(under subclass 94) Device wherein the tool-conditioning mechanism is constituted solely of means to drive a plurality of tools through their cutting stroke, or to directly initiate the transmission of actuation force to a plurality of tools from a source of power.
(1) Note. A device of this type performs "coded direct punching", by utilizing the movement of a key-lever or the like, either to drive certain of the tools directly or to actuate valves, clutches, or electrical contacts to apply power to certain tools.
(2) Note. In this case the tool "selecting means" is not distinct from the tool "actuating means"; tool "selection" is achieved by applying power to a predetermined group of tools; in other words, tool selection and actuation are effected simultaneously by a common impulse through a common channel.
(3) Note. See Fig. 2 (described in the class definition) for an illustrative example of mechanism classifiable in this subclass. Compare Fig. 6 (independent tool-actuating linkages lying side-by-side; no coding mechanism present).
