Notes

(1) Note. "Transfer" is used to designate a bodily conveying of the implement from one position to another. The transfer means need not be distinct from both the means for supporting the implement in operative engagement and the storage means, i.e., the support or storage means may comprise the transfer means. (2) Note. "Workpiece" includes material to be modified by the implement into a product of manufacture and may comprise a portion of stock material to be separated therefrom subsequent to modification, or material to be tested by use of an implement comprising a probe. (3) Note. "Operative engagement" refers to the relative implement-workpiece movement during mutual contact which the implement performs its intended function on the workpiece. (4) Note. "Implement" consists of a workpiece modifying device, (e.g., a cutting, abrading, or deforming tool intended to remove material from the workpiece or plastically strain the workpiece during contact therewith). Note that an assembling tool (e.g., a wrench or a screwdriver) is not considered to be an implement to be transferred under this class. Exceptions Because it is handled in the manner of the "implement" of this class, each of the following is treated as an implement in this class: (a) a probe intended to detect or measure a parameter of the workpiece during contact therewith, (b) a tool holder that supports a work engaging tool (e.g., chuck, collet or adapter), (c) a work holder that supports a workpiece for rotation during treatment, (e.g., a chuck, collet or adapter). (d) a nonfiller type electrode used for machining, e.g., for spot welding, electric discharge machining (i.e., by EDM), electro-chemical machining (i.e., by ECM), etc. (5) Note. The means for supporting the implement must be distinct from the means for storing, e.g., the mere recitation of a machine tool with a turret or other means to shift or index the implement is considered insufficient subject matter for original classification in this class. (6) Note. Transferring an implement of this class combined with transferring another member (e.g., an assembling tool) using the same transfer means is included in this class. (7) Note. This class was derived in 1991 from the art then stored in subclass 568 tool changer of Class 29, Metal Working. It was assumed that all references appropriate for original classification in this class (Class 483) were either as original or as cross-reference in that subclass. Inquiries were made of various Post Classifiers and Examiners, but NO ART WAS SCREENED THAT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN 29/568.