US PATENT CLASS 198
Class Notes
Current as of: June, 1999
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DEFINITION
Classification: 198/
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
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,
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
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, for a conveyor designed for the reception of a food article, or a food or beverage containing receptacle when combined with a heat generator, a heat exchanger, other means for treating material operative during the conveying, or an enclosure or tank where the structure thereof is in excess of that necessary for the operation of the conveyor;
360+, for a conveyor to transport a fluid filled receptacle to and from a heat treatment.
100, Presses,
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
25, for endless railways and moving sidewalks combined with an endless railway.
105, Railway Rolling Stock,
48.1, for conveyors combined with railway locomotives to convey solid fuels to their combustion chambers.
114, Ships, 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,
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
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
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.