Lines with other classes and within this classThe preceding class definition is subject to the following exceptions: A. This class is superior to the various motor classes, and whenever a patent contains claims involving in any degree the structure of the vehicle in connection with a power plant or the location and arrangement of the motive-power plant relative thereto it is placed in this class. The mere mention of a vehicle broadly, or of such parts as are necessarily involved in the definition of a vehicle, in a claim which is in other respects drawn to the specific construction of the power plant, does not cause such an assignment, the classification being then based on the power-plant structure, so that the patent is assigned to the appropriate motor class. B. Transmission mechanism for driving vehicle-wheels is classified with other transmission mechanism elsewhere, even when there is an inclusion in a claim for such structure of a frame, body or boiler, an axle, and traction-wheels. In general, however, inventions relating to vehicle structure are classified in Class 180, although transmission mechanism is included. Transmission-trains designed to drive the road-wheels on opposite sides of a vehicle at the same speed and when desired at different speeds or in different directions or to drive the wheel on one side only are placed in Class 180. Patents containing claims for vehicle-springs in connection with transmission mechanism are placed in Class 180. Patents having two sets of claims, one relating to vehicle structure of general application and the other to transmission mechanism, are placed in this class. Transmission mechanism for an occupant-propelled vehicle in connection with vehicle structure is found elsewhere. C. Self-propelled vehicles carrying or constituting a device designed to perform a function not incidental to transportation are classified in the class having such devices when a functional manipulation or mounting of the device or more structure than is necessary for connection to the running gear is claimed. For example, a traction-engine claimed in connection with a plow is placed elsewhere. The term "steering wheel" used in the following definitions means a road-wheel, the axis of which may be swung so as to change the course of the vehicle; however, for an exception to this practice see Subclass References to the Current Class, below. By the term "normal wheel-base" is meant the arrangement of the four wheels of a vehicle so that straight lines joining the points of contact of the wheels with the road form approximately a rectangle when the steering wheels are in the straight-away position. Vehicle structure designed for motor-vehicles, but not involving features mentioned in the preceding definition, will be found in Classes 280, Land Vehicles, 296, Land Vehicles: Bodies and Tops, and 301, Land Vehicles: Wheels and Axles. LINE WITH CLASS 475 AND CLASS 74 See Class 475, Planetary Gear Transmission Systems or Components, for a planetary gear transmission in a vehicle drive train. The same line exists between Class 180 and Class 475 as exists between Class 180 and Class 74. LINE WITH CLASS 477, CLASS 74, CLASS 180, AND CLASS 192 See Class 477,Interrelated Power Delivery Controls, Including Engine Control, for interrelated control between an engine and a transmission, clutch, or brake. Class 477 was formed from patents in Classes 74 and 192 and so the same line exists between Class 180 and Class 477 as exists between Class 180 and Classes 74 and 192. |