US PATENT CLASS 72
Class Notes
Current as of: June, 1999
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DEFINITION
Classification: 72/
This is a restricted class for the art of metal deforming as defined in this class definition.
For original placement of a patent in this class, its claimed disclosure should meet the minimum requirements of the class definition and should not exceed beyond the boundaries indicated in Scope of the Class and discussed in Lines With Other Classes.
Users of this class are urged to consult the above-noted sections as an aid in placing patents or in locating patented art involving metal deformation, whether in Class 72 or in related classes.
Criteria for Placement of Documents in this class contains useful information for the searcher with regard to location of original patents, cross-references, and nonpatent literature in Class 72.
Terms followed by an asterisk (*) will be found to be defined in the Glossary. Certain very frequently appearing terms, such as Work, Product, and Tool, are accompanied by the asterisk only where the exact meaning of the term is deemed particularly important.
The diagrams appearing in connection with certain defined terms in this class definition and certain subclass definitions are intended as aids in distinguishing among separately classified concepts, and are not to be considered as limitations on the structural embodiments of the defined subject matter. The following reference characters have uniform meanings where they appear in the diagrams.
C = Work-gripping clamp*
C-D = Closed die* P = Product*
R = Ram or Roller* (as will be evident from the diagram)
T = Actuated tool* (may be a die)
T1, T2 = Tool couple* (at least one actuated tool)
T1, T2, T3 = Tool complex* (at least two actuated tools)
W = Work* or Blank*
(arrow) = Motion of work, tool, etc.
Class 72 is the residual locus for patents directed to a process or apparatus for the mechanical treatment of metal work (elemental metal or mixture of metals) in a self-shape-sustaining state, to change the shape or size of such work, without removal of material therefrom, (a) by the direct application of mechanical force or pressure to the work, or (b) by the application of energy to induce the generation of mechanical stress within the work, which force, pressure, or stress produces a permanent change of shape in some portion of the work (i.e., exceeds the elastic limit of the work).
SCOPE OF THE CLASS
Class 72 is intended to be the locus for patents directed to a process or apparatus for the deformation of metal work by the direct, or indirect, application of mechanical stress thereto while the work is in a self-sustaining state (i.e., not powdered or melted).
Since metal deformation is typically one of a number of differentiated steps in the manufacture of specific commercial products, the preponderance of art discloses metal-deformation methods, or means in combination with other methods, or means of extraneous or nonclass type. It has, accordingly, been found necessary to admit some such combinations while otherwise maintaining Class 72 as a generally restricted class. The sole positive requirement for placement of a patent, as an original copy, in Class 72 is its claimed disclosure of a metal-deforming process or apparatus. A patent claiming metal deformation may, however, be excluded from the class because of claimed extraneous subject matter not expressly covered in the subclass titles and definitions. Claimed subject matter which bars a patent from original placement in Class 72 may be summarized as follows, in Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, below. LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES
(A) Separately claimed product of manufacture. Class 428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclasses 544+ provide for stock material, e.g., of indefinite length, which are all metal or have adjacent metal components; in particular, subclasses 577+ provide for metallic blanks and other intermediate articles.
(B) The presence, either alone or in combination with metal deforming, of a recognized treatment of metal provided for in another existing class and not appearing in a subclass title in this class (e.g., anodizing, assembling of preforms, casting, cathode-sputtering, chemical-machining, electron beam, or laser-machining, use of adhesive, specific heating treatment, melting, welding, etc.).
(C) The combination with a recognized treatment provided for in another existing class and not performed under the conditions, or with the limitations specifically stated in a subclass definition in this class (e.g., coating a final product of metal deformation, cutting solely of a nonmetal, or a nonsystematic cutting of metal).
(D) The combination with other treatment(s) not excluded as such from Class 72, but the combination being directed to the manufacture of a special product which has been recognized in certain other existing classes (e.g., bolt- or nut-making, needle- or pin-making, manufacture of barrier layer devices, etc.). (See RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER CLASSES PERTAINING TO METAL DEFORMING, below)
(E) Deformation of metal wire, as such, and in particular the formation of certain products therefrom (e.g., hairpins), remains subject matter for Class 140, Wireworking. (See RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER CLASSES PERTAINING TO METAL DEFORMING, below)
SUMMARY
Specific questions involving the above-listed exclusory lines may be decided by reference to the following sections of this class. Certain features ancillary to metal deforming are provided for in this class (e.g., work or product handling, heating or cooling, descaling, lubrication, automatic control, etc.), but other treatment elsewhere classified (e.g., assembly, welding) are always a bar to original placement in Class 72.
CRITERIA FOR PLACEMENT OF DOCUMENTS IN THIS CLASS
(A) The schedule of Class 72 was developed with strict adherence to schedule superiority.
Original placement of U. S. patents is determined by their claimed disclosure, with the following exception. Patents granted prior to 1910 are generally, but not necessarily, placed by claimed disclosure. The presence of significant unclaimed subject matter in such an older patent, if of higher schedule superiority than the claimed invention, may determine its original placement in the higher subclass, with such cross-referencing downward as appears helpful and in accordance with established procedure. (B) Cross-referencing, of U. S. patents only, is intended to account for significant, but unclaimed, disclosure, as well as subordinate, but distinct, inventions related to basic subject matter of the class.
(C) Foreign patents and nonpatent literature are placed solely on the basis of "useful disclosure" without strict regard to schedule superiority or to specific limitations in subclass definitions.
(D) "Claimed disclosure" is defined as the combination of elements recited in the controlling claim of a patent, together with such features of the recited elements as must be imputed from the disclosure to render the claimed combination complete and operative for the functions referred to in the claim. For example, if alternative dies are disclosed in the specification of a machine, but not identifiably recited in the claim, the term "die" is construed broadly for the purpose of original placement. If the claim refers to a die bore, that die which is disclosed as having a bore will be read into the claim. Other features of the so-identified die (e.g., a vent hole) will not be deemed part of the claimed disclosure unless some reference thereto appears in the claim.
(E) "Useful disclosure", for the purpose of this schedule, may be the total disclosure of a document, or in the case of multiple disclosures or of a broad combination, it may be that portion of the total disclosure which, in the opinion of the classifier, is most significantly related to the basic subject of Class 72.
(F) Examples of Placement of U. S. Patents:
(1) A claim to a motor-driven press includes claimed complementary dies to form a faceted reflector unit from sheet tungsten, with automatic angular indexing of work between press strokes and automatic stopping upon completion of 360 degrees of indexing.
Original copy is placed in subclass 30.1, cross-references in subclasses 414 and 422; additional cross-reference in art collection subclass 700 is desirable.
(2) A claim recites the steps of cutting a predetermined length of steel strip from a coil, mechanically gripping the ends of the cut blank, heating the central portion thereof, and wrapping the blank under tension about a contoured forming block.
Original copy is placed in subclass 294, cross-referenced in subclasses 296 and 342.1+. (Additional cross-references in subclass 339, severing a blank from stock; in subclass 364, process, temperature modification; and in subclass 372, process using claimed apparatus; also may be desirable, depending upon apparent novelty in these details.)
(3) A claim recites only a pair of dies with configured faces, one die having a replaceable face portion to alter a dimension of the product:
Original copy is placed in subclass 473. No upward cross-reference is necessary because press features such as drive, guides, etc., are presumed to be conventional. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER CLASSES PERTAINING TO METAL DEFORMING, PER SE
The following enumeration and discussion of classes does not purport to be exhaustive, but includes loci of patents relating to, per se, metal deforming wholly or in part.
(A) CLASSES OF ARTICLE MAKING:
A recitation, in a process or apparatus claim, of the article being made will result in original placement of the patent containing such claim in the appropriate article-making class, except that a claim which recites only a step of, or use of an instrumentality for, performing a single metal-deforming operation will be placed in this class (72).
See References to Other Classes, below, for examples of such classes (or portions of classes) directed to the manufacture of particular products.
(B) THE CLASS OF WIREWORKING:
The class of reference (140, Wireworking) includes patents
for certain wire-deforming operations (e.g., Barbing, Knotting, Crimping) named in subclass titles of the class. The lines that existed between Class 140 and other metal-deforming classes will (e.g., Metal Bearding, Metal Forging, etc.) continue to be observed, and this class (72) will serve as the repository of patents not provided for in Class 140.
(C) THE CLASSES OF MEASURING AND TESTING:
Class 73 includes patents for structures that deform metal by "stress or strain of material of structure" (see Class 73, subclasses 788+). Class 374 including determining the thermal response of deformation (Class 374, subclasses 46+), and resistance to a thermally induced deformation. The question of patent placement will usually be resolved by the specification's disclosing, on one hand, deformation to effective destruction (for Classes 73 or 374), or, on the other hand, deformation to form a product (for Class 72).
RELATIONSHIP TO COMBINATION CLASSES
A patent claim directed to a combination of a metal-deforming step or apparatus with other treatment or apparatus, not specifically provided for in Class 72, is excluded from this class and is generally placeable as noted in the following paragraphs. (A) WITH ASSEMBLING:
(1) "Assembling" denotes the juxtaposing or joining of two or more "preforms" (discrete objects, as distinguished from material applied as coating, filling, or added as alloy, etc.).
(2) Methods of, and means for, assembling preforms are provided for in other classes, and residually in Class 29, Metal Working. More specifically, if a patent claim recites a step of (or apparatus for) metal deformation which, as disclosed, recognizes or requires the presence of two or more discrete members, at least one of which is the subject of the metal-deforming operation, and the deforming operation results in securing at least two of the members together, the claim is excluded from Class 72 and must be placed in another class, such as Class 29. For example, a claim directed to the step of riveting or staking two metal objects together is proper subject matter for Class 29, Metal Working, subclasses 428+ (Assembly and/or Joining).
(3) The following two operations are distinguishable from the above-noted assembling of preforms and are proper subject matter for Class 72: (a) Method of, or apparatus for, joining spaced portions of the same workpiece solely by metal deformation (e.g., lock-seaming a tube). (b) Method of, or apparatus for, extruding a metallic sheath on a core.
(4) References With Other Classes, below, contains citations
to classes that illustrate the location of patented art involving metal deformation in combination with assembly of plural members.
(B) WITH CUTTING
(1) Class 72 is the locus for patents directed to the combination of metal deforming and cutting* (method or apparatus), provided that the same material is treated, and in a systematic manner. In other words, the combination of metal deforming and cutting is proper subject matter for this class, with only two exceptions:
(a) Disclosure that cutting and metal deforming are performed only on different work. For example: (i) Device to forge a metal part and to punch an attached or associated record card (Class 29). (ii) Combined plier-type insulation stripper and wire end bender (Class 7). (iii) Method of embedding a metal core in plastic material, bending to a desired shape, and trimming off excess plastic (Class 264).
(b) Disclosure fails to teach a systematic, i.e., simultaneous or predetermined, orderly sequential operation of cutter and metal-deforming means on the same work. For example: (i) Hand punch with a turret of manually selectable cutting and embossing dies (Class 7). (ii) Punch press with interchangeable cutting and bending dies or die inserts (Class 29). (iii) Set of hand tools for severing, incising, and stamping metal (Class 7). (iv) Wire-crimping pliers with separately accessible side-cutting dies (Class 7). (v) Press structure having spaced cutting and forging tool stations; no work feed means (Class 29).
(2) In summary, it is further noted that:
(a) A patent otherwise barred from Class 72 will not be originally placed herein because of the inclusion of cutting. (b) Patents to cutting tools or apparatus, per se, are excluded from Class 72.
(c) "Convertible" cutting and metal-deforming apparatus, i.e., requiring the intervention of an operative to effect the conversion, is generally excluded from the subject matter of this class.
(d) "Combined" apparatus, in the sense of mere side-by-side or jointly driven cutting and metal-deforming devices, independently or alternatively usable at the will of an operative, is generally excluded.
(e) Combinations excluded from Class 72 under the foregoing discussion are generally placeable in Class 7 or Class 29, as illustrated in examples under RELATIONSHIP TO COMBINATION CLASSES, With Cutting, paragraph 1, above.
(C) WITH HEAT TREATMENT:
(1) "Heat Treatment" refers to the establishment or maintenance of a given, relatively permanent, physical or chemical condition in work by heating or cooling it in a prescribed manner.
(2) A patent directed to the combination of metal deformation and heat treatment of work will be placed as follows:
(a) In Class 219, Electric Heating, when electric heating (e.g., resistance, induction) is involved.
(b) In Class 72, when the patent is not otherwise excluded, when the heat treatment is effected by other than electrical means, and the heat treatment is: (i.) unspecified (heating or cooling broadly claimed); (ii) for conditioning work to a suitable temperature for a metal-deforming operation; (iii) process annealing, i.e., for relieving stress due to a prior working or preparatory to a following operation; or (iv) for returning work or product to a desired ambient or handling temperature.
(1) Note. The term "quenching" is sometimes inaccurately used to denote mere cooling to a convenient temperature. Such usage will not bar placement of a patent in Class 72.
(c) In Class 148, Metal Treatment, if there is significant heat treatment to modify or maintain the internal physical structure (i.e., microstructure) or chemical property of metal combined with a metal deforming operation of Class 72, see References to Other Classes in the Class 148 definition. Significant heat treatment occurs when the temperature or heating or cooling rate is provided in a nonworking related step or when microstructure description is utilized in the claim to describe the heating or cooling treatment of the metal. Working at a specified temperature without mention of microstructure is not significant heat treatment for Class 148. The mere use of the term "ageing" or "tempering" is considered significant heat treatment for Class 148. Except for "Work-Hardening" which is proper in Class 72, the use of the term "hardening" will be considered significant heat treatment for Class 148. "Quenching" will be considered significant heat treatment lacking an indication that it means simply returning to a convenient working temperature (which belongs in Class 72 as stated above). "Stress-relief-annealing" will remain in Class 72, if combined with a metal deforming operation. Working metal in the "superplastic" state or during "dynamic recrystallization" remains in Class 72 unless a temperature is provided in the working step. If temperature is provided for the superplastic working step, classification will go to Class 148. When combined with metal deforming, "annealing", per se, goes in Class 72. However, annealing at a specified temperature goes in Class 148. Merely heating or cooling a metal to a working temperature is not significant heat treatment for Class 148. The presence of reactive coating in any step of a metal treating process goes to Class 148. Combinations of chemical-heat removing (i.e., flame-cutting) or burning with metal working go to Class 148.
(d) In Class 266, Metallurgical Apparatus, if the apparatus is for heat-treating solid metal and see the definitions therein for the line to Class 72.
(D) WITH CLEANING, COATING, OR OTHER TREATMENT:
The following remarks apply both to apparatus and to process claims.
(1) The combination of metal deforming with cleaning, descaling, or application of lubricating material to the work material before, during or after metal deformation is provided for in Class 72.
(2) The combination of metal deforming with exposure of the work, before or during deformation, to gas, vapor, mist, or modified atmosphere, is provided for in Class 72. Examples of this combination are: the deformation or work in an evacuated chamber, or in the presence of an inert gas, or the spraying or sputtering of material on work before deformation. For the classification of metal deforming followed by coating, see Class 29, Metal Working, subclasses 527.1+ and associated search notes.
(3) The combination of metal deformation with the prior or simultaneous application of fluent material to an existing workpiece, by any such technique as casting, coating, or molding, is provided for in Class 72. The only exception involves electric arc deposition of metal, which combination is placeable in Class 219, Electric Heating. Any claimed casting, coating, or molding of material upon a product subsequent to a final step of metal deforming is proper subject matter for Class 29 as the residual locus, or for Classes 427 and 264 for specific methods, or Class 118 for apparatus.
(4) The combination of initially making a metallic workpiece by casting or molding, followed by deformation thereof, is excluded from this class, and is generally proper subject matter for Class 29, Metal Working. Certain perfecting treatments of cast metal while in the mold are classifiable in Class 164, Metal Founding. An apparent exception is the charging of an extrusion container with molten metal; in this instance, the pouring of molten metal is regarded as a convenient technique of handling work for later extrusion, rather than a casting for Class 164, Metal Founding, or a combination involving casting for Class 29. Subclasses 253.1 of this class (72) provide for this combination of charging metal into a container and extruding it therefrom.
(E) WITH BODILY TRANSFERRING OF TOOL TO OR FROM TOOL SUPPORT OR STORAGE MEANS:
The following remarks apply to either a process or apparatus claim.
Metal deforming combined with bodily transfer or exchange of a deforming tool to or from a tool support (i.e., tool driver) or a storage means is proper for Class 483, Tool Changing, with the exception of deforming limited to roller couple tools with means to introduce or remove at least one roller with respect to the couple which is provided for in Class 72, subclasses 238 and subclasses indented thereunder. RELATIONSHIP TO SUBCOMBINATION CLASSES
(A) THE WORK-HANDLING OR PRODUCT-HANDLING CLASSES:
The placement of patents claiming method of, or apparatus for, the handling of work for, or the product of, a deforming operation and also claiming the deforming method or means will be in this class unless the deforming method or means is not recited significantly.
In this connection, a step of deforming (in a method claim) is considered significant even if it only indicates the type of deformation, e.g., "rolling", "bending", "spinning". On the other hand, a claimed step of handling to a named type of deforming instrumentality, e.g., "rolling mill", "bending brake", "spinning station", is not deemed to set forth a significant deforming step and thus is proper for a handling class. If however, such instrumentality is further identified in terms of deforming function such as "three-high rolling mill", "hot metal bending brake", "pattern-controlled spinning station", such claimed terminology will import a significant deforming step and warrant placement of a patent in Class 72.
In a claim directed to apparatus, examples of broadly recited and not significant deforming means, which would permit original placement of a patent in an appropriate handling class, include "rolling mill", "working station", "forging press", and similar terms; however, a significant relationship of work-handling and deforming means would be proper for class (72), such as "means to insert the billet into the upper pass of a three-high rolling mill". The quoted phrases should be considered as exemplary, not as all-inclusive.
Examples of classes directed to work-handling or product-handling are listed in References to Other Classes, below.
(B) THE CLASSES RELATING TO TOOL DRIVING:
(1) This class (72) provides for patents claiming means for driving a tool that is restricted, as disclosed, by its shape or its tool-face or its composition to its function of deforming metal.
(2) Patents claiming a means for driving a tool which tool is recited by name only (both in the claim(s) and in the specification), will be placed in a class appropriate to the power source, transmission, or the machine as disclosed.
(3) Among the classes directed to such latter driving means are the following:
(C) CLASSES (OR PORTIONS OF CLASSES) PROVIDING FOR A TOOL OR TOOLFACE, PER SE: See References to Other Classes, below for examples of classes directed to such subject matter.
OTHER CLASS RELATIONSHIPS
(A) CLASSES INCLUDING DEFORMING OF NONMETALS:
(1) Class 72 is the residual locus for the plastic deformation of metallic work, (a) as simple metal stock or blanks, (b) in combination with nonmetal, as in the case of metal and paper laminates, or (c) as unspecified or unidentified material which appears by disclosure to be metal (e.g., referred to as "ingot", "rail", "axle blank"). The additional deformation of nonmetallic material (e.g., in a laminate or other composite work) will not bar placement of a patent in this class.
(2) A claimed disclosure of deformation of a nonmetal only is subject matter for another class. Typical classes are listed in the References To Other Classes, below.
(B) CLASS 242, WINDING, TENSIONING, OR GUIDING
(1) With respect to winding, Class 72 and Class 242 contain patents wherein work is disclosed as being held to a mandrel or core and wound thereon due to interaction of (a) a force rotating the core and (b) a force restraining the work to movement along a course substantially tangent to the surface of the core or the wound product.
Patents disclosing such forces applied to metal and claiming use of a deflector closely adjacent the core will be placed originally in Class 72 unless the specification clearly teaches that the metal is not deformed or stressed beyond its elastic limit.
Patents disclosing such forces applied to metal, wherein the restraining force is claimed in terms of means, or the use of means, remote from the core for retarding movement of the work will be placed originally in Class 72 only if the disclosure positively teaches deformation or the metal.
(2) With respect to unwinding, a patent wherein metal is unwound from a coil will be placed in Class 72 only if a claimed disclosure teaches deformation or stress beyond the elastic limit, as by use of a deflector* or tensioning
means.
(C) CLASSES INCLUDING COMPACTING OF PARTICULATE MATERIAL: The deformation of compacted particulate metal is not excluded from Class 72, if the work material is in self-shape-sustaining state.
The Class 72 schedule affords eight basic fields of search, as follows:
Class 72, subclasses 1- 47, and 324 -342.96 for method or apparatus including: (1) All claimed combinations of metal deforming with selected extraneous treatments (e.g., descaling, cutting) which are not, per se, excluded from the class and (2) Metal deforming with selected perfecting features (e.g., indicator, random control of stopping), which featured are deemed generally pertinent to any type of metal deforming.
Class 72, subclasses 48-323, and 343-361 for method or apparatus involving selected types of metal-deforming instrumentalities (e.g., by pressurized fluent medium, by plural relatively movable work-gripping clamps).
(1) Note. This group includes some newly defined concepts in the basic subject matter of the class for which there is no presently accepted terminology. See the Art Term Index in Subclass References to the Current Class, below, for additional entries to the schedule.
Class 72, subclasses 362-379.6 for residual metal-deforming processes (e.g., coiling or twisting) including purely manipulative steps or steps involving apparatus not provided for in preceding subclasses.
Class 72, subclasses 380- 416 for essentially complete basic apparatus of the class type. Recitation of tools or tool faces, tool-moving or guiding means, and disclosure of specific work treatment by the tools, is required for original placement in this group.
(1) Note. A basic flat-platen press or flat-faced power hammer and anvil is excluded from this group unless the claimed combination specifically fits a subclass definition (e.g., a simple flat-platen press claimed only as a bender or straightener for specifically shaped work may possibly qualify as offset-tool-face apparatus for subclasses 380+; otherwise it would be found in following group).
Class 72, subclasses 417-461 for apparatus subcombinations, such as tool drivers or work handling means, of insufficient scope to constitute complete metal-deforming devices; also, the flat-faced power hammers and presses noted above.
Class 72, subclasses 462- 482.94 for tools and/or tool holders.
(1) Note. Some tools, such as a bridge-type extrusion die, are classified in preceding groups, as subcombinations peculiar to specific metal-deforming apparatus. Class 72, subclass 483, for miscellaneous apparatus or nontool element not provided for in preceding subclasses.
Class 72, subclasses 700 - 715 for cross-referenced material relating to six concepts or commonly used terms which have not been defined for Class 72. For instance, subclasses 700 and 705 relate to particular kinds of workpieces. For these and other undefined terms, see the Art Term Index in Subclass References to the Current Class, below
ART TERM INDEX TO CLASS 72
The index in Subclass References to the Current Class, below, is provided for convenience in locating certain types of metal-deforming methods or apparatus according to key words in common usage.
Some keywords (e.g., Rolling) resemble defined Glossary terms, below, but are here used in their popular or broader (often ambiguous) sense.
Certain keywords represent subject matter formerly included in abolished classes but excluded from Class 72. Pertinent classes for such subject matter are:
Class 100, Press; Class 29, Assembling; Class 228, Welding
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
6.1+, 28.1+, AUTOMATIC CONTROL (COMBINED)
31.13, 253.1+, DIE-EXPRESSING (EXTRUSION)
39+, DESCALING (COMBINED)
51+, 176+, SKELPING 53, SHOT-PEENING
56, ELECTROHYDRAULIC FORMING
56, ELECTROMAGNETIC FORMING
56, EXPLOSIVE FORMING
56, HIGH-ENERGY-RATE FORMING (SEE EXPLOSIVE FORMING, ETC.)
57+, 150, 465, CORE, DEFORMABLE, ETC.
59, 176+, 184+, 385, 415, CORRUGATING
59, 62, TUBE CORRUGATING
64+, 299, 371, TWISTING
66, COILING
76, 377, 395, PEENING (PEINING) 76, 377, 465.1, SNARLING (STIPPLING)
76, 402, SWAGING
82+, SPINNING
82+, 293+, 350, 417, BLANKHOLDER.
76, 402, TUBE.
84+, 102+, 367, BEADING
88+, PLATEN-ROLLING
88+, 104, THREAD-ROLLING
91+, BY WALKING-FORM, CONCAVE-AND-ROLL
97, 256+, 325+, PIERCING
115+, 317, AND 393, FLARING, TUBE
115+, 317, 393, TUBE FLARING 135+, SPRING COILER.
135+, HELICAL COILING.
146+, SPIRAL COILING.
149, WIPE-FORMING.
151, 295+, 305, STRETCH-FORMING
160+, LEVELLING.
184+, FLYING TOOL.
184+, DIE-ROLLING
186, 325+, 464, COMPOSITE (WITH CUTTING) TOOL.
189, PILFERING MILL
196, 402, 712, CRIMPING
199+, 365.2+, ROLLING 217, SWEEP-ARM.
220, WALKING-FORM
223, 232 ROLLING, THREE-HIGH MILL
241.2+, ROLLING, FOUR-HIGH MILL
256, 325+, BILLET PIERCING
258, 700, BIMETALLIC WORK
264+, CORE TUBE, EXTRUSION
264+, 462+, MANDREL, EXTRUSION.
267, COLD SQUIRTING (IMPACT EXTRUSION)
267, IMPACT EXTRUSION.
274+, DRAWING, DIE BENCH 274+, 302+,378, STRETCHING
274+, DRAWING, WIRE- OR TUBE-
284, 343 DRAWING, PUSH-
292, 303, 402, SHRINKER, TIRE.
293+, AND NOTES THEREUNDER, CUTTING (COMBINED).
296+, WRAP-FORMING.
298, 310, 319+, BENDING (SEE COILING, CORRUGATING, LEVELLER) BRAKE.
301, 386+, OFFSETTING.
302+, 318, 322+,352+, 377, 407+,416, UPSETTING
318, 357, HEADING
334, 340, TRIMMING (SEE CUTTING)
336, 337, BLANKING (SEE CUTTING) 347+, DRAWING, DEEP- OR SHELL-
358+, 414, EMBOSS
359, COINING
360, 412+, 437, DROP FORGING
367+, TUBE WORKING
377, FORGING (SEE SPECIFIC TERMS)
377, REDUCING (SEE SPECIFIC TERMS)
377, SWAGING (SEE SPECIFIC TERMS)
389.1+, SHAFT STRAIGHTENING
411, EDGEWISE BENDER
419+, FEED, WORK (COMBINED) 419+, HANDLING (COMBINED)
429+, HAMMER, DRIVE
430, EXPLOSIVELY ACTUATED TOOL
435+, HAMMER, DROP
462+, ANVIL
462+, HAMMER
467+, THROUGH DIE
700, ALLOY
700, RARE METAL
701, 702, DISTORTION PREVENTION
703, KNURLING
705, FRAME STRAIGHTENING REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
7, Compound Tools, for patented art involving metal deformation in combination with assembly of plural members.
29, Metal Working, for patented art involving metal deformation in combination with assembly of plural members, and
700, under "SEARCH CLASS" (and see reference to other classes in (5) Note).
29, Metal Working,
284, 25.42, inclusive; and subclasses 592+ particularly 592.1 through 899.1, inclusive. (directed to the manufacture of particular products, see Classes of Article Making, above)
29, Metal Working, especially
270+, providing for hand-manipulatable tool means. (class
providing for a tool or toolface, per se)
29, Metal Working (e.g., residual for fibrous material), for claimed disclosure of deformation of a nonmetal only.
57, Textiles: Spinning, Twisting, and Twining, for patented art involving metal deformation in combination with assembly of plural members, 9, and 311 involving preforming of wire strands.
59, Chain, Staple, and Horseshoe Making, for patented art involving metal deformation in combination with assembly of plural members.
59, Chain, Staple, and Horseshoe Making. (directed to the manufacture of particular products, see Classes of Article Making, above)
60, Power Plants, for patents claiming a means for driving a tool, which tool is recited by name only (both in the claim(s) and in the specification).
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, for patents claiming a means for driving a tool, which tool is recited by name only (both in the claim(s) and in the specification).
76, Metal Tools and Implements, Making, for patented art involving metal deformation in combination with assembly of plural members.
76, Metal Tools and Implements, Making. (directed to the manufacture of particular products)
79, Button Making,
3,. (directed to the manufacture of particular products, see Classes of Article Making, above)
81, Tools, especially
300+, providing for plier-type tool structure. (class providing for a tool or toolface, per se)
83, Cutting, especially 651+, providing for cutting tool or tool-support structure. (class providing for a tool or toolface, per se)
100, Presses,
214+, having disclosures of reciprocating press construction wherein the tool is a platen. See this class (100) for patents claiming a means for driving a tool which tool is recited by name only (both in the claim(s) and in the specification).
140, Wireworking,
71, 92.2, inclusive; and subclasses 3 through 57, inclusive. (directed to the manufacture of particular products, see Classes of Article Making, above)
144, Woodworking, for claimed disclosure of deformation of a nonmetal only.
156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture, for claimed disclosure of deformation of a nonmetal only.
157, Wheelwright Machines, for patented art involving metal deformation in combination with assembly of plural members.
163, Needle and Pin Making. (directed to the manufacture of particular products, see Classes of Article Making, above)
173, Tool Driving or Impacting, having disclosures of a motion converting means and/or hammer for driving a general-purpose tool. See this class (100) for patents claiming a means for driving a tool which tool is recited by name only (both in the claim(s) and in the specification).
193, Conveyors, Chutes, Skids, Guides, and Ways, except that a chute or other gravity conveyor combined with a power-driven conveyor is found in Class 198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, 311, 359+, 523+, and others. (class directed to work-handling or product-handling)
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, particularly
373+, for a conveyor having means for changing the attitude of the conveyor load relative to the conveying direction. (class directed to work-handling or product-handling)
209, Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids. (class directed to work-handling or product-handling)
219, Electric Heating (for combination of metal deforming and electric welding), for patented art involving metal deformation in combination with assembly of plural members.
226, Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length. (class directed to work-handling or product-handling)
227, Elongated-Member-Driving Apparatus, for patented art involving metal deformation in combination with assembly of plural members.
228, Metal Fusion Bonding, for patented art involving metal deformation in combination with assembly of plural members.
242, Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding, (also see the reference to Class 242 in OTHER CLASS RELATIONSHIPS, above). (class
directed to work-handling or product-handling)
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes, for claimed disclosure of deformation of a nonmetal only.
271, Sheet Feeding or Delivering. (class directed to work-handling or product-handling) 294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements. (class directed to work-handling or product-handling)
310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, for patents claiming a means for driving a tool, which tool is recited by name only (both in the claim(s) and in the specification).
405, Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,
232+, having disclosures of pile-driver means, for patents claiming a means for driving a tool, which tool is recited by name only (both in the claim(s) and in the specification).
414, Material or Article Handling, in particular
754+, where billet turnover devices can be found and compare with those devices in Class 198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, subclasses 373+. (class directed to work-handling or product-handling)
419, Powder Metallurgy Processes, appropriate subclasses for processes of forming articles from particulate material including metal particles with or without use of heat.
425, Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating: Apparatus, for claimed disclosure of deformation of a nonmetal only..
470, Threaded, Headed Fastener, or Washer Making: Process and Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for methods and machines for making bolt, screws, nuts, nails, rivets, and washers. (directed to the manufacture of particular products, see Classes of Article Making, above)
475, Planetary Gear Transmission Systems or Components, for patents claiming a means for driving a tool, which tool is recited by name only (both in the claim(s) and in the specification).
470, Threaded, Headed Fastener, or Washer Making: Process and Apparatus, for patented art involving metal deformation in combination with assembly of plural members, appropriate subclasses for methods and machines for making bolt, screws, nuts, nails, rivets, and washers.
493, Manufacturing Container or Tube From Paper; or Other Manufacturing From a Sheet or Web, for claimed disclosure of deformation of a nonmetal only.
GLOSSARY:
ANVIL
An undriven tool which, as disclosed, is designed and intended to react against work with sufficient force to enable an operation of the class type to be effected in some portion of the work.
(1) Note. An undriven flat-faced tool is regarded as an "Anvil", even though work of a specific shape may be deformed into flatness against it.
ASSEMBLY
The act or operation of bringing into juxtaposition or contact a plurality of preforms (self-shape-sustaining objects) and/or joining said preforms, i.e., so treating one or more of them as to restrict their relative mobility.
(1) Note. The mere ordering, stacking, or piling of workpieces prior to a metal-deforming operation thereupon, or the similar handling of products, is not regarded as "Assembly" for the purposes of this class.
AXIS-OF-BEND
That imaginary line used as a center about which the bending of moving work occurs. For convenience in illustrating the application of the term to the deformation of planiform work, three such axes may be considered, all being related to the direction of work movement and to the disposition of a planar nonthickness surface (see Figure III-1). The three axes are defined as follows: [figure]
(A) X-Axis is a line both parallel to the direction of movement of the work and parallel to a nonthickness surface thereof.
(B) Y-Axis is a line both perpendicular to the direction of movement of the work (i.e., length) and perpendicular to a nonthickness surface thereof. (C) Z-Axis is a line both perpendicular to the direction of movement of the work and parallel to a nonthickness surface thereof.
In the case of strand or rodlike work (i.e., wherein a cross section taken transverse to its length shows substantially equal width and thickness), corresponding or analogous axes are used for convenience.
Figure III-2 shows the product partially bent around a Z-Axis to form a transverse bend or the first convolution of a spiral coil. [figure]
Figure 111-3 shows the product bent around a Z-Axis and additionally deflected along the Z-Axis-of-Bend, to form a helical-coil from rod. [figure]
Figure III-4 shows the operation termed "levelling" wherein each successive work portion is deflected in alternation about a plurality or parallel Z-Axes, whereby each portion travels through an undulating path. [figure]
Figure III-5 shows the side margins of the work bent around the X-Axis to form a trough. Further bending of the side margins obviously form a tube. [figure]
BLANK
A discrete piece of material which is intended to be subjected to an operation of the class type.
BLANK HOLDER
A mechanism, incorporated in a metal-deforming device, intended to grip a blank prior to and during deformation thereof. (Often arranged to permit a desired amount of slippage of said blank in response to the application of deforming force thereto, thereby modifying the effect of the metal-deforming tools). See "Clamp".
CAVITY (DIE CAVITY) A passageway closed at one end; a chamber or blind hole having at least one work-shape-imposing portion of closed perimeter definable in a plane normal to the direction of relative motion of a co-acting tool or work forcer, or of the disclosed flow of work. See "Orifice" and "Passageway".
CLAMP
(See "Work-Gripping Clamp" and compare "Blank Holder").
CLEAN
To loosen, separate, or remove from the surface of metal a spot or layer of any substance generally distinguishable from the work material without intended redimensioning of said material.
CLOSED DIE
A tool* which comprises a work-shape-imposing orifice*, cavity*, or passageway*. (See diagrams under subclasses 276, 327, 350, and 360 for examples of "Closed Die").
COIL
The product of an operation in which work is bent so that it surrounds an Axis-Of-Bend* through more than 360 degrees of revolution. As used in this class, the operation involves
moving the work and progressively deflecting successive portions thereof in the same general direction which is arcuate with respect to the direction of movement of the work.
(1) Note. To produce a SPIRAL-COIL, the work is bent by deflection and wound, one convolution on a successive convolution, to form a scroll of gradually increasing diameter.
(2) Note. To produce a HELICAL-COIL, the work if deflected as described above, but an additional deflection or diversion is imposed on successive convolutions. The additional deflection is directed along the Axis-Of-Bend*. The additional component of bend is measured in terms of pitch, which term is used here in the same sense as applied to a screw or helix. CONTROL
To start, or to modify the operating condition of, any portion of a work-treating or handling device
(1) Note. "Stopping" is ordinarily regarded as an aspect of "Control", but is separately treated in this class in accordance with the class schedule. See subclasses 1+.
CUT
To separate any portion of a workpiece from any other portion of the same workpiece by a step of machining (e.g., grinding, drilling, boring, milling, planing), severing (e.g., breaking, sawing, slicing, shearing), or by intrusion of a sharp-edged or pointed tool without removal of material (e.g., stabbing, splitting, intrusive punching). See "Sever" and "Pierce".
DEFLECTOR
An element of instrumentality which engages successively presented portions of moving work and forces said portions from a first path of motion into a second and different path of motion.
(1) Note. The "Deflector" may comprise a single deflecting surface forcing all portions of work in a single direction, or a plurality of elements acting differently upon different portions of work.
DIE
A metal-deforming tool* which, as disclosed, has a shaping or reshaping function with regard to the portion(s) of work engaged by it.
(1) Note. For the purposes of this class, a "Die" may be regarded as a tool which leaves or impresses its
characteristic mark on the engaged face portion of work. The mark may be a three-dimensional imprint of the die face (see "Tool Face"), or may simply be the trace or track left by passage of the "Die" while in forcible engagement with the work, with or without accompanying deformation in other portions of the work. If the tool-engaged face of the work remains unaltered in shape or position, the tool is regarded as an anvil*; if altered in position only, the tool in question is a work-forcer*. See "Anvil", "Closed Die". "Tool", and "Work- Forcer". FLYING TOOL
A tool*, other than a roller, having a tool face which, as disclosed, engages and acts upon bodily moving work while itself moving substantially in the same direction and at the same speed as such work.
HOLLOW WORK
Material or article of indeterminate length having exterior and interior surfaces extending in the length dimension; each surface, as viewed in a cross section normal to the length dimension, showing an unbroken periphery; the interior surface of which is intended to be treated by a metal-deforming tool of limited length.
METAL
The material subjected to an operation of the class type; an elemental metal or alloy of mixture thereof in self-shape-sustaining state (i.e., not molten, gaseous, or powdered); metal as the term is employed in Class 29, Metal Working, and Class 148, Metal Treatment.
ORIFICE
A closed perimeter opening or aperture extending directly through the thickness of a plate or wall and constituting (1) the mouth of a chamber, or (2) an interconnection between the regions of space at either side of a plate or wall of substantial lateral extent. A passageway* of such short length that it has only one effective work-shape-imposing portion.
PASSAGEWAY
A conduit or path (especially for guiding and restraining the plastic flow of metal), having at least one shape-imposing portion of closed perimeter definable in a plane normal to the axis of the conduit.
(1) Note. A passageway is usually open at each end; the term may, however be applied to a blind hole which, by disclosure, does not become completely and forcibly filled with work during an operation of the class type. (2) Note. A passageway is capable of imposing more than one shape on work; it may be regarded as a sequence of orifices, e.g., for drawing or extruding a twisted product of noncircular cross section.
PIERCE
To stab or penetrate by a pointed, conical, or wedgelike tool, as distinguished from punching (shearing) by coacting-edged tools.
PLURAL TOOL SET
Three or more relatively movable tools* which are effective in any combination to perform operations of the class type on one or more discrete pieces of work, of which tools less than the total number are in actual contact with the same piece of work at the same time. For example: (1) tool couples* located at spaced tool stations in a plural tool station machine, if they act on distinct workpieces, or noncurrently on portions of integrally connected work material, and (2) two movable tools alternately engaging a workpiece resting upon an anvil, each tool retracting before the other tool touches the work.
PRODUCT
The object or material after an operation of the class type has been performed thereon.
(1) Note. The "Product" of one operation is properly denoted as "Work" for a subsequent operation.
ROLLER
A deforming instrumentality having a work- engaging, work-deforming peripheral surface which is generated by a line revolving about an axis, said instrumentality being disclosed as revolving about said axis so that successive peripheral portions thereof cyclically move into and out of contact with a work surface during deformation of the work, relative movement occurring, during deformation, between said axis and the work surface along a direction parallel to the work surface, thereby producing a relative rolling motion between the roller surface and the work surface as contrasted with sliding motion (i.e., the surfaces move in the same direction at substantially the same linear speed).
(1) Note. The generating line of the peripheral surface may have any continuous profile (e.g., straight, curved, or irregular), and the line may have any desired inclination, other than at right angles, relative to the axis. Thus, to be considered a "Roller", any and all cross sections taken at right angles to the axis must show a circular work-engaging periphery.
(2) Note. A hollow member wherein the interior surface is generated and used as described is also considered to be a "Roller".
(3) Note. A plurality of tools rotatable about the same axis in the same direction and at the same rotational speed is considered to be a single "Roller" in the environment described herein.
ROLLER CLUSTER
A group of three or more rollers* disposed relatively to one another and to the work* such that the work passes between the rollers with a peripheral surface portion of each roller engaging a surface portion of the work, the engaged surface portions being substantially coextensive in the direction of movement of the work, and the rollers simultaneously deforming the work.
ROLLER COUPLE
A group of two coacting rollers* disposed opposite one another such that work passes therebetween, the adjacent peripheral surfaces of both rollers simultaneously engaging opposite sides, or opposed surfaces portions, of the work passing between the rollers and thus deforming that work.
ROLLER-LIKE TOOL
A deforming instrumentality having a work- engaging, work-deforming tool surface with some, but not all, of the characteristics of a roller*.
(1) Note. Usually (a) the surface is generated by a line revolving about an axis (thus the tool looks like a roller), but the relative movement of the axis and work produces a sliding motion of tool surface relative to work surface; or (b) the relative movement of the tool axis and the work produces a rolling motion of tool surface on work surface (thus the tool acts like a roller), but the surface is not formed as a roller (e.g., the tool surface is rough, or gearlike, or recessed).
SEVER
To forcibly part or separate a discrete portion from a body of material. See "Cut".
STOCK A piece or an indeterminate length of material from which a plurality of blanks* or products* may be made (usually in linear sequence).
TOOL
A tangible instrumentality having a surface portion which is designed and intended to engage or react against work with sufficient force to effect an operation of the class type.
(1) Note. A core, mandrel, anvil, or the like, which may be "passive" in the sense of supplying only reaction force is included in this definition. The tool may be either transitory or enduring; it may be destroyed in a single use.
TOOL CARRIER
A device for holding a tool* (a) against the force of gravity, and/or (b) in cooperative relationship with another tool(s) or the work, and wherein the tool moves with respect to the device. For example, a stationary axle on which a roller* rotates is a "Tool Carrier" because of the relative movement; however, a shaft to which a roller is keyed so that both rotate together is not a carrier, whereas the bearing in which the shaft rotates is a "Tool Carrier" in this instance.
TOOL COMPLEX
Three or more relatively movable tools* which are in simultaneous contact with the same work at some instant during a metal-deforming operation.
(1) Note. Typically, either all active tools are concurrently actuated, or a tool couple deforms work and remains in contact therewith while a third, fourth, etc., tool advances into deforming contact with the thus restrained work.
(2) Note. The deformation effected by a "Tool Complex" is generally greater in degree and/or more elaborate in detail than can be accomplished by repeated operations of a tool couple*, or the successive strokes of a plural tool set*.
(3) Note. A "Tool Complex" may accomplish two or more seemingly distinct operations (e.g., simultaneously flanging opposite edges of a sheet). In many such instances, some advantage is gained over the use of plural tool sets (e.g., balanced forces on work may permit the use of lighter clamping structure or the elimination of a work-holding device, and the simultaneous tool actions may enable closer control of dimensions). TOOL COUPLE
Two tools which are so related in position and relative motion that when both are engaged with the same work they cooperate to effect an operation of the class type. See "Tool Complex".
TOOL FACE
The surface portion(s) of a tool body which actually engage work at some time during an operation of the class type.
(1) Note. "Tool Face" is distinguishable from supporting,
interconnecting, spacing, or surrounding surface portions which do not engage work during normal or disclosed operation. Disclosure of the tool operation is thus necessary for identification of the "Tool Face" proper, as is consideration for placement in subclasses 380+ (offset tool faces) or subclasses 392+ (relatively receding tool faces). (See diagram under subclass 386 for example of a "Tool Face".)
TOOL HOLDER
A Device rigidly attached to a tool and effective to support and/or to transmit actuating force thereto. See "Tool Carrier".
TUBE
A pipe, hollow cylinder, or hollow rodlike member consisting of a wall shaped in the form of a simple closed curve and extending axially, providing a conduit throughout its length. The wall may vary along its axial length in transverse dimensions and/or shape.
WORK
The object or material which is intended to be subjected to an operation of the class type. See "Blank". WORK-FORCER
A driven tool which, as disclosed, has the function of forcibly moving work against the resistance of another tool.
(1) Note. If the tool also directly deforms the engaged face of the work, it is specifically a die*.
WORK-GRIPPING CLAMP
An instrumentality having a plurality of opposed solid jaws or surface elements which are made effective, by movement of one or more of said jaws or surface elements, to grip a portion of work frictionally and to hold it fixedly.
(1) Note. Some form of clamp-actuating means is required; a so-called "self-gripping" clamp, which closes upon work in response to initial movement of work, is included.
(2) Note. Blank holders or "clamps", which are intended to allow controlled slippage of work during an operation, are excluded, as constituting "Tools". See "Blank Holder".
WORK TREATMENT
Altering or actively maintaining some property, characteristic, or condition of work. (Orientation or location of work, or juxtaposition of plural pieces, is not considered to be a property, characteristic, or condition for
the purpose of this definition in this class).