(under the class definition) Subject matter for apparatus with: (a) means for detecting a characteristic of the work part to be assembled, the assembled product, the assembling apparatus, or the environment of the assembling apparatus affecting its operation, hereinafter referred to as: the sensor; (b) means for initiating or modifying a force or impulse other than that generated or transmitted by the means for detecting; hereinafter referred to as: the activator; (c) means for regulating or modifying an operation of the assembling apparatus; hereinafter to as: the controller.
(1) Note. This definition requires a document to claim or
disclose at least four instrumentalities for placement herein, i.e., an assembly apparatus, a sensor, an activator, and a controller. For example, a document disclosing an assembly machine having a cam follower that makes and breaks an electrical circuit that energizes a motor which regulates or modified a part of the machine would be properly classified in this subclass. However, a machine having a cam follower directly linked to a controller, whereby the follower movement directly effects the controller movement is improperly classified in this subclass due to the lack of an activator required by the definition; such an assembly apparatus would be properly classified in subclasses 48+ below.
