(under the class definition) Subject matter wherein a method or apparatus is provided that feeds, inverts, stacks, sorts, collates, conveys, delivers, or manipulates a recorded carrier of any kind having an image in any form thereon.
(1) Note. If the most comprehensive claim of a patent application recites document handling means or methods more than nominally (i.e., in specific or particular detail), but recites electrophotos:graphic copying subject matter only nominally (i.e., generically), then classification for examination purposes shall be in the appropriate document handling class (e.g., Class 270 or Class 271) regardless of whether or not direct optical formation of an image on a photoresponsive member is generically recited. Classification as an original issued patent shall be the same as for examination of the application. Classification as a cross-reference of the issued patent in Class 355 is discretionary.
(2) Note. An example of nominal recitations of electrophotos:graphic copying subject matter in a claim is as follows: means for producing copies of one or more document sheets in a collating mode of operation, means for imagewise exposing an original onto a photoconductor, clamping means
for defining an exposure region and positioning a sheet therein, and exposure means for subjecting an original sheet to exposure through said clamping means.
(3) Note. This subject matter also may include two or more electrophotos:graphic devices that are operatively interfaced together to operate as a system whereby each electrophotos:graphic device is capable of producing a copy by itself.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
16+, for analyzing a malfunction or abnormality in handling documents.
38+, for control of the electrophotos:graphic processes (e.g., charging, exposing, developing, transferring, fixing, and cleaning). 75+, for control of machine operations.
91+, for an internal machine environmental control.
107+, for an electrophotos:graphic device having particular structure.
127+, for supplemental electrophotos:graphic processes.
130+, for image formation, per se.
306, for plural image formation systems wherein each system produces an image for one side of a duplex copy.
343+, for cleaning an imaging surface.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
226, Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, appropriate subclasses for means to advance, for example, electrophotos:graphic photoresponsive copy paper.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation,
44+, for means to control the humidity of paper used in an electrophotos:graphic copier or the atmosphere within the copier to improve performance of the apparatus.
242, Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding, appropriate subclasses for subject matter related to winding and unwinding electrophotos:graphic photoresponsive webs, etc. 248, Supports, supports, per se, for devices which carry the weight of an article or articles or otherwise hold or steady it or them against the pull of gravity, and devices for holding an article to its support.
269, Work Holders, for work holders, per se.
270, Sheet-Material Associating,
1.1+, for related subject matter.
271, Sheet Feeding or Delivering, appropriate subclasses for related subject matter.
377, Electrical Pulse Counters, Pulse Dividers, or Shift Registers: Circuits and Systems,
1+, for applications of counters, per se, including subclass 8 for counting flat articles (e.g., sheets).
OTHER CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS:
ipc{2}G03G15/00, for an electros:graphic process using a charge pattern.
jpofiG03G15/00 104, apparatus for producing a large amount of copies at high speed.
epcG03G15/00, for an electros:graphic process using a charge pattern.
