(under the class definition) Subject matter comprising a step of, or means for, effecting mechanical treatment of metal work by (a) the conduction of pressurized fluent material in gaseous, liquid, plastic, or random particulate form into engagement with a portion of the surface or work and/or the development of pressure in fluent material while it is engaged with work, or (b) the direction of electric, magnetic, or radiant energy toward work in such manner as to induce mechanical accelerating force therein.
(1) Note. Fluid or "fluent material" within the scope of the subclass definition comprises compressed air or gas, any liquid, any readily deformable plastic substance (which may be a soft metal), any granular or particulate material which is handled as a fluid during the deforming operation (i.e., is confined and subjected to pressure without regard to the position or motion of any specific particle thereof). A configured tool, on the other hand, such as a roller faced with soft rubber, is regarded as a flexible tool for subclass 465.1+. (Operations with such a tool may be found in subclasses 166+).
(2) Note. The fluent material may be confined in or by a diaphragm or bag of deformable material, or within a hollow workpiece.
(3) Note. The subclass definition, part (b) is intended to embrace the process of, or apparatus for, deforming metal by the application of heat thereto while the workpiece is held under suitable restraint. (Melting or specific heat treatment, is excluded from this class, (72).)
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
56, for deformation of metal by shock wave or pulsations of fluid, or by energy field.
57+, for deformation of metal by an actuated tool, the operation being modified, supplemented, or assisted by pressurized fluid (e.g., as a plastic core within hollow work).
465.1+, for a flexible or yieldable tool, per se.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
29, Metal Working,
421.1+, for a process of shaping by direct application of fluid pressure (e.g., expanding a liner in a pipe).
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
586, for workpieces deformable by the application of a fluent medium, e.g., which embody stop-weld material.
