US PATENT SUBCLASS 72 / 293
BY USE OF NON-DEFORMING WORK-GRIPPING CLAMP AND RELATIVELY MOVABLE CLAMP, TOOL OR WORK-FORCER

Current as of: June, 1999
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72 /   HD   METAL DEFORMING

293BY USE OF NON-DEFORMING WORK-GRIPPING CLAMP AND RELATIVELY MOVABLE CLAMP, TOOL OR WORK-FORCER {9}
294  DF  .~> With cutting
295  DF  .~> By individually non-deforming clamps {4}
304  DF  .~> With work-distorting clamp
305  DF  .~> With plural spaced clamps
306  DF  .~> Plural or complex apparatus (e.g., with plural operations) {1}
308  DF  .~> Clamp is active metal-deforming element {2}
311  DF  .~> Movable clamp
312  DF  .~> With interrelated clamp closer and tool mover {2}
316  DF  .~> Clamp structure constitutes sole initial metal-deforming force-reaction means (i.e., is passive tool) {4}

DEFINITION

Classification: 72/293

BY USE OF NONDEFORMING WORK-GRIPPING CLAIM AND RELATIVELY MOVABLE CLAMP, TOOL OR WORK FORCER:

(under the class definition) Subject matter comprising means, or the step of using means, which includes a plurality of coacting distinct work-engaging instrumentalities, and means to move or guide at least one such instrumentality with respect to another such instrumentality along a predetermined path; one of said instrumentalities 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 fictionally and to hold it securely during an operation of the class type.

(1) Note. The work-gripping clamp in subclasses 293+ may be an ordinary clamp; some form of actuating means is required to distinguish a clamp from a mere work-stop or work-supporting socket. Self-gripping clamps are included, (i.e., those which close in response to slight and initial movement of the work).

(2) Note. For placement in subclasses 293+, it must be clear that at least one work clamp has solely a clamping function (i.e., any disclosure of work deformation by closure of the clamp jaws, or of work slippage with respect to the jaws, or of work slippage with respect to the jaws during deformation, indicates that the "clamp" actually constitutes a tool couple or a tool element for original placement elsewhere in this schedule). A nondeforming (per se) clamp may, however, be provided with deforming or die surface elements or portions distinct from the clamp jaws proper, such arrangements being found in subclasses 320+ and 322+ indented hereunder. For

placement in subclasses 293+, the clamp must be claimed, but it need not be recited as a deforming instrumentality (e.g., it may have an auxiliary function as a steadying element). If deformation is effected by relative motion between two or more clamps, placement is in subclasses 295+; If a clamp moves work relative to a tool, placement is in subclasses 308+; if the clamp holds work against the force of an actuated tool, placement is in subclasses 316+.

(3) Note. For placement of a process patent in subclasses 293+, the claim should recite "clamping" of work or an equivalent expression (such as "holding", if based upon a disclosure of clamping or refer to clamped, etc., work in addition to reciting the operative deforming step.

(4) Note. A work gripper or clamp may be found in many combinations placed in preceding subclasses, e.g., subclasses 274+ (wire-, rod-, or tube-drawing). These subclasses (293+) are the residual loci for a metal-deforming combination comprising, per se, nondeforming work clamp or gripping work mover. Any work clamp or gripper found in claimed combinations below subclasses 293+ is not solely a clamp but has another function, such as crushing or otherwise directly deforming work.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

80+, for a rotatable work-holding form which may comprise clamp structure. 127+, for a work gripper used to pull work through deflecting apparatus.

274+, for a work gripper used to pull work through a closed die.

350+, for a blank holder in deep-drawing apparatus (which generally allows controlled slippage of work).

419+, for a work or product handling device, generally.

457+, for a work constrainer in metal-deforming apparatus.

459, and 460, for a work clamp without a co-acting metal-deforming tool.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS

269, Work Holders, appropriate subclasses for a work holder of clamping type; and

87+, for the combination with a tool couple element (such as a tool guide).