This is the generic class for system of electrical supply and/or of control for one or more electric motors where the electric motor is claimed in combination with such systems of supply and/or control and the electric motor as claimed constitutes the ultimate and sole electrical load device supplied by the system or constitutes the ultimate and sole electrical device being controlled.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES
GENERIC OR NORMALLY RECITED ELECTRIC MOTOR.
1. Generic Motor System With Disclosed But Not Claimed Electric Motor.
Motor systems where the disclosure states that any one of a plurality of motors may be used in the system, one of which is an electric motor and another is a non-electric motor, and there is no claim limiting the system to having a non-electric motor, are classified in this class (318).
Where the system includes two or more motors, see Electric Motor Combined With Other Driving Means.
2. Motor Recited By Name Only The mere inclusion of the electric motor by name only (e.g., an "electric motor") as an element of the combination is sufficient basis for classification in this Class. That is, no details of structure of the motor or no details of relationship between the motor and the system of supply and/or control--other than merely being connected so as to be supplied and/or controlled by the system--are necessary.
Where, however, the electric motor is not specifically claimed as such, but is claimed only broadly as "a load device", an "electric translating device", "a power consuming device", or any other general load device expression which does not necessitate that the load device be an electric motor, classification is not in this class, but in some other appropriate class which provides for the electric system, per se. This is true even if the only disclosed load or controlled device is an electric motor. However, where the load or controlled device is disclosed as an electric motor but is claimed in general terms and an operating characteristic is significantly ascribed to such device which characteristic (e.g., speed, revolutions, limit-of-travel), is substantially only associated with electric motor, classification will be in this class on the assumption that an electric motor is in fact claimed. Likewise, where characteristic parts of an electric motor are recited classification is herein even though the expression "electric motor" or its equivalent is not literally present in the claims.
MOTOR AS ULTIMATE LOAD DEVICE (FOLLOW-UP SYSTEMS)
The fact that the electric motor is the ultimate load device of the system or that it is the ultimate device being controlled may not always be apparent from the language of the claims. For example, an arrangement wherein means responsive to a condition (such as motor speed) of the motor is provided to actuate motor control or supply means to control the motor is a motor system.
Applying this to a "follow-up" type of motor control wherein a motor is started, stopped and reversed in response to a condition of unbalance of an electrical network and wherein the operation of the motor also rebalances the network, the arrangement is a motor system since the network and its rebalance constitutes the control for the motor.
However, if the above motor drives a specific load device provided for in another class then the patent is excluded from this class. For example, if the above motor drives an indicator for indicating the voltage of a system to which the network is connected, the overall arrangement is a voltage measuring system classified in Class 324. Similarly if the above motor drives a rheostat which regulates the voltage of a generator, the combination is a generation system classified in Class 322.
LOAD DEVICE DRIVEN BY THE MOTOR (INCLUDING POWER, MOTION,
FORCE, OR TORQUE TRANSMITTING DEVICES)
1. This class provides for systems of electric supply and/or control for electric motors in combination with load devices driven by the motor when such combination is not provided for in other classes. The definition of, and/or the patents in, the several art classes which provide for the combination of particular load devices and the motive power means therefor will determine the lines that exist between the several classes and this class. Consequently, the lines as thus determined may be different for different classes.
2. Motor Driven Device Not Significantly Claimed.
In general, however, this class provides for electric systems of supply and/or control for electric motors in combination with the load device driven thereby where the load device is claimed so broadly that it has no particular significance in the system as claimed other than a mere load device. Thus the combination of an electric motor system and a load device driven by the motor wherein the load device is recited in general terms only (such as, for example, "a load device", a "Variable load", a "highly fluctuating load", "means actuated by the motor", a "Gradually increasing load", etc.) or in specific terms, but by name only (such for example, as a "vehicle", an "airplane", a "rolling mill", "grinding rolls", "gearing". etc.) and wherein no details of the structure of the specific load device or no details of relationship between the motor system and the specific load device, other than that merely necessary broadly to locate the motor or to constitute a support for the motor or to merely connect the motor to the load device, are set forth, is classified in this class.
3. Motor Driven Device Significantly Claimed This class, also provides for the combination of an electric motor system in combination with specific load devices wherein details of structure of the specific load device or details of relationship between the motor system and the specific load device are set forth only when no provision is made for such combination in any other class.
4. Plural Motor Driven Devices
Where two or more motor driven load devices are claimed, classification will be in some other class. For example only, in electric welding apparatus, the combination of electric motor actuating welding electrodes and a fan directed to cause air to circulate around the electrodes, which fan is actuated by another electric motor, classification is in the art which provides for such combinations; namely, Class 219. If no other class provides for the combination of the specific plural motor driven load devices, classification will be in an appropriate subclass in Class 318 depending on whether or not one or more of the load devices are significantly claimed. See Classification of
Motor Driven Load Devices in this class, below. However, note that subclass 39 of Class 318 provides for work and feed or indexing combinations, that is, motor systems having two motors, one motor driving the work and tool with respect to each other, and the other motor driving the means for positioning or feeding the tool with respect to the work.
5. Classification Of Motor Driven Load Devices In This Class
The combination of a motor system and a load device driven thereby where the load device is claimed broadly (by name only) is classified in this class on the basis of the motor system and not on the basis of the combination of the motor system and the load device.
The combination of a motor system and a specific load device which is classified in this class (see Motor Driven Device Significantly Claimed above), is classified in this class on the basis of the combination in subclasses 3+. See the reference to Motor Driven Power, Force or Torque Transmitting Devices below.
6. Motor Systems And Power, Motion, Force Or Torque Transmitting Devices Driven Thereby.
The applications of Load Device Driven by the Motor above, with respect to a motor system where the motor drives a clutch or gearing is as follows:
(a) Clutches. An electric motor system where the motor drives or actuates a clutch is not classified in this class (318) when (a) details of structure of the clutch, (b) details of relationship between the motor (or the electrical system therefor) and the clutch (or its control means) other than a mere driving or connecting relationship, or (c) operating or control means for the clutch are set forth. Where, however, the clutch is so broadly claimed (such as by name only) as to merely constitute a load device actuated by the electric motor, classification is in this class. The motor driven clutches excluded from this class (318) are differently classified. Electric or magnetic clutches of the type in which the transmission of force is solely through the agency or medium of a magnetic field of force are classified in Class 310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, subclass 92; fluid clutches or fluid drives in which the transmission of force is solely through the agency of a fluid are classifiable in Class 60, subclasses 52+; and mechanical clutches for the main part are classified in Class 192.
(b) The combination of an electric motor system of the type classifiable, per se, in this class (318) with gearing of the type classifiable, per se, in Class 74 (Machine Element or Mechanism) is as follows: Where a gearing arrangement is set forth with or without an electric motor drive means therefor and with control means for the gearing other than the drive means, classification is in Class 74, even though the control means includes an electric motor actuator. Where a
significant electric motor system is set forth as the driving means for significant gearing, classification is in this class (318), subclasses 3+, provided no means for controlling the operation of the gearing is claimed. Where a significant electric motor system is set forth as driving means for gearing recited by name only, the gearing is considered to be "load" and classification is in this class (318), the subclass depending on the significant electric motor control or supply set forth. (c) The combination of an electric motor system of the type classifiable, per se, in this class (318) with a positive stop mechanism of the type classifiable, per se, in Class 192 (Clutches and Power-Stop Control) is as follows: Where an electric motor driven device is combined with a mechanical stop mechanism, and the mechanism stops the drive independently of any motor control or deenergization, even though the stopping of the drive incidentally causes control or deenergization of the motor, classification is in Class 192, Clutches and Power-Stop Control. Where the stopping operation requires control of the motor as well as operation of the stop mechanism classification is in this class (318).
(d) Class 477, Interrelated Power Delivery Controls, Including Engine Control, was formed in 1993 from patents in Classes 74 and 192 relating to interrelated controls between an engine and a transmission, brake, or clutch. Therefore the line between Class 318 and Class 477 is the same as exists between Class 318 and Classes 74 and 192 as set forth in Motor Systems and Power above.
7. Electric Motor Control And/Or Supply System As A Control Means In A More Comprehensive System
Where an electric motor drives or actuates specific means for controlling a specific device, classification will, in general, be in the art relating to the specific controlled device or in the art relating to the specific controlling means. For example, an electric motor control system automatically responsive to the speed of an internal combustion engine combined with means actuated by the electric motor for moving the throttle of the internal combustion engine to maintain the speed of the engine constant would not be classifiable in this Class (318), but would be classifiable in the art relating to throttle control of internal combustion engines.
Where, however, the same motor control system is claimed, per se, (i.e., without being limited to actuating the throttle) classification would be in this class. And this is true even if the motor were controlled in response to the speed of the internal combustion engine, if the motor is not limited to controlling the engine.
8. One Electric Motor Control System Connected To Operate The Controls Or The Supply For Another Electric Motor.
Where one electric motor is disclosed for the purpose of operating some useful load device and has means for controlling the motor, the controlling means including a second electric motor system whose sole purpose is to control the load motor, classification of such combination is in this class (318) on the basis of the control of the (single) load motor and not on the basis of plural motors.
ELECTRIC MOTOR SYSTEMS COMBINED WITH OTHER ELECTRICALSYSTEMS
1. Combined With Adjunctive Or Ancillary Systems.
The combination of an electrical system of supply and/or control for an electric motor of the type classifiable, per se, in this Class with electrical systems for producing some useful effect or result other than supplying and/or controlling the electric motor, which latter systems are subordinate to and operate in conjunction with the motor, the devices driven thereby, and/or the system of supply and/or control for the motor, to perform some effect or result thereupon or to indicate, test, measure, record, calibrate, etc. conditions in (or of) the motor, the devices actuated thereby and/or the system of supply and/or control for the motor, is classified in this class (318).
For example: A system of current, voltage and power-factor measurements connected to measure electrical conditions in various parts of an operative electric motor speed control system is classified in this class (318). For example: A system for periodically recalibrating a bridge network to cause it to be maintained at some standard operating condition in combination with that bridge network connected to an electric motor so as to control the electric motor, is classified in this class (318).
2. Combined With Coordinate Electrical Systems
The combination of an electrical system of supply and/or control of the type classifiable, per se, in this Class with one or more other electrical systems the function of which other system is to produce or effect a result which is distinct from the motor control or supply system but which may, however, be related to the operation of the motor system so as to cooperate therewith or which may have some portion thereof constituting a portion in common with both systems, is classified in some other appropriate class. See References to Other Classes referencing this section.
For example: A system of supply and control for an electric motor in combination with a communication system for sending signals and messages not restricted to the control and operation of the electric transmission circuit, would not be classifiable in this class (318).
ELECTRIC MOTOR COMBINED WITH OTHER DRIVING MEANS
This class provides for the combination of one or more electric motors operating as driving means with one or more driving means which are not electric motors only when such combination is not elsewhere provide for.
In general, however, plural driving means when all or one more thereof are other than electric motors, are provided for elsewhere.
However, typical of the art not provided for elsewhere and which is included herein, are the combinations of one or more electric motor (operating as driving means) with axle-operated driving means or manually-operated driving means.
ELECTRIC MOTORS NOT USED TO CONVERT ELECTRICAL ENERGY TOMECHANICAL ENERGY
Electric machines although designated as "electric motors" but which are so connected and used to function as means not for converting electrical energy into mechanical energy but for some other purpose, are not classified herein. Electric motors to be classifiable herein must be connected or controlled so as to function as electric motors.
ELECTRIC MOTOR STRUCTURE The structure of electric motors (as distinguished from the systems of supply and control) is excluded from this class. See References to Other Classes, below,
SYSTEMS GENERIC TO MOTORS OR GENERATORS
Where the system includes a dynamo-electric machine, and the machine is disclosed but not claimed as either an electric motor or an electric generator, the patent is excluded from this class. See References to Other Classes, below, for the appropriate class.
MOTOR SYSTEMS OTHER THAN ELECTRIC MOTOR SYSTEMS
See References to Other Classes, below, for a reference to a compilation of all types of motors.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
445+, include the motor systems where automatically controlled means control the starting and/or stopping.
543+, include the motor systems where the system includes a three or more position motor controller to control the starting and/or stopping.
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
4, Baths, Closets, Sinks, and Spittoons, 213, for ventilating devices for railway-car closets where an air pump is operated by an electric motor.
30, Cutlery, appropriate subclasses for electric motor driven cutlery tools.
38, Textiles: Ironing or Smoothing,
38, for platen presser smoothing, (ironing) machines having two press platens with a pivotedally electric motor operated movable head or bed.
40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting,
470+, for electric motor operated changeable exhibitors.
57, Textiles: Spinning, Twisting, and Twining,
100, for electrically driven textile apparatus for spinning, twisting or twining.
60, Power Plants,
6, for the combination of plural diverse motors (including electric motors combined with nonelectric motors), and subclass 97 for plural nonelectric motors. See Clutches in this definition.
60, Power Plants - notably
698+,. For examples, plural, diverse types of motors which are nonelectric motors. See "Electric Motor Combined With Other Driving Means" in Lines With Other Classes, above. 60, Power Plants, in the class definition for a compilation of all types of motors. See "Motor Systems Other Than Electric Motor Systems" above.
70, Locks,
271, for predetermined elapsed time interval controlled electric locks operated by an electric motor, 277 for electric motor operated lock operating mechanism, 434 for electric motor operated recorders for recording the condition of a lock operating mechanism.
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, see Motor Systems and Power, Motion, Force or Torque Transmitting Devices Driven Thereby in the class definition.
84, Music,
3, 9, 11, 19, 107, 113, 405, and 407 for electric motor operated musical devices, subclass 123 for electric motor
operated note selector sheet winding and rewinding mechanisms.
105, Railway Rolling Stock,
35, and 49+ for electric motor driven locomotives.
124, Mechanical Guns and Projectors,
3, for electromagnetic guns and projectors for projecting missiles through the air.
132, Toilet, 75.8, for electric motor driven manicuring.
160, Flexible or Portable Closure, Partition, or Panel,
310, for electric motor operated roll type flexible panel or fabric (roller blinds or shades) devices, and subclass 331 for motor operated arrangements having drape type flexible panel or fabric type devices.
180, Motor Vehicles,
220, for electric powered two wheel vehicles; subclass 65 for miscellaneous electric powered vehicles, subclass 443 for electric powered steering for vehicles.
185, Motors: Spring, Weight, or Animal Powered, is the generic class of motors.
187, Elevator, Industrial Lift Truck, or Stationary Lift for Vehicle,
247+, for computer control of an elevator, subclasses 277+ for an electric control for the power source of the drive means of an elevator, and subclass 280 for a door actuated electric control for the power source of the drive means of an elevator.
188, Brakes, appropriate subclasses for miscellaneous braking systems and devices see
157, and 158+ for electric motor operated brakes. The general line between electric motor braking in Class 318 and the braking art in Class 188 and 303 is as follows. The nominal combination of an "electric motor" and a particular brake or braking system for braking the electric motor, in which combination no details of structure of the electric motor or no electric motor circuit relationships are set forth in the claim, is classified in Classes 188 and 303. Where any particulars of structure characteristic of an electric motor or any electric motor circuits relationships are set forth, classification is in Class 318. However, see "Note 1" appended to the search reference to Class 192, immediately following, for further information regarding the
line between Class 318 and other classes for "motor control and brake" combinations. Whenever the braking means are connected or arranged or operated to brake a device actuated by the motor and thus only indirectly brake the motor, classification is in Class 318 provided that the motor is always braked whenever the brake is made effective and provided also that the load device to which the motor is connected does not determine classification elsewhere. However, if the braking means as claimed are effective at any time to brake the load device without simultaneously braking the motor or if the braking means is effective at any time to brake any device not actuated by the motor, classification is not in Class 318.
192, Clutches and Power-Stop Control, .02, for electric motor control and clutch; subclasses 1.1+ for electric motor control and brake. See "Motor Systems and Power, Motion, Force, or Torque Transmitting Devices" in Lines With Other Classes, above, for the line between Classes 192 and 318 with respect to motor control and clutch control. The line between Class 192, subclasses 1.1+, motor control and brake control, and Class 318 is as follows: Where there is any control of the electric motor combined with additional means for braking the motor wherein the motor is always braked whenever the braking means is rendered effective, classification is in Class 318. Where the braking means is applied to some device not actuated or driven by the electric motor, or where the braking means is applied to a device which is actuated or driven by the electric motor, but wherein means are provided for discontinuing the driving relationship between the motor and its driven device so that braking can be applied to the driven device without simultaneously braking the motor, classification is in Class 192.
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, appropriate subclasses, for electric motor driven conveyors.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers,
80, for electric motor driven centrifugal switches.
212, Traversing Hoists,
226, for electric motor driven overhead cranes, subclasses 331+ for electric motor operated self propelled hoists.
219, Electric Heating, appropriate subclasses for electric motor actuated and controlled electric heating systems, see
4, for electric welding apparatus having electric motors for moving the welding electrodes.
222, Dispensing,
52+, for electric motor controlled dispensing apparatus.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation, for temperature and humidity regulating systems which include an electric motor, particularly 74, for electric motor actuated systems.
244, Aeronautics,
175+, is the generic subclass for systems and apparatus for automatically controlling the steering of a mobile device in two or three dimensions by electrical means. See the Search Notes to subclasses 175+ for the other classes which provide for systems and apparatus for the control of the steering or motion of mobile craft by means of electric motors and for a statement as to the line between the classes. Also see Load Device Driven By The Motor in the class definition of Class 318.
246, Railway Switches and Signals,
221, for electric motor actuated signal systems.
251, Valves and Valve Actuation,
129.01, for electric motor actuated valves.
290, Prime-Mover Dynamo Plants,
9+, for prime mover dynamo plants involving electric traction motors; subclasses 10+, 22+, 30, 31+, 36+, 38, 46, 47, and 48 for electric motor starters for prime mover dynamo plants.
303, Fluid-Pressure and Analogous Brake System, for fluid-pressure brake systems, per se, of general application. The line between Class 303 and Class 318 parallels the line between Class 188 and Class 318, and is stated in the remarks under the search reference to Class 188, above.
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
11+, for plural load circuit systems, and see Combined With Coordinate Electrical Systems in Lines With OTher Classes, above. 310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, appropriate subclasses for structure of electrical motors, and see Clutches and Electrical Motor Structure in Lines With Other Classes, above.
310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, appropriate subclasses for the structure of electric motors (as distinguished from the systems of supply and control). See "Electric Motor Structure" above.
314, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Consumable Electrodes,
62, for control systems for controlling the operation of a consumable electrode type discharge device (arc lamp) where the system is controlled in response to the speed of an electric motor, subclasses 68+ and the subclasses specified in the Notes to the definition of those subclasses for electric motor driven feeding mechanism for feeding an electrode in a consumable electrode type discharge device (arc lamp), see indented subclasses 69+ where the motor is a rotary electric motor, and subclasses 105+ and 113+ consumable electrode discharge devices having electromagnetic motor means for separating the electrodes from each other.
320, Electricity: Battery or Capacitor Charging or Discharging, appropriate subclasses for a generator source for a battery or capacitor charging or discharging system.
322, Electricity: Single Generator Systems, electric motor systems are found throughout the class both as driving means for the generator and as a control therefor. Although the following subclasses have many motor systems, the list is neither complete nor exhaustive. See
16, for electric motor driven generator systems having simultaneous control of motor and generator; subclass 39 for electric motor driven generator systems having electric motor control; subclasses 70, 71, 80, and 84 for generator control systems employing electric motor systems therein. See Systems Generic to Motors or Generators in the class definition of Class 322.
322, Electricity: Single Generator Systems, where the system includes a dynamo-electric machine, and the machine is disclosed but not claimed as either an electric motor or an electric generator, the patent is included in this class if the claimed system is otherwise within the definition of Class 322, and provided that no structure or circuit is claimed that limits the system to being a motor system (in case the machine is disclosed as being a motor). Where the machine is claimed as being either a motor or generator, the patent is classified in Class 322. See "Systems Generic To Motors Or Generators" above.
323, Electricity: Power Supply or Regulation Systems,
201, 204 for dynamoelectric systems; and subclasses 220-354 for regulators which may include motors.
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, appropriate subclass for electrical measuring systems which include electric motor systems. 335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets, and Electromagnets,
2, for electromagnetically actuated switches, especially subclasses 68+ for motor operated switches, subclasses 209+
for magnets and electromagnets with or without armatures.
337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Thermally Actuated Switches,
15+, for thermal current thermostatically operated switches.
340, Communications: Electrical, for electric signaling systems which include electric motor systems, particularly
870.43, for telemetric systems which include electric motor systems, such as, for example, follow-up systems.
342, Communications: Directive Radio Wave Systems and Devices (e.g., Radar, Radio Navigation),
61+, and 73+ for control where reflected or otherwise returned radio wave energy (e.g., radar) is utilized. See the search notes in the class definition of Class 342 for the other subclasses and classes which provide for radiant energy systems for controlling devices and apparatus.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,
139+, for relay and electromagnet circuits.
362, Illumination, 272, for projectors having electromagnetic motor operated tiltable or rotatable reflector and bulb unit and subclass 286 for projectors having electromagnetic motor operated adjustable light source.
363, Electric Power Conversion Systems, appropriate subclasses for systems for rectification, derectification, phase conversion, frequency conversion, or combinations thereof. See
102+, for dynamoelectric current converter systems; subclass 150 for dynamoelectric phase converter systems; and subclasses 174+ for dynamoelectric frequency converter systems.
364, Electrical Computers and Data Processing Systems,
130+, for generic data processing control systems. This subclass will accept the following claimed subject matter: (1) Electric control systems where the end load or device is not an electric motor. (2) Control systems which may include a positional servo system but the ultimated claimed load is not a positional servo control. (3) Control systems where a positional servo means is not the sole load. (4) Control systems where a specific stored programmable digital computer is used in a positional control system. This is generally indicted by the presence of a flow chart for data processing; subclass 400 for control systems which are limited by the claims to a particular process or have a specific utility.
368, Horology,
66, 76, 218, and 321 for electric motor driven clocks and the electric systems therefore, and subclasses 250 and 250-254 for electrically operated alarms for clocks.
369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval,
132+, for an electric motor (piezoelectric or electromagnetic) driven recording stylus and driving circuitry.
375, Pulse or Digital Communications,
354+, for synchronizing systems for digital communication in general. 395, Information Processing System Organization,
80+, for control systems where the ultimate load is a robot arm or arm segment.
416, Fluid Reaction Surfaces (i.e., Impellers), for electric motor driven impellers (propellers).
417, Pumps,
410.1+, for electric motor driven pumps and subclass 416 for pumps driven by a reciprocating electric motor.
440, Marine Propulsion, for significant boat and ship structure combined with electric motor propulsion means.
446, Amusement Devices: Toys,
144+, 483, 484+ for toy electrically driven machinery.
483, Tool Changing, generally for a process or apparatus including a tool transfer means combined with a tool support or storage means.
150+, for high temperature (Tc > 30 K) superconducting devices, and particularly subclasses 166+ for motors or generators.
601, Surgery: Kinesitherapy, 70+, 87+, 93+, and 101+ for electric motor operated kinesitherapy (message) devices.
901, Robots, subcollection 2+ for robot arm motion controllers.
GLOSSARY:
ACCELERATION CONTROL
Controlling the change of speed of an electric motor from zero speed to some running speed value and vice versa, or from one running speed value to another running speed value. Mere starting of the motor is not considered to be acceleration control unless the acceleration of the motor is controlled after the starting operation. Acceleration control includes deceleration control. Deceleration control differs from motor braking in that in deceleration control no means are utilized for applying an opposing torque or output force to the driving member of the motor. In deceleration control, for example, the power input to the motor is varied to decelerate the motor. See the definition of braking below. Mere stopping of the motor by opening the supply circuit is not deceleration control in the absence of any means to control the rate of stopping, but is mere stopping.
For the distinction between acceleration control and running speed control, see the definition of Running Speed Control.
ALTERNATING-CURRENT COMMUTATING MOTOR
A motor having a commutator electrically connected to a winding of the motor, the motor being designed to operate on alternating current. Such motors are sometimes referred to as "series A-C motors", "universal motors". See the definition of Repulsion motor above, and the definition of self-commutated impulse or reluctance motors below.
AUTOMATIC STARTING AND STOPPING
Starting, stopping, or the combination of these two operations is treated in this class as a single motor operation. Automatic starting and stopping (i.e., starting or stopping which is initiated in response to a condition) is classified for the most part in subclass 445 or in the subclasses specified in the notes to the definition of those subclasses. If the stopping control involves motor braking, then the patent is classified in the braking control subclasses. If the stopping control involves motor deceleration control, but not motor braking, then the patent is classified in the motor acceleration control subclasses. If the starting control involves motor acceleration control, then the patent is classified in the motor acceleration subclasses. See diverse motor operations for the classification where the system has means for automatic starting or stopping of the motor and also means for performing another control operation. Where the motor is stopped and then started in the reverse direction of motion, the patent is classified in the motor reversing control subclasses. See below, for a definition of Reversing Control. Where the motor armature or primary current is controlled during the starting and/or stopping period other than for acceleration, deceleration, or braking control, see
definition of Motor Load Control. CIRCUIT MAKING AND/OR BREAKING DEVICE
A device for fully establishing and/or fully interrupting the electrical conductivity of an electrical path or circuit between two or more points in an electrical circuit by relative movement of electrically conductive elements into and/or out of physical contact with each other.
DIVERSE MOTOR OPERATIONS
For the purpose of classification in the subclasses entitled "plural, diverse motor operations control" the following limitations are applied relative to the nature of the several operations:
(I). Starting, stopping, or the combination of these two operations is treated as a single motor operation control. However, since mere starting or stopping is an incident to many other motor operations (such, for example, as acceleration, reversing, braking to a stop, etc. in which actual starting or stopping may take place) such mere starting and/or stopping will not be considered a motor operation control which is included in this subclass as combinable with other motor operations, unless means are provided for effecting an automatic starting and/or stopping in response to a predetermined condition. Thus, ordinary (e.g., manual) starting or stopping combined with running-speed control is not included in the plural diverse motor operations control subclasses, whereas automatic starting and stopping in response to thermal changes combined with means for causing the motor to run in either direction (reversing) is included as plural diverse motor operations control. For example; automatic opening of motor circuit at limit of travel plus simultaneously shorting the armature for dynamic braking is classified as combined braking and automatic starting and/or stopping. Likewise, automatically opening the circuit of the motor while running at an appreciable speed coupled with a braking operation simultaneously with or shortly thereafter is considered a plural operational control. The following motor operations controls are included in the plural diverse motor operations control subclasses: (a) Reversing control; (b) Acceleration control; (c) Running-speed control; (d) Braking control; (e) Motor load control, and (f) Automatic starting and/or stopping. For definitions of the various individual controls listed above see the other sections under Definitions of Motor Operation Control of this class which pertain to the several individual motor controls. The following are not included herein as combinable motor controls: (a) Phase or Power Factor Control; (b) Temperature control of the motor, including heating or cooling thereof; (c) Signalling, testing, indicating or measuring of conditions in or about the motor; (d) Ordinary or mere starting and/or stopping of the motor; (e) Phase splitting or phase conversion to adapt a motor for operation from a source of electrical supply having
a different number of phases than that for which the motor is wound; and (f) Means for lubricating the motor.
ELECTRIC MOTOR:
A machine which transforms electric energy into mechanical energy.
IMPEDANCE OR IMPEDANCE DEVICE
A means having inductance, capacity, resistance or any combination thereof and excluding any source of electric energy.
HOMOPOLAR OR UNIFORM-FIELD MOTORS
A noncommutating motor having a magnetic field producing means combined with one or more electric conductors mounted to move relative to and in proximity to the field producing means, the field producing means being so constructed or energized that the magnetic field produced thereby is, at any instant of time, of the same polarity or direction throughout its extent with reference to the path of travel of the movable electric conductor or conductors. IMPACT, MECHANICAL SHOCK, OR VIBRATION-PRODUCING MOTOR
An electric motor having means for moving one of the motor parts into impact or percussive contact with one or more other parts of either the motor structure or a part which is structurally combined with the motor structure, or a motor whose prime or essential function is to transmit mechanical shock or vibrations to a device or mechanism secured to the motor or upon which the motor may be mounted, (e.g., rotary motor with the rotor unbalanced to produce vibrations which are transmitted to its support.
INDUCTION MOTORS
An asynchronous alternating current motor which operates during running speed conditions as a result of electromagnetic induction and which has at least two electrical conductors which are mounted or positioned in electromagnetic relationship with each other and for movement relative to each other, and in which alternating current energy delivered to one of the conductors ("primary" or "inducing" member) induces in the other of said conductors ("secondary" or "induced" member) an alternating current and the mechanical energy is obtained as a result of the electromagnetic inductive action between the magnetic field generated by the alternating current in the one conductor and the magnetic field generated by the induced current in the other conductor. The secondary or induced winding is usually short circuited or shunted by means of an impedance. An example of an induction motor is the squirrel cage motor, that is, a motor where the secondary winding consists of a plurality of short-circuited bars. See the definition of a
"repulsion motor".
LINEAR MOVEMENT MOTORS
A motor having means for causing the working element to move in a substantially linear or uni-directional path. The path may be straight, curved, tortuous, or even closed upon itself, provided the movable element is not pivoted for rotation about an axis. The motor may have means for reversing the direction of movement of the movable element. Where the reversing means includes means for periodically or repeatedly reversing the motor at predetermined intervals, the motor system is considered to be an oscillating or reciprocating motor system. See the Glossary definition of Oscillating Or Reciprocating Motor.
MAGNETOSTRICTIVE MOTOR
A motor having a magnetizable member or which has its dimensions changed as a result of changing currents in the electromagnetic field producing means which effects the magnetizable member, the physical distortion or change in dimensions producing the mechanical energy.
MOTOR BRAKING CONTROL
Includes any device or means for applying a torque or force to the power output element of the electric motor in a direction which is in opposition to the motor torque or force (resulting from electrical energization of, or the kinetic or potential energy stored in, the motor) and tending to retard, stop or prevent movement of the motor--excepting, of course, mere useful load devices actuated by the motor, or such forces that are normally inherent in the motor structure, per se, such as bearing friction, windage, eddy current reaction, etc. However, means providing for substantially increased or accentuated eddy currents in the motor structure to increase the retarding or braking effect, are classified herein. Examples of braking means included herein, include, auxiliary eddy-current disks, electric generators, fans, pumps, propellers and other motor shaft loading devices when such devices are limited in the claims to the function of braking the motor. When such shaft loading devices are not limited as claimed to the function of braking, classification is not herein, but in some other appropriate place. For the distinction between braking control and deceleration control see the definition of Acceleration Control in the Glossary. Braking of the motor to control the running speed of the motor (e.g., to maintain the speed constant) is classified in the running speed control subclasses. For the distinction between motor braking and motor reversing, see reversing control below.
MOTOR DECELERATION CONTROL See the definition of motor acceleration control in the definition of motor deceleration control.
MOTOR LOAD CONTROL
Controlling the mechanical load actuated by the motor or controlling the motor armature or primary current during the starting and/or stopping period of the motor. Where the current is controlled to control the acceleration or deceleration of the motor, the system is classified as motor acceleration or deceleration control, see section IB4a of the class definition. Where the current is controlled to effect motor braking the system is classified as braking control see the definition acceleration control.
MOTOR OPERATION CONTROL
See the Glossary terms Acceleration Control; Automatic Starting and Stopping ; Motor Braking Control, Motor Deceleration Control; Motor Load Control, Reversing Control, Running Speed Control; Starting And/Or Stopping; Diverse Motor Operations.
NONMAGNETIC MOTOR
A motor having means other than a magnetic field producing means for producing a mechanical force. Example of nonmagnetic motors are piezo-electric crystals, thermo-electric motors.
RECIPROCATING OR OSCILLATING MOTOR
A motor which is structurally arranged or constructed so as to have a limited degree of movement, and which is provided with means for moving the movable (working element) of the motor to-and-fro repeatedly over substantially the same path or arc of movement (including rotations about an axis co-incident with the geometrical or center-or-gravity axis of the movable element of the motor). Compare this definition and the definition of "LINEAR MOVEMENT MOTORS".
SPECIAL TYPES OF MOTORS:
The several designations applied to distinguish the several types of motors such as series motors, induction motors, synchronous motors, etc., shall apply to those motors whose normal running characteristics are so described. Thus a synchronous motor is one which runs as a synchronous motor under normal running or load conditions. This is true even though the motor may be driven by some other device either (mechanical or electrical) during the starting and/or accelerating period or may operate on some other motor principle during the starting or accelerating period. Such an instance may be illustrated by a synchronous motor which is provided with means to cause it to start as an induction motor and subsequently and normally run at synchronous speed. Such a motor is considered to be a synchronous motor, since under normal running conditions, it exhibits all the characteristics of a synchronous motor.
SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR
An alternating-current or a pulsating current motor which, under running-speed conditions, operates at an average speed which is always exactly proportional to the frequency or periodicity of the source which supplies electric energy to the armature or primary circuit of the motor and which speed is independent of the voltage of the source, the magnitude of the field excitation, or the load on the motor.
REPULSION MOTOR
An induction motor (defined in INDUCTION MOTORS above) in which the secondary or induced member is provided with a commutator, the commutator being engaged with a pair of circumferencially spaced short-circuited brushes, and in which either means (e.g., an auxiliary winding) is provided in inductive relation to the secondary to produce a magnetic field in time phase with, and displaced in relation to, the field produced by the primary or inducing member, or the brushes are displaced from the mid-position between adjacent primary (winding) pole positions whereby the motor may operate continuously under running-speed conditions. See the definition of self-commutated impulse or reluctance motors.
SERIES MOTOR
A motor having at least one field producing winding and at least one armature winding, all of the field-producing windings which are connected to be energized being electrically connected in series-circuit relationship with all of the armature windings which are connected to be energized.
SELF-COMMUTATED IMPULSE OR RELUCTANCE MOTORS
A rotary motor of the type in which the rotor element tends to assume a predetermined angular position when the motor is continuously energized and is provided with a commutator or circuit making and breaking device which is actuated by the motor to determine the instants of time at which the field producing windings thereof are energized and de-energized relative to the angular position of the rotary element. See the definition of a Repulsion Motor above.
REVERSING CONTROL
Motor systems in which means are provided for operating the motor in one direction at one time and in the opposite direction at another time, or for causing the motor to operate in a direction opposite to that in which it has previously been operating. In reversing motor systems, means must be provided for causing the motor to produce a torque in both directions of operations. Where the motor current is controlled only to bring the motor to a stop or to brake the motor, there being no operation in the reverse direction, the
system is classified as motor braking or as motor deceleration control, depending upon whether the motor is merely braked or whether the rate of deceleration is controlled. See the class definition for a definition of deceleration control and motor braking control in the class definition for a definition of braking control. RUNNING SPEED CONTROL
Motor systems in which means are provided for regulating or controlling the speed of an electric motor after it has been accelerated to some operating speed at which it is designed to run until the work or useful load device driven by the motor has performed its duty at that speed.
(1) Note. Means for controlling the speed of the motor during the starting or accelerating period of operation (i.e., means for controlling the rate of change of speed) are not classified herein even though the claims may term such control as "speed" control, but are classified under "acceleration". For a definition of acceleration control, see section IB4a, of the class definition. Since it is common practice to use the acceleration means for also controlling the running-speed of the motor, patents in which both acceleration and running-speed are claimed and in which both controls are effected by precisely the same means in whole or in part, classification will be on the basis of acceleration control only. Under these circumstances of control when some claims refer only to "running-speed" control and/or some other claims refer only to acceleration control, classification will only be on the basis of the acceleration control. When, however, acceleration and running-speed control means are claimed in combination and any means not a part of the acceleration means are used to control the running-speed, classification will be on the basis of combined motor-operation controls including acceleration and running-speed control. Where means are employed to affect the magnitude of the running-speed of an electric motor and the magnitude of the means (e.g., resistance, reactance, voltage, etc.), or the position (e.g., angle of brush position), of the running-speed control means is not varied or changed, either inherently or otherwise, at any time during the period of acceleration, classification will be on the basis of running-speed control and not on the basis of acceleration control even though there may be some effect on the rate of acceleration. For example, a motor speed control system comprising a fixed resistor connected in the armature circuit, the magnitude of the resistance of which resistor does not vary appreciably under the conditions of use and which resistor is not varied or removed from the circuit during the acceleration period is classifiable under running speed control and not under acceleration control. Since some running-speed control means may be similar or even identical with some acceleration control means, searches for motor acceleration control should be, in appropriate instances, extended to include the running-speed control art.
STARTING AND/OR STOPPING
Generally, the only motor systems classified as starting and stopping are those where the supply circuit to the motor is merely closed in the case of starting, or the supply circuit is opened in the case of stopping, there being no control of the rate of starting or stopping, or no auxiliary means to brake the motor. See the definition of acceleration control of the class definition for the starting and/or stopping systems which include motor acceleration and/or deceleration control means. See the definition of motor braking control of the class definition for the stopping systems which include motor braking. See the definition of motor braking control for the class definition for motor systems where the armature or primary circuit is controlled during the starting and/or stopping period for purposes other than motor acceleration, deceleration or braking control. Motor systems having only starting and/or stopping control are classified in the miscellaneous subclasses of this class. See Subclass References to the Current Class for motor systems where automatically controlled means control the starting and/or stopping and for the motor systems where the system includes a three or more position motor controller to control the starting and/or stopping.