus
wherein the transmission means comprises gears which engage
the roller means.
Subclass:
792
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Apparatus
having a load-conveying means which is driven continuously
over a closed path, and having means whereby the velocity of
said means, or of a portion of said means, may be caused to
change each time it moves through a particular portion, or
particular portions, of said path.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
334 for a conveyor or accessory, which is specialized to
convey people, having a zone of varying speed.
854 for conveyors having drive means which, when controlled,
may stop or start the conveyor on change the speed thereof,
but having no significant conveyor structure.
Subclass:
793
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Apparatus
comprising a conveyor having load-supporting surface means
moved about an endless or rotating path and comprising a unit
load-supporting tray or platform or other surface means which
may support a load thereon and power transmission means, said
load-supporting surface means being supported by either said
flexible means, a track means or other stationary or movable
means.
(1) Note. A tray or other load-supporting surface is
considered to be the load if in its course of travel it is
caused to be disengaged from its propelling means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
597 for unit load-conveying means moved by endless means
arranged in tandem along the path of the conveyor.
678 for conveyor means from which a load may be suspended
wherein said means is supported by a track or guide and is
moved by an articulated transmission means.
701 for bucket conveyors having a surface to vertically
support a load and vertical wall means completely surrounding
said surface to prevent lateral movement of said load in all
directions.
803.16 for conveyors comprising rotating disc members which
may be compartmentalized to receive a unit load.
804 for conveyor means having load-supporting tray means, a
plurality of which cooperate to support a single load or a
load comprising a "stream" of granular or the like material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
414, Material or Article Handling, subclass 248 and 251 for
apparatus particularly adapted for charging or discharging a
facility for the parking or wheeled vehicles, and wherein
there is at least one vehicle transporting device of the kind
which comprises an endless carrier having vehicle supporting
members attached thereto, which carrier may orbit in a
vertical plane.
Subclass:
794
This subclass is indented under subclass 793. Apparatus
having means other than cyclic means by which the means
driving or moving the supporting surface may be controlled.
Subclass:
795
This subclass is indented under subclass 867.01. Apparatus
wherein the load-supporting surface means comprises a
plurality of distinct load-supporting surfaces, each being
moved, over at least a portion of the endless path, as the
result of being pushed by the next following supporting
surface.
Subclass:
797
This subclass is indented under subclass 793. Apparatus
having means to maintain the plane of the conveying surface
means horizontal for load-carrying purposes during at least
that portion of its endless path where it is both deviating
form straight-line travel and going through a change in
altitude.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
414, Material or Article Handling, 227, for movable storage
carriers for wheeled vehicles, and see section IV-8 in the
main class definition to this class for other conveyors used
in a dispensing environment.
Subclass:
798
This subclass is indented under subclass 797. Apparatus
wherein the load-supporting means is provided with means
which is brought into engagement with a movable or stationary
guide or stabilizing means located at the point where the
load-supporting means is caused to deviate from straight-line
motion to constantly maintain the plane of the load-
supporting surface means in a constant relationship to the
horizontal while in engagement with said guide or stabilizing
means.
Subclass:
799
This subclass is indented under subclass 797. Apparatus
wherein said load-supporting surface means is propelled and
supported solely by a plurality of endless, flexible, motion
transmission means of equal length, each said flexible means
being trained around associated sheave or sprocket means
having nonaligned axes of rotation, so that said
load-supporting surface means may be negotiated around said
associated sprockets and so that the load-supporting surface
may be maintained at a constant angular relationship to the
horizontal plane.
Subclass:
800
This subclass is indented under subclass 797. Apparatus
wherein the load-support means is provided with means which
is in constant engagement with a nonload-supporting,
nonpower-transmitting endless flexible means, or with a fixed
guide, or track, or rack means to constantly maintain the
plane of the load-supporting surface in a constant
relationship to the horizontal throughout its course of
travel.
Subclass:
801
This subclass is indented under subclass 793. Apparatus in
which the load-supporting surface means is secured adjacent
one end only to said endless power transmission means,
extends laterally therefrom and is unsupported at its
opposite end as the load placed on said surface is raised or
lowered by movement of said surface.
Subclass:
802
This subclass is indented under subclass 793. Apparatus
wherein the load-supporting surface means is provided with
means whereby it may move or be moved relative to the path
about which is traverses.
Subclass:
803.1
Gripping portions self-open as they pass through a curved
path:
This subclass is indented under subclass 803.3. Apparatus
wherein the load-supporting component comprises at least two
relatively movable portions which move apart as the conveyor
travels an outwardly convex path so the load can be inserted
or removed.
Subclass:
803.11
Nongripping holder is adjustable for different sized loads:
This subclass is indented under subclass 793. Apparatus
wherein the load-supporting component is attached to the
rotating or endless drives and do not grip the load and are
adaptable or replaceable to accommodate different sized
loads.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
473.1 for conveyor systems with adjustable or replaceable
holders for different sized loads.
Subclass:
803.12
Holder for hollow load contacts interiorly:
This subclass is indented under subclass 793. Apparatus
wherein the load-supporting means holds an article having a
cavity within itself and the load-supporting means engages
the surface of the cavity.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
487.1 for laterally projecting pins which engage the
interior of a hollow load in a conveyor system.
Subclass:
803.13
Holder formed of nongripping elements which self-open as they
pass through a curved path:
This subclass is indented under subclass 793. Apparatus
wherein the load-supporting component comprises at least two
relatively movable portions which move apart as the conveyor
travels an outwardly convex path so the load can be inserted
or removed therefrom without being gripped by said relatively
movable portions.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
484.1 for a conveyor system having nongripping self-opening
holders.
Subclass:
803.14
Holder means forms recess to receive or seat load:
This subclass is indented under subclass 793. Apparatus
wherein the load-supporting means includes a portion thereof
which at least partly surrounds an area or contiguous areas
of a load to an extent which prevents unintended movement
other than such movement imparted by the load-supporting
means.
Subclass:
803.15
Holder means forms an aperture for receiving load:
This subclass is indented under subclass 793. Apparatus
wherein the load-supporting means comprised a plate or
support having holes therein which could have a smaller
circumferential dimension than that of the load to be
conveyed, into which the load is insert, but does not fall
through the holes because of the difference between said
dimensions.
Subclass:
803.16
Rotary conveyor without specific locations for supporting
randomly placed articles or bulk material:
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Apparatus
wherein the conveying means is a rotary member which is
designed to randomly support articles or bulk material at any
location about its periphery.
Subclass:
803.2
Holder supported and driven by horizontally spaced drive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 867.01. Apparatus
wherein the separable load support is driven by drives
parallel to the vertical which engage the conveyor portions
adjacent its opposite ends.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
465.3 for separable holders driven by horizontally spaced
drives.
Subclass:
803.3
Holder grips load:
This subclass is indented under subclass 793. Apparatus
wherein the load-supporting components are mounted on a
rotating or endless drive means which positively hold or
attract the load by friction or by use of a force field, or
by a fluid current.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
470.1 for conveyor systems using load grippers.
Subclass:
803.4
Relatively adjustable grippers space portion of load:
This subclass is indented under subclass 803.3. Apparatus
wherein the load-supporting components comprise a plurality
of load holding means which are movable relative to one
another to space at least one portion of the load from
another portion thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
468.3 for separable grippers on a reciprocating or
oscillating conveyor.
Subclass:
803.5
Suction gripper:
This subclass is indented under subclass 803.3. Apparatus
wherein the load-supporting component element means comprises
a gaseous medium under subatmospheric pressure to hold the
load during conveyance.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
471.1 for endless or rotary conveyors in a system using
suction grippers.
Subclass:
803.6
Magnetic or electrostatic gripper:
This subclass is indented under subclass 803.3. Apparatus
wherein the load-supporting component uses lines of magnetic
flux or an electrical force field to hold the load during
conveyance.
Subclass:
803.7
Gripper portion biased to load engaging portion:
This subclass is indented under subclass 803.3. Apparatus
wherein the load-supporting component comprised at least two
relatively movable portions, one of which is continually
urged to the load contacting position by a separate resilient
means.
(1) Note. The resilient means could be a fluid.
Subclass:
803.8
Gripper portion made of resilient material which is self
biased into engaging position:
This subclass is indented under subclass 803.3. Apparatus
wherein the load-supporting component is made of resilient
material which is compressed or deformed by the reception of
the load and is self-urged into engagement with the load.
Subclass:
803.9
Cam means moves at least one portion of the gripper to a load
engaging position:
This subclass is indented under subclass 803.3. Apparatus
wherein the load-supporting component comprised at least two
relatively movable portions, one of which is moved to the
load contacting position by a means having a surface carrying
fixed points at varying distance from the center thereof.
Subclass:
804
This subclass is indented under subclass 618. Apparatus in
which the load-supporting and moving, or carrier, means of
the conveyor is a belt movable continuously along the path
defined by its longitudinal axis, at least part of said path
being that over which a load is to be moved, and the belt
having an endless surface or including longitudinally spaced
elements which cooperate to form, in effect, an endless
surface for supporting the load.
(1) Note. Included here is an endless belt formed for a
continuous material, or formed of a series of bars, plates,
or other transversely disposed member which either abut one
another or are spaced apart longitudinally of the belt and
cooperate to support a conveyed load spanning a gap or gaps
therebetween.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
404 and 405, for an endless conveyor included in
load-inverting conveying apparatus.
544 547, 550.9, and 550.13, for gravity conveyor systems
which involve a driven conveyor of the apron type.
606 and 607, for plural endless conveyors forming a
conveying system.
610 for an endless conveyor combined in a conveying system
with a different type of power-driven conveyor.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
14, Bridges, subclass 70, for an endless conveyor used as a
gangway.
29, Metal Working, subclass 2.17, for an endless belt moving
work to a cutter.
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, 658, for
belts for conveying webs or strands being treated by a gas or
vapor.
38, Textiles: Ironing or Smoothing, 8, for a conveyor belt
for moving an article in smoothing apparatus.
40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, subclass 78.09 and
96+, for a belt used in an exhibiting device.
53, Package Making, subclass 282, for an endless conveyor
moving preformed receptacles.
62, Refrigeration, subclass 380, for a continuous belt
conveyor in refrigeration apparatus.
65, Glass Manufacturing, subclass 197, for an endless
conveyor carrying a glass sheet.
68, Textiles: Fluid Treating Apparatus, 39, 44+, and 204, for
endless belt carriers in textile treating apparatus.
69, Leather Manufactures, subclass 41, for an endless belt
used to support work in leather machines.
83, Cutting, 155, for an endless belt or chain for conveying
product in a cutting machine.
96, Gas Separation: Apparatus, subclass 42 for an endless
belt carrying an electrical precipitator electrode.
100, Presses, subclass 118 and 151+, for an endless conveyor
in a press.
110, Furnaces, subclass 40, for endless grates.
118, Coating Apparatus, subclass 239, 322, and 324, for a
belt conveyor in a coating apparatus.
134, Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, subclass 48,
67, 70+, and 124+, for a belt conveyor in a cleaning and
liquid contact apparatus.
144, Woodworking, 245.2 for an endless conveyor in a
woodworking machine.
171, Unearthing Plants or Buried Objects, subclass 130, for
an endless belt in a machine for removing or separating earth
from an object.
182, Fire Escape, Ladder, or Scaffold, subclass 42, for an
endless conveyor fire escape apparatus.
185, Motors: Spring, Weight, or Animal Powered, subclass 16,
for animal-powered motors employing belts.
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, 202, for an
endless conveyor in an electrolytic apparatus.
209, Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids, subclass
218, 272, 307, 428+, 470, 620, 622+, 661, 663, 665, 685, and
705, for belts for assorters and ore separators.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, 400 and 526, for
endless belts in liquid purifiers or separators.
211, Supports: Racks, 121, for article-supporting elements
mounted on an endless carrier.
221, Article Dispensing, subclass 84, 119, 218, and 253, for
an endless belt in an article dispenser.
222, Dispensing, subclass 371 and 415, for an endless belt
in a fluent material dispenser.
226, Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, 170, for an
endless belt conveyor for a strand or the like.
227, Elongated-Member-Driving Apparatus, 44, for an endless
conveyor in apparatus within the class.
245, Wire Fabrics and Structure, appropriate subclasses, for
wire fabric for use in endless belts.
271, Sheet Feeding or Delivering, subclass 12, 16, 34, 45+,
66-69, 75+, and 150, for endless conveyor in a sheet handling
apparatus.
305, Wheel Substitutes for Land Vehicles, 157, for
nonmetallic endless tracks for land vehicles, and subclasses
185+, for flexible land vehicle tracks formed of
interconnected treads.
312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, subclass 91, 97, 134, and
268, for an endless carrier in a cabinet.
406, Conveyor: Fluid Current, 77 for endless conveyors
combined with fluid current conveyors.
409, Gear Cutting, Milling, or Planing, subclass 263 for an
endless carrier for work in a broaching machine.
413, Sheet Metal Container Making, 56, for an endless chain
for carrying can bodies.
425, Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating:
Apparatus, appropriate subclasses, for an endless belt used
to shape plastic material.
451, Abrading, 331 for an endless conveyor for feeding work
to an abrading device.
460, Crop Threshing or Separating, subclass 86, for threshing
machine belts.
474, Endless Belt Power Transmission Systems or Components,
particularly 202 for a positive drive belt; and subclasses
237+ for a friction drive belt.
Subclass:
805
This subclass is indented under subclass 804. Apparatus in
which the belt is maintained on a selected path, sustained,
or caused to move by a magnetic force impressed thereon.
Subclass:
806
This subclass is indented under subclass 804. Apparatus in
which deviation of the belt from the centered position on its
travel path is corrected by an automatically occurring change
in the angular orientation, relative to said path, of
revolvable means engaged with a face of said belt.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
810.1 for means which senses a deviation of a carrier belt
from its travel path and acts to correct such deviation.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
26, Textiles: Cloth Finishing, subclass 66 and 67, for cloth
stretched by rollers which change position to regulate
movement of said cloth thereon.
226, Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, 21, for a
roller which automatically skews to correct training
deviations of a web supported thereon.
474, Endless Belt Power Transmission Systems or Components,
particularly 102 for a control for correcting belt training
deviation in a transmission belt.
Subclass:
807
This subclass is indented under subclass 806. Apparatus
including a motor, pressure actuated ram, or other power
means for changing the angular orientation of said revolvable
means.
Subclass:
808
This subclass is indented under subclass 804. Apparatus
wherein said revolvable means maintains the belt, along at
least its load conveying reach, in upwardly concave form in
the direction perpendicular to travel direction of said
belt.
Subclass:
809
This subclass is indented under subclass 804. Apparatus
wherein an independent load support is positioned on each
side of a belt, the belt, or a position thereof, being
movable upwardly or downwardly relative to the supports
(e.g., to selectively bring the belt into driving engagement
with the load, or to vary the driving force exerted by the
belt on the load).
Subclass:
810.01
Condition responsive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 804. Subject matter
having means, separate from the belt, which detects an
occurrence of a condition and in response thereto acts to
start, stop, or correct the movement of the belt in response
to (a) the presence or absence of the load or (b) belt damage
or (c) misalignment of the belt or its support means or (d)
tension in the belt or in a strand supporting the belt.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
502.1 for indicators for measuring dimensions of the article
on a conveyor or indicating the current position of the
article along the conveyor or the abnormal speed of the
conveyor.
Subclass:
810.02
Belt damage sensor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 810.01. Subject
matter wherein the detecting means detects a break or wear in
the continuous band beyond the pre-established limit.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
810.04 for a belt sensor.
Subclass:
810.03
Belt tracking sensor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 810.01. Subject
matter wherein the detecting means is adapted to monitor an
alignment of the continuous flexible band and actuate an
alarm, alignment correction device or stop the continuous
band when the continuous band is out of alignment beyond the
pre-established limit.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
806 for a belt tracking device.
Subclass:
810.04
Belt tension sensor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 810.01. Subject
matter wherein the detecting means is adapted for measuring a
force in the continuous band which tends to stretch the
continuous band or to measure the amount of slack in the
continuous band and having a device which either indicates
via an alarm the force in excess of the pre-established limit
in the continuous band or control a stretching means to
correct the stretch in the continuous band.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
813 for a tensioning device.
Subclass:
811
This subclass is indented under subclass 804. Apparatus
wherein positive or negative fluid pressure, relative to
atmospheric pressure, is exerted against the belt to either
increase or decrease the force exerted by said belt against
its support means.
Subclass:
812
This subclass is indented under subclass 804. Apparatus
wherein the length of the conveying reach of the belt can be
varied.
(1) Note. Included here inter alia are: (1) a conveyor
having structure that facilitates addition or removal of its
segments to change conveying length, and (2) a conveyor
combined with separate means for holding extra segments until
they are required to change conveying length (e.g., a reel
mounted on a conveyor frame and holding belt segments).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
313 for a contractible conveyor mounted on a vehicle.
364 for conveying systems having sections employing load
discharging or feeding means which are movable along the
length of the section to effect communication between the
section and a selected source or destination.
370.01 for means for loading or unloading a conveyor section
at selected locations along the length thereof.
Subclass:
813
This subclass is indented under subclass 804. Apparatus
including means for stressing (1) the carrier belt, (2) a
drive belt for the carrier belt, (3) a support belt for the
carrier belt, or (4) a strand which extends along one side of
the carrier belt and which supports, in cooperation with
another strand on the opposite side of said carrier belt, a
roller or roller assembly supporting said carrier belt.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
19, Textiles: Fiber Preparation, 250, for means for
tensioning an endless belt used in a machine for attenuating
textile fiber.
24, Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc., subclass 32, for combined
fastening and tightening means for a belt.
26, Textiles: Cloth Finishing, 54, for devices for applying
tension to cloth.
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, subclass
118, for a tightener for a belt associated with a material
treating drum.
56, Harvesters, subclass 224, for a drive belt tensioner, and
subclass 292, for tensioner for endless cutter.
57, Textiles: Spinning, Twisting, and Twining, subclass 105,
for means for automatically tensioning driving bands.
83, Cutting, 814, for means for tensioning an endless cutting
band or chain.
101, Printing, Digest 21, for means for tensioning webs.
104, Railways, subclass 117, for tension regulators for
railway cables.
105, Railway Rolling Stock, 105, for belt tighteners for
wheel or axle drives.
114, Ships, 213, for devices for relieving tension in a
cable.
180, Motor Vehicles, subclass 351 and 357, for rear axles of
motor vehicles which are movable to adjust a drive chain.
187, Elevator, Industrial Lift Truck, or Stationary Lift for
Vehicle, subclass 264 for an elevator car shifted by a rope
drive and separate biasing means for maintaining tension in a
rope drive.
192, Clutches and Power-Stop Control, 224, for belt
tighteners which act as clutches combined with brakes.
211, Supports: Racks, subclass 119.09, for clothesline loop
tighteners.
242, Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding, 419 and 147+ for means
to apply or regulate stress in a running material.
254, Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or Pulling
Force, 199 for portable implements or apparatus for
tensioning flexible material or for extracting stumps or
poles.
305, Wheel Substitutes for Land Vehicles, 120, 125, 145+,
152, and 153+, for tensioner for vehicle track.
384, Bearings, 252 for adjustable support for a bearings.
451, Abrading, subclass 311 for means for maintaining in
traveling abrading bands.
474, Endless Belt Power Transmission Systems or Components,
particularly 101 for a tension adjuster for a power
transmission belt.
Subclass:
814
This subclass is indented under subclass 813. Apparatus
wherein a spring exerts force on the belt or strand to
maintain tension therein.
Subclass:
815
This subclass is indented under subclass 813. Apparatus
wherein a weight is arranged to exert force on the belt or
strand to maintain tension therein.
Subclass:
816
This subclass is indented under subclass 813. Apparatus
including a threaded means that is turnable to vary tension
in the belt or strand.
(1) Note. Included here is a screw moved axially by turning
a nut on the screw, thereby moving a belt support connected
to the screw.
Subclass:
817
This subclass is indented under subclass 804. Apparatus
including plural belt reaches arranged in side-by-side
relation to jointly support a load.
(1) Note. Included herein inter alia are separate belts
which are disposed in side-by-side relation and which are (1)
inclined relative to a vertical plane situated between their
edges so that the belts together form a trough, or (2)
supported at different elevations along their conveying
reaches so that one edge of a plate-like load rests on the
upper surface of the lower belt and the opposite edge of said
load rests against a side surface of the upper belt.
Subclass:
818
This subclass is indented under subclass 804. Apparatus
wherein the load-supporting reach of the belt has a concave
cross-sectional shape so that the side portions of said
carrier belt rise above its central section.
(1) Note. Included herein inter alia is a carrier belt
which sags between supports connected to its edges, or is
connected to and shaped by transverse frames spaced apart
longitudinally thereof, or is flexed into a trough when a
separate element mounted thereon engages a cam surface
extending along its travel path.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
806 for a trough-shaped carrier belt supported on a roller
or roller assembly which automatically skews to correct
training deviations of said belt.
Subclass:
819
This subclass is indented under subclass 818. Apparatus in
which the belt edges are juxtaposed, in the conveying reach
of the belt, to thereby completely or substantially enclose
the load.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
701 for elongated tubular-type conveyors having means to
compartmentalize the tubular load-conveying portion into
noncommunicating compartments.
821 for a belt which has raised edges formed thereon, or is
otherwise preshaped to sustain a trough configuration in
cross section.
Subclass:
820
This subclass is indented under subclass 818. Apparatus in
which the belt in intrinsically shaped in the form of a
trough.
(1) Note. Included herein is a carrier belt formed of wires
or rods.
Subclass:
821
This subclass is indented under subclass 820. Apparatus
wherein the belt consists of, or includes as part of its
structure, a loop of sheet-like material.
Subclass:
822
This subclass is indented under subclass 820. Apparatus in
which the belt is formed of or includes a plurality of plates
extending crosswise of said belt and successively disposed
lengthwise thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
850 for similar belt structure in which the carrier belt is
not trough-shaped in cross section.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
59, Chain, Staple, and Horseshoe Making, subclass 91, for
chains formed of sheet metal links.
Subclass:
823
This subclass is indented under subclass 818. Apparatus in
which the belt is supported in nonplanar cross-sectional form
by independent means engaging a face of said belt.
(1) Note. Included herein inter alia is a carrier belt
flexed into a trough by a stationary support on which it
slides, or by one or more revolving belts on which it is
supported.
Subclass:
824
This subclass is indented under subclass 823. Apparatus in
which the belt support means comprises at least one roller.
(1) Note. Included herein inter alia is a carrier belt
shaped into a trough by a flexible roller sagging between
ends supports, or by coaxial rollers having different
diameters, or by rollers tilted relative to one another and
connected so that they rotate together.
(2) Note. If a roller is claimed for shaping a carrier belt
into a trough, the invention is classified herein or in
indented subclasses. If a roller is claimed generally, the
invention is classified in Class 384, Bearings.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
501 for lubricating means for rollers that form a belt into
a trough.
Subclass:
825
This subclass is indented under subclass 824. Apparatus
wherein the belt support means comprises a plurality of
rollers which are independently rotatable, generally disposed
in end to end relation crosswise of the carrier belt, and
tilted relative to one another.
(1) Note. Included herein inter alia is a carrier belt
supported on rollers strung on a flexible strand or rod which
sags between a pair of supports.
Subclass:
826
This subclass is indented under subclass 825. Apparatus
wherein at least one roller is movable by choice to thereby
vary the angle of orientation between a plurality of
rollers.
Subclass:
827
This subclass is indented under subclass 825. Apparatus in
which supports for the rollers are hinged together in end to
end relation to form a concatenation hanging between supports
located at opposite sides of the belt.
Subclass:
828
This subclass is indented under subclass 825. Apparatus
including at least one strand extending along each of the
opposite edges of the belt, and a frame connected to at least
one of the strands and supporting at least one of the
rollers.
Subclass:
829
This subclass is indented under subclass 825. Apparatus
wherein at least one of the rollers is supported at only one
of its ends.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
826 for a belt-troughing roller assembly including a roller
that is supported from one end only.
Subclass:
830
This subclass is indented under subclass 825. Apparatus
including at least three upwardly projecting roller supports
fixed in traversely spaced relation on a rigid member
extending crosswise of the belt.
Subclass:
831
This subclass is indented under subclass 804. Apparatus
wherein the belt makes a lateral bend, with the lower belt
reach traveling directly under the upper belt reach at said
bend.
Subclass:
832
This subclass is indented under subclass 804. Apparatus
including claimed means for moving the carrier belt around
its orbital path.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
805 for a carrier belt driven by magnetic means.
810.1 for a carrier belt, the movement of which is
controlled by condition responsive means.
818 for drive means associated with trough-shaped carrier
belt.
854 for drive means for conveyors in general.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, subclass 32, for an
electric motor drive for an endless belt used as a display
device.
474, Endless Belt Power Transmission Systems or Components, 8
for drive belts.
Subclass:
832.1
Indexed or intermittent drive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 832. Subject matter
wherein the drive means causes the conveyor to stop and start
at definite intervals.
Subclass:
832.2
Brake means to slow, stop or hold carrier belt:
This subclass is indented under subclass 832. Subject matter
wherein means are provided to lower the speed, halt or retard
the belt in its movement.
Subclass:
832.3
Brake means directly engages carrier belt:
This subclass is indented under subclass 832.2. Subject
matter wherein the brake means physically contacts the
carrier belt.
Subclass:
833
This subclass is indented under subclass 832. Apparatus
including a drive belt movable along the path defined by its
longitudinal axis, said drive belt being free from said
carrier belt, but moving the same through (1) abutment
between parts of the belts, or (2) clamp means mounted on one
of the belts which can be quickly engaged with and released
from the other belt.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, subclass 401, for
belt superimposed on a moving support.
Subclass:
834
This subclass is indented under subclass 832. Apparatus
including a drive wheel having radially projecting teeth that
engage counterparts on the carrier belt or on a belt attached
to the latter.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
849 for similar devices where sprocket is not included in
claim.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
474, Endless Belt Power Transmission Systems or Components,
particularly 152 for a positive drive pulley.
Subclass:
835
This subclass is indented under subclass 832. Apparatus
including a member rotatable about an axis by drive means and
engaged with the carrier belt to impart motion thereto.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
474, Endless Belt Power Transmission Systems or Components,
particularly 166 for a friction drive pulley.
Subclass:
836.1
Having load retainer or guide separate from carrier belt:
This subclass is indented under subclass 804. Subject matter
wherein the load is restrained, directed or contained on the
carrier belt by laterally positioned longitudinally extending
surfaces or by surfaces positioned in opposition to the
carrying surface of the carrier belt.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
626.1 for coacting endless belts.
Subclass:
836.2
Load retainer biases load transversely against carrier belt:
This subclass is indented under subclass 836.1. Subject
matter wherein a containing surface is urged toward the
carrying surface of the carrier belt to retain the load.
Subclass:
836.3
Laterally adjustable or yieldable guides contact load:
This subclass is indented under subclass 836.1. Subject
matter wherein guides are mounted for sidewise movement or
urged sidewise relative to the carrier belt to accommodate
width of the load.
Subclass:
836.4
Replaceable modular guides for changing the conveying path
cross-section:
This subclass is indented under subclass 836.1. Subject
matter wherein the guide means are interchangeable,
differently dimensioned elements which are selectively used
to change any of the cross-sectional dimensions of the
conveying path.
Subclass:
837
This subclass is indented under subclass 804. Apparatus
including specific means for sustaining the belt, holding it
on a selected path, or pressing it against an object.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
810.1 for means which senses a shifting of a carrier belt
from its centered position on a support and acts to correct
such deviation.
813 for a carrier belt supported on a roller or roller
assembly which automatically skews to correct training
deviations of said belt.
823 for a carrier belt flexed into a trough by a stationary
support over which it slides.
845 for a carrier belt supported or guided by rotatable
means attached to the belt.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
19, Textiles: Fiber Preparation, subclass 249, for an
auxiliary support for an endless belt used for attenuating
textile fiber, and subclasses 252+, for means for guiding an
endless belt used for attenuating textile fiber.
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, 640, for
means for guiding or floating a running web or strand by
means of a fluid current, and subclasses 647+, for means for
guiding such running material in a zigzag path.
84, Music, subclass 161, for guides for sheet music.
451, Abrading, subclass 297 for belt tracking means in an
abrading machine.
474, Endless Belt Power Transmission Systems or Components,
appropriate subclasses for a guide or tensioning drive for an
endless power transmission belt.
Subclass:
838
This subclass is indented under subclass 837. Apparatus
wherein rollers on the belt rest on a rail or other support
extending longitudinally of said belt.
Subclass:
839
This subclass is indented under subclass 837. Apparatus in
which a rotatable member is oriented to turn the belt in
screw-like motion about its longitudinal axis, or to turn the
belt from one horizontal path to another horizontal path
extending in a different direction.
(1) Note. Included here is a means which lifts one edge of
a belt upward to discharge a load from the belt.
Subclass:
840
This subclass is indented under subclass 837. Apparatus
including a roller, wall, or other means which exerts a force
sidewise against the belt to keep the latter from shifting
horizontally in a direction transverse to the longitudinal
center line of the belt.
Subclass:
841
This subclass is indented under subclass 837. Apparatus
wherein the belt slips on an underlying support (e.g., a
smooth plate).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
836 for a belt support in the form of a slide plate having
side walls that retain the conveyed load on the belt.
Subclass:
842
This subclass is indented under subclass 837. Apparatus
including a rotatable body abutting the lower face of the
belt on the conveying belt reach, or engaging either the
upper face or the lower face of the belt on the nonconveying
belt reach.
(1) Note. If a roller is claimed for supporting carrier
belt, the invention is classified herein or in the indented
subclass. If a roller is claimed generally, the invention is
classified in Class 384, Bearings.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
806 for a roller or roller assembly which automatically
skews to correct training deviations of a carrier belt.
824 for a roller or roller assembly engaged with the lower
face of a carrier belt to flex said belt into a trough.
835 for a roller which drives a carrier belt.
836 for a roller which retains a load on a carrier belt.
Subclass:
843
This subclass is indented under subclass 842. Apparatus
wherein the rotatable means yieldably supports the belt
(e.g., a roller formed of rubber or resiliently mounted,
etc.).
Subclass:
844.1
Carrier belt structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 804. Subject matter
wherein significance is attributed to the particular
construction of the conveyor belt.
Subclass:
844.2
Connection means joins ends of sheet-like belt:
This subclass is indented under subclass 844.1. Subject
matter wherein two ends of a flexible belt segment or two
adjacent ends of two flexible segments are joined by some
means to form an endless flexible belt.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
24, Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc., 31, for means for
connecting end of a belt.
474, Endless Belt Power Transmission Systems or Components,
subclass 218 and 253+, for means for connecting opposite
ends to form a loop.
Subclass:
845
This subclass is indented under subclass 844.1. Apparatus in
which a turnable means, such as a roller, wheel, drum, or
ball, is engageable with means for supporting the belt or
maintaining it on a predetermined path.
Subclass:
846
This subclass is indented under subclass 844.1. Apparatus
wherein the belt consists of, or includes as part of its
structure, a loop of sheet-like material.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
692 for conveyor belt means having load-impaling means
projecting from its surface.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, for a single
layer stock material in the form of a web or sheet,
especially 116, for such material having varying thickness.
474, Endless Belt Power Transmission Systems or Components,
particularly 237 for a friction drive belt.
Subclass:
847
This subclass is indented under subclass 846. Apparatus
including (1) strengthening elements embedded in the material
forming the belt, or (2) a belt formed of plural plies of
material joined together.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
305, Wheel Substitutes for Land Vehicles, 167 and 183, for
metal reinforced nonmetallic endless flexible tracks for land
vehicles.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, 55, for a
laminate with filamentary elements (e.g., strands) in one
layer disposed at an angle to such elements in a second
layer, and subclass 60, for a laminate having a parallel
relationship between filamentary elements of adjacent
layers.
474, Endless Belt Power Transmission Systems or Components,
particularly 237 for a friction drive belt.
Subclass:
848
This subclass is indented under subclass 844.1. Apparatus in
which the belt is formed of or includes (1) a wire lattice,
or (2) rods having center portions thereof extending
transversely of said belt in spaced, parallel relation, the
ends of each of said rods extending longitudinally of said
belt and turning around an adjacent rod to form a pivotal
connection therewith.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
820 for a trough-shaped carrier belt including wires or
rods.
851 for a conveyor belt formed of separate tandemly disposed
strips having a zigzag shape transversely of the belt and
joined together by rods passing through holes in
interdigitated crown portions thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
59, Chain, Staple, and Horseshoe Making, subclass 83, for
chains formed of wire links.
245, Wire Fabrics and Structure, 2, for wire fabrics, per
se.
256, Fences, subclass 45, for wire fabric used in fences.
474, Endless Belt Power Transmission Systems or Components,
particularly 202 for a positive drive belt; and subclasses
237+ for a friction drive belt.
Subclass:
849
This subclass is indented under subclass 848. Apparatus
including a link-formed belt that is secured to the
load-carrying belt.
Subclass:
850
This subclass is indented under subclass 844.1. Apparatus in
which the belt is formed of or includes rigid link members
pivotally connected one to another in tandem relation
lengthwise of the belt.
(1) Note. Included herein inter alia is a carrier belt
formed of links joined by hooks, ball and socket-type
connections, or lacing rings or coils extending through
apertures in said links.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
820 for a trough-shaped carrier belt including links.
832 for a device which drives a carrier belt including
links.
845 for a carrier belt including links and rollers.
846 for a carrier belt including links and a looped strip of
flexible material.
849 for a carrier belt including links and wire or rod
elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
59, Chain, Staple, and Horseshoe Making, subclass 82 and
84+, for chains formed of links.
474, Endless Belt Power Transmission Systems or Components,
particularly 202 for a positive drive belt; and subclasses
237+ for a friction drive belt.
Subclass:
851
This subclass is indented under subclass 850. Apparatus in
which the link members are connected by separately formed
pins.
Subclass:
852
This subclass is indented under subclass 851. Apparatus in
which the link members pivot about mutually perpendicular
axes, so that the carrier belt can curve in both horizontal
and vertical planes.
Subclass:
853
This subclass is indented under subclass 851. Apparatus
including identical link members, each formed at one end with
transversely spaced knuckles, or bifurcated to provide at one
end transversely spaced arms, with the opposite end of each
link member extending between the knuckles or arms of the
longitudinally adjacent link member.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
503 for conveyors which are controlled in response to a unit
load count.
Subclass:
860.1
CONVEYOR FRAME OR CASING:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus directed to means for supporting or encasing the
load carrying means of a conveyor, or to the surface, per se,
upon which the load rests as it is conveyed.
Subclass:
860.2
Modules connectable end-to-end with no relative movement:
This subclass is indented under subclass 860.1. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor support or casing comprises components
or modules which interconnected in end-to-end relationship
along the longitudinal axis of the conveyor without relative
movement between the modules or components.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
735 for endless scraper troughs which are interconnected
modules.
861.2 for modules interconnected for relative movement.
Subclass:
860.3
Casing, cover, shield or load supporting surface:
This subclass is indented under subclass 860.1. Apparatus
wherein significance is attributed to the structure which
either encases, partially or completely, the load as it is
being conveyed, or is the supporting surface for the load as
it is being conveyed.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
657 701+, 716+, 836, for particular casings, covers, shields
or load supporting surface.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), subclass 31 for a
housing combined with a conveyor.
299, Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material and
405, Hydraulic and Earth Engineering, appropriate subclass
for mine roof supports.
Subclass:
860.4
Casing with door:
This subclass is indented under subclass 860.3. Apparatus
wherein the casing is provided with a portal or opening to
permit access to the conveyor inside the casing for repairs,
corrections of article or material feed, cleaning, etc., of
the conveyor.
Subclass:
860.5
Removable cover overlying the conveyor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 860.3. Apparatus
wherein the conveying run of the conveyor has an adjustable
or removable covering overlying said conveying run to permit
crossing by man or machine, prevent contamination, dust
control, or to permit access to conveyor.
Subclass:
861.1
Adjustable conveyor frame or casing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 860.1. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor support structure has parts which may be
moved relatively.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
312 for a conveyor shiftable mounted on a vehicle.
463.2 463.3 and 631, for adjustably mounted conveyor which
moves for extra conveying function.
535 for a gravity conveyor system having an adjustably
mounted conveyor.
586 for plural power-driven conveying sections at least one
of which is adjustably mounted.
Subclass:
861.2
Conveyor frame or casing flexes or pivots intermediate its
ends to move one end relative to the other:
This subclass is indented under subclass 861.1. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor support is designed to permit flexing or
movement about a fixed axis between the ends of the conveyor
to cause the load to travel a linear or nonlinear conveying
path.
Subclass:
861.3
Single horizontal pivot axis only:
This subclass is indented under subclass 861.2. Apparatus
wherein the conveyor support has movement about a single
horizontal axis only to enable the path of the conveyor to
change.
Subclass:
861.4
Entire conveyor pivots about horizontal and vertical axes:
This subclass is indented under subclass 861.1. Apparatus
wherein the entire conveyor is movable about horizontal and
vertical axes to permit the conveyor to be positioned in any
inclination to the three orthogenal axes.
Subclass:
861.5
Entire conveyor pivots about horizontal axis:
This subclass is indented under subclass 861.1. Apparatus
wherein the entire conveyor is moved only about a horizontal
axis only to limit the pivoting of the conveyor to a vertical
plane.
Subclass:
861.6
Entire conveyor pivots about vertical axis:
This subclass is indented under subclass 861.1. Apparatus
wherein the entire conveyor is moved about a vertical axis
only to limit the pivoting to a horizontal plane.
Subclass:
866
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus not herein before provided for.
Subclass:
867.01
Holder is removable or replaceable relative to drive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 793. Subject matter
wherein the load-supporting surface is a conveyor portion
which is detachably mounted on either the flexible means, the
track means or other stationary or movable means (i.e.,
drive).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
465.1 for separable load holders.
Subclass:
867.02
Holder grips load:
This subclass is indented under subclass 867.01. Subject
matter wherein the load-supporting surface positively holds
or attracts the load by friction or by use of a force field,
or by a fluid current.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
377.02 for a load holder comprising a gripping element.
470.1 for conveyor systems using load grippers.
803.3 for a conveyor section having a load holder with
a gripping element.
Subclass:
867.03
Suction gripper:
This subclass is indented under subclass 867.02. Subject
matter wherein the load-supporting surface comprises a
gaseous medium under subatmospheric pressure to hold the load
during conveyance.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
377.03 for a load holder having a suction type gripping
element.
471.1 for a rotary or endless conveyors using suction
grippers.
803.5 for a conveyor section having a load holder with a
suction type gripping element.
Subclass:
867.04
Magnetic or electrostatic gripper:
This subclass is indented under subclass 867.02. Subject
matter wherein the force field results from either the
attraction or the repulsion of (1) magnetic charges (i.e.,
magnetism) or (2) electric charges at rest (i.e., static
electricity).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
377.04 for a load holder having a magnetic or an
electrostatic type gripping element.
472.1 for a rotary or endless conveyor using magnetic or
electrostatic grippers.
803.6 for a conveyor section having a load holder with a
magnetic or electrostatic gripping element.
Subclass:
867.05
Gripper portion biased to load engaging portion:
This subclass is indented under subclass 867.02. Subject
matter wherein a portion of the load supporting surface
comprises at least two relatively movable portions, one of
which is continually urged to the load contacting position by
a separate resilient means.
(1) Note. The resilient means could be a fluid.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
803.7 for a conveyor section having a gripper portion biased
to load engaging portion.
Subclass:
867.06
Gripper portion made of resilient material which is
self-biased into engaging position:
This subclass is indented under subclass 867.02. Subject
matter wherein a portion of the load supporting surface is
made of elastic material which is compressed or deformed by
the reception of the load and is self-urged into engagement
with the load.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
803.8 for a conveyor section having a gripper portion made
of resilient material which is self-biased into engaging
position.
Subclass:
867.07
Cam means moves at least one portion of the gripper to a load
engaging position:
This subclass is indented under subclass 867.02. Subject
matter wherein the load supporting surface comprises at least
two relatively movable portions, one of which is moved to the
load contacting position by a movable means providing
irregular movement thereto.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
803.9 for a conveyor section having a gripper including a
cam moving at least one portion of the gripper to a load
engaging position.
Subclass:
867.08
Holder is adjustable for different sized loads:
This subclass is indented under subclass 867.01. Subject
matter wherein the load-supporting surface is attached to the
drive means and is adaptable or replaceable to accommodate
different sized loads.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
473.1 for a conveyor system with adjustable or replaceable
holders for different sized loads.
803.11 for a conveyor section having a nongripping load
holder adjustable for ifferent sized loads.
Subclass:
867.09
Holder for hollow load contacts interiorly:
This subclass is indented under subclass 867.01. Subject
matter wherein the load- supporting surface holds a cavity
containing article and the load-supporting surface engages
the surface of the cavity.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
487.1 for laterally projecting pins which engage the
interior of a hollow load in a conveyor system.
803.12 for a conveyor section having a holder for hollow
load contacting interiorly.
Subclass:
867.1
Holder formed of non-gripping elements which separate from
each other as they pass through a curved path:
This subclass is indented under subclass 867.01. Subject
matter wherein the load-supporting surface comprises at least
two relatively movable portions which move apart as the load
supporting surface travels an outwardly convex path so the
load can be inserted or removed therefrom.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
484.1 for a conveyor system having non-gripping self-opening
holders.
803.13 for a conveyor section having a holder formed of
nongripping elements which self-open as they pass through a
curved path.
Subclass:
867.11
Holder means forms recess to receive or seat load:
This subclass is indented under subclass 867.01. Subject
matter wherein the load-supporting surface having a hollow
therein which at least partly surrounds an area of a load to
an extent which prevents unintended movement other than such
movement imparted by the load-supporting surface.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
803.14 for a conveyor section having a load holder which
forms a recess to receive or seat the load.
Subclass:
867.12
Holder means forms an aperture for receiving load:
This subclass is indented under subclass 867.01. Subject
matter wherein the load-supporting surface comprises an
opening and the article is at least partially situated within
the opening during the conveying of the article.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
803.15 for a conveyor section having a load holder which
forms aperture for receiving the load.
Subclass:
867.13
Holder has frictional engagement with drive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 867.01. Subject
matter wherein the load supporting surface is in frictional
contact with the drive.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
688.1 for a conveyor section having a means to enhance the
friction or adherence between the conveyor and the load at
random locations on the conveyor.
Subclass:
867.14
Holder has positive engagement with drive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 867.01. Subject
matter wherein the load supporting surface is secured to the
drive by a slippage inhibiting device such as a mechanical
fastener or formation (e.g., screw, pin, rivet, tongue and
groove, hook) and the slippage inhibitting device exerts a
propelling force on the load supporting surface.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
698 for a conveyor section having mechanical fasteners
attached to the load-engaging belt for enhancing friction or
adherence between the load and the conveyor.
Subclass:
867.15
Holder is attached by a detachable connector to the drive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 867.14. Subject
matter wherein the slippage inhibitting device is a
releasable securing device.
Subclass:
890
Plural laterally spaced locations fed to or received from a
conveyor having laterally movable article supports or
pushers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 348. Subject matter
wherein a load carrier consisting of two or more load holding
members or force exerting means moving along a delivering or
transferring path receives loads from two or more sources
physically separated from the load carrier and positioned
sideways relative to the load carrier and delivers or
transfers the loads to two or more destinations physically
separated from the load carrier and positioned sideways
relative to the load carrier.
(1) Note. Each load holding member or force exerting means
is capable of partaking of a motion independent from the
other holding members or force exerting means to effect a
delivery of the load at a selected destination.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
370.02 through 370.06, for a conveyor having movable
transfer elements for discharging at selected locations along
the conveyor length.
Subclass:
890.1
Laterally moving article supports:
This subclass is indented under subclass 890. Subject matter
wherein the load holding members move transverse of the
conveyor path.
CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS
Subclass:
950
Art collection of conveyors and structure whereby they may
convey a load through an opening in a wall.
Subclass:
951
Art collection of conveyors having specific means for turning
cigarettes end for end.
Subclass:
952
Art collection of conveyors having heating or cooling means.
Subclass:
953
Art collection of conveyors having means to convey and
untangle springs.
Subclass:
954
Art collection of conveyors having means to handle an
overflow load.
Subclass:
955
Art collection of conveyors having fluid actuated, expansible
chamber means to move or shift some portions of the conveyor
or conveyor system.
Subclass:
956
Art collection of conveyors having flat surface positional
adjacent the end of the conveyor or conveyor system which is
forcibly contacted by the load and which acts to redirect the
load.
Subclass:
957
Art collection of conveyors, wherein significance is
attributed to the specific material used to make the conveyor
or some part thereof.
Subclass:
958
LOAD UNITS COUNTER:
Subject matter having means to count separate articles or
batch loads on a conveying means.
Subclass:
959
WEIGHING:
Subject matter having means to determine the weight of a load
carried upon a conveying means.
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