(under the class definition) Device wherein either a) a plurality of discrete articles are joined together so as to form an uninterrupted supply or b) an object of indeterminate length is fed into a zone wherein the articles or object is operated on to enhance the physical, metallurgical or chemical properties thereof.
(1) Note. Devices which are solely disclosed for annealing or patenting of a continuous strip, rod, sheet or web of metal are classified in Class 266.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
118, Coating Apparatus,
65, 67 and 68 for means to anneal or temper a running length of metal combined with means to apply a metallic coating to the running length, e.g., galvanizing.
148, Metal Treatment, appropriate subclasses for processes of treating a running length of solid or semi-solid metal to modify or maintain the internal physical structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical property of metal. 226, Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, appropriate subclasses, for method of, and apparatus for, feeding material without utilizing the leading or trailing ends to effect movement of the material.
432, Heating,
8, for a process including passing a continuous strip longitudinally through a heating zone and subclass 59, for heating apparatus having advancing structure flexing, looping or coiling a sheet, web or strand. See the search notes to the class definition of Class 432 for a more complete statement of the line between these classes.
