U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Information Products Division |
U.S. Patent Classification System - Classification Definitions
as of June 30, 2000
Patents classified in a subclass may be accessed by either clicking on
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(definitions have been obtained from the
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Electronic Products Branch)
Class 299
MINING OR IN SITU DISINTEGRATION OF HARD MATERIAL
Class Definition:
This class provides for (a) the obtaining of valuable,
naturally occurring minerals from the earth in a solid state
(the phrase "solid state" including a state in which the
minerals are in the form of particles of larger size than
colloidal), (b) the obtaining of ice from a naturally
occurring bed of ice, (c) the obtaining of naturally
occurring, nonhydrocarbon, solid, valuable, minerals from the
earth in a fluid state (the phrase "fluid state" including a
dissolved state or a state of colloidal dispersion or
suspension) or (d) the obtaining of any naturally occurring
valuable material from the earth in a solid or fluid state
when this is accomplished by the claimed use of a
substantially horizontal tunnel providing a working space for
human beings.
This class also provides for cutting, severing or breaking up
of naturally occurring solid, hard material. Such cutting,
severing or breaking up of solid, hard material generally
comprises, (a) recovering valuable material in desirable
shapes or specific sized chunks, (b) forming an opening or
cut in native material of larger cross-sectional surface area
than the effective cutting area of the cutting means by
movement of the means parallel to the exposed surface, or (c)
forming a large horizontal passageway into the earth by
continuously advancing a cutting device by means of a vehicle
or the like which is limited to substantially horizontal
operation, the cutting means forming the entire passageway in
an uninterrupted advance movement as the vehicle or the like
follows the cutting means into and along the passageway.
This class further includes miscellaneous subject matter
which does not meet the criteria of the above, but which
relates to forming or using a large underground passageway in
the earth and is not elsewhere classifiable.
This class was partially formed from an unofficial
classification that had been used by the Examiners for many
years. While the schedule and definitions are intended to be
employed as completely consistent with present rules of
classification, the claims of the patents at the time of the
formation of this class have not been analyzed to the degree
necessary to guarantee exact technical, original or
cross-reference classification of all patents.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
References To Other Classes, below, contain information about
lines with other classes.
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
15, Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning, 3 for a
machine for cleaning foreign material from a surface. Class
299 includes machines for in situ disintegration of purposely
applied hard material such as concrete, linoleum, roofing,
etc., but similar devices which remove accidently accumulated
oil, grease, dirt, etc., are classified in Class 15.
30, Cutlery, appropriate subclass for a hand manipulated
cutting tool of general utility.
37, Excavating, appropriate subclass for a process or
apparatus for excavating relatively soft or alluvial material
and particularly subclass 3 for peat excavators and
subclasses 307+ for dredgers. The line between Class 299 and
Class 37 relative generally turns on the relatively hardness
of the material recovered, Class 299 taking devices limited
by disclosure or claim to working hard material, with the
exception that Class 37 type excavating when combined with
separating of the excavated material into component parts is
classified in Class 299.
56, Harvesters, for subject matter directed to gathering or
cutting valuable plant products from above the surface of the
earth.
102, Ammunition and Explosives, 301 for apparatus and
methods of blasting.
125, Stone Working, appropriate subclass for subject matter
directed to the manufacture or working of stone articles.
The line between Class 299 and Class 125 generally is
determined by disclosed use, Class 299 taking subject matter
directed to working hard material in situ. However, Class
125 has some hand tools described as for working materials in
situ, such as miners picks.
166, Wells, appropriate subclass for subject matter directed
to winning valuable material which is naturally in the fluid
state in the earth (such as water, oil or gas). Furthermore,
subject matter for recovering a hydrocarbon material from a
well in a fluid state is classified in Class 166, whether the
material is described as originally in the solid state,
merely too viscous to flow or trapped in cavities in shale or
the like. However, if any of the valuable material is
recovered in the solid state, or if a valuable solid material
other than a hydrocarbon is converted to the fluid state for
recovery, classification is in Class 299. Furthermore, a
process or structure involving the use of a tunnel (a
horizontal earth passage in which a human works) to recover
naturally occurring fluid (including hydrocarbon) from the
earth is classified in Class 299.
169, Fire Extinguishers, subclass 45 for processes of
preventing fire, and subclass 64 for apparatus for fighting
fire in mines.
171, Unearthing Plants or Buried Objects, appropriate
subclass for subject matter directed to the recovery of
nonmineral objects or nonvaluable mineral objects such as
stones found in soft earth adjacent the earth surface. Class
171 primarily provides for the recovery of plants or plant
products from the earth, although subject matter directed to
the recovery of stones or manufactured articles from the
earth in the same manner as recovering plants or plant
products is also found in Class 171.
172, Earth Working, appropriate subclasses for subject matter
relating to working the earth in situ. In general, Class 172
takes apparatus of general utility for working both soft
earth and hard earth or material such as rock, ice or
pavement while Class 299 takes apparatus limited by
disclosure to working hard material such as rock, coal, ice
or pavement. However, Class 172 takes apparatus of the type
in which a tool carried by a support is advanced over the
earth by movement of the support without relative movement
between the tool and support if such apparatus is of general
earth working utility even if the disclosure is limited to
working hard material such as rock. An example of an
apparatus for Class 172 is a ripper tooth intended to be used
by being traversed over the earth by a tractor, the tooth
being stationary with respect to the tractor when working the
earth. An example of a apparatus for Class 299 is a driven
or rolling tool such as a cutter mounted on a driven chain or
a rolling disk limited by disclosure to working rock.
173, Tool Driving or Impacting, appropriate subclass for tool
driving devices which comprise combinations peculiar to
driving but do not recite features which limit the devices to
a specific art. Devices for driving impact type and mere
rotary motion tools described as for mining are classified in
Class 173. However, Class 299 includes large tunnel forming
type machines with material handling features which do not
necessarily include specific structure of work disintegrating
tool means and similarly chain type cutter driving and
manipulating devices which lack specific cutter chain
features, which were retained in Class 299 for the time being
as peculiar to mining or in situ material disintegration
functions.
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, appropriate subclass
for a process, machine or tool for initially forming or
radially enlarging an elongated opening in the earth, such
opening being formed in a sustained advance movement and of
approximately the radial extent of the cutting area of the
tool. Class 299 provides for similar subject matter directed
to enlarging an opening to the surface by moving the tool
parallel to said surface, breaking down the material in
shapes or sizes desirable for recovery or forming a large
horizontal passageway into the earth by continuously
advancing a cutting device by means of a horizontally
operating vehicle which cutting device forms the passageway
as the vehicle follows the cutting means into and along the
passageway.
180, Motor Vehicles, appropriate subclass for a motor vehicle
for operating or advancing a mining machine and particularly
153.1 for vehicles in which the motor of the vehicle is
utilized as an external source of power.
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, appropriate subclass for a
conveyor for handling mined material and particularly 300
and 506+ inclusive for a loading machine type endless
conveyor with a coacting gatherer, which may be described as
gathering material from a mine floor.
209, Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids,
appropriate subclass for a means of general utility to
classify, separate or assort solids and including a
cooperating means to pick up and convey material from a
location such as a floor or the like.
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration,
appropriate subclass for subject matter directed to
comminuting or disintegrating material of general utility.
Class 299 provides for devices specialized to comminuting or
disintegrating material in situ while Class 241 generally
involves opposed or cooperating comminuting surfaces which
break up material to reduce the size of elements thereof.
404, Road Structure, Process, or Apparatus, appropriate
subclasses for road making and particularly subclass 90,
which includes means for in situ comminution of earth or road
surface and subclass 133 for tamping means. Subject matter
relating to merely breaking up a pavement or earth crust is
classified in Class 299.
405, Hydraulic and Earth Engineering, appropriate subclasses
for a process or apparatus relating to structures formed in
water or the earth, particularly 55 for construction of
underground fluid storage cavities; and subclasses 132+ for
subject matter relating to shaft or tunnel structure or
method or apparatus for their construction. Underground
structures or supports, per se, are classified in Class 405
and also permanent shaft or tunnel lining combined with
excavating hard material to form a shaft or tunnel, but shaft
or tunnel excavation, per se, or combined with the temporary
supporting of the walls or roof of a shaft or tunnel is
classified in Class 299.
414, Material or Article Handling, subclass 311 for a static
receptacle and means of a nongravity type for discharging the
receptacle and wherein the means includes at least one
discharge assistant of the compound motion type and further
wherein the assistant is located proximate to the bottom of
the receptacle and is displaceable generally parallel
thereto, and additionally wherein the assistant comprises a
screw conveyer which includes means for loosening packed
material.
451, Abrading, for abrading, generally.
454, Ventilation, appropriate subclasses for ventilation of
general utility and particularly 168 for ventilation
specialized to use in mines. Subject matter directed to a
mining plan or layout, but involving no more than features
relating to ventilating the mine is classified in Class 474.
520, Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, appropriate
subclasses, particularly Class 523, 132 for a composition
containing a synthetic resin and having utility in situ as a
soil conditioner or stabilizer or to processes of preparing
said composition.
SUBCLASSES
Subclass:
1.05
AUTOMATIC CONTROL; SIGNALING, OR INDICATING:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Process or apparatus comprising (1) sensing a condition which
may or may not occur and initiating, modifying, or
terminating the operation of a power operated means or (2)
providing a visual or audible manifestation or representation
of the operation of a device for the benefit of an observer.
(1) Note. The sensing means may comprise a cutter and may
be integrally connected to the control means.
(2) Note. A valve which senses and controls with the same
surface (i.e., a check valve) is not included as a sensing
and control means under this definition. However, a valve
which senses with one surface and controls the flow of motive
fluid to a motor with a separate surface is included as a
sensing and control means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
173, Tool Driving or Impacting, 2 and the search there noted
for automatic control of a tool driving or impacting device
and subclasses 20+ for indicating or signaling means.
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, 24 for automatic
control of an earth boring means, subclass 39 for bit wear
signal generating, and subclasses 40+ for an earth boring
means or process with signaling, indicating, testing, or
measuring.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclass 690 for
geophysical position responsive indicating systems.
700, Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific
Applications, subclasses 1-89 for generic data processing
control systems.
Subclass:
1.1
Ore/rock interface determination during cutting:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.05. Process or
apparatus where cutting means are adjusted to remove a
mineral in response to the detection of a point where the
mineral ends and the nonvaluable material begins.
Subclass:
1.2
On cutter head:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1. Process or
apparatus where the sensor is located at or near the mineral
contacting point.
Subclass:
1.3
Of tunneling apparatus having a wall temporary support:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.05. Process or
apparatus where a subterranean corridor is formed by an earth
penetrating machine with a wall engaging means, where the
machine is adjusted to follow a predetermined path.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
405, Hydraulic and Earth Engineering, 141 for boring a
tunnel with the cutting device including a shield.
Subclass:
1.4
Of hard material disintegrating machine:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.05. Process or
apparatus where power operated means drives or advances a
cutting means.
Subclass:
1.5
Floor working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.4. Process or
apparatus in which the cutter breaks up material on the lower
limit of a working location as distinct from a sidewall,
endwall, or roof.
Subclass:
1.6
Sidewall working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.4. Process or
apparatus in which the cutter breaks up material which forms
a substantially vertical wall as the cutter advances parallel
to the wall.
Subclass:
1.7
Of advancing material handling means or roof support:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.6. Process or
apparatus where a conveying means or an upper wall supporting
means are moved with the cutter.
Subclass:
1.8
Of rotary cutter with advance direction coincident to rotary
axis:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.4. Process or
apparatus in which the cutter is continuously moved
unidirectionally about an axis and is caused to translate
along said axis.
Subclass:
1.9
Of material handling means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.05. Process or
apparatus where a means for moving or carrying material away
from the position at which it is broken up is controlled in
response to the sensed condition.
(1) Note. See SEARCH CLASS notes of the class definition,
for distinction between this subclass and Classes 198 and
405.
Subclass:
2
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Process or apparatus comprising recovering valuable material
in the fluid state from the earth and including (1) process
steps involving the construction or use of a horizontal
passage in which a human may work or (2) the structure of a
horizontal passage in which a human may work.
(1) Note. Valuable material which is recovered from or
through a tunnel is included under this definition even
though the material may not be fluid in the native state
(e.g., leached copper recovered in solution or coal gas
formed by burning are included).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
166, Wells, appropriate subclasses for a process or apparatus
for recovering fluids from the earth in which a tunnel is not
involved, and particularly subclass 50 for a well with a
lateral conduit.
Subclass:
3
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Process or apparatus including a step or means for changing
the physical state of a material from solid to liquid or
gaseous in a location in the earth where it naturally
occurs.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
17 for a process of obtaining valuable solid material from
the earth as solid particles in a fluent state.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
166, Wells, appropriate subclass for a process or apparatus
for converting solid hydrocarbon to a fluid in situ and
recovering the valuable hydrocarbon through a well solely in
the fluid state. If any of the valuable material is
recovered through a well as a solid, or a valuable material
other than hydrocarbon is converted to fluid and recovered,
classification is in Class 299.
405, Hydraulic and Earth Engineering, subclass 58 for
subject matter relating to the construction of an underground
fluid storage cavity by dissolving earth material; and
subclass 131 for a process or apparatus for thawing the
earth.
Subclass:
4
This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Subject matter
directed to a plurality of cooperating wells, one of which
receives a fluid for insertion into the earth, the other of
which produces a fluid from the earth.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
166, Wells, 269 and see the search there noted, for a
process comprising the use of input and output wells,
especially subclasses 272.1+ for such wells including heating
and subclass 52 for plural wells.
Subclass:
5
This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Subject matter
in which the state of the material is changed by (1)
undergoing chemical change (e.g., entering into combustion or
other chemical change) or (2) passing into solution in
another material (e.g., salt in water).
(1) Note. A state of colloidal dispersion or suspension is
considered a dissolved condition of material.
Subclass:
6
This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Subject matter
in which the material that is commercially desirable is
converted to a fluid for recovery.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
166, Wells, 302 for a well process involving heating and
subclasses 57+ for well apparatus including heating means.
Subclass:
7
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Process or apparatus including a step or means for separating
matter mined or excavated from the earth into at least two
different components.
(1) Note. This subclass includes an excavating step or
means as provided for in Class 37, Excavating, when combined
with a step or means to separate components of the excavated
material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
37, Excavating, appropriate subclass for a step or means for
recovering alluvial or soft material from an in situ
location. Class 37 includes selectively picking up materials,
(e.g., using a screen in the intake of a suction nozzle), but
excavation which includes any separation after the material
is picked up is classified in Class 299.
171, Unearthing Plants or Buried Objects, appropriate
subclass for process or apparatus for removing nonmineral
objects close to the surface of the earth or from the earth
and separating into constituent parts and subclass 16 for
railroad ballast removal and assorting or separating.
172, Earth Working, subclass 32 for an earth working means
combined with a means for separating parts of the earth from
each other.
209, Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids,
appropriate subclass for a process or means to separate solid
materials into component parts, and including means to convey
material to or from the excavating or separating means.
Subclass:
8
This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter
in which the components of the material are separated without
first conveying the mined or excavated material above the
surface of the earth in which it is naturally located or
above the surface of a body of water beneath which it.
Subclass:
9
This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter
which the material is removed from a submerged location.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
37, Excavating, 307 for dredgers.
Subclass:
10
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Processes.
(1) Note. Processes for the subject matter of subclasses
1-9 are excluded from this definition.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
37, Excavating, subclass 195 for a process of recovering
alluvial or soft material.
166, Wells, 244.1 for a process of recovering valuable fluid
material through a well in the earth.
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, subclass 61 and see
the search there noted for a process of boring or penetrating
the earth.
405, Hydraulic and Earth Engineering, appropriate subclasses
for processes for treating or controlling earth formation, or
for forming a structure therein.
Subclass:
11
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Process in
which a step is included for preventing a mining shaft or
tunnel sidewall, roof or floor from caving, shifting or
heaving.
(1) Note. This subclass includes for example, a process
including a step of constructing mine prop means, filling
mine workings, controlling pressures in the mine to prevent
dislocation of matter, removing pillars or other roof
supports, etc. However, a process including a mere step of
removing material to leave roof supporting sections or
columns of material in place is classified on other
features.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
405, Hydraulic and Earth Engineering, 132 for a process or
apparatus for making a shaft or tunnel. Class 405 provides
for (1) excavating a tunnel or shaft and lining it, or (2)
preventing a tunnel shaft or sidewall, roof, or floor from
caving, shifting, or heaving if not combined with an
excavating step or means.
Subclass:
12
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Process in
which a step is included for preventing injury to a human
working in a mine or mining operation.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
11 for a process including a step for stabilizing the mine
roof, sidewall or floor.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
169, Fire Extinguishers, subclass 45 for a process of
preventing fire, and subclass 64 for apparatus for preventing
or extinguishing a fire in a mine.
454, Ventilation, particularly 168 for a process or
apparatus for ventilating a mine for the safety and comfort
of workers, including mine safety doors and means for
supplying entombed miners with air.
Subclass:
13
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Process in
which material is disintegrated by means of a violently
expansive chemical reaction.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
102, Ammunition and Explosives, 301 for apparatus and
methods of blasting.
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, 2 for a process of
boring in which an explosion in the bore hole is utilized.
Subclass:
14
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Process in
which a step is included for breaking up hard material in
which (1) heat energy is directed into the material or (2)
vibrational energy is applied to the material.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
3 for a process of apparatus for in situ conversion of solid
to fluid and usually involving the use of heat energy.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
166, Wells, subclass 177.5 and 177.6 for vibrating or
fracturing apparatus in a well, subclass 249 for well
processes comprising vibrating the earth.
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, 11 for boring by
directly applying heat to fluidize or comminute, subclass 17
for boring comprising heating within the bore and subclass 56
for vibration boring.
Subclass:
15
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Process in
which hard material in situ is removed as a relatively large,
integral block of a predetermined shape.
Subclass:
16
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Process in
which a source of fluid at above atmospheric pressure is
applied directly to material to mine or disintegrate the
material.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
13 for a process of mining or disintegrating material by a
violently expansive chemical reaction.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
166, Wells, 305.1 for a well process relating to placing
fluid into or fracturing the formation.
405, Hydraulic and Earth Engineering, subclass 248 for a
method or apparatus for installing a pile in the earth
utilizing fluid jets.
Subclass:
17
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Process in
which direct fluid action is impacting against the material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, subclass 67 and see
the search there noted for a process of boring by fluid
erosion.
239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, 1 for a
process involving a fluid jet.
Subclass:
18
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Processes in
which a step is included for carrying the material away from
the position at which it is mined or disintegrated.
Subclass:
19
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus comprising the structure or arrangement of an
opening into the earth which is utilized to recover a
valuable material.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
11 for a mine layout involving a process of stabilizing
underground structure.
12 for a mine layout involving a process relating to mine
safety.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
405, Hydraulic and Earth Engineering, 132 for the structure
of a shaft or tunnel, per se, including means to support
shaft and tunnel walls, etc.
454, Ventilation, 168 for mine structure relating to
providing proper air supply and circulation for workers in a
mine.
Subclass:
20
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus comprising a device which is inserted into an
opening in hard material and is described as operated to
apply such expansive pressure to the walls of the opening as
to relatively move and break up the hard material.
(1) Note. A means which is sealed into an opening and is
described as supplying fluid pressure into the opening to
break down material by expansive pressure, even though the
fluid directly engages the material, is included under this
definition.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
16 for a process of breaking down material by direct fluid
pressure.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
102, Ammunition and Explosives 301 for a process or
apparatus for rendering a heavy mass by the sudden release of
gases under heavy pressure, such as an explosion.
166, Wells, subclass 177.5 for a means for fracturing a
formation traversed by a well, and subclasses 179+ and the
subclasses there noted for expansible packers or plugs, and
subclasses 206+ and the subclasses there noted for expansible
anchors.
Subclass:
21
This subclass is indented under subclass 20. Apparatus in
which one element of the device is expanded relative to
another by the application of fluid pressure to the
elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
166, Wells, subclass 187 and the subclasses there noted for
a packer or plug expanded by fluid pressure and subclass 212
and the subclasses there noted for an anchor expanded by
fluid pressure.
Subclass:
22
This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Apparatus in
which one fluid pressed element comprises a piston.
Subclass:
23
This subclass is indented under subclass 20. Apparatus in
which the device comprises relatively movable elements, and
an inclined face on one element cooperates with a face on
another element to generate expansive pressure.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
166, Wells, subclass 217 and the subclasses there noted for
a wedge operated expanding anchor.
254, Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or Pulling
Force, subclass 104 for a wedge type pushing device of
general utility.
411, Expanded, Threaded, Driven, Headed, Tool-Deformed or
Lock-Threaded Fastener, 15 for expanding core and sleeve
type fasteners.
Subclass:
24
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus comprising a machine or cutter which is described
as for the purpose of disintegrating or cutting ice.
(1) Note. This subclass provides an art group search for
machines or cutters for a specifically disclosed use of
working on ice. While in some cases the claimed device is
not structurally limited to such function and the search must
be continued in other subclasses, many features are found in
these patents which are of limited use such as sled runner
mounted and floating machines, ice block forming guides, and
cutters which do not appear to be efficiently adaptable to
the working of a material as hard as rock.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
3 for a process of apparatus for converting a solid such as
ice to a fluid.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
114, Ships, 40 for a vessel having means to break an ice
flow or open a harbor or the like.
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, subclass 18 for a
process or apparatus for boring or penetrating a hole in
ice.
Subclass:
25
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Apparatus in
which the machine is provided with a cutter which, in
addition to being advanced, has another movement (e.g.
rotational) to accomplish the cutting or disintegrating
action.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
114, Ships, subclass 42 for a vessel having a relatively
driven cutter to break an ice flow or open a harbor or the
like.
Subclass:
26
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Apparatus in
which the additional motion of the tool is reciprocatory.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
30, Cutlery, 164.5 for ice pick or chipper type cutlery.
Subclass:
27
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Apparatus in
which the function of the cutting is described as for the
purpose of cutting out blocks of ice.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
15 for a method of forming blocks of ice or other material
in situ.
26 for a reciprocating cutter that is described as for the
purpose of cutting out blocks of ice.
Subclass:
28
This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Apparatus
including separate cutting blades.
(1) Note. Separate cutting blades which are integrally
connected are included under this definition.
Subclass:
29
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus comprising a cutting means and a power operated
means to drive or advance said cutting means to cut, sever or
break up hard material.
(1) Note. For classification under this definition more of
the machine must be claimed than a cutter tooth, plural
cutter teeth or their immediate supporting or driving means,
such structure merely comprising a cutter head. A cutter
head or tooth is defined in subclass 79 of this class.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1.05 for a mining machine having an automatic control,
signaling or indicating feature.
20 for an expansible device for breaking down material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
173, Tool Driving or Impacting, appropriate subclass for an
apparatus of general utility for driving a tool.
Subclass:
30
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Apparatus
including a device to control the operation from a distant
point such that an operator does not have to be located in
the immediate area where the machine is working.
(1) Note. A control that is specifically described as
"remote" from the machine is included under this definition
and includes control from a position in a tunnel of a machine
located in a stop or drift, for example, as well as control
from a location completely outside of an underground mine.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1.05 for a mining device having automatic control, signaling
or indicating means and which may be remotely controlled.
Subclass:
31
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Apparatus in
which the advance causing means comprises a device having
feet or plate type anchors which alternately engage and
disengage the ground or the sidewalls of a tunnel to cause
the apparatus to move forward.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
180, Motor Vehicles, 8.1 for a stepper type motor driven
vehicle.
254, Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or Pulling
Force, subclass 134.6 for a step by step type tractor for
pulling cable in wire or stand placing.
305, Wheel Substitutes for Land Vehicles, 1 for a stepper
type wheel substitute.
405, Hydraulic and Earth Engineering, 299 for a walking roof
support for use in a mine, and which may be utilized for
advancing a mining machine.
Subclass:
32
This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Apparatus in
which a cutter, that comprises a blade which shaves off
material layer by layer by advance motion only, is moved by
the advance-causing means.
Subclass:
33
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Apparatus
including means to prevent material which comprises the upper
wall of an underground mine chamber from descending into the
chamber.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
11 for a process of stabilizing underground mine structure,
including supporting the mine roof.
31 for a stepper type advance causing means which may also
function as a walking roof support.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
248, Supports, 351 for a prop or brace of general utility.
405, Hydraulic and Earth Engineering, 132 for shaft and
tunnel linings, per se, or combined with excavating means;
and subclasses 288+ for temporary mine roof supports
(props).
Subclass:
34.01
Cutter attached to endless chain or cable (e.g., planer
type):
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Machine in
which a blade, plow (plough), tooth, bit, pick, or disk
scraper, fixed to a length of flexible power transmission
means connected at the ends, shaves off material layer by
layer by advance motion only.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
24 for a planer cutter for working ice.
32 for a planer type cutter and a stepper type means causing
the advance thereof.
Subclass:
34.02
With auxiliary cutter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 34.01. Planer-type
cutter including an additional, separate or distinct mining
machine (e.g., drum cutter, another planer cutter).
Subclass:
34.03
Roof-type cutter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 34.02. Auxiliary
cutter in which the shaving means is for an overhead portion,
relative to the floor.
Subclass:
34.04
Planer, plow, or knife details:
This subclass is indented under subclass 34.01. Planer-type
cutter having a particular type of mounting means, having
particular connections between members or portions, or having
a particular arrangement of the shaving device.
Subclass:
34.05
With fluid supply:
This subclass is indented under subclass 34.04. Planer,
plow, or knife detail including a gas or liquid container.
Subclass:
34.06
With vibrator:
This subclass is indented under subclass 34.04. Planer,
plow, or knife detail including a device to create an rapid
oscillating motion to enhance the shaving device.
Subclass:
34.07
Drive details:
This subclass is indented under subclass 34.01. Planer-type
cutter having a particular type of gearing, transmission,
clutch, etc.
Subclass:
34.08
Vertical height adjustment of entire installation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 34.01. Planer-type
cutter in which the elevation of the mining machine and
associated devices; e.g., conveyor, is changed relative to
the floor.
Subclass:
34.09
Chain features and connected to miner:
This subclass is indented under subclass 34.01. Planer-type
cutter which is attached to the endless power transmission
means; e.g., chain, in a particular arrangement.
Subclass:
34.1
Guide, associated with conveyor, for chain or supply lines:
This subclass is indented under subclass 34.01. Planer-type
cutter which includes a device, attached to the material
handling means, that directs the endless power transmission
means or utility pipes or cables.
Subclass:
34.11
Guide for adjustment of cutter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 34.01. Planer-type
cutter which has its orientation changed by a directing
device.
Subclass:
34.12
Pivoting cutter body:
This subclass is indented under subclass 34.01. Planer-type
cutter which is mounted to allow rotation.
Subclass:
35
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Apparatus in
which the cutter comprises (1) a flexible, cable-like element
which directly contacts the hard material to break it down or
(2) a flexible, cable-like element which carries separate
cutter teeth which directly contact the hard material, the
portion of the hard material being cut being situated between
guides over which the flexible cable element is drawn and the
portion of the cable between said guides being effectively
shortened in length as the cutting proceeds.
Subclass:
36.1
Floor-working:
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Machine in
which the cutter breaks up material on the bottom surface of
the working location, as distinct from the side or end walls
or top surface.
(1) Note. Floor working use must be specifically disclosed
for classification under this definition.
(2) Note. These devices are generally of the type supported
by wheels or the like on a surface and the driven tool works
the material of the supporting surface.
(3) Note. This definition includes devices described as
disintegrating linoleum or the like from floors as well as
concrete or asphalt road surfaces.
(4) Note. A device supported by a vessel floating on a body
of water and working material on the submerged floor is
included under this definition.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
24 for a device for working ice on the bottom surface of a
working location.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
15, Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning, 78 for a
street sweeping machine, subclasses 93.1+ for a scraping
machine and subclasses 98+ for a floor and wall wiping
machine.
172, Earth Working, 777 for scraper type tools, subclasses
133+ for diverse tools, and subclasses 518+ for rolling,
rotating, or orbitally moving tool that works on the surface
of the earth.
404, Road Structure, Process or Apparatus, 90 for cutting,
scarifying or disintegrating the pavement plus structure;
e.g., drag, tamper, roller, to level or smooth the cut road
pieces.
Subclass:
37.1
Reciprocating or oscillating cutter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.1. Floor working
machine in which the cutter has a cyclic to and fro motion.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
26 for an ice working device driving a reciprocating
cutter.
Subclass:
37.2
Resonant vibrator driven:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.1. Reciprocating
or oscillating cutter which is of the nonlinear motion sonic
generator type; e.g., eccentric weight.
Subclass:
37.3
Impact or hammering-type cutter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.1. Floor working
machine in which a falling weight, with appreciable striking
velocity, hits the cutting means or is the cutting means.
Subclass:
37.4
Hydraulic piston and cylinder-type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.3. Impact or
hammering cutter wherein the falling weight is assisted by
compressed fluid pushing on a solid mass within a tubular
vessel.
Subclass:
37.5
Hammer and anvil-type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.3. Impact or
hammering cutter wherein the falling weight pounds a specific
hardened or enlarged portion of the cutting means.
Subclass:
38.1
Narrow channel-forming type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37.1. Reciprocating
or oscillating cutter in which the cutter is described as
forming a slot which has a relatively small width in the
horizontal extent.
Subclass:
39.1
Rotary cutter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36.1. Floor working
machine in which the breaking up device turns about an axis.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
25 for an ice working device having a rotary cutter.
Subclass:
39.2
With material handling:
This subclass is indented under subclass 39.1. Rotary cutter
including means to convey the broken up bottom surface.
Subclass:
39.3
Slot-type cutter; e.g., pavement saw:
This subclass is indented under subclass 39.1. Rotary cutter
in which a circular relatively thin, flat blade grooves the
bottom surface.
Subclass:
39.4
Drum-type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 39.1. Rotary cutter
in which the breaking up device is mounted on a cylindrical
member.
Subclass:
39.5
Shiftable horizontally:
This subclass is indented under subclass 39.4. Drum rotary
cutter which is movable in a direction transverse to the
direction of travel.
Subclass:
39.6
Height adjustment:
This subclass is indented under subclass 39.4. Drum rotary
cutter which is movable in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the bottom surface.
Subclass:
39.7
Yieldably mounted cutter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 39.4. Drum rotary
cutter in which the breaking up device connection is designed
to fracture.
Subclass:
39.8
Specific mount for fixed projecting cutters:
This subclass is indented under subclass 39.4. Drum rotary
cutter in which the breaking up device has a particular type
of attachment.
Subclass:
39.9
And having rotatable cutting element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 39.1. Rotary cutter
in which the bottom surface breaking up device is mounted to
turn relative to the axis.
Subclass:
40.1
Freely rolling cutter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 39.1. Rotary cutter
in which the breaking up device is caused to move about an
axis while in rolling contact with the bottom surface, due to
the translation of the axis over the bottom surface rather
than due to means driving the breaking up device about the
axis.
Subclass:
41.1
Vertical cutter axis:
This subclass is indented under subclass 39.1. Rotary cutter
in which the cutter axis is disposed substantially
perpendicular to the floor.
Subclass:
42
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Apparatus in
which the cutter is described as breaking up material which
forms a substantially vertical wall as the cutter advances
parallel to said wall.
(1) Note. Sidewall working must be specifically disclosed
for classification under this definition.
(2) Note. This definition provides for mining machines of
the "longwall" type. The principal distinction of machines
under this definition is in the relatively long distance of
sustained advance and the problem of handling the broken up
material from the sidewall of an underground passage.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
34.1 and the search there noted for a machine which advances
a planer type cutter, such cutter commonly disclosed as
working on a sidewall.
Subclass:
43
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Apparatus
combined with means for moving or carrying material away from
the position at which it is broken up.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
18 for a process of mining which includes a step of
conveying the material.
34.1 and see the search there noted for a planer type
cutting machine, usually of the sidewall working type and
including material handling means.
64 and see the search there noted for other hard material
disintegrating machines having material handling means.
Subclass:
44
This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Apparatus in
which the means to move or carry material is combined with a
cutter that is described as forming a cut at the bottom of a
block of material, such material being subsequently dislodged
to be handled by the moving or carrying means.
(1) Note. A separate dislodging means does not necessarily
have to be claimed for a patent to be included under this
definition, as long as the cutter and conveyor are claimed
and dislodging is described.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
65 for a hard material disintegrating machine having
undercutting, dislodging and material handling features.
Subclass:
45
This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Apparatus in
which means to move or carry material away bodily follows the
cutter into an opening being formed by the cutter during
cutter operation.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
67 for a hard material disintegrating machine having
material handling means which enter the cut with the cutter.
Subclass:
46
This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Apparatus in
which means to move or carry material away is continuously,
unidirectionally rotated about an axis.
(1) Note. A rotary impeller which causes material to be
moved or carried away is included under this definition
whether the impeller directly contacts the material or not.
For example, a fluid current conveyor system in which a
rotary impeller causes the fluid circulation which moves
material but does not directly contact the material is
included hereunder.
(2) Note. An orbitally moving material handling means, such
as an endless belt conveyor is not included under this
definition.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
68 for a hard material disintegrating machine having a
rotary impeller type material handling means.
Subclass:
47
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Apparatus in
which the cutter is caused to advance by means of a cable or
similar flexible element to which power is applied to pull
the apparatus along, and which is generally described as
having one extremity anchored against a fixed point in the
working area, the power usually being applied by coiling the
other end of the flexible member about a drum.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
173, Tool Driving or Impacting, subclass 151 for a tool
driving device of general utility combined with a driven
flexible advance causing or controlling means.
254, Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or Pulling
Force, 264 for apparatus for hauling or hoisting a load
including a driven device which contacts and pulls on a
cable.
Subclass:
48
This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Apparatus in
which the cutter is connected to supporting structure in a
manner such that the cutter may be swung or otherwise moved
as a unit relative to said supporting structure in a
substantially horizontal direction.
(1) Note. For the definition of cutter see this class,
subclass 79.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
73 and see the search there noted for a machine having a
cutter shiftable horizontally.
Subclass:
49
This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Apparatus in
which the flexible element is coiled about an element (e.g.,
a drum) which rotates about a substantially horizontal axis.
Subclass:
50
This subclass is indented under subclass 49. Apparatus in
which the axis of rotation of the element is substantially
perpendicular to the vertical wall.
Subclass:
51
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Apparatus in
which the cutter teeth move through a path unidirectionally
in a substantially horizontal plane.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
77 and see the search there noted for machines having
cutters with teeth moving in a substantially horizontal
orbit.
Subclass:
52
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Apparatus in
which the cutter is connected to supporting structure in a
manner such that the cutter may be swung or otherwise shifted
as a unit relative to the supporting structure in a
substantially horizontal direction.
(1) Note. For the definition of cutter see this class,
subclass 79.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
48 for a sidewall working machine having a cutter shiftable
horizontally and advanced by a flexible member.
74 for cutter shiftable horizontally which has a cutter with
teeth moving in a substantially horizontal plane.
Subclass:
53
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Apparatus in
which the cutter teeth move through a path unidirectionally
in a substantially vertical plane.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
78 and the search there noted for a machine having cutter
teeth which move in a vertical orbit.
Subclass:
54
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Apparatus in
which the cutter is connected to supporting structure in a
manner such that the cutter may be swung or otherwise shifted
as a unit relative to the supporting structure in a
substantially horizontal direction.
(1) Note. For the definition of cutter see this class,
subclass 79.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
48 for a sidewall working machine having a cutter shiftable
horizontally and advanced by a flexible member.
73 and the search there noted for a cutter which is
shiftable horizontally.
Subclass:
55
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Apparatus in
which the cutter is continuously moved unidirectionally about
an axis and is caused to advance in the direction of a line
corresponding to said axis.
(1) Note. For the definition of cutter see this class,
subclass 79.
Subclass:
56
This subclass is indented under subclass 55. Apparatus
combined with means for moving or carrying material away from
the position at which it is broken up.
Subclass:
57
This subclass is indented under subclass 56. Apparatus in
which the cutting means comprises a plurality of cutter heads
and the axes about which the heads are moved are spaced in a
direction transverse to said axes.
Subclass:
58
This subclass is indented under subclass 55. Apparatus in
which the entire machine follows the cutting means into the
opening being formed by the cutting means as the cutting
progresses.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, 92 for a tool drive
prime mover that follows a cutter below ground in an earth
boring operation.
Subclass:
59
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Apparatus in
which the cutter means comprises two or more rotary heads
which are driven so as to move relative to one another during
operation.
Subclass:
60
This subclass is indented under subclass 59. Apparatus in
which the cutter teeth on one of the rotary heads form a path
of rotation which falls entirely within a circle described by
the path of rotation of the cutter teeth on another rotary
head.
Subclass:
61
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Apparatus in
which means are provided to change the radius of the
effective cutting area encircled by the cutter teeth.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, subclass 202 for an
above ground means to relatively move below ground earth
boring tool elements and subclasses 263+ for an earth boring
tool having a cutter element laterally shiftable below
ground.
Subclass:
62
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Apparatus
including cutter teeth which cyclically impact upon or
against the hard material.
Subclass:
63
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Apparatus in
which the means severs a large block of material in one
cutting movement relative to the material, the cutting means
comprising an endless loop which is described as arcuately
swinging into and behind a block of material to sever the
block in one sweep.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
15 for a mining process in which relatively large blocks of
predetermined shape are severed.
24 for an ice working process in which relatively large
blocks of ice are severed.
44 for a sidewall working machine in which a conveyor
cooperates with an undercutter, the material generally being
handled in large chunks.
55 for a rotary cutter head with an advance direction
coincident to the rotary axis and which may comprise an
annular core forming type cutter which forms a core on
advance movement and may include means to break the core
loose from the formation as a chunk upon retraction.
65 for a mining machine in which a conveyor cooperates with
an undercutter, the material generally being handled in large
chunks.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, 403 and see the search
notes therein for a core forming type earth boring tool.
Subclass:
64
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Apparatus
combined with means for moving or carrying material away from
the position at which it is broken up.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
18 for a mining process including a step of material
handling.
34.1 and the search notes therein for a mining machine
operating a planer type cutter and usually including a
material handling means.
43 for a sidewall working machine combined with material
handling means.
56 for a machine having a rotary cutter head with advance
direction coincident to rotary axis combined with material
handling means.
63 for a machine having an endless loop or rotary chunk
severing cutter and usually including a material handling
means.
Subclass:
65
This subclass is indented under subclass 64. Apparatus in
which the means to move or carry material is combined with a
cutter that is described as forming a cut at the bottom of a
block of material, such material being subsequently dislodged
to be handled by the moving or carrying means.
(1) Note. A separate dislodging means does not necessarily
have to be claimed for a patent to be included under this
definition, as long as the cutter and conveyor are claimed
and dislodging is described.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44 for a sidewall working machine having an undercutter,
dislodging and a conveying means.
Subclass:
66
This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Apparatus in
which the cutter is connected to supporting structure in a
manner such that the cutter may be swung or otherwise shifted
as a unit relative to said supporting structure in a
substantially horizontal direction.
(1) Note. For the definition of cutter see this class,
subclass 79.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
73 and see the search there noted for a machine having a
cutter shiftable horizontally.
Subclass:
67
This subclass is indented under subclass 64. Apparatus in
which means to move or carry material away bodily follows the
cutter into an opening being formed by the cutter during
cutter operation.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
45 for a sidewall working machine having a material handler
that enters the cut with the cutting means.
56 for a rotary head mining machine with advance direction
coincident to rotary cutter axis combined with material
handling means that generally follow the rotary head into the
opening being formed.
Subclass:
68
This subclass is indented under subclass 64. Apparatus in
which means to move or carry material away is continuously,
unidirectionally rotated about an axis.
(1) Note. A rotary impeller which causes material to be
moved or carried away is included under this definition
whether the impeller directly contacts the material or not.
For example, a fluid current conveyor system in which a
rotary impeller causes the fluid circulation which moves
material but does not directly contact the material is
included hereunder.
(2) Note. An orbitally moving material handling means, such
as an endless belt conveyor is not included under this
definition.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
46 for a sidewall working machine having a material handling
means of the rotary impeller type.
Subclass:
69
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Apparatus in
which the power operated means causes the cutter to
cyclically longitudinally impact upon or against the hard
material.
(1) Note. For the definition of cutter see this class,
subclass 79.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
62 for a rotary cutter head with advance direction
coincident to rotary axis in which the drive follows the
cutter into an opening formed thereby, and in which the
rotary head carries an impact type cutter.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
173, Tool Driving or Impacting, 90 and see the search there
noted for a tool impacting device.
Subclass:
70
This subclass is indented under subclass 69. Apparatus in
which the cutter is connected to supporting structure in a
manner such that the cutter may be swung or otherwise shifted
as a unit relative to the supporting structure in a
substantially horizontal direction.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
73 and see the search there noted for a machine having a
cutter shiftable horizontally.
Subclass:
71
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Apparatus
including plural, separate cutters, the cutters being
connected to supporting structure in such a manner as to
permit the cutters to be bodily swung or otherwise shifted
relative to each other and to the supporting structure.
(1) Note. For the definition of cutter see this class,
subclass 79.
Subclass:
72
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Apparatus in
which the cutter is movable relative to its support so that
the cutter teeth are operable in an orbit located in either a
horizontal or a vertical plane.
(1) Note. For the definition of cutter see this class,
subclass 79.
Subclass:
73
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Apparatus in
which the cutter is connected to supporting structure in a
manner such that the cutter may be swung or otherwise shifted
as a unit relative to said supporting structure in a
substantially horizontal direction.
(1) Note. For the definition of cutter see this class,
subclass 79.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
52 for a sidewall working machine having a cutter with a
horizontal cutter tooth orbit in which the cutter is bodily
movable in a horizontal plane.
54 for a sidewall working machine having a cutter with a
vertical cutter tooth orbit in which the cutter is bodily
movable in a horizontal plane.
66 for an undercutting and conveying machine having an
undercutter bodily movable in a horizontal plane.
70 for an impact type mining machine having a cutter bodily
movable in a horizontal plane.
Subclass:
74
This subclass is indented under subclass 73. Apparatus in
which the cutter teeth move through a path unidirectionally
in a plane which is substantially horizontal.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
52 for a sidewall working machine having a horizontal tooth
orbit cutter which is bodily movable in a horizontal plane.
Subclass:
75
This subclass is indented under subclass 73. Apparatus in
which the cutter is connected to the supporting structure in
such a manner that the cutter may be swung or otherwise
shifted as a unit relative to said supporting structure in a
substantially vertical direction as well as in a horizontal
direction.
Subclass:
76
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Apparatus in
which the cutter is connected to supporting structure in such
a manner that the cutter may be swung or otherwise shifted as
a unit relative to said supporting structure in a
substantially vertical direction.
(1) Note. For the definition of cutter see this class,
subclass 79.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
72 for a machine having a cutter swivelled to operate in
either a vertical or horizontal cutter tooth orbit.
75 for a machine having a cutter bodily movable in a
horizontal plane which is also bodily movable in a vertical
plane.
Subclass:
77
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Apparatus in
which the cutter teeth move through a path unidirectionally
in a plane which is substantially horizontal.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
74 for a machine having a horizontal cutter tooth orbit
cutter which is bodily movable in a horizontal plane.
Subclass:
78
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Apparatus in
which the cutter teeth move through a path unidirectionally
in a plane which is substantially vertical.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
55 for a vertical cutter tooth orbit rotary cutter head with
advance direction coincident to rotary axis.
63 for a machine having an endless loop or rotary chunk
severing cutter, the teeth of which generally circulate or
rotate in a vertical orbit.
72 for a machine having a cutter which is swiveled to
supporting structure to permit the cutter to operate as a
vertical or horizontal cutter tooth or bit cutter.
73 for a machine having a cutter bodily movable in a
horizontal plane, which may be a vertical cutter tooth orbit
cutter.
76 for a machine having a cutter bodily movable in a
vertical plane, generally a vertical cutter tooth orbit
cutter.
Subclass:
79.1
Cutter tooth or tooth head:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus comprising (1) an element which is disclosed as
specifically adapted to mechanically contact and selectively
break up, scarify, or dislocate hard material, such hard
material being described as in situ relative to the earth or
(2) the immediate supporting means for such element.
(1) Note. The term "cutter" or "cutter head" as used in the
title of this subclass and elsewhere in the titles and the
definitions of this class comprises at least one element as
defined in this subclass and the immediate supporting and
driving means for an element. However, a motor or plural,
relatively moving motion-transmitting elements are not
included as immediate driving means for an element.
(2) Note. The term "cutter tooth" as used in the title of
this subclass and elsewhere in the titles and definitions of
this class, comprises the cutting element, per se.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
20 for a device comprising relatively movable parts which
are adapted to be inserted into an opening in material and
dislocate the material by expansion therein.
24 for a device adapted to cut, disintegrate or dislocate
ice.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
30, Cutlery, 165 for cutting tools.
37, Excavating, 446 for the digging edge and separable teeth
of a scoop.
125, Stone Working, 36 for a tool adapted to work hard
material which is not in situ relative to the earth.
172, Earth Working, 681 for earth working tools.
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, 327 for a bit or bit
element.
241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, 291 for
elements for breaking up solid material, which is not in situ
relative to the earth.
433, Dentistry, 25 for tools to cut natural teeth.
Subclass:
80.1
Adjustable head:
This subclass is indented under subclass 79.1. Cutter tooth
or tooth head in which a portion of the elements' supporting
means is relatively movable and maintains the elements in two
or more different relative positions whereby the area of the
hard material engaged by the tool is selectively variable.
(1) Note. The elements may be moved from one relative
position to another either while the tool is operative or
idle.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
61 for a mining machine having a rotary cutter head with
advance direction coincident to the rotary axis, the drive
following the cutter into the opening formed thereby, in
which the cutting area is radially adjustable.
71 for a mining machine having relatively movable cutters.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, 263 for earth boring
or penetrating tools which are expansible during operation,
and subclass 382 for an earth boring or penetrating tool
having an adjustable cutting element.
Subclass:
81.1
Cleansing fluid passage:
This subclass is indented under subclass 79.1. Cutter tooth
or tooth head in which the elements' supporting means is
provided with a conduit for a fluid to make wet the hard
material contacting portion thereof or the adjacent area of
the work.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, 339 for a rolling
cutter bit or bit element having drilling fluid conduit
details, subclass 393 for a bit or bit element having a fluid
conduit lining or element, and subclasses 414+ for an impact
bit having an internal fluid passage.
Subclass:
81.2
Fluid feed distributor or controller (e.g., manifold):
This subclass is indented under subclass 81.1. Cleansing
fluid passage including a device with at least one inlet and
more than two outlets.
Subclass:
81.3
Nozzle or seal details:
This subclass is indented under subclass 81.1. Cleansing
fluid passage having a particular type of projecting vent or
fluid-tight joint.
Subclass:
82.1
Endless-chain type head:
This subclass is indented under subclass 79.1. Cutter tooth
or tooth head in which the element is moved by an articulated
or flexible member such as a series of links or a cable.
(1) Note. Specific structure of the flexible or articulated
means or the supporting structure therefor must be claimed
for classification under this definition. Merely reciting the
cutter as a "chain cutter" and limiting the claim to cutter
tooth or tooth mounting details is excluded and classified on
other features.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
35 for a wire saw type cutting machine.
63 for an endless loop or rotary chunk severing cutting
machine.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
37, Excavating, 353, 394+, and 462+ for excavating devices
having cutting elements carried by flexible means.
172, Earth Working, subclass 100 and 542 for earth working
tools carried on flexible means.
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, 89 for an earth boring
or penetrating tool carried on a continuously driven flexible
or articulated member.
Subclass:
83.1
Plural teeth on single link:
This subclass is indented under subclass 82.1. Endless-chain
type head in which one of the series carries at least two
cutting elements.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
101 for a cutter having plural teeth, but which recites no
specific flexible or articulated member structure or support
therefor.
Subclass:
84.1
Nontracking tooth arrangement:
This subclass is indented under subclass 82.1. Endless-chain
type head in which the elements carried by the flexible
member are such that one element will describe a different
path of travel than another element.
Subclass:
85.1
Plural heads moving relative to each other:
This subclass is indented under subclass 79.1. Cutter tooth
or tooth head in which at least two of the supporting means
operate at different speeds or translate in different
directions.
(1) Note. The relatively movable parts may comprise
separate cutter teeth.
(2) Note. Relative movement between the parts during normal
cutting operation must be specifically described for
classification under this definition. For example, merely
connecting a cutter element to a cutter head by means of
resiliently biased retaining means is not included.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
59 for a mining machine having relatively driven cutters, in
which the drive follows a cutter into an opening formed by a
rotary cutter head having advance direction coincident to
rotary axis.
71 for a mining machine having relative bodily movable
cutters.
80.1 for a tool having relatively adjustable head.
82.1 for a chain-type cutter head.
107 for a rotatable bit mounting including resiliently
biased retaining means
109 for a planar bit mounting including resiliently biased
retaining means.
Subclass:
85.2
Adjustable tooth:
This subclass is indented under subclass 79.1. Cutter tooth
or tooth head in which the element is movable relative to its
support means.
Subclass:
87.1
Tooth mounted on helical head portion or head with helical
conveying portion:
This subclass is indented under subclass 79.1. Cutter tooth
or tooth head in which the element is fastened to a
spiral-shaped supporting means or the supporting means has a
spiral shape member used to move material.
(1) Note. The helix does not necessarily have to be
continuous in extent through 360 degrees for classification
herein, but may comprise a series of teeth describing, in
overall extent, a broken convolution of 360 degrees.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, 394 for an earth
boring or penetrating bit having a helical conveying
portion.
Subclass:
95
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus not provided for in other subclasses.
(1) Note. This subclass includes, for example, devices for
transporting mining apparatus in a mine shaft or tunnel.
Subclass:
100
Percussive tooth or bit::
This subclass is indented under subclass 79.1. Cutter tooth
or tooth head in which the element is operated by cyclic
impact upon or against the hard material.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
26 for an ice working device having or comprising a
reciprocating cutter.
69 for a mining machine having an impact type cutter.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, 414 for an impact type
earth boring bit or bit element.
Subclass:
101
Plural cutting edges on tooth, pick, or bit:
This subclass is indented under subclass 79.1. Cutter tooth
or tooth head in which the element has more than one distinct
contact point or line.
Subclass:
102
Clamped tooth holder or tooth mount:
This subclass is indented under subclass 79.1. Cutter tooth
or tooth head in which a means to connect the element to the
supporting means is at least two members urged toward one
another with a portion of the supporting means between the
members.
(1) Note. A mere bolt and nut or the like is not included
as a clamping means under this definition.
Subclass:
103
Clamped tooth:
This subclass is indented under subclass 79.1. Cutter tooth
or tooth head in which the element is held by at least two
members urged toward one another with a portion of the
element between the members.
(1) Note. A mere bolt and nut or the like is not included
as a clamping means under this definition.
Subclass:
104
Wear shield or replaceable wear sleeve:
This subclass is indented under subclass 79.1. Cutter tooth
or tooth head including a component designed to abrade before
the element or supporting means.
Subclass:
105
Wear resistant feature for tool body (e.g., hard facing):
This subclass is indented under subclass 79.1. Cutter tooth
or tooth head including a material; e.g., tungsten carbide,
placed on the element or supporting means or both in order to
abrade or erode before the element or supporting means due to
the higher hardness.
Subclass:
106
Rolling or rotatable-type bit mount:
This subclass is indented under subclass 79.1. Cutter tooth
or tooth head comprising a means to connect the cutting
element to the supporting means in order to enable turning.
(1) Note. A connection between a cutter head and drive
shaft or between plural sections of drive shaft is not
included under this definition.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
101 for plural cutting edges on tooth, pick, or bit.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, 412 for an earth
boring bit having plural separable cutter elements.
279, Chucks or Sockets, 9.1 for a socket type holder.
Subclass:
107
Having a spring biased retainer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 91.1. Rolling or
rotatable type bit mount in which the connection includes a
resilient member.
Subclass:
108
Planar-type bit mount:
This subclass is indented under subclass 79.1. Cutter tooth
or tooth head in which a means to connect the element is for
an endless chain or cable.
Subclass:
109
Tooth mounting spring biased:
This subclass is indented under subclass 91.2. Planar type
bit mount in which the connection includes a resilient
member.
Subclass:
110
Rolling or rotatable bit:
This subclass is indented under subclass 79.1. Cutter tooth
or tooth head in which the element able to spin, turn, or
tend to spin on the material being contacted.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth, subclass 331, for an
earth boring-type rolling cutter bit or rolling cutter bit
element.
Subclass:
111
Insert or tip shape:
This subclass is indented under subclass 79.1. Cutter tooth
or tooth head in which the contact portion of a turnable
element has a particular geometry.
Subclass:
112
Planer-type cutter insert or tip shape:
This subclass is indented under subclass 79.1. Cutter tooth
or tooth head in which the contact portion of an endless
chain or cable element has a particular geometry.
Subclass:
113
Insert or tip mounting feature (e.g., soldering, brazing,
friction or interference fit):
This subclass is indented under subclass 79.1. Cutter tooth
or tooth head in which the contact portion of the element is
fastened in a particular manner.
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