Lines with other classes and within this classORGANIZATION OF THE CLASS Perusal of the first-order (capitalized) titles of the schedule will show that the class is composed of a relatively few major collections of subclasses. Search fields are provided for special-purpose and particular-function conveyors as well as for particular combinations of conveyor structure and subcombinations of conveyor structure. Generally, in order of superiority, the major collections provide for the following search fields. 1. Conveyor on a vehicle (subclasses 300+) or for people (subclasses 321+). 2. Selective conveyor (subclasses 348+). 3. Conveyors handling a specific article or specific group of articles, including: (a) a conveyor "orienting" an article (subclasses 667+); or (b) a system of conveyors grouping plural articles into a group (subclasses 418+); or (c) a system of conveyors conveying articles as a stream wherein articles are successively arranges (subclasses 434+); or (d) a system of conveyors conveying articles each as a separate article (subclasses 463+). 4. Special conveyor or one having special features (subclasses 339+, 493+, 502.1, 506+, and 347). 5. Arrangement of plural conveyors of which (a) one conveyor is not power-driven (subclasses 523+); and (b) all conveyors are power-driven (subclasses 570+). 6. Methods of conveying (subclass 617). 7. Conveyor, per se, including subcombinations (subclasses 618+). 8. Stopping of a conveyor (subclasses 854+). 9.The frame or supporting structure for a conveyor (subclasses 860.1). In some of the collections summarized above (step 3), the disclosed intent of the claimed apparatus is significant and important. Mechanisms that are apparently similar in structure are used for different functions by modifying the arrangement or providing a different adjunct to the structure. See Subclass References to the Current Class, below, for subclasses with apparently similar structure used for different functions. Subclass 584 of this class (198) should be limited to a conveying system composed of a plurality of sections which are joined to each other by means allowing ready connection or disconnection of the sections, said means further allowing the sections, to partake of a pivotal motion relative to each other. Examples of the type of patent which will be placed here are nonambulant articulated trains or movable articulated trains which are connected to a stationary element in the system. LINE BETWEEN CLASS 198, CLASS 193, CLASS 226, CLASS 242, CLASS 414, AND CLASS 72 The conveyor, per se, is in Class 198. As between Class 193, Conveyors, Chutes, Skids, Guides, and Ways; Class 198, Conveyors: Power-Driven; Class 226, Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length; Class 242, Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding; Class 294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements; Class 414, Material or Article Handling, Class 72 is superior. However, in the case of a subcombination for structure or process wherein it is not clear from the claims whether handling or deforming is involved, a reasonable interpretation of the total disclosure will determine whether classification should be in Class 72, as a deforming subcombination. For example, a claim reciting a "roller pair" may be considered as a feeding subcombination in the absence of disclosure of deformation. On the other hand, "a configured roller" will usually be a deforming device unless it is feeding a correspondingly configured workpiece. A claimed "pinch-roll couple" may be disclosed (a) with many details showing its effectiveness as a feeder, or (b) may be sparsely described as a deforming device and still be clearly a deformer. A patent including a claim involving both metal deforming and work handling is classified in Class 72, unless both the following criteria are met (a) there is no claim limited to deforming, per se, and (b)the claims to handling and deforming recite deforming by name only. Search subclasses 137.1+ for the combination of a conveyor with provision to load or unload a buoyant vehicle. LINE BETWEEN CLASS 241, CLASS 198, AND CLASS 83 See Class 241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, especially the various feeding and discharging subclasses, for comminutors combined with power conveyors. See the Class 241 main class definition, "Material Handling, Excavating, Distributing, Harvesting" for a statement of the line. However, when such instrumentality is set forth with structural specificity, the claimed congregation of elements is properly placed with the work modifying instrumentality (Class 83). For example: A claim reciting structurally defined work-handling means (not claimed as synchronized with "work-modifying means", or "tool", or "cutter", or "punch", or "knife", etc.) is properly placed in Class 198, on the basis of the work-handling means. A claim reciting a power conveyor and, for instance, a work station including "a reciprocating tool", or "a tapered tool", or "a round cutter", or a "rotary cutter", etc., is properly placed in the class of the specified tool set forth. In addition, Class 83, Cutting, receives patents for classification therein which claim a cutting tool (of the type provided for in Class 83) synchronized with, or in power transmitting relation with, a work handling means, regardless of whether such tool is claimed significantly or merely nominally. See References to Other Classes, for various fields of search for devices related to those in this class (198) |