US PATENT SUBCLASS 29 / 709
.~ With control means energized in response to activator stimulated by condition sensor

Current as of: June, 1999
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29 /   HD   METAL WORKING

700  DF  MEANS TO ASSEMBLE OR DISASSEMBLE {55}
709.~ With control means energized in response to activator stimulated by condition sensor {4}
710  DF  .~.~> Including means to divert defective work part
711  DF  .~.~> Multiple station assembly or disassembly apparatus {1}
713  DF  .~.~> Responsive to timer
714  DF  .~.~> Responsive to work or work-related machine element {4}

DEFINITION

Classification: 29/709

With control means energized in response to activator stimulated by condition sensor:

(under subclass 700) Apparatus including means for: (1) detecting any of the following characteristics: a state or property, a change in a state or property, an occurrence of a predetermined event; in any of the following: a work part or parts being assembled (or disassembled), the assembled product, the assembling apparatus itself, or the environment of the apparatus affecting the operation thereof; (2) initiating or modifying (as a direct result of such detection) a force or impulse other than that generated or transmitted by the detecting means; (3) regulating or modifying (as a direct result of such initiation) the operation of said machine.

(1) Note. The control system of this and the indented

subclasses is similar in concept to the control system of other classes, particularly, Class 72, Metal Deforming, especially subclasses 6+; Class 83, Cutting; Class 173, Tool Driving or Impacting, especially subclasses 2+; and Class 226, Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, especially subclasses 10+. The total operation and the claimed combination are, of course, different; but, the control system, per se, found in each of these other classes may be analogous to that found herein and may be applicable to the machine of this class (29).

(2) Note. This definition requires a patent to claim at least four instrumentalities for original placement herein. One of these must be an assembly apparatus. The other three are: (a) a sensor (e.g., photo-cell system, trip-lever, pressure diaphragm) to detect a condition as stated in (a) of the definition. (b) an activator (e.g., an element to make or break an electric circuit, a clutch, a valve) to cause a release of energy more than or different from that accounted for by mere change in condition (e.g., position or movement) of the sensor while it is functioning. (c) a controller (e.g., a motor or driver for said apparatus) to change or cause the operation of said apparatus. Therefore, a cam follower (or sensor) directly linked to a controller, whereby follower movement directly effects controller movement is not proper subject matter for this subclass due to lack of an activator as defined. An assembly apparatus with such controlling means are proper for subclass 771, below. On the other hand, disclosure of a cam follower that makes and breaks an electrical circuit that energizes a motor, may be placed herein.

(3) Note. A voluntary act of the person operating the machine (the "operative") is not proper subject matter for this subclass. For example, disclosure of an assembling apparatus having an on-off switch adapted to be manipulated by the operative to start or stop the machine (even though the switch initiates a release of energy) should be considered for subclass 706 above rather than for this subclass.