Notes

(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.