US PATENT CLASS 901
Class Notes
Current as of: June, 1999
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DEFINITION
Classification: 901/
CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS
This collection provides for a reprogrammable, multifunction manipulator designed to move devices through variable programmed motions for the performance of changeable tasks on a repetitive basis without human intervention and all subcombinations thereof specialized for use with such manipulator.
NOTES TO THE CLASS DEFINITION
(1) Note. It should be noted that this is a cross-reference collection of art only and not a true "Class" within the
meaning of that term as used in the U.S. Patent Classification System although it is a search tool which is a part of that system. This collection will not, therefore, take for original placement any U.S. Patent.
(2) Note. A robot usually has an arm* (elongated appendage) which normally has three degrees of freedom*.
(3) Note. A robot must be reprogrammable to perform a variety of different tasks. Thus, a numerically controlled machine tool which may have an arm, but is designed to perform only a fixed set of tasks, is not a robot.
(4) Note. Subcombinations (e.g., programs, actuators, joints, grippers, bearings, gears, etc.) have been included in all instances where there was a disclosure basis (e.g., for use in an industrial robot, programmable manipulator, etc.). Some subcombinations, of general utility (e.g., containing no specific statement of use with a robot in the disclosure), are also included, where in the opinion of the Classifiers, the subcombination is readily adaptable for use in a robot. An attempt has been made to provide search notes for pertinent subcombinations of more general utility.
(5) Note. This cross-reference art collection provides a general locus for all information relating to robot machines or subcombinations and elements peculiar thereto, regardless of the type of work which is done by that machine. Based upon past development of the system of patent classification, such patents are to be found in many classes, their disposition being dependent on a number of diverse considerations. The most pertinent classifications for subject matter dealing with robots have been screened; however, it should be noted that this cross-reference collection represents the initial attempt to collect this subject matter and therefore should not be construed as being the exhaustive locus for robot machines in its present form. (6) Note. This drawings associated with the definitions are merely used to illustrate the basic concept encompassed by the definition of each subclass, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter covered by any subclass.
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
29, Metal Working,
26, for a drill press, subclasses 33+ and 563 for a conveying means used in a metal working apparatus which includes metal shaping and for assembly, and subclasses 701+ for assembly devices.
118, Coating Apparatus,
696, 698 for a programmed paint spraying or coating device.
166, Wells,
338+, for a tool which acts in an underwater environment.
178, Telegraphy,
18+, for program controlled arms for writing. 219, Electric Heating,
124.1+, and 125.1+ for automatic electric arc welding devices.
228, Metal Fusion Bonding,
7, for programmed welding devices and subclass 45 for processes involving the use of programmed welding devices.
239, Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing,
69, for programming means for a paint spraying device.
294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements,
66, for underwater handling implements and subclasses 86+ for gripping devices, per se.
318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems,
162, and 560+ for motor systems.
364, Electrical Computers and Data Processing Systems,
191+, for programming systems, subclasses 474.01+ for computer applications to machining, subclasses 478.01+ for computer applications to material handling. 395, Information Processing System Organization,
80+, for robot control.
414, Material or Article Handling,
1, 8 and art collection 909 for remotely controlled manipulators (e.g., master-slave), subclasses 22.51+ for well pipe racking, subclass 146 for the charging or discharging of material into a radioactive environment, subclass 186 for furnace charging or discharging devices having a grab, subclasses 589+, 591, 730+, 744.1+, 749, and 754+ for article handlers described by their movement through space and art collection 917 for material handlers having parallel links.
483, Tool Changing, generally for a process or apparatus including a tool transfer means combined with either a tool support or a storage means.
623, Prosthesis (i.e., Artificial Body Members), Parts Thereof, or Aids and Accessories Therefor,
60, 61 and 64 for artificial arms parts having structure similar to robot arm* parts. [figure]
GLOSSARY:
ARM
The appendage emanating from the base* of the robot and running to, but not including the end effector*.
BASE The supporting structure for the arm*.
DEGREE OF FREEDOM
Each linear or rotary movement along or about a given axis.
END EFFECTOR
A device connected to the distal end of the robots arm* which carries out the robots intended function.