May 2006 CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS CLASS 361, … · 2007. 2. 28. · 257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g., Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), appropriate subclasses for active solid-state

May 2006 CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS 361 - 1

December 2004 Edition

CLASS 361, ELECTRICITY: ELECTRICALSYSTEMS AND DEVICES

SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

STATEMENT OF GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER OFCLASS

This is the residual class for:

A. Systems or devices which provide safety and protec-tion for other systems and devices.

B. Control circuits for electromagnetic devices.

C. Control circuits for nonelectromagnetic-type relays.

D. Systems or devices which discharge, or prevent theaccumulation of electrical charge on or in an object ormaterial.

E. Circuits for charging objects or materials.

F. Systems for generating or conducting an electriccharge.

G. Systems which process electrical speed signals.

H. Circuits for reversing the polarity of an electric cir-cuit.

I. Systems which cause the ignition of a fuel or anexplosive charge.

J. Systems and processes for demagnetizing a magneticfield.

K. Transformers and inductors with integral switch,capacitor or lock.

L. Electrostatic capacitors, per se.

M. Housings and mounting assemblies with pluraldiverse electrical components.

N. Electrolytic systems and devices.

O. Miscellaneous electrical systems and devices, whichare not generic to any other class and are not providedfor in any other subclass of this class.

SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSESAND WITHIN THIS CLASS

Many other electrical and mechanical classes providefor systems or machines which include the electricalsystems and devices provided for in this class (361). Thecombination of the subject matter of this class (361) andan art environment is generally classified with the artenvironment where that environment is significant,either by virtue of a significant disclosed relationship orby virtue of a claimed relationship. Where the art envi-ronment is recited by name only (e.g., motor protectivecircuit), the combination may be classified, in someinstances, with the art environment, and in others, in thisclass (361).

Whereas housings for electronic devices and compo-nents are also provided for elsewhere, Class 361 pro-vides for housings and mounting assemblies havingmore than one different type of electrical component,the electrical components normally do not recite signifi-cant art limitations. (See Subclass References to theCurrent Class and References to Other Classes, below.)

Housings wherein (1) the housing is for an active solidstate device, details of which are positively recited in theclaims, or (2) where the recited housing is necessary tomake a usable active solid state device whether or notthe active solid state device is recited nominally or indetail are provided for elsewhere. (See References toOther Classes, below.)

However, if a housing with nominally recited activesolid state devices recites different types of (active orpassive) devices, then original (OR) classification is inClass 361.

Claims that recite housings with only nominal recitationof active solid state devices of only one type should beclassified as originals (ORs) in neither Class 257 orClass 361, but rather in Class 174.

SECTION III - SUBCLASS REFERENCES TOTHE CURRENT CLASS

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:331+, for housings and mounting assemblies having

more than one different type of electrical com-ponent; the electrical components normally donot recite significant art limitations. Thesesubclasses also provide for combinations ofhousings and mounting assembles with differ-ent types of art wherein the combination is notprovided for where the different art is classi-fied.

361 - 2 CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS May 2006

1December 2004 Edition

335+, for housings and switch gear.364+, for housings and meter structure.381+, for housings with cooling means.

SECTION IV - REFERENCES TO OTHERCLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:29, Metal Working, appropriate subclasses for mis-

cellaneous methods of manufacturing ormounting electrical or magnetic devices.

36, Boots, Shoes, and Leggings, for necessaryshoe structure.

43, Fishing, Trapping, and Vermin Destroying, subclasses 98+ for electrocuting-type animaltraps, and subclasses 112 for devices for elec-trocuting insects.

47, Plant Husbandry, subclass 1.3 for the growingof plants as affected by electricity, as, forexample, to stimulate the growth or to kill theplants.

70, Locks, for locking means, per se. Note, espe-cially subclasses 174+ for locking means forcontrol and machine elements; subclasses 237+for locking means for automobile vehicles.

73, Measuring and Testing, subclasses 304+ forcapacitive liquid level gauges; subclasses 718and 724 for capacitive fluid pressure gauge;subclasses 488+ for speed or accelerating mea-suring.

74, Machine Element or Mechanism, subclasses10+ for the combination of a capacitor and adial shaft operator; subclasses 395+ for sys-tems for synchronizing the rotary motion of aplurality of shafts where adjustable gearing isutilized to control the rotation of at least one ofthe shafts.

84, Music, subclasses 723+ for electrical musicalinstruments, such as electric organs and con-ventional musical instruments with electricalpick-up, amplifying and reproducing means.

89, Ordnance, appropriate subclasses for explosivedevice projecting or dropping means havingigniting means as a part thereof.

91, Motors: Expansible Chamber Type, appropri-ate subclasses and especially subclass 171 forsynchronizing plural expansible chambermotors.

96, Gas Separation: Apparatus, subclasses 15+ forelectrostatic-type precipitators.

102, Ammunition and Explosives, appropriate sub-classes for explosive devices having ignitingmeans as a portion thereof.

106, Compositions: Coating or Plastic, subclasses1.05+ for metalizing compositions, per se.

114, Ships, subclass 240 for degaussing of ships.116, Signals and Indicators, subclass 38 for vehicu-

lar governors indicating speed and direction;subclasses 241+ and 284+ for miscellaneousindicators for indicating the position of a vari-able capacitor.

118, Coating Apparatus, subclasses 621+ for elec-trostatic spray devices.

119, Animal Husbandry, subclass 145 for electrifiedstation shields.

123, Internal-Combustion Engines, subclasses 143+for igniting systems utilized with internal com-bustion engines; subclasses 319+ for speedregulators.

126, Stoves and Furnaces, appropriate subclassesfor solid fuel burners having igniting means.

136, Batteries: Thermoelectric and Photoelectric, for electrochemical and electrothermal sourcesof electricity.

165, Heat Exchange, appropriate subclasses for aheat exchange structure of a general nature.

174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators, forelectric conductor and insulator structure,including conduits, boxes and housings.

177, Weighing Scales, subclasses 210+ for capaci-tor gauges.

178, Telegraphy, for the reproduction of pictures bya scanning procedure, as in television, facsim-ile and photomechanical engraving and fortelegraphy, as in telautograph and teletypewrit-ing.

180, Motor Vehicles, appropriate subclasses and seeClass 361, subclass 51, search notes.

200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, forswitches and circuit breakers.

204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, forthe producing of chemical change by means ofelectricity, as in electrosputtering.

205, Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions UsedTherein, and Methods of Preparing the Compo-sitions, for the producing of chemical changeby means of electricity, as in electrolytic coat-ing.

209, Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids, for electrical classifying, separating and assort-ing of materials and objects.

211, Supports: Racks, subclasses 41.1+ for framestructure designed to support plates or plate-like articles.



219, Electric Heating, for miscellaneous electricalheating, including welding. Note, subclass 384for perforating sheet material by means of anelectric spark.

221, Article Dispensing, subclasses 143+ for articledispensers having electrical igniting means.

222, Dispensing, for dispensing devices utilizingelectromagnetic actuators.

231, Whips and Whip Apparatus, subclass 7 for adevice consisting of a handle and an electrifiedgoad for causing an electric shock to be pro-duced in an animal to control the movement orbehavior of the animal.

235, Registers, subclasses 61+ for calculators hav-ing relay-type counting chains.

236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regula-tion, appropriate subclasses for automatic tem-perature control systems; appropriate sub-classes for complete heating systems havingigniters as a portion thereof.

239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, subclasses 2.1, 3, and 690+ respectively, formethods and apparatus for projecting a liquidinto the air and including a provision forimparting an electrostatic charge to the pro-jected liquid. See the notes to these subclassesfor a statement of the line.

244, Aeronautics and Astronautics, subclass 1 foraircraft lightning arresters and static elimina-tors.

246, Railway Switches and Signals, appropriatesubclasses for electrical control of railwayswitches and signals.

250, Radiant Energy, for radio and microwaveabsorption meters, the detection of the nuclearor electromagnetic energy, the testing of mate-rials by nuclear or electromagnetic energy,mass spectroscopy, fluorescent and phospho-rescent applications, electron or ion beamdeflection or focusing ion generation, supportsfor fluent material or objects, the irradiation ofmaterial or objects, nuclear and electromag-netic radiation detectors, radiant energy gener-ators and sources, radiation controlling means,and radiation source and detector supports.

252, Compositions, subclasses 512+ for electricallyconductive metal-containing compositions;subclass 567 for a web or sheet impregnatedwith a defined dielectric liquid; and subclasses570+ for a fluent dielectric, per se.

256, Fences, subclass 10 for electric fences.257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g., Transistors,

Solid-State Diodes), appropriate subclasses foractive solid-state semiconductor devices, per

se. Class 257 provides for housings wherein (1)the housing is for an active solid state device,details of which are positively recited in theclaims, or (2) where the recited housing is nec-essary to make a usable active solid statedevice whether or not the active solid statedevice is recited nominally or in detail. (LinesWith Other Classes and Within This Class,above.)

290, Prime-Mover Dynamo Plants, for electric gen-erating plants.

303, Fluid-Pressure and Analogous Brake System, subclasses 113.1+ for antiskid systems wherebrakes are operated.

307, Electrical Transmission or InterconnectionSystems, for systems of distributing electricityor interconnection. The line between Class307 and this class (361) can be determined onlyby consulting the art to be found in these twoclasses.

310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, sub-class 90.5 for magnetic supports.

312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, subclasses 294+for supports and cabinets with movable compo-nents.

313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, forelectric lamps, vacuum tubes, gas dischargetubes and spark gaps.

314, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Con-sumable Electrodes, for arc lamps.

315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Sys-tems, for cathode-ray tube circuits, gas tubecircuits, electric lamp circuits, and circuitswhich are integral with a discharge device orlamp.

318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, for elec-tric motor systems, including servo-motor sys-tems.

320, Electricity: Battery or Capacitor Charging orDischarging, for a method or apparatus forcharging or discharging a battery or capacitor.

322, Electricity: Single Generator Systems, for sys-tems for controlling a single generator and itsprime mover.

323, Electricity: Power Supply or Regulation Sys-tems, for systems for controlling the voltage ofelectricity and the phase of alternating currents.

324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, for electri-cal measuring, testing and sensing, such as, forexample, the determination of moisture inmaterial by measuring its resistivity and themeasuring of power in an electric circuit.



327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical NonlinearDevices, Circuits, and Systems, appropriatesubclasses for miscellaneous active device cir-cuits.

329, Demodulators, subclasses 311+ for pulsedemodulators which may include radiationreduction.

330, Amplifiers, appropriate subclasses for ampli-fier systems.

331, Oscillators, appropriate subclasses for self-sus-taining electric wave generators of the nondy-namoelectric type.

332, Modulators, for systems for modulating anintelligence upon a repetitious wave.

333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, appropriate subclasses for the subject matter ofthat class.

334, Tuners, appropriate subclasses for tuned net-works used in wave energy apparatus, tunerswith shielding means, and switch operated tun-ers.

335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches,Magnets, and Electromagnets, for electromag-nets with armatures, switches or magneticchuck structure.

336, Inductor Devices, for transformers and induc-tances.

337, Electricity: Electrothermally or ThermallyActuated Switches, appropriate subclasses forthermal-type circuit breakers, per se.

338, Electrical Resistors, appropriate subclasses forelectrical resistors both of the linear and non-linear types.

340, Communications: Electrical, appropriate sub-classes for miscellaneous electrical signalling.

343, Communications: Radio Wave, for radar anddirective radio systems and antennas.

352, Optics: Motion Pictures, for motion pictureapparatus combined with sound recording orreproducing apparatus, including means forsynchronizing the two.

362, Illumination, for electric lights and photo-graphic illumination devices including ignitionmeans.

363, Electric Power Conversion Systems, in whichelectricity is converted from one form toanother as from direct current to alternating.

368, Horology: Time Measuring Systems orDevices, subclass 293 for antimagnetic devicesused in horology.

369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, subclasses 72+ for storage medium electro-static charge neutralization; and subclass 126

for information storage by dynamic electro-static charge.

375, Pulse or Digital Communications, for pulsecommunication equipment.

376, Induced Nuclear Reactions: Processes, Sys-tems, and Elements, subclasses 100+ for pro-cesses and devices for electrically and/or mag-netically confining and controlling a plasma toyield nuclear fusion reactions.

378, X-Ray or Gamma Ray Systems or Devices, forX-ray or gamma ray systems or devices.

379, Telephonic Communications, for telephonesystems and subcombinations.

396, Photography, subclasses 155+ for photoflashdevices combined with camera structure whichmay include ignition means.

399, Electrophotography, subclass 37 for diagnos-tics of power supplied to an electrophoto-graphic device, subclasses 88+ for machineoperations with power supply, and subclasses168+ for charging a photoconductive member.

416, Fluid Reaction Surfaces (i.e., Impellers), appropriate subclasses for centrifugal or impel-ler rotation speed responsive systems.

420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, for alloys,per se.

422, Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting,Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing, sub-classes 21, 22+, and 186 for process and appa-ratus provided by the class using electricalenergy.

427, Coating Processes, subclasses 458+ for pro-cesses of coating, per se, utilizing an electro-static charge; subclasses 79+ for processes ofcoating utilized in making capacitors.

431, Combustion, subclass 128 for hand manipulat-able electric igniters for igniting fuel.

439, Electrical Connectors, for electrical connec-tors.

454, Ventilation, appropriate subclasses for ventilat-ing devices.

455, Telecommunications, for receivers, transmit-ters and miscellaneous apparatus.

463, Amusement Devices: Games, subclass 47.3for a striking type of weapon for use on ahuman being which includes an electric shockfeature (e.g., an electric prod used by police,etc.).

505, Superconductor Technology: Apparatus,Material, Process, subclasses 150+ for hightemperature (Tc 30 K) superconducting sys-tems or devices, and subclasses 800+ for cross-reference art collections on superconductivesystems or devices.



600, Surgery, subclasses 9+ for application of amagnetic field to a body for therapy.

602, Surgery: Splint, Brace, or Bandage, subclass2,for a bandage including electrical applicationto a body.

606, Surgery, especially subclasses 32+, for electri-cal application to a body for surgical purposes.

607, Surgery: Light, Thermal, and Electrical Appli-cation, subclasses 1+ for devices for applyingelectricity to the human body.

SUBCLASSES

1 SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF SYS-TEMS AND DEVICES:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter relating to the safety andprotection of electrical systems and deviceswhich include either fault sensing means whichactivate a protective means to remove a faultcondition or a protective means which detectsand removes the fault condition.

(1) Note. This and indented subclasses donot include, as a portion thereof, the pro-tection and safety of human beings in thevicinity of electrical apparatus. Gener-ally, the excluded protection and safetysystems are classified in the subclasswhich relates to the environment inwhich the protected human being may befound. Thus, for example, electrical con-ductors having grounded guardingmeans to protect human personnel areclassified as electric conductors.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:600+, for switchboards and analogous

devices, such as housings, some ofwhich act as protective means.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:174, Electricity: Conductors and Insula-

tors, subclasses 2+ for lightning pro-tection systems consisting only ofconductors and insulators, subclass 5for electric shock hazard protectivedevices for protecting personnel, sub-class 6 for earth ground, per se, andsubclass 11 for electric conductorstructure having means automatically

responsive to the condition of thefluid which is associated with theelectric conductors.

178, Telegraphy, subclass 69 for telegraphline clearing and circuit maintenancesystems.

307, Electrical Transmission or Intercon-nection Systems, subclasses 326+ forsafety or limit control features.

314, Electric Lamp and DischargeDevices: Consumable Electrodes, subclasses 10+ for arc lamp systemshaving an automatic shunt or cutout.

315, Electric Lamp and DischargeDevices: Systems, subclasses 88+,especially subclass 91 for lamp andspace discharge device systems hav-ing means to automatically substituteanother lamp, space dischargedevices, or electrode for the previousone under certain conditions of opera-tion, subclasses 119+ for lamp andspace discharge systems having anautomatic shunt or cutout, and sub-class 209 for lamp and space dis-charge device systems havingperiodic switch means in the supplycircuit.

318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, subclass 434 for electric motor sys-tems where the motor is significantlyclaimed having means to limit themotor load current, torque or force, asfor the purpose of limiting an over-load.

323, Electricity: Power Supply or Regula-tion Systems, subclass 267 for condi-tion sensing regulators with protec-tion.

324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclass 110 for electric meter protec-tion against electrical hazards andagainst the hazard of fraud.

330, Amplifiers, subclasses 250+ for semi-conductor amplifiers.

331, Oscillators, subclass 62 for oscilla-tors provided with oscillator circuitprotective means, and subclass 63 foroscillator systems provided with pro-tection or safety devices for person-nel.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-classes 635+ for electrical apparatuscondition responsive signalling



devices, particularly subclasses 649,650, and 652 for grounding circuit,undesired circuit ground, and opencircuit, condition responsive signal-ling devices, respectively.

363, Electric Power Conversion Systems, subclasses 50+ for conversion sys-tems having protective means.

379, Telephonic Communications, sub-class 437 for telephone systems hav-ing protective means.

2 Arc suppression at switching point (i.e.,includes solid-state switch):This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter for preventing or extinguishingarcs at the main switching points of the switch-ing device.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:159, for arc suppression in control circuits

for electromagnetic devices.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:218, High-Voltage Switches With Arc Pre-

venting and Extinguishing Devices, subclasses 1+ for switches having arcpreventing and extinguishing features.

333, Wave Transmission Lines and Net-works, subclasses 19 and 20 for dif-ferentiating, integrating and waveshaping networks, some of which canbe used to prevent a rapid rise of volt-age when a switching contact isopened.

363, Electric Power Conversion Systems, subclasses 106+ and 177 for circuit-interrupter-type conversion systemswhich are usually provided with arcsuppression or reducing means.

3 Synchronized or sequential opening or clos-ing:This subclass is indented under subclass 2.Subject matter with means to open or close theswitch at a predetermined time or in a predeter-mined sequence.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:323, Electricity: Power Supply or Regula-

tion Systems, subclasses 238 and 321.

4 Counter electromotive force:This subclass is indented under subclass 3.Subject matter with means for inserting anopposing voltage or current across the switch-ing points to effectively cancel the arc produc-ing surge.

5 With current sensitive control circuit: This subclass is indented under subclass 3.Subject matter wherein the opening or closingcontrol circuit is responsive to the in-line cur-rent. The in-line current is that which isswitched at the main switching point.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:31, and 32, for current responsive control

circuitry in motor shunting circuits.57, for current responsive control cir-

cuitry in load shunting circuits.63+, for current responsive control cir-

cuitry in feeder distribution networks.87, for current responsive control cir-

cuitry in quantity comparison circuits.93.1+, for current responsive fault sensors.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:307, Electrical Transmission or Intercon-

nection Systems, subclass 131 forcurrent responsive switching systems.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-class 664 for current characteristicactuated (e.g., line fault).

6 With voltage sensitive control circuit: This subclass is indented under subclass 3.Subject matter wherein the opening or closingcontrol circuit is responsive to the line voltage.The line voltage is that which is switched at themain switching points.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:21, for voltage responsive control circuits

in generator protective systems.33+, for voltage responsive control circuits

in motor protective systems.56, for voltage responsive control circuits

in load shunting systems.86, for voltage responsive control circuits

in quantity comparison circuits.88+, for voltage responsive fault sensors.




nection Systems, subclass 130 forvoltage responsive switching circuits.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-classes 660+ for voltage responsivesignalling means.

7 With combined voltage and current sensi-tive control circuit:This subclass is indented under subclass 3.Subject matter wherein the opening or closingcontrol circuit is responsive to both the in-linecurrent and the line voltage.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:30, for combined voltage and current sen-

sitive control circuits in motor protec-tion circuits.

65+, for combined voltage and current sen-sitive control circuits in feeder distri-bution networks.

79+, for combined voltage and current sen-sitive control circuits in quantity com-parison circuits.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:322, Electricity: Single Generator Sys-

tems, subclass 25 for voltage and cur-rent responsive means for generatorcontrol circuits.

8 Shunt bypass:This subclass is indented under subclass 3.Subject matter including a circuit in parallelwith the main line switching points to drainaway the arc causing surge.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:9, for shunt bypass of main switch with

sequentially inserted impedance.13, for nonsynchronized shunt bypass.

9 With sequentially inserted impedance: This subclass is indented under subclass 8.Subject matter which includes means toincrease the shunt impedance in a predeter-mined manner.

10 By inserting series impedance:This subclass is indented under subclass 2.Subject matter with means to place an imped-ance in-line with the main switching points tosuppress the arc causing surge.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:58, for impedance insertion in general.


venting and Extinguishing Devices, subclasses 1+ and 143+ for switcheshaving arc preventing and extinguish-ing features with resistance insertion.

11 Nonlinear impedance:This subclass is indented under subclass 10.Subject matter with means to insert a nonlinearimpedance (inductors, capacitors, thermistors,etc.) in series with the main switching points tosuppress the arc causing surge.

12 By arc stretching (e.g., horn gap):This subclass is indented under subclass 10.Subject matter wherein the lengthening of thearc effectively inserts an increasing amount ofimpedance in series with the switching points.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:137+, for this subject matter in high voltage

applications.

13 Shunt bypass of main switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 2.Subject matter with a current path around themain line switching points to drain away thearc causing surge.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:8, for synchronized shunt bypass cir-

cuits.54+, for load shunting where the load is not

a switch.


venting and Extinguishing Devices, subclasses 8+ for arc preventing andextinguishing with auxiliary shunt.



14 Arc blowout for main breaker contact (e.g.,electromagnet, gas, fluid, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 2.Subject matter with means to extinguish the arcin a dynamic manner effectively increasing thelength of the path of the arc.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:123, 133, 134, 135, and 137+, for this sub-

ject matter in high voltage applica-tions.


venting and Extinguishing Devices, subclasses 22+ for arc preventing andextinguishing with magnetic blowout.

15 Capacitor protection:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter for protecting capacitors fromdamage caused by excess heat and voltage orcurrent surges.

(1) Note. The protective systems anddevices included in this subclass areexternal to the capacitor housing anddetails to the capacitor structure are notincluded.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:272+, for capacitors, per se, wherein the pro-

tective device is an integral part of thecapacitor structure and details to thecapacitor structure are included.

16 Series connected capacitors:This subclass is indented under subclass 15.Subject matter for preventing damage to in-linecapacitors.

17 Shunt connected capacitors:This subclass is indented under subclass 15.Subject matter for preventing damage tocapacitors connected in parallel with the sourceor load.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:272+, for electrostatic capacitors with pro-

tection or compensating means.

18 Voltage regulator protective circuits: This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter wherein the fault sensing meansfor a voltage regulator system activates a pro-tective means which interrupts the power to theload.


tion Systems, subclass 276 for voltageregulator systems wherein the currentflow to the load is limited (not inter-rupted).

19 Superconductor protective circuits:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter comprising means for electri-cally preventing damage to a superconductorcircuit or device.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Non-

linear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, subclasses 366+ for superconductorgating circuits and subclasses 527+for miscellaneous superconductor cir-cuits.

505, Superconductor Technology: Appara-tus, Material, Process, particularlysubclasses 150+ for high temperature(Tc 30 K) superconducting systemsor devices, subclass 192 for capacitorshaving high temperature supercon-ducting materials, and cross-refer-ence art collections in subclass 850for protective circuits for electromag-netic devices that are superconduc-tive.

20 Generator protective circuits:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter comprising means for electri-cally preventing damage to a generator.


tems, for generator control circuitswhen the generator is significantlyclaimed.



21 Voltage responsive:This subclass is indented under subclass 20.Subject matter wherein a fault sensor respondsto an abnormal voltage condition in either theload circuit or the generator field circuit.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:6, for voltage responsive control means

in arc suppression circuits.33, for voltage responsive control circuits



in quantity comparison circuits.88+, for voltage responsive fault sensors.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:340, Communications: Electrical, sub-

classes 635+ for electrical apparatuscondition responsive signallingdevice.

22 Compressor protective circuits:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter comprising means for electri-cally preventing damage to a compressor.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems,

for general control circuits when thecompressor is significantly claimed.

23 Motor protective condition responsive cir-cuits:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter including means to sense anabnormal condition or change of condition of amotor or its circuitry and to remove the faultcondition.


for motor control circuits when themotor is significantly claimed.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-class 648 for a motor conditionresponsive signalling device.

24 Current and temperature:This subclass is indented under subclass 23.Subject matter wherein the sensing means isresponsive to an abnormal current and temper-ature condition.

25 Motor temperature:This subclass is indented under subclass 23.Subject matter wherein the sensing means islocated in the immediate proximity with themotor and is responsive to an abnormal tem-perature condition of the motor.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:37, for related subject matter in trans-

former systems.103+, for general thermal sensing circuits.


subclasses 471+ for related subjectmatter in motor control systems.

26 With bimetallic sensor:This subclass is indented under subclass 25.Subject matter wherein sensing device is bime-tallic.

27 With thermistor sensor:This subclass is indented under subclass 25.Subject matter wherein the sensing device is aresistor whose characteristics vary with tem-perature in a definite manner.

28 With time delay:This subclass is indented under subclass 23.Subject matter wherein the protective circuitresponds to a fault condition only after a prede-termined time.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:89, for time delay circuits combined with

voltage responsive sensor.94, for time delay circuits combined with

current responsive sensor.195+, and 202, for time delay circuits in

control systems for relays and sole-noids.




nection Systems, subclass 141 fortime delay circuits in switching cir-cuits.

29 During energization of motor:This subclass is indented under subclass 28.Subject matter wherein time delay means areprovided for maintaining the protective circuitin an off condition during normal start-up.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:110, for transient nonresponsive circuits

which ignores the surges on a trans-mission line.

30 Current and voltage:This subclass is indented under subclass 23.Subject matter wherein the sensing means isresponsive to an abnormal current and voltagecondition of the protected motor.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:7, for current and voltage sensitive con-

trol circuits in arc suppression cir-cuits.

65, for current or voltage sensing meansin feeder circuits.

79+, for current or voltage sensing meansin quantity comparison circuits.

31 Current:This subclass is indented under subclass 23.Subject matter wherein the sensing means isresponsive to an abnormal current condition.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:5, for current responsive control circuits

in arc suppression circuits.57, for current sensing means in load

shunting circuits.63+, for current sensing means in feeder

circuits.87, for current sensing means in quantity

comparison circuits.93.1+, for specific current responsive sen-

sors.

32 Bimetallic element:This subclass is indented under subclass 31.Subject matter wherein the sensing means con-sist of bimetallic material.

33 Voltage:This subclass is indented under subclass 23.Subject matter wherein the sensing means isresponsive to an abnormal voltage condition.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:6, for voltage sensitive control means in

arc suppression circuits.21, for voltage sensing means in genera-

tor circuits.56, for voltage sensing means in shunt

circuits.86, for voltage sensing means in quantity

comparison circuits.88+, for specific voltage responsive sensor.

34 Bimetallic element:This subclass is indented under subclass 33.Subject matter wherein the sensing means con-sist of bimetallic material.

35 Transformer protection:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter comprising means for prevent-ing damage to a transformer.


tion Systems, subclasses 215, 247,301, 305, 328, and 355 for trans-former systems.

336, Inductor Devices, for transformer, perse.

340, Communication: Electrical, subclass646 for transformer condition respon-sive indicating means.

36 With differential sensing means:This subclass is indented under subclass 35.Subject matter including means which comparethe electrical quantities entering and leavingthe transformer.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:60, for differential voltage comparison

across the circuit interrupting means.



78, for specific quantity comparisonmeans.

37 With temperature or pressure sensingmeans:This subclass is indented under subclass 35.Subject matter including means responsive toan abnormal temperature or pressure caused bya fault condition.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:25, for temperature sensing means in

motor systems.103+, for general circuit interruption by

thermal sensing means.

38 Transformer with structurally combinedprotective device:This subclass is indented under subclass 35.Subject matter wherein the protective means isan integral part of the transformer structure orhousing.

39 With lightning arrester and fuse:This subclass is indented under subclass 38.Subject matter wherein the protecting deviceincludes means to shunt voltage surges awayfrom a transformer and means to open the cir-cuit to the transformer when the currentexceeds the maximum rated value of the pro-tected device.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:117+, for lightning arrester combined with

fuse.

40 With lightning arrester (e.g., spark gap):This subclass is indented under subclass 38.Subject matter which shunts voltage surgesaway from a transformer.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:117+, for high voltage dissipation (lightning

arresters), per se.

41 With fuse:This subclass is indented under subclass 38.Subject matter which opens the circuit to thetransformer when the current exceeds the max-imum rated value of the protected device.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:104, for circuit interruption by thermal

sensing (fuse).

42 Ground fault protection:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter with means for sensing groundfaults and for preventing damage to a system ordevice due to the ground fault.

(1) Note. A ground fault is a defect in a wirecircuit due to unintentional grounding.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:107+, for specific transmission line with

ground conductor.


classes 650+ for ground detectorswith indicator only.

43 Fault suppression (e.g., petersen coil): This subclass is indented under subclass 42.Subject matter wherein a protective circuit sub-stantially reduces the ground leakage current.


nection Systems, subclasses 326+ forsafety or limit control features.

44 With differential sensing in a polyphase sys-tem:This subclass is indented under subclass 42.Subject matter wherein the current going to andreturning from the load in a polyphase systemis compared by a sensing means and a senseddifference activates the protective circuit.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:78, for specific quantity comparison

means.

45 With differential sensing in a single phasesystem:This subclass is indented under subclass 42.Subject matter wherein the current going to andreturning from the load in a single phase sys-tem is compared by a sensing means and a



sensed difference activates the protective cir-cuit.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:78, for specific quantity comparison

means.

46 With more than two wires:This subclass is indented under subclass 45.Subject matter wherein the current going to andreturning from the load in a single phase sys-tem with more than two wires is compared by asensing means and a sensed difference acti-vates the protective circuit.

47 In a polyphase system:This subclass is indented under subclass 42.Subject matter wherein the load in a polyphasesystem is protected from an unintentionalgrounding usually by removing the power fromthe load when a ground fault is detected by asensing means.

48 With more than three wires:This subclass is indented under subclass 47.Subject matter wherein the polyphase systemcomprises more than three wires (e.g., agrounded wye-polyphase with a neutral con-ductor).

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:108, for related subject matter with specific

transmission line.

49 In a single phase system:This subclass is indented under subclass 42.Subject matter wherein the load in a singlephase system is protected from an uninten-tional grounding, usually by removing thepower from the load, when a ground fault isdetected by a sensing means.

50 With more than two wires:This subclass is indented under subclass 49.Subject matter wherein the load in a singlephase system with more than two wires is pro-tected from an unintentional grounding, usu-ally be removing the power from the load whena ground fault is detected by a sensing means.

51 Overspeed responsive:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter wherein the load is protectedfrom an excessive speed condition by meanswhich detects the abnormal condition and acti-vates a protective circuit.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:236, for electrical speed signal processing

systems.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:180, Motor Vehicles, subclasses 170+ for a

motor vehicle provided with meansresponsive to the speed of the vehiclefor maintaining the speed at or pre-venting it from exceeding a particularor value.

52 By regulating source or load (e.g., generatorfield killed):This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter wherein means are provided tostabilize the power to the load.

(1) Note. The generator supplying the volt-age may, for example, have its fieldkilled when a short circuit develops.


nection Systems, subclass 153 formiscellaneous generator control sys-tems.

322, Electricity: Single Generator Sys-tems, subclasses 17+ for automati-cally controlled single generator sys-tems, and subclasses 69+ for circuitinterruption type of generator control.

323, Electricity: Power Supply or Regula-tion Systems, subclass 234 for miscel-laneous systems of load control.

53 Prime mover control:This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Subject matter wherein the driving means forthe source is controlled.



54 Load shunting by fault responsive means(e.g., crowbar circuit):This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter wherein the load is protectedfrom an overload condition by a fault sensingmeans which senses the overload condition andcauses the load to be bypassed.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:13, for switch shunting.


nection Systems, subclass 100 forshunting or short circuiting systems.

315, Electric Lamp and DischargeDevices: Systems, subclasses 119+for circuits with automatic shunt orcutout.

55 Disconnect after shunting:This subclass is indented under subclass 54.Subject matter wherein the circuit to the load isopened after the overload condition is shuntedfrom the load.

56 Voltage responsive:This subclass is indented under subclass 54.Subject matter wherein the fault sensing meansis sensitive to an abnormal voltage condition.


arc suppression circuits.21, for voltage sensing means in genera-

tor circuits.33+, for voltage responsive control circuits

in motor protective circuits.86, for voltage sensing means in quantity

comparison circuits.88+, for specific voltage responsive sensor.


classes 635+ for electrical apparatuscondition responsive.

57 Current responsive:This subclass is indented under subclass 54.Subject matter wherein the fault sensing meansis sensitive to an abnormal current condition.


in arc suppression circuits.31+, for current responsive control cir-

cuitry in motor protective circuits.63+, for current sensing means in feeder

circuits.87, for current responsive control cir-



class 664 for current characteristicactuated circuits in condition respon-sive systems.

58 Impedance insertion:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter wherein an impedance is placedin series with the protected device or system tolimit the current thereto.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:10+, for impedance insertion in series with

switching points.


tion Systems, subclass 276 for limit-ing current to the load in regulatorsystem.

59 Circuit automatically reconnected only afterthe fault is cleared:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter wherein fault sensing meansactivates the circuit disconnect means when afault occurs and the circuit is caused to remainopen until the fault is removed. Once the faultis removed the circuit is automaticallyreclosed.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:86+, for automatic reclosing, per se.



60 With differential voltage comparison acrossthe circuit interrupting means:This subclass is indented under subclass 59.Subject matter wherein the voltage across thecircuit disconnect means is sensed on bothsides of the disconnect means and compared todetermine if the fault has been removed.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:86, for voltage quantity comparison cir-

cuits.

61 Reclosing of the nonfaulty phases of apolyphase system:This subclass is indented under subclass 59.Subject matter wherein all phases of apolyphase system are opened due to a fault,and the nonfaulty phases are subsequentlyautomatically reconnected.

62 Feeder protection in distribution networks:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter wherein the system which dis-tributes power from a source (normally a bus)to the load is protected from a fault conditionby disconnection.


nection Systems, subclass 26 for plu-ral diverse sources of supply, A.C.and D.C.

63 With current responsive fault sensor: This subclass is indented under subclass 62.Subject matter wherein the protective meanssenses a current fault in the feeder and activatesthe disconnect means.


in arc suppression circuits.31, for current responsive control cir-

cuitry in motor protective circuits.57, for current responsive control cir-

cuitry in load shunting circuits.87, for current responsive control cir-



classes 650+ for circuit fault respon-sive circuits in condition responsivesystems.

64 With communication between feeder discon-nect points:This subclass is indented under subclass 63.Subject matter wherein the current sensingmeans activates a communication means whichsends a coded message to adjacent feeder dis-connect points indicating the location of thefault.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:68+, for communication circuits in series

connected sections.81, for communication circuits in distance

relay systems.

65 With current and voltage responsive faultsensors:This subclass is indented under subclass 62.Subject matter wherein the fault sensing meansdetects both current and voltage in the feederand activates the disconnect means when afault is sensed.


sitive control circuits in arc suppres-sion systems.

30, for combined voltage and current sen-sitive control circuits in motor protec-tion circuits.

79, for combined voltage and current sen-sitive control circuits in quantity com-parison circuits.

66 With communication between feeder discon-nect points:This subclass is indented under subclass 65.Subject matter wherein the sensing means acti-vates a communication means which sends acoded message to adjacent feeder disconnectpoints indicating the location of the fault.



SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:68+, for communication circuits in series

connected sections.81, for communication circuits in distance

relay systems.

67 Series connected sections with faulty sectiondisconnect:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter wherein the system which dis-tributes power (normally a bus network) hasseries connected sections and is protected froma fault condition by disconnecting the faultysection.

68 With communication between disconnectpoints:This subclass is indented under subclass 67.Subject matter wherein communications meanssends a coded message between disconnectpoints indicating that a fault exists.

(1) Note. Some of the most commonly usedcommunication systems are: CurrentCarrier Systems; Radio Wave Transmit-ter-Receiver Systems; and Laser Trans-mitter-Receiver Systems.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:64, and 66, for communication circuits in

feeder networks.81, for communication circuits in quantity

comparison systems (distance relay-ing).

69 Pilot wire communication:This subclass is indented under subclass 68.Subject matter wherein the signal between dis-connect points is communicated over pilotwire.

70 Constant current system:This subclass is indented under subclass 67.Subject matter wherein current regulators areused in the system.


tion Systems, subclass 234 for con-stant current systems.

71 Automatic reclosing:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter in which the system is automati-cally restored to normal operation subsequentto a disconnect operation caused by a fault con-dition.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:59+, for automatic reclosing after clearing

of fault.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated

Switches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclasses 6+ for automatic cir-cuit interrupting devices, per se.

72 With lockout means:This subclass is indented under subclass 71.Subject matter wherein the reclosing means(normally a circuit breaker) discontinues toreclose after a predetermined number of reclos-ings and remains in the open mode.

73 Including timer reset before lockout: This subclass is indented under subclass 72.Subject matter wherein timer means is reset ifthe fault dissipates prior to a predeterminednumber of reclosings.

74 Continuous:This subclass is indented under subclass 71.Subject matter wherein the system is continu-ously reconnected after each disconnect opera-tion, although the fault has not been cleared.

75 With time delay before reclosing:This subclass is indented under subclass 74.Subject matter wherein the system is restoredto normal operation after a predetermined timefollowing each disconnect operation.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:28, for time delay circuits in motor pro-

tection systems.89, for time delay circuits in voltage

responsive systems.94+, for time delay circuits in current

responsive systems.195+, for time delay circuits in relay and

solenoid systems.




nection Systems, subclass 141 fortime delay circuits in switching sys-tems.

76 With phase sequence network analyzer: This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter relating to systems which areresponsive to either one or more of the posi-tive, negative or zero sequence components ofelectricity in a polyphase system.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:77, for reverse phase responsive sensing.85, for quantity comparison to determine

a phase fault.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing,

subclasses 107+ for similar subjectmatter but not protective.

77 Reverse phase responsive:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter relating to systems responsiveto a 180° change of phase and also systemsresponsive to an improper phase sequence.

(1) Note. This subclass relates, for example,to systems responsive to a 180° changeof phase and also systems responsive toan improper phase sequence, as forexample, when Conductors A, B, and Care connected respectively to phases I,III, II, rather than phases I, II, III.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:76, for phase sequence sensing.85, for quantity comparison to determine

a phase fault.


nection Systems, subclass 127 forpolarity, phase sequence or reverseflow responsive switching systems.

78 With specific quantity comparison means:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter wherein a specific electricalquantity (voltage, current, etc.) is sensed in theload circuit and compared with either a refer-ence quantity of the same type or another spe-cific electrical quantity to determine if a faultcondition exists. The protective circuitry isactivated when a difference in the magnitudesof the compared quantities is found to exist.


class 661 for a voltage comparisoncondition responsive indicatingdevice.

79 Voltage and current:This subclass is indented under subclass 78.Subject matter wherein the fault sensor isresponsive to abnormal voltage and currentconditions in the load circuit.


sitive control circuits in motor protec-tion systems.

65, for combined voltage and current sen-sitive control circuits in feeder distri-bution networks.

80 Distance relaying:This subclass is indented under subclass 79.Subject matter wherein the voltages and cur-rents are sensed at specific points in a systemand computed with each other or with refer-ence quantities to determine if a fault conditionexists in the protected line section.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:67+, for distance relaying circuits in series

connected sections.

81 With communication means between dis-connect points:This subclass is indented under subclass 80.Subject matter wherein a communicationmeans sends a coded message between discon-nect points indicating that a fault conditionexists.



SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:64, and 66, for communication circuits in

feeder networks.68+, for communication circuits in series

connected sections.

82 Reverse energy responsive (e.g., direc-tional):This subclass is indented under subclass 79.Subject matter wherein the fault sensing meansresponds to the flow of energy which isreversed with respect to the normal direction offlow.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:84, for similar subject matter wherein the

quantities compared are not specifi-cally voltage and current.



83 With time delay protective means:This subclass is indented under subclass 79.Subject matter wherein the protective means isactivated at a predetermined time after a fault issensed.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:28, for time delay circuits in motor pro-

tection systems.75, for time delay means in automatic

reclosing systems.89, for time delay circuits in voltage

responsive systems.94, for time delay circuits in current

responsive systems.195+, for time delay circuits in relay and

solenoid systems.


nection Systems, subclass 141 fortime delay circuits in switching cir-cuits.

84 Reverse energy responsive (e.g., direc-tional):This subclass is indented under subclass 78.Subject matter wherein the fault sensing meansresponds to the flow of energy which isreversed with respect to the normal direction offlow.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:82, for similar subject matter wherein the

quantities compared are specificallyvoltage and current.



85 Phase:This subclass is indented under subclass 78.Subject matter wherein the protective circuitryis activated by a difference in the phases of thecompared electrical quantities.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:76, for phase sequence sensing to deter-

mine a fault.77, for reverse phase responsive sensing.


subclasses 76.77+ for phase compari-son circuits.

86 Voltage:This subclass is indented under subclass 78.Subject matter wherein the protective circuitryis activated by a difference in the compared cir-cuits.


arc suppression circuits.21, for voltage responsive control circuits

in generator protective systems.33+, for voltage responsive control circuits


in load shunting systems.



88+, for voltage responsive fault sensors.

87 Current:This subclass is indented under subclass 78.Subject matter wherein the protective circuitryis activated by a difference in the comparedcurrents.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:5, for current sensing means in arc sup-

pression circuits.31+, for current responsive control cir-

cuitry in motor protective circuits.57, for current sensing means in load

shunting circuits.63+, for current sensing means in feeder

circuits.93.1+, for specific current responsive sen-

sors.

88 With specific voltage responsive fault sen-sor:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter wherein the fault sensorresponds to an abnormal voltage condition inthe load circuit.


arc suppression circuits.21, for voltage responsive control circuits

in generator protective systems.32, for voltage responsive control circuits

in motor protective circuits.56, for voltage responsive control circuits


in quantity comparison circuits.


classes 635+ for electrical apparatuscondition responsive indicatingmeans.

89 With time delay protective means:This subclass is indented under subclass 88.Subject matter wherein the protective means isactivated at a predetermined time after the faultis sensed.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:195+, for time delay circuits in relay and

solenoid systems.


nection Systems, subclass 141 fortime delay circuits in switching sys-tem.

327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Non-linear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, subclasses 261+ and 392+ for miscel-laneous delay circuits.

90 Overvoltage and undervoltage:This subclass is indented under subclass 88.Subject matter wherein the fault sensor isresponsive to a combined overvoltage and und-ervoltage condition.

91.1 Overvoltage:This subclass is indented under subclass 88.Subject matter wherein the fault sensor isresponsive to an overvoltage condition.

(1) Note. This subclass relates to protectioninvolving overvoltage conditions whichare considered to be fault conditions andnot otherwise. Fault conditions aredefined as those which could result indamage to the load circuit, if ignored,but do not include electrostatic discharge(ESD) event.

(2) Note. For ESD event protection, seeClass 361, subclass 56.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:18, for voltage regulation by sensing

overvoltage conditions.33, for sensing abnormal voltage condi-

tions in motor circuits.56, for load shunting by sensing an abnor-

mal voltage condition.111, for protection from transient overvolt-

age conditions.



SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:257, Active Solid-State Devices, (e.g.,

Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), sub-class 173 for device protection fromovervoltage.

335, Electricity: Magnetically OperatedSwitches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclass 20 for automaticallyresponse to abnormal voltage condi-tion.

340, Communications: Electrical, subclass662 for humanly perceptible meansresponsive to overvoltage.

91.2 With resistor sensor:This subclass is indented under subclass 91.1.Subject matter including a device offeringresistance to a flow of electric current andwherein the overvoltage condition is detectedacross the device.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:5+, switch position dependent upon

sensed current across a resistance.31, for sensing abnormal voltage condi-

tions in motor circuits by sensingacross resistance.

57, for load shunting by sensing an abnor-mal voltage condition across resis-tance.

63+, for feeder protection with disconnectby sensing an abnormal voltage con-dition across resistance.

78+, for quantity comparisons includingsensing overvoltage conditions acrossresistance.


subclass 522 for measuring resistance,per se.

338, Electrical Resistors, subclass 21 for aresistor responsive to surge voltageconditions.

91.3 Including time delay: This subclass is indented under subclass 91.1.Subject matter wherein the overvoltage condi-tion is detected and/or the fault is removedafter a predetermined time period utilizing timedelay circuitry.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:28+, for abnormal voltage conditions in

motor circuits wherein the protectivecircuit responds to a fault conditionafter a predetermined time period.

195, for relay or solenoids safety or protec-tion device including time delay.


linear Device, Circuits, and Systems, subclass 392 for circuitry having afixed or single time delay controlledswitch.

335, Electricity: Magnetically OperatedSwitches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclass 28, for electromagneti-cally actuated switches with com-bined timing or delay means.

337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Ther-mally Actuated Switches, subclass 81and subclass 88 for retarded ordelayed action thermally actuatedswitch.

340, Communications: Electrical, subclass527 for humanly perceptible meansresponsive to time delay.

91.4 Including photo-coupling (e.g., photo-recep-tors, photo-emitters, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 91.1.Subject matter including a means responsive tolight to produce an electrical signal (i.e., photo-couple) and wherein the photocoupler is uti-lized in the detection and/or removal of theovervoltage condition.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:173, for abnormal voltage conditions in

relay circuits wherein a light respon-sive element is utilized in offeringprotection


subclass 420, 556 for sensing voltageconditions involving photo-coupling,per se.



91.5 Including P-N junction (e.g., a diode, a zenerdiode, or transistor):This subclass is indented under subclass 91.1.Subject matter comprising a P-N junctiondevice and wherein the device is utilized in thedetection and/or fault removal of the overvolt-age condition (e.g., P-N threshold breakdownor transistor clamping).

(1) Note. P-N junction circuitry protectionas found predominantly within the cir-cuitry with less emphasis on substrateconfigurations are classified here, how-ever, details drawn to substrate technol-ogy should be classified in Class 257.


Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), sub-classes 355+ for P-N junction protec-tion.

91.6 With zener diode sensor: This subclass is indented under subclass 91.5.Subject matter including a zener diode sensorand wherein the overvoltage condition isdetected across a zener junction.


Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), sub-classes 106 for tunneling P-N junctionincluding zener diode.

91.7 Protection by snubber circuitry:This subclass is indented under subclass 91.1.Subject matter wherein fault removal includesauxiliary circuitry which limits the rate-of-riseof voltage or current utilizing circuitry or cir-cuit element such as RC, diode, transistor and/or inductor arrangements, individually or incombination therewith.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:13, for switch protection including alter-

native current shunting paths.15+, for capacitor protection via current

shunting paths.18, for voltage regulation wherein upon

interruption, excess currents dissi-pated.

58, for load shunting by sensing an abnor-mal voltage condition where excessenergy is dissipated.

91.8 Protection for thyristor: This subclass is indented under subclass 91.1.Subject matter including a thyristor andwherein the overvoltage protection is appliedto the thyristor or circuitry including the thyris-tor.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:15+, for capacitor protection including thy-

ristor switching networks havingovervoltage protection.

18, for voltage regulation incorporatingvoltage conversion utilizing control-ling thyristors having overvoltageprotection.

23+, for motor control circuitry includingthyristors.

58, for shunt circuitry including thyris-tors.


tion Systems, subclasses 50+ for thy-ristor protection.

92 Undervoltage:This subclass is indented under subclass 88.Subject matter under subclass wherein in faultsensor is responsive to an undervoltage condi-tion.

93.1 With specific current responsive fault sen-sor:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter wherein the fault sensorresponds to an abnormal current condition inan electrical system and to activate the protec-tive means in response thereto.

(1) Note. This subclass relates to protectioninvolving abnormal current conditionswhich are considered to be fault condi-tions and not otherwise.

(2) Note. Fault conditions are defined asthose which could result in damage tothe electrical system, if ignored. Abnor-mal current conditions include both



overcurrents and undercurrents, unlessindicated otherwise.


in arc suppression circuits.31, for current responsive control cir-

cuitry in motor protective circuits.57, for current responsive control cir-

cuitry in load shunting circuits.63+, for current responsive control cir-

cuitry in feeder distribution networks.87, for current responsive control cir-

cuitry in quantity comparison circuits.


tion Systems, subclass 277 for outputlevel responsive to load current sen-sor.

324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclass 509 for ground fault sensingby detecting current leakage toground, and subclass 522 for faultlocation determination by current orvoltage measuring.

335, Electricity: Magnetically OperatedSwitches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclass 18, for electromagneti-cally actuated switches responsive topredetermined or abnormal currentcondition.

93.2 Digital control:This subclass is indented under subclass 93.1.Subject matter wherein the protective deviceincludes processing circuitry (i.e., micro-con-troller, micro-processor, memory device) andthe processing circuitry is utilized in the faultremoval of the sensed abnormal current condi-tion.

(1) Note. Subject matter of this subclass isnot drawn to substantial specifics of dataprocessing or formula computing opera-tions by the processing circuitry.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:700, Data Processing: Generic Control

Systems or Specific Applications, subclasses 79 through 82 for com-puter system relating to protection andreliability of control system.

702, Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrat-ing, or Testing, subclasses 60 through63 for power parameter measurementand subclasses 64 and 65 for voltageor current parameter measuring in anelectrical system or method.

93.3 Rating plug:This subclass is indented under subclass 93.1.Subject matter wherein the protective deviceincludes a removable component and whereinthe component allows setting of current ratingsand/or trip specifications for the fault removal.

(1) Note. Removable components rangefrom jumper wires and burden resistorsto printed circuit boards.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:633, for a plugboard in housing or mount-

ing assemblies with diverse electricalcomponents.

93.4 Automatic reset after trip:This subclass is indented under subclass 93.1.Subject matter wherein the protective deviceinterrupts the electrical system in response tothe sensed abnormal current condition, andthereafter automatically restores the system toits normal operating conditions.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:59+, for a circuit automatically connected

only after fault is cleared.71+, for automatic reclosing.


Switches, Magnets and Electromag-nets, subclasses 26+ and 166 for amagnetically operated switch or elec-tromagnet having a latch or trip cir-cuitry including reclosing or resettingfeatures.

337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Ther-mally Actuated Switches, subclass130 and subclass 155 for a thermallyactuated switch having a latchingmechanism including reset or reclos-ing features.



93.5 Transformer and resistor sensors:This subclass is indented under subclass 93.1.Subject matter including an inductively cou-pled device and a resistive device and whereinthe abnormal current condition is detected withboth the inductively coupled device and theresistive device.

93.6 Transformer sensor (i.e., toroidal currentsensor):Subject matter under 93.1 including an induc-tively coupled device and wherein the abnor-mal current condition is detected with theinductively coupled device.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:42+, for ground-fault current condition

sensing utilizing toroids or currenttransformers.


subclass 244 for sensing utilizing sat-urable core magnetometers and sub-class 529 for sensing fault locationwith magnetic field sensors.

336, Inductor Devices, subclass 175 fordetails drawn to transformer sensor.

340, Communications: Electrical, subclass646 for a transformer utilized inhumanly perceptible means in respon-sive to a predetermined condition.

374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, sub-class 152 for temperature measuringincluding electrical component (e.g.,transformer).

93.7 Resistor sensor:This subclass is indented under subclass 93.1.Subject matter including a device offeringresistance to a flow of electric current andwherein the abnormal current condition isdetected with the resistive device.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:338, Electrical Resistors, subclasses 2+ for

details drawn to a resistor sensor, perse, and subclass 20 for a resistorresponsive to current or voltageimpressed across the resistor.

93.8 Thermal sensing:This subclass is indented under subclass 93.1.Subject matter including a means responsive toa predetermined amount of heat and whereinthe abnormal current condition is determinedby the heat responsive means.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:103, for electrical system interruption by

thermal sensing.


Switches, Magnets and Electromag-nets, subclass 44 for magneticallyoperated switches including ambienttemperature compensating means.

336, Inductor Devices, subclass 179 forcoil with temperature compensatingmeans.

374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, appropriate subclass for measuringand testing thermal quantities.

93.9 Current limiting:This subclass is indented under subclass 93.1.Subject matter wherein the protective deviceincludes a means for reducing the flow of thesensed overcurrent without interrupting theflow of current in the electrical system.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:58, for load shunting by sensing an abnor-

mal voltage condition.


tion Systems, subclass 276 for limit-ing current to a load within a regulatorsystem.

94 With time delay protective means:This subclass is indented under subclass 93.1.Subject matter wherein the protective means isactivated at a predetermined time after the faultis sensed.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:195+, for time delay circuits in relay and

solenoid systems.




nection Systems, subclass 141 fortime delay circuits in switching sys-tems.

327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Non-linear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, subclasses 261+ and 392+ for miscel-laneous delay circuits.

95 With instantaneous override:This subclass is indented under subclass 94.Subject matter wherein the protective means isactivated at a predetermined time after a firstlevel fault is sensed, or immediately after afault of a higher predetermined level is sensed.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:111, for general transient responsive cir-

cuits (disconnects circuit).

96 With multiple timing characteristics (e.g.,short, long):This subclass is indented under subclass 95.Subject matter wherein the protective means isactivated after a short, intermediate, long, etc.,time delay depending on the magnitude of thefault sensed.

97 With multiple timing characteristics: This subclass is indented under subclass 94.Subject matter wherein the protective means isactivated after a short, long, intermediate, etc.,time delay depending on the magnitude of thefault sensed.

98 Transistorized:This subclass is indented under subclass 94.Subject matter wherein the protective systemutilizes solid state components.

99 Combined thermal-electromagnetic relay:This subclass is indented under subclass 94.Subject matter wherein thermal and electro-magnetic means are combined to perform thetiming or circuit interrupt functions.


Switches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclasses 35+ for electromag-netically operated circuit breakers

with combined magnetic and thermaltrip means, and subclasses 141+ forswitches with combined magnetic andthermal operating means.

337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Ther-mally Actuated Switches, appropriatesubclasses for thermal-type circuitbreakers, per se.

100 With semiconductor circuit interrupter(e.g., SCR, triac, tunnel diode, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 93.1.Subject matter wherein the protective devicewhich causes the current to the load to be dis-continued is of the semiconductor type.


linear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, subclasses 365+ for semiconductorinterrupter, per se.

101 With transistor circuit interrupter: This subclass is indented under subclass 100.Subject matter wherein the protective devicewhich causes the current to the load to be dis-continued is of the transistor type.

102 With mechanical circuit breaker:This subclass is indented under subclass 93.1.Subject matter wherein the protective devicewhich disconnects the load from the source isof the mechanical circuit breaker type.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:115+, for subject matter with specific circuit

breaker or circuit breaker controlstructure.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and

Breakers, for specific mechanical cir-cuit breaker.

335, Electricity: Magnetically OperatedSwitches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclasses 2+ for specific elec-tromagnetic circuit breaker.

103 Circuit interruption by thermal sensing: This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter wherein a thermally responsivedevice detects either the excessive heat of thedevice being protected or the excessive heat



generated in the thermally responsive deviceand activates the circuit interrupter which dis-connects the load from the source.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:124+, for thermally responsive high voltage

dissipation devices.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Ther-

mally Actuated Switches, for similarsubject matter.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-classes 584+ for electrical thermalalarms and signals.

104 With fuse:This subclass is indented under subclass 103.Subject matter wherein the thermally respon-sive device is a fuse.

105 With bimetallic element:This subclass is indented under subclass 103.Subject matter wherein the thermally respon-sive device is a bimetallic element.

106 With thermistor:This subclass is indented under subclass 103.Subject matter wherein the thermally respon-sive device is a resistor whose characteristicsvary with temperature.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:338, Electrical Resistors, subclasses 25+

for the thermally responsive resistor,per se.

107 With specific transmission line (e.g.,guarded):This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter wherein the transmission linehas significant mechanical or structural fea-tures.

(1) Note. The transmission line, for exam-ple, may be provided with guardingmeans, such as ground wires which actas shields.


tors, for conductors, per se.

108 Plural conductors in single sheath (e.g.,compound):This subclass is indented under subclass 107.Subject matter having plural conductors in asingle sheath.

(1) Note. This subclass relates, for example,to systems using “compound” cables.

109 Too large fault makes breaker inoperative:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter having means for rendering acircuit breaker inoperative in the presence of afault of such a large size that the circuit breakercannot handle it.

(1) Note. This subclass relates, for example,to circuit breaker systems in which asmaller capacity circuit breaker has asso-ciated with it “back up” protection and inwhich only the “back up” protectionoperates on very large faults.

110 Transient nonresponsive (e.g., ignores surgeon transmission line):This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter wherein the protective meansdoes not respond to a large transient surge.

(1) Note. During a switching operation asurge is normally induced. The subjectmatter in this subclass is nonresponsiveto that surge.

111 Transient responsive:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter wherein the protective meansresponds to a transient surge, normally causedby switching.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:95, for instantaneous override in current

responsive systems.

112 With space discharge means:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter having space discharge means.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices,

appropriate subclasses for space dis-charge means, per se.



327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Non-linear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, appropriate subclasses for miscella-neous space discharge systems nototherwise classified.

113 With tuned circuit:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter having a tuned circuit.

114 With manual or automatic opening ofbreaker and manual reclose:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter which is provided with means toopen the circuit breaker either manually orautomatically and to reclose the breaker manu-ally.

(1) Note. This subclass relates, for example,to systems having both a local manualcontrol and a remote automatic controlfor a circuit breaker.

115 With specific circuit breaker or controlstructure:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter wherein the circuit breaker or itscontrol means has significant mechanical fea-tures.


Switches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, appropriate subclasses for thestructure of electromagnetically oper-ated circuit breakers, per se.

116 Pneumatically operated circuit breaker: This subclass is indented under subclass 115.Subject matter wherein the circuit breaker isoperated by pneumatic means.


Breakers, subclasses 81+ for fluidpressure operated circuit breakers, perse.

117 High voltage dissipation (e.g., lightningarrester):This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter comprising means for reducingthe voltage of a surge applied to its terminalswithout disconnecting the load.

(1) Note. The surge normally being appliedby lightning.

(2) Note. This subclass relates, for example,to lightning arresters and surge dissipa-tors, where the line wire or some otherstructure that relates to the conductor isclaimed. When the line wire is notclaimed, and only the terminals of thedissipator are claimed the dissipator isclassified in one of the classes referred tounder search class below.


tors, subclasses 2+ for lightning pro-tection by means of conductive struc-ture, such as lightning rods; also,consult the search notes to this sub-class. Search subclasses 140+ forinsulators combined with conductivearcing or stress distributing means.

313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, appropriate subclasses for lightningarresters of the arc or spark gap type,not having line conductor structure.Also consult the search notes in theclass definition for related art.

337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Ther-mally Actuated Switches, subclass 28for lightning arresters combined withthermal current type circuit breakers.

338, Electrical Resistors, subclasses 20+for electric resistors responsive to cur-rent and/or voltage changes.

118 Surge prevention (e.g., choke coil): This subclass is indented under subclass 117.Subject matter consisting of means to diminishthe effect of transient surges of short duration.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:40, for surge prevention in transformer

circuits.111, for general transient responsive cir-

cuits (disconnects circuit).

119 In communication systems:This subclass is indented under subclass 118.Subject matter specifically for the protection ofcommunication systems (e.g., radio, T.V., etc.).



120 Vacuum or gas filled space discharge: This subclass is indented under subclass 117.Subject matter having a vacuum chamber or agas filled or vapor filled chamber throughwhich electricity passes by means of spaceconduction.

121 Fluid (e.g., mercury, quenching):This subclass is indented under subclass 117.Subject matter having a fluid filled chamberthrough which electricity passes.

122 Electrolytic:This subclass is indented under subclass 121.Subject matter wherein the fluid utilized is anelectrolyte.

123 Gas blast:This subclass is indented under subclass 121.Subject matter wherein the fluid may be vapor-ized by an arc therethrough and as a result, cre-ates a blast of vapor which will blowout thearc, or the fluid may be compressed air which,upon being released, will blowout the arc.

124 Thermal (e.g., fusible, bimetallic): This subclass is indented under subclass 117.Subject matter wherein the protective deviceresponds to an abnormal temperature createdby a surge.

(1) Note. This subclass relates, for example,to high voltage dissipators having fusiblelinks, or having bimetallic elementswhich move when their temperaturechanges.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:103, for protection circuits which utilize

thermal sensors.


mally Actuated Switches, subclasses298+ for specific thermal switch.

125 With cutout (e.g., blowout type):This subclass is indented under subclass 124.Subject matter including a switch containing amaterial which disintegrates or separates toprotect the lightning arrester.

126 Current limiting material in discharge path:This subclass is indented under subclass 117.Subject matter including a current limitingmaterial in the discharge path.

(1) Note. This subclass relates, for example,to high voltage dissipators in which anarc takes place through a porous compo-sition when a high voltage must be dissi-pated to ground.

127 Nonlinear material (e.g., valve type): This subclass is indented under subclass 126.Subject matter in which the current limitingmaterial is a conductive nonlinear material.

(1) Note. The material utilized is usually ofa negative coefficient type, which allowthe initial surge to easily pass to groundand effectively blocks the follow current.

128 With plural gaps in discharge path:This subclass is indented under subclass 127.Subject matter including plural gaps in the dis-charge path which increase the current han-dling capabilities of the lightning arrester.

129 Plural gaps with common electrode:This subclass is indented under subclass 117.Subject matter including plural gaps in the dis-charge path with a common electrode.


subclasses 243+ for plural air gap dis-charge devices not having line or con-ductor structure as part thereof.

130 Plural gaps serially connected:This subclass is indented under subclass 117.Subject matter including plural gaps in the dis-charge path which are serially connected toincrease the current handling capabilities of thelightning arrester.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:315, Electric Lamp and Discharge

Devices: Systems, subclass 36 forsubcombination of lightning arrester.



131 Combined (e.g., with disconnect switch): This subclass is indented under subclass 117.Subject matter combined with some other typeof subject matter (e.g., disconnect switch).

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:40, for high voltage dissipator combined

with transformer.

132 With line supporting insulator:This subclass is indented under subclass 131.Subject matter in combination with a line sup-porting insulator.


tors, for line supporting insulators, perse.

133 With magnetic means (e.g., electromagnet):This subclass is indented under subclass 117.Subject matter including magnetic means asso-ciated with the discharge circuit.

134 Arc stretching (e.g., blowout):This subclass is indented under subclass 133.Subject matter wherein magnetic means areused to lengthen the arc thereby isolating theload circuit.


venting and Extinguishing Devices, subclasses 22+ for magnetic blow-outs used with switches.

313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, subclasses 153+ for miscellaneousspace discharge devices having mag-netic means for influencing the spacedischarge.

135 By separating contacts:This subclass is indented under subclass 134.Subject matter wherein magnetic means areused for separating the contacts across whichthe arc is stretched.


Switches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, appropriate subclasses for elec-tromagnetically operated switches in

which an electromagnet is used as asource of force to separate two ormore contacts.

136 For grounding line:This subclass is indented under subclass 133.Subject matter wherein the magnetic means isused to ground the lines.

137 Horn gap:This subclass is indented under subclass 117.Subject matter consisting of a horn gap.

(1) Note. A horn gap is defined as being anair gap between two electrodes whichhave such a configuration that the arc,which takes place between them whenthe gap breaks down, is located first at apoint where the electrodes are closelyadjacent to each other, and then, underthe action of the resulting electrical orthermal currents, rises and lengthens byshifting to a region where the distancebetween the electrodes is greater. Even-tually, the arc ruptures because of itsgreat length.

138 With resistance insertion:This subclass is indented under subclass 137.Subject matter wherein resistances are insertedin the path of the arc as it lengthens.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:12, for inserting impedance in horn gap in

arc suppression systems.

139 CONTROL CIRCUITS FOR ELECTRO-MAGNETIC DEVICES:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter relating to control circuitsfor relays and other electromagnetic devices.

(1) Note. When the relay controls a particu-lar device, classification is not in thissubclass but is in the class that providesfor the art environment. Note that manyelectrical and nonelectrical classes havedisclosures which include, as partthereof, relay and electromagnet controlcircuits. Therefore, in appropriateinstances, the search should extend to theclass which relates to the environment in



which the relay or electromagnet circuitmight be found.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:178, Telegraphy, appropriate subclasses

for television and telegraph systemsutilizing electromagnets and relays.Note, particularly subclasses 70+ fortelegraph code repeaters.

222, Dispensing, for dispensing devicesutilizing electromagnetic actuators.

235, Registers, subclasses 61+ for electriccalculators having relay type countingchains.

251, Valves and Valve Actuation, sub-classes 129.01+ for electromagneticvalve operators.

307, Electrical Transmission or Intercon-nection Systems, subclass 101 formiscellaneous remnant and residualmagnetism control, subclass 104 formiscellaneous electromagnet andhighly inductive systems, and sub-classes 112+ for miscellaneousswitching systems.

313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, subclasses 153+ and 364+ for cath-ode-ray, lamp and space dischargedevices having magnetic means.

314, Electric Lamp and DischargeDevices: Consumable Electrode, forarc lamps having electromagnet orrelay means to control the arc. Note-for example, subclasses 78, 113+ and135.

315, Electric Lamp and DischargeDevices: Systems, subclasses 399+for cathode-ray tube deflecting cir-cuits utilizing electromagnets.

318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, appropriate subclasses for electricmotor control systems utilizing elec-tromagnets or relays. Note that anyelectromagnet is an electrothermaltransducer and therefore it is an elec-tric motor. Also, see subclass 492means to dissipate the magneticenergy of the electric motor.

322, Electricity: Single Generator Sys-tems, appropriate subclasses, espe-cially subclasses 17+ for generatorsystems having relay control means.

323, Electricity: Power Supply or Regula-tion Systems, appropriate subclassesfor voltage control and phase controlsystems having relays and electro-magnets.

327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Non-linear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, appropriate subclasses for miscella-neous nonlinear active device circuits.

331, Oscillators, appropriate subclasses forself-sustained electric wave generatorsystems of the nondynamoelectrictype.

335, Electricity: Magnetically OperatedSwitches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, appropriate subclasses for elec-tromagnetic relays, per se.

379, Telephonic Communications, appro-priate subclasses for telephone sys-tems utilizing electromagnets andrelays.

600, Surgery, subclasses 9+.607, Surgery: Light, Thermal, and Electri-

cal Application, subclass 1.

140 Including compensation for thermal changeof electromagnetic device:This subclass is indented under subclass 139.Subject matter wherein circuits or devices areincluded which compensate for any thermalchanges of the electromagnetic device causedby ambient temperature changes or by the heatgenerated during the operation of the device.


subclass 105 for electric meters hav-ing thermal compensating means.

338, Electrical Resistors, subclasses 7+ forelectrical resistors whose resistancevalue is temperature compensated.

141 Including superconductivity:This subclass is indented under subclass 139.Subject matter utilizing electromagneticdevices or control circuit conductors which aresuperconductive.

(1) Note. Superconductivity is a propertypossessed by some metals, alloys, andcompounds when their temperature isreduced to within a few degrees of abso-lute zero. There is a steady fall of resis-tance with temperature in these materials



until a critical temperature (transitiontemperature) is reached, and then theresistance falls suddenly to zero or prac-tically to zero.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:505, Superconductor Technology: Appara-

tus, Material, Process, particularlysubclasses 150+ for high temperature(Tc 30 K) superconducting systemsor devices, subclass 192 for capacitorshaving high temperature supercon-ducting materials, and cross-refer-ence art collections in subclass 851for control circuits for electromag-netic devices that are superconduc-tive, or that control superconductivedevices.

142 Including housing:This subclass is indented under subclass 139.Subject matter wherein the control circuit orthe electromagnetic device or both are housedor enclosed.

(1) Note. The enclosure is specificallydesigned to protect the control circuit ordevice against damage or heat, or to be aplug-in unit.

143 Systems for magnetizing, demagnetizing orcontrolling the magnetic field:This subclass is indented under subclass 139.Subject matter including systems and processesfor magnetizing, demagnetizing or effecting amagnetic field by means of controlled energi-zation or deenergization of an electromagneticcoil.

(1) Note. This subclass includes, for exam-ple, processes for demagnetizing the hairsprings of a watch and systems for sup-plying energy to a demagnetizing coil.

(2) Note. Where the demagnetizing is com-bined with the specific features of the artenvironment, the search should extend tothe class which relates to the art environ-ment.

144 For lifting or holding:This subclass is indented under subclass 143.Subject matter wherein the electromagnet isused for lifting, suspending, holding or displac-

ing objects by controlling the field of the elec-tromagnet.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:310, Electrical Generator or Motor Struc-

ture, subclass 90.5 for magnetic sup-ports.

145 Magnetic chuck-type:This subclass is indented under subclass 144.Subject matter wherein the work function isperformed by a magnetic chuck-type electro-magnet.


Switches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclass 291 for magnetic chuckstructure.

146 Systems for magnetic field stabilization orcompensation:This subclass is indented under subclass 143.Subject matter including systems which main-tain the value of the force of the magnetic fieldor compensate for the effects of external mag-netic forces on the electromagnet.


subclasses 300+ for related subjectmatter involving nuclear induction.

147 With permanent magnet:This subclass is indented under subclass 143.Subject matter wherein a permanent magnet iscombined with the electromagnet.

148 Calibration or permanent magnet:This subclass is indented under subclass 147.Subject matter wherein the strength of the fieldof the permanent magnet is adjusted to a prede-termined value.

149 Demagnetizing:This subclass is indented under subclass 143.Subject matter including systems and processesfor neutralizing a magnetic field by means ofcontrolled energization or deenergization of anelectromagnetic coil.



SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:267, for demagnetizing systems and pro-

cesses, per se.

150 Television degaussing:This subclass is indented under subclass 149.Subject matter wherein the demagnetizing sys-tem or process is peculiar to a televisionreceiver.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:315, Electric Lamp and Discharge

Devices: Systems, subclass 8 for cath-ode-ray tube degaussing systems.

151 Magnetic tape:This subclass is indented under subclass 149.Subject matter wherein the demagnetizing sys-tem or process is peculiar to neutralizing mag-netic tape.

152 Including particular drive circuit:This subclass is indented under subclass 143.Subject matter including a drive circuit specifi-cally designed to meet the required operatingparameters of an electromagnetic device.

(1) Note. The drive circuits included satisfysuch operating parameters as providingplural distinct operating currents or pro-viding pulses to the device to operate itin a specific manner.

153 Pulse initiated:This subclass is indented under subclass 152.Subject matter wherein a circuit or devicewhich responds to a voltage pulse signal isused to initiate the operation of the electromag-netic device.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:186, for miscellaneous pulse initiated con-

trol circuits for relays and solenoids.

154 Including means to establish plural distinctcurrent levels (e.g., high, low): This subclass is indented under subclass 152.Subject matter wherein the drive circuitincludes means to establish plural distinct cur-rent levels.

(1) Note. The plural distinct current levelsmay include, for example, a high initialcurrent to quickly operate the relay andsubsequent lesser current value to “hold”the relay operated.

155 With capacitor charging or dischargingthrough coil:This subclass is indented under subclass 154.Subject matter wherein the plural current levelsare obtained by the charging or discharging ofa capacitor through the coil of the electromag-netic device.

156 With capacitor charging or dischargingthrough coil:This subclass is indented under subclass 152.Subject matter wherein the drive circuitincludes the charging or discharging of acapacitor through the coil of the device to con-trol the operating current.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:155, for plural distinct current levels.

157 Including instrument (e.g., meter-relay): This subclass is indented under subclass 139.Subject matter wherein an instrument isincluded in the control circuit.

(1) Note. The instrument may itself be thecombination of a meter with contacts ora relay may be combined with the meterso that the meter movement actuates therelay.

158 Temperature indicating instrument:This subclass is indented under subclass 157.Subject matter wherein the instrument of themeter-relay combination gives an indication oftemperature.

159 Including means for using, or compensat-ing for the induced EMF of the electromag-netic device:This subclass is indented under subclass 139.Subject matter wherein a circuit or device isincluded which utilizes the induced electromo-tive force generated by the operation of theelectromagnetic device.



(1) Note. The system may, for example,store the induced EMF and subsequentlyuse this stored EMF to aid in operatingthe electromagnetic device.

160 For relays or solenoids:This subclass is indented under subclass 139.Subject matter wherein the electromagneticdevice is a relay or a solenoid.

161 Including thermal device:This subclass is indented under subclass 160.Subject matter wherein a thermal device isincluded in the control circuit of the relay orsolenoid.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:338, Electrical Resistors, subclasses 25+

for electrical resistors responsive to achange in ambient temperature.

162 Thermoelectric:This subclass is indented under subclass 161.Subject matter wherein the thermal device is ofthe thermo couple type.

163 Bimetallic element:This subclass is indented under subclass 161.Subject matter wherein the thermal device is abimetallic element.

164 Including heater:This subclass is indented under subclass 163.Subject matter which includes a heating ele-ment to control the operation of the bimetallicelement.

165 Thermistor:This subclass is indented under subclass 161.Subject matter wherein the thermal device is athermistor.

166 Plural relays or solenoids sequentially oper-ated:This subclass is indented under subclass 160.Subject matter having plural relays or sole-noids as the controlled devices which are oper-ated in a predetermined sequence.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:171, for this subject matter with code

responsive control circuit.

167 Alternately operated:This subclass is indented under subclass 166.Subject matter wherein the plural relays orsolenoids are operated in an alternate sequence.

168.1 Pulse responsive: This subclass is indented under subclass 166.Subject matter wherein the predeterminedsequence of operation of the relays or solenoidsare controlled by a drive circuit or devicewhich responds to a voltage pulse circuit.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:186, for pulse responsive control circuits.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:329, Demodulators, subclasses 311+ for

pulse demodulators.340, Communications: Electrical, sub-

class 825.66 for selective circuitsusing relay counting chains.

377, Electrical Pulse Counters, PulseDividers, or Shift Registers: Circuitsand Systems, subclass 65 for shiftregisters using electromechanicalrelays and subclass 83 for countingchains using relays.

169.1 Including electronic element:This subclass is indented under subclass 168.1.Subject matter wherein electronic devices areutilized.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:172, for this subject matter in pulse respon-

sive control circuits.

170 Condition responsive (e.g., external circuitcondition):This subclass is indented under subclass 160.Subject matter including circuits or deviceswhich respond to external circuit conditions toinitiate the operation of the relay or solenoid.


nection Systems, subclasses 116+ forcondition responsive circuits inswitching systems.



327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Non-linear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, subclasses 509+ for miscellaneousexternal effect circuits.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-classes 500+ for condition responsivecircuits in communication systems.

171 Code responsive:This subclass is indented under subclass 170.Subject matter wherein the external circuit con-dition required to operate the relay or solenoidis the application of the proper code pulses tothe control circuit.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:70, Locks, subclass 278.1 for this subject

matter utilized in locks.340, Communications: Electrical, sub-

classes 825+ for this subject matter inmiscellaneous selective systems suchas remote control systems.

172 Including electronic element:This subclass is indented under subclass 171.Subject matter wherein electronic devices areutilized.

173 Light:This subclass is indented under subclass 170.Subject matter wherein a light responsive ele-ment is used to initiate the operation of therelay or solenoid.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:250, Radiant Energy, subclasses 200+ for

photoelectric cell circuits not having arelay or solenoid as the last elementcontrolled.

307, Electrical Transmission or Intercon-nection Systems, subclass 117 formiscellaneous light responsiveswitching systems.

315, Electric Lamp and DischargeDevices: Systems, subclasses 149+for electric lamp and dischargedevices with radiant energy sensitivecontrol means.

330, Amplifiers, subclass 59 for amplifiersystems including light controlled oractivated devices.

331, Oscillators, subclass 66 for lightresponsive devices combined withoscillators.

174 Light sensor controls its light path: This subclass is indented under subclass 173.Subject matter wherein the light sensor con-trols its own optical system, by which it is illu-minated.

175 Including electronic element:This subclass is indented under subclass 173.Subject matter wherein electronic devices areutilized.

176 Plural light sensors:This subclass is indented under subclass 175.Subject matter wherein more than one lightsensor is included in the control circuit.

177 Plural light sensors:This subclass is indented under subclass 173.Subject matter wherein more than one lightsensor is included in the control circuit.

178 Fluid (e.g., liquid level, humidity): This subclass is indented under subclass 170.Subject matter wherein the initiating device orcircuit is responsive to the condition of a fluid(liquid or gas).

(1) Note. The system may, for example,respond to precipitation, fluid level orflow, humidity of fluid pressure.


class 602 for moisture or humidity;subclass 604 for wetness; and sub-classes 618+ for liquid level alarmsystems, respectively.

179 Proximity or contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 170.Subject matter wherein the device or circuitwhich initiates the operation of the relay orsolenoid is responsive to an object coming veryclose to or touching the device.

180 Metal presence or absence responsive: This subclass is indented under subclass 179.Subject matter wherein the initiating device orcircuit responds to the presence or absence ofmetal in proximity to or contact with thedevice.



181 Capacitance change-type:This subclass is indented under subclass 179.Subject matter wherein the initiating device orcircuit responds to a change in capacitance atthe detecting electrode.

182 Frequency (e.g., audio, radio):This subclass is indented under subclass 170.Subject matter wherein circuits or deviceswhich respond to audio or radio frequencies areused to initiate the operation of the relay orsolenoid.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:178, Telegraphy, subclasses 47+ for this

subject matter in telegraph systems.340, Communications: Electrical, sub-

classes 825+ for this subject matter inmiscellaneous communication sys-tems.

183 Plural relays or solenoids as loads: This subclass is indented under subclass 182.Subject matter wherein two or more relays orsolenoids are controlled by one or more fre-quency signals.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:191+, for plural relay solenoid loads selec-

tively operated.

184 Specific Frequency Responsive Relay: This subclass is indented under subclass 182.Subject matter which includes a relay whichonly operates when excited with a supply of apredetermined frequency.

185 Phase:This subclass is indented under subclass 170.Subject matter wherein a circuit or devicewhich responds to a particular phase of a cur-rent or voltage signal is used to initiate theoperation of the relay.

186 Pulse:This subclass is indented under subclass 170.Subject matter wherein a circuit or devicewhich responds to a pulse signal is used to ini-tiate the operation of the relay.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:153, for pulse responsive circuits in drive

circuits which are peculiar to electro-magnetic devices.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:329, Demodulators, subclasses 311+ for

pulse demodulators.340, Communications: Electrical, sub-

classes 825.57+ for this subject mat-ter, especially in miscellaneous com-munication systems.

187 Voltage or current level discriminators:This subclass is indented under subclass 170.Subject matter wherein the initiating device orcircuit responds only to a specific voltage orcurrent level applied to it.

188 Variable impedance:This subclass is indented under subclass 170.Subject matter wherein the initiating circuit ordevice is responsive to variable impedance val-ues.

189 Plural switches in control circuit:This subclass is indented under subclass 160.Subject matter wherein more than one switch isincluded in the control circuit, all of whichmust be operated to initiate the operation of therelay.

190 Including electronic switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 189.Subject matter wherein at least one of theswitches in the control circuit is of the elec-tronic type.

191 Plural relay or solenoid loads selectivelyoperated:This subclass is indented under subclass 160.Subject matter including plural relay load cir-cuits which are selectively operated.

(1) Note. This subclass relates, for example,to selective systems for selecting anyone of plural relays.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:171, for this subject matter in code respon-

sive control circuits.



183, for subject matter wherein two ormore relays or solenoids are con-trolled by plural frequency signals.

192 Including interlock:This subclass is indented under subclass 191.Subject matter wherein the relays or solenoidsare interconnected either electrically ormechanically so that only the selected one orones can be maintained in an actuated condi-tion at any given moment.

193 Electronic interlock:This subclass is indented under subclass 192.Subject matter wherein the interlocking of therelays or solenoids is controlled by electroniccircuits or devices.

194 Holding means:This subclass is indented under subclass 160.Subject matter having holding means to holdthe relay or solenoid in the operated state,despite the lapsing of the original control sig-nal.

195 Time delay:This subclass is indented under subclass 160.Subject matter wherein circuits or devices areincluded which initiate the operation of therelay a predetermined interval of time after theinitiation of a control function.


linear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, subclasses 261+ and 392+ for miscel-laneous timing and delay circuits, perse.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-classes 527+ for a condition respon-sive signalling system having a timedelay circuit.

196 Including semiconductor device connectedto timing element:This subclass is indented under subclass 195.Subject matter wherein the control circuitincludes a semiconductor device connectedbetween the timing circuit and the relay.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g.,

Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), appropriate subclasses for activesolid-state semiconductor devices, perse.

327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Non-linear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, appropriate subclasses for miscella-neous semiconductor circuits anddevices.

197 Threshold device (e.g., zener, schockleydiode):This subclass is indented under subclass 196.Subject matter wherein a semiconductor deviceconducts current when the potential appliedacross it reaches a specific value.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:200, and 205, for threshold devices in other

control circuits.

198 Including three or more electrodes (e.g., uni-junction):This subclass is indented under subclass 197.Subject matter wherein the semiconductordevice has three or more electrodes.

199 Including electric discharge device: This subclass is indented under subclass 195.Subject matter wherein the control circuitincludes an electric discharge device connectedbetween the timing circuit and the relay.


linear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, appropriate subclasses for miscella-neous space discharge tube circuits.Also, consult the main class searchnotes and the search notes to the sub-classes for a compilation of otherclasses having related art.

200 Threshold device (neon tube):This subclass is indented under subclass 199.Subject matter wherein the electric dischargedevice conducts current when the potentialapplied across it reaches a specific value.



SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:197, and 205, for threshold devices in other

control circuits.

201 Including thyratron:This subclass is indented under subclass 200.Subject matter wherein the threshold device isa thyratron.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:256, and 354, for other control circuits uti-

lizing a thyratron as a thresholddevice.

202 Electromechanical delay means:This subclass is indented under subclass 195.Subject matter wherein the predeterminedinterval of time required is controlled by anelectromechanical device.

(1) Note. Electromechanical device may bean electric motor or solenoid with a camoperated switch, or a mechanical deviceconnected to the relay or solenoid todelay operation (e.g., a dashpot, escape-ment mechanism, etc.).


Switches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclasses 59+ for electro-mag-netically operated switches with timedelay, and subclasses 239+ for elec-tromagnetic relays with time delay.

203 With oscillator:This subclass is indented under subclass 160.Subject matter which includes an oscillator inthe control circuit.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:331, Oscillators, appropriate subclass for

electric oscillation generators, per se.

204 With magnetic amplifier or saturable reac-tor:This subclass is indented under subclass 160.Subject matter having a magnetic amplifier orsaturable reactor in the control circuit.


nection Systems, subclasses 401+ fornonlinear reactor systems.

205 Threshold device (e.g., SCR, thyratron): This subclass is indented under subclass 160.Subject matter wherein a threshold device,which conducts current when the potentialapplied across it reaches a specific value, isconnected to the coil of the electromagneticdevice.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:197+, and 200+, for threshold devices in

time delay control circuits.

206 Particular relay or solenoid:This subclass is indented under subclass 160.Subject matter wherein the electromagneticdevice is distinctive structurally or in its opera-tion.

207 Electrostatic:This subclass is indented under subclass 206.Subject matter having electrostatic means.

(1) Note. The electrostatic means may, forexample, be a piezoelectric crystal whichis an integral part of a relay and which isutilized to operate the relay contacts orthe electrostatic means may be in the cir-cuit which actuates the relay or electro-magnet as, for example, an electrostaticdry clutch which is utilized in a controlapparatus in the input circuit to the relayelectromagnet.

208 Polarized:This subclass is indented under subclass 206.Subject matter wherein the movement of thearmature depends upon the direction of the cur-rent in the control circuit.


Switches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclasses 230+ for polarizedelectromagnets with armatures, per se.



209 Alternating current type:This subclass is indented under subclass 206.Subject matter wherein the device is responsiveto alternating current energization.

210 Plural coils:This subclass is indented under subclass 206.Subject matter wherein more than one coil isrequired in its operation.

211 CONTROL CIRCUITS FOR NONELEC-TROMAGNETIC TYPE RELAY (E.G.,THERMAL RELAYS):This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter relating to control circuitsfor relays which utilize means other than elec-tromechanical means to open or close electricalcontacts.

(1) Note. For example, a bimetallic devicemay be used as the relay contact makingmeans.

212 DISCHARGING OR PREVENTINGACCUMULATION OF ELECTRICCHARGE (E.G., STATIC ELECTRICITY): This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter relating to the dissipationof any residual electric charge present on or inan object or material.

(1) Note. Where the discharge of the staticelectricity is combined with the specificfeatures of the art environment, thesearch should extend to the class whichrelates to the art environment.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:117+, for high voltage dissipation devices.


tors, subclass 2 for lightning protec-tion devices such as lightning rods,subclasses 5+ for electric shock haz-ard protection devices, such as guards,and subclasses 6+ for groundingdevices.

216, Etching a Substrate: Processes, sub-class 6 for etching in the manufactur-ing of a capacitor.

320, Electricity: Battery or CapacitorCharging or Discharging, subclasses127+ for discharging a battery andsubclasses 166+ for discharging acapacitor, per se.

343, Communications: Radio Wave, sub-class 885 for antennas with a supportfor the antenna, reflector or directorand having stress distributing or staticdischarging means for the support.

213 By charged gas irradiation:This subclass is indented under subclass 212.Subject matter relating to the dissipation of aresidual electric charge on or in an object ormaterial using a charged gas.

(1) Note. Radioactive type ionization fordissipating a residual electric charge isalso found in this subclass.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:229, for this subject matter used in charg-

ing an object or material.230+, for ion generators, per se.

214 Of paper or paper handling machine:This subclass is indented under subclass 212.Subject matter relating to the dissipation ofelectric charge on paper or paper handlingmachines.

215 Of storage or hazardous area of fluid han-dling:This subclass is indented under subclass 212.Subject matter relating to the dissipation of theelectric charge from storage or hazardous areaor fluid handling.

(1) Note. The electric charge may be elimi-nated from a liquid or gas by the provi-sion of a grounding circuit to the liquidor gas carrying device.

216 Structurally combined with building orvehicle:This subclass is indented under subclass 212.Subject matter wherein the dissipating means isattached to or an integral part of a building orvehicle.



217 With external structure of vehicle:This subclass is indented under subclass 216.Subject matter wherein the dissipating means isattached to or an integral part of the externalstructure of a vehicle.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:220+, for specific dissipating devices.

218 Aircraft:This subclass is indented under subclass 217.Subject matter wherein the vehicle is an airtravel vehicle, e.g., airplanes, rockets, balloons,helicopters, etc.

(1) Note. The typical type of dissipator usedis the rod type found in subclass 222.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:220+, for specific dissipating means.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:244, Aeronautics and Astronautics, sub-

class 1 for aircraft lightning arrestersand static eliminators.

219 Chain-type grounding means:This subclass is indented under subclass 217.Subject matter wherein the electric charge isdischarged from the vehicle by a flexible elec-troconductive chain-type member which isconnected at one end to the vehicle and at theother end contacts a ground.

(1) Note. “Chain” in this subclass includessuch devices as chains, cables, flexiblerods with attached wheels, etc.

220 Specific conduction means or dissipator: This subclass is indented under subclass 212.Subject matter relating to the specific device,material or circuit means used to effect dis-charge or prevent the accumulation of electriccharge.

(1) Note. Devices adapted to be held by,attached to, or touched by a human beingare classifiable herein or the indentshereunder.

221 Brush or roller-type structure:This subclass is indented under subclass 220.Subject matter wherein the electric charge dis-sipator is a brush or roller means.

222 Rod-type structure:This subclass is indented under subclass 220.Subject matter wherein the electric charge dis-sipator is an elongated rod-type structure hav-ing at least one point type end.

223 Shoe type:This subclass is indented under subclass 220.Subject matter wherein the electric charge isdissipated by an electrical path through theshoes, an attachment to the shoes, or a coveringover the shoes.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:36, Boots, Shoes, and Leggings, for nec-

essary shoe structure.

224 Integral with shoe:This subclass is indented under subclass 223.Subject matter wherein the electric charge isdissipated by electrically conductive meansforming a permanent part of the shoes.

225 ELECTRIC CHARGING OF OBJECTSOR MATERIALS: This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter wherein a means ormethod is provided for imparting an electricalcharge to a material or object.

(1) Note. Where the charging of objects ormaterials is combined with the specificfeatures of an art environment, thesearch should be made in the class whichrelates to the art environment.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:29, Metal Working, see cross-reference

art collection 900 for a method orapparatus for assembly by electro-static attraction, which may include astep or mechanism for imposing anelectrostatic charge.

204, Chemistry: Electrical and WaveEnergy, especially subclasses 164+for preparation of a compound or ele-ment through a chemical reaction



brought about by an electrostatic fieldor electrical discharge.

205, Electrolysis: Processes, Composi-tions Used Therein, and Methods ofPreparing the Compositions, appro-priate subclasses for this subject mat-ter when used in electrolysis.

250, Radiant Energy, subclasses 324+ forsubject matter which provides forimpacting an object with gas ionsresulting from an incomplete electri-cal discharge from an electrode.

310, Electrical Generator or Motor Struc-ture, subclass 316.03 for a piezoelec-tric element having both mechanicaland electric output having specific cir-cuitry (e.g., capacitor, coil, combina-tion etc.) to source electrons flowingto or sink electrons flowing from thepiezoelectric element.

320, Electricity: Battery or CapacitorCharging or Discharging, appropriatesubclass for charging a battery orcapacitor.

376, Induced Nuclear Reactions: Pro-cesses, Systems, and Elements, sub-classes 106+ for processes anddevices for producing plasma utilizedin thermonuclear reactions.

422, Chemical Apparatus and Process Dis-infecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, orSterilizing, subclasses 21, 22+, and186 for process and apparatus pro-vided by the class using electricalenergy.

226 Particulate matter (e.g., liquids with sus-pended particles):This subclass is indented under subclass 225.Subject matter relating to imparting an electri-cal charge to minute separate particles of mat-ter.

(1) Note. This subclass does not include gascharging, however, included in this sub-class is a mixture or solution of powderswhich are suspended or entrained in agas or liquid.

227 For spray production:This subclass is indented under subclass 226.Subject matter wherein the electrical chargesare imparted to a spray material.

(1) Note. Subject matter in which a particu-lar recitation of a nozzle or spray patternis emphasized, even though the spray iselectrostatically charged, is beyond thissubclass and should be placed in Class239, subclass 15.

(2) Note. Subject matter wherein a particu-lar relationship exists between the spraydevice and work sprayed upon, particu-lar movement of the work with respect tothe spray device, or vice versa, are notincluded in this subclass; such subjectmatter can be found in Class 427, sub-classes 13+ and Class 118, subclasses621+.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:118, Coating Apparatus, subclasses 621+

for electrostatic spray devices with aspecific relationship with respect tothe work.

239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Dif-fusing, subclasses 690+ for electro-statically charged spray in a particularnozzle or spray pattern.

427, Coating Processes, subclasses 458+for processes of coating per se utiliz-ing an electrostatic charge.

228 Liquid type:This subclass is indented under subclass 227.Subject matter wherein an electrical charge isimparted to a liquid spray material or powdersupported in a stream of liquid material.

229 By charged gas irradiation:This subclass is indented under subclass 225.Subject matter relating to imparting an electri-cal charge to a material or object using acharged gas.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:213, for this subject matter used in dis-

charging a material or object.230+, for ion generators, per se.



230 ELECTRIC CHARGE GENERATING ORCONDUCTING MEANS (E.G., CHARG-ING OF GASES):This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter relating to corona or iongenerators which utilize air or other gases asthe charge generating medium to be placed incontact with the charge generating electrodesor with the specific electrodes which projectthe electric field generated.

(1) Note. This subclass also provides forother electric charge generating or con-ducting means not elsewhere providedfor.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:213, for discharging of a material or object

using a charged gas.229, for charging of a material or object

using a charged gas.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:250, Radiant Energy, subclasses 423+ for

ion generation methods and apparatusin which a material is treated or irradi-ated.

313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, subclasses 54, 62, and 359.1+ forspace discharge device per se for pro-duction of ionized atomic particles.Also, consult the search notes to thesesubclasses for related subject matter.

231 Modification of environmental electricalcharge:This subclass is indented under subclass 230.Subject matter relating to devices or processesfor altering or changing the ambient charge in adefinable area or atmosphere.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:96, Gas Separation: Apparatus, sub-

classes 15+ for electrostatic-type pre-cipitators.

239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Dif-fusing, subclass 2.1 for processes ofweather control utilizing electriccharge generating means.

232 For application to living beings:This subclass is indented under subclass 230.Subject matter wherein an electric charge orvoltage is produced on a material or devicewhich will discharge to living beings causingan electrical shock to be produced in the livingbeing when it comes into contact with or inclose proximity with the charged or voltagecarrying material.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:119, Animal Husbandry, subclasses 712+,

for application of electricity to an ani-mal to control it, especially subclasses822 and 908, and subclass 859 for acollar having a device to apply elec-tricity to an animal.

231, Whips and Whip Apparatus, subclass7 for an electrified goad for control-ling the behavior or movement of ananimal.

256, Fences, subclass 10 for electricfences.

463, Amusement Devices: Games, sub-class 47.3 for a striking type ofweapon for use on a human beingwhich includes an electric shock fea-ture (e.g., an electric prod used bypolice, etc.).

233 Use of forces of electric charge or field:This subclass is indented under subclass 230.Subject matter relating to the utilization of theforces of the electric the utilization of theforces of the electric charge, or the forces ofthe electric field generated to perform amechanical work function.

234 Pinning:This subclass is indented under subclass 233.Subject matter relating to the utilization of theforces generated to effect the holding or pin-ning of an object or material on a surface.

235 With specific power supply:This subclass is indented under subclass 230.Subject matter wherein electrical circuitry andmeans are provided for the production of a cur-rent or voltage which is utilized specifically forelectric charge generation.

(1) Note. To be proper for this subclass, thesubject matter claimed must recite pro-



cesses or means which are not providedfor in any of the above subclasses. Thesubject matter must clearly recite cir-cuitry for use in generating an electricalcharge.

236 ELECTRICAL SPEED SIGNAL PRO-CESSING SYSTEMS: This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter wherein electrical cir-cuitry is provided for detection of the speed oracceleration of a member, either angular or lin-ear, and means included in the circuitry respon-sive to a change in speed or acceleration togenerate a desired speed or acceleration controlsignal.

(1) Note. This subclass relates to, for exam-ple, miscellaneous speed sensing andspeed responsive systems having no out-put which is specific to any particularart. This subclass relates only to speedcontrolled subcombinations; not speedcontrolled combinations.

(2) Note. Subject matter in which a combi-nation of speed control circuitry and thedevice being controlled is claimed,proper classification is with the deviceand should not be placed in this orindented subclasses.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:51, for protection of electrical systems

against overspeed.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:73, Measuring and Testing, subclasses

488+ for speed or accelerating mea-suring.

178, Telegraphy, appropriate subclassesfor telegraph and television systemshaving speed responsive means as apart thereof.

180, Motor Vehicles, subclasses 170+ asexplained in the reference theretoappearing in Class 361, subclass 51.

290, Prime-Mover Dynamo Plants, sub-class 40 for prime-mover dynamoplants having means to control thespeed of the engine.

318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems,appropriate subclasses for speed con-trolled electric motor systems. Noteparticularly subclasses 806 and 461+.

324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 160+ for electrical speedmeasuring processes and mecha-nisms.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-class 441 for vehicle alarms or indica-tors which are responsive to the speedof the vehicle, and subclasses 670+for speed responsive alarms, per se.

375, Pulse or Digital Communications, subclasses 354+ for synchronization.

416, Fluid Reaction Surfaces (i.e., Impel-lers), subclasses 44+ for an impellerhaving control means responsive tothe rotation speed thereof.

237 With centrifugal weight means:This subclass is indented under subclass 236.Subject matter wherein the electrical circuitryincludes a centrifugal means for regulation ofthe speed of acceleration of a member underconsideration.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:116, Signals and Indicators, subclass 38

for vehicular governors indicationspeed and direction.

123, Internal-Combustion Engines, sub-classes 319+ for speed regulatorsespecially subclasses 350+, 378+, and402+.

200, Electricity: Circuit Makers andBreakers, subclasses 80+ for centrifu-gally operated speed responsiveswitches.

318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, subclasses 799 and 462 for centrifugaltype automatic speed or rate-of-move-ment detectors.

416, Fluid Reaction Surface (i.e., Impel-lers), subclasses 31+, especially sub-class 35 for electrical means compar-ing or reducing an error responsive tocentrifugal action.

238 Antislip detection and circuitry:This subclass is indented under subclass 236.Subject matter wherein the electrical circuitcontains means for determination of a loss oftraction or loss of rotation condition.



(1) Note. The property usually measured isacceleration but is not limited thereto.

(2) Note. The acceleration may be a nega-tive or position acceleration.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:290, Prime-Mover Dynamo Plants, sub-

classes 9+ for electric control tractiondevices.

303, Fluid-Pressure and Analogous BrakeSystem, subclasses 113.1+ for anti-skid systems where brakes are oper-ated.

324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclass 162 for acceleration measur-ing means in an electrical speed mea-suring device.

239 With speed analog electrical signal: This subclass is indented under subclass 236.Subject matter wherein the speed change deter-mining means includes circuitry for producingan analog signal which has a magnitude repre-sentative of the speed of the member.


subclasses 830 and 463+ for tachome-ter type automatic speed or rate-of-movement de-detectors.

324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 163+ for speed measuringmeans with speed analog electricalsignal generators.

240 Including frequency generators:This subclass is indented under subclass 236.Subject matter wherein the electrical circuitincludes circuitry in which the frequency of anA.C. current or the frequency of a D.C. pulse isrepresentative of the speed of the member.


tems, subclasses 29+ for generatorsystems which are responsive to thespeed or frequency of the generator.

324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 166+ for speed related fre-quency generators used to measurespeed.

241 Two position (e.g., on-off):This subclass is indented under subclass 236.Subject matter wherein the circuitry for gener-ating the control signal includes a switch whichis either on or off.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:242, for speed control which includes com-

parison means.

242 With speed comparison:This subclass is indented under subclass 236.Subject matter wherein the electrical circuitcontains means for comparing the generatedsignal with a reference signal.


subclass 820 for control of the speedof a motor or driven device, withrespect to a master or referencedevice.

324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclass 161 for electrical speed mea-suring with speed comparing means.

243 Synchronization of shafts:This subclass is indented under subclass 236.Subject matter wherein the speed controlmeans includes means for simultaneously con-trolling the rotation of two or more shafts in thesame or different mechanisms.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:242, for speed comparison means which do

not require synchronization means butmay disclose such.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:74, Machine Element or Mechanism, sub-

classes 395+ for systems for synchro-nizing the rotary motion of a pluralityof shafts where adjustable gearing isutilized to control the rotation of atleast one of the shafts.

91, Motors: Expansible Chamber Type,appropriate subclasses, and especiallysubclass 171 for synchronizing pluralexpansible chamber motors.



318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, subclass 41 for plural electric motorsystems having electrical synchroniz-ing interconnections for maintainingsynchronization between the motors,subclasses 68+ for plural electricmotor systems with means for con-trolling the running speed of onemotor relative to the speed of anothermotor including such systems formaintaining the motors in synchro-nism, and subclass 85 for the miscel-laneous plural electric motor systemswith synchronizing or phasing controlfor the motors.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-class 681 for a machine synchroniza-tion responsive indicating device;subclass 318 for miscellaneous signal-ling systems having synchronized dis-tributors at the transmitter andreceiver.

352, Optics: Motion Pictures, subclasses12+ for motion picture apparatuscombined with sound recording orreproducing apparatus and includingmeans for synchronizing the two.

370, Multiplex Communications, sub-classes 303+ for multiplexing systemshaving a rotary distributor.

375, Pulse or Digital Communications, subclasses 354+ for synchronizationsystems.

416, Fluid Reaction Surfaces (i.e., Impel-lers), subclass 34 for plural impellerhaving synchronizing means.

244 Phase comparison:This subclass is indented under subclass 243.Subject matter wherein the simultaneous rota-tion of the shaft is controlled by a phase mea-suring and comparing means with one of theshafts or a given phase acting as a referencephase.

245 POLARITY REVERSING:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter relating to the reversing ofthe polarity of an electric circuit.

(1) Note. This subclass relates to, for exam-ple, the reversing of polarity under thecontrol of an external operator, or the

reversing of polarity in a continuous pul-sating manner.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:178, Telegraphy, appropriate subclasses

particularly subclass 16 for telegraphsystems utilizing polarity reversing asan indication of the intelligence to betransmitted.

200, Electricity: Circuit Makers andBreakers, appropriate subclasses, par-ticularly subclasses 19.06+ for elec-tric switches which can be utilized toreverse polarity.

246, Railway Switches and Signals, appro-priate subclasses, particularly sub-classes 228, 232 and 242 for railwaysignalling systems utilizing polarityreversing as an indication of the intel-ligence to be transmitted.

307, Electrical Transmission or Intercon-nection Systems, subclass 151 for thissubject matter, and subclasses 112+for miscellaneous switching systems,some of which reverse polarity.

335, Electricity: Magnetically OperatedSwitches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclass 87 for electromagneti-cally operated switches which may beutilized to reverse polarity.

363, Electric Power Conversion Systems,appropriate subclasses for conversionsystems. Note subclass 109 for con-version systems in which direct cur-rent is converted into alternatingcurrent by the action of a switchwhich reverses the polarity of the out-put circuit.

246 Automatic:This subclass is indented under subclass 245.Subject matter in which the polarity is reversedin accordance with an automatic control.

247 IGNITING SYSTEMS:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter relating to electrical sys-tems which cause the rapid combustion of afuel or the detonation of an explosive charge.

(1) Note. The subject matter in this subclassdoes not include the fuel being ignited orthe explosive being detonated.



SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:123, Internal-Combustion Engines, sub-

classes 143+ for igniting systems uti-lized with internal-combustionengines.

126, Stoves and Furnaces, appropriate sub-classes for solid fuel burners havingigniting means.

221, Article dispensing, subclasses 143+for article dispensers having electricaligniting means.

236, Automatic Temperature and HumidityRegulation, appropriate subclasses forcomplete heating systems havingigniters as a portion thereof.

431, Combustion, subclasses 258+ for afuel burner having an electrical igniteror heater.

248 For explosive devices:This subclass is indented under subclass 247.Subject matter for detonating an explosivedevice.

(1) Note. Explosive devices include, forexample, rockets, dynamite charges andphotoflash devices.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:89, Ordnance, appropriate subclasses for

explosive device projecting or drop-ping means having igniting means asa part thereof.

102, Ammunition and Explosives, appro-priate subclasses for explosivedevices having igniting means as aportion thereof.

362, Illumination, subclasses 3+ for photo-graphic illumination devices includ-ing ignition means.

396, Photography, subclasses 155+ forphotoflash devices combined withcamera structure which may includeignition means.

431, Combustion, subclasses 357+ forphoto-flash devices including igni-tion means.

249 With sequential firing by electronic switch-ing:This subclass is indented under subclass 248.Subject matter wherein plural explosivedevices are ignited in a particular sequence byelectronic switch means.

(1) Note. The electronic switch meansincludes nonmechanical devices such asvacuum tubes, transistors, SCR's, etc.

250 With sequential firing by mechanicalswitching:This subclass is indented under subclass 248.Subject matter wherein plural explosivedevices are ignited in a particular sequence bymechanical switch means.

251 With capacitor discharging into explosivedevice:This subclass is indented under subclass 248.Subject matter wherein an explosive device isignited by switching a charge capacitor to dis-charge into the device.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:256, and 257, for electric spark ignition by

capacitor discharge.

252 With electromechanical power source: This subclass is indented under subclass 248.Subject matter wherein the energy for ignitionof the explosive device is provided by an elec-tromechanical generator.

(1) Note. The electromechanical generatorincludes dynamos, magnetos, piezoelec-tric devices, and other devices whereinelectric power is produced through amechanical agency.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:258, for particular electromechanical

power source combined with electri-cal spark igniter.


tems, appropriate subclasses for a par-ticular electromechanical powersource.



253 For electric spark ignition:This subclass is indented under subclass 247.Subject matter wherein the energy for ignitionis provided by a system which generates anelectric spark.


appropriate subclasses for air gap dis-charge devices. See subclasses 118+for spark plugs, per se, of the typeused in internal combustion engines.See subclass 53 for flame type dis-charge devices in which conduction ofelectricity takes place through aflame.

315, Electric Lamp and DischargeDevices: Systems, appropriate sub-classes for lamp and gas dischargedevice systems. Note, that some ofthese systems can be used to energizeelectric igniters.

254 With electromagnet control means:This subclass is indented under subclass 253.Subject matter having electromagnetic meansto control the igniter.

(1) Note. The electromagnet might alsocontrol the flow of gas to the igniter.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:265, for electromagnet control with incan-

descent ignition.


Switches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclasses 220+ for electromag-nets with armatures.

336, Inductor Devices, appropriate sub-classes for the structure of inductivedevices.

255 Including spark-electrode make-break: This subclass is indented under subclass 254.Subject matter wherein an electromagnetcauses the spark electrodes to move eithertogether or apart so as to produce a spark.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:261, for particular mechanical arrange-

ments allowing for electrode move-ment.

256 With capacitor discharging into sparkingtransformer:This subclass is indented under subclass 253.Subject matter wherein a charged capacitor isswitched into circuit with and discharges intothe primary of a transformer thereby inducing avoltage of sufficient magnitude in the second-ary of the transformer to produce an ignitionspark between two spaced electrodes in thesecondary circuit.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:251, for capacitor discharge firing or

explosive devices.257, for capacitor discharge directly into a

spark gap to produce an ignitionspark.

257 With capacitor discharge into spark gap:This subclass is indented under subclass 253.Subject matter wherein a capacitor is in circuitwith spark gap electrodes such that when thecapacitor is sufficiently charged, an ignitionspark will be produced between the electrodes.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:251, for capacitor discharge firing of

explosive devices.256, for capacitor discharge into spark

transformer to produce an ignitionspark.

258 With electromechanical generator:This subclass is indented under subclass 253.Subject matter wherein the energy for electricspark ignition is provided by an electrome-chanical generator which converts mechanicalenergy into electrical energy.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:252, for electromechanical generator when

used to ignite explosive devices.




tems, appropriate subclasses for par-ticular electromechanical generator.

259 With permanent magnet:This subclass is indented under subclass 258.Subject matter wherein a magnetic fieldthrough a coil or transformer due to a perma-nent magnet is modulated by the action ofmechanical means so as to induce a sparkingvoltage across electrodes connected to the coilor transformer.

260 With piezoelectric element:This subclass is indented under subclass 258.Subject matter wherein a piezoelectric crystalis mechanically stressed so as to produce asparking voltage across electrodes appropri-ately connected to the crystal.

261 With mechanical arrangement for spark-electrode make-break:This subclass is indented under subclass 253.Subject matter including spark electrodeswhich are part of a mechanism which can bemechanically actuated to cause the electrodesto move into and out of contact with each otherthereby producing a spark.


subclasses 146+ for discharge deviceshaving moveable electrodes.

262 With one spark electrode which is handheld:This subclass is indented under subclass 253.Subject matter wherein one of two sparkingelectrodes is arranged to be hand manipulatedand manually brought into contact with theother electrode to thereby produce a spark.

(1) Note. Included, for example, an ener-gized electrode with an insulated handlewhich can be brought into contact with agrounded gas burner to produce a sparkigniting the burner.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:431, Combustion, subclass 128 for hand

manipulatable electric igniters forigniting fuel.

263 With spark coil or transformer:This subclass is indented under subclass 253.Subject matter wherein the energy for the igni-tion spark is provided by a spark coil or trans-former connected to the spark electrodes.

(1) Note. “Spark coil” includes inductioncoils having make-break contacts in theprimary circuit.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:336, Inductor Devices, appropriate sub-

classes for structure of coil or trans-former.

264 For incandescent ignition:This subclass is indented under subclass 247.Subject matter wherein a current is passedthrough an ignition element so as to heat theelement to incandescence thereby causing igni-tion.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:123, Internal-Combustion Engines, sub-

classes 145+ for an incandescentigniter combined with an internal-combustion engine.

219, Electric Heating, subclasses 260+ forincandescent igniting elements.

265 With electromagnet control means:This subclass is indented under subclass 264.Subject matter having electromagnetic meansto control the igniter.

(1) Note. The electromagnet may also con-trol the flow of gas to the igniter.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:254, for electromagnet control of electric

spark ignition.


Switches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, appropriate subclasses for elec-tromagnet structure.

266 With helical heating element:This subclass is indented under subclass 264.Subject matter wherein the incandescent igniteris in the form of a helix or coil.



267 DEMAGNETIZING SYSTEMS AND PRO-CESSES: This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter including systems andprocess for neutralizing a magnetic field.

(1) Note. This subclass includes, for exam-ple, processes for demagnetizing the hairsprings of a watch, etc.

(2) Note. Where the demagnetizing is com-bined with the specific features of the artenvironment, the search should extend tothe class which relates to the art environ-ment.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:149+, for systems and processes for neutral-

izing the magnetic field by means ofan electromagnetic coil.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:29, Metal Working, subclasses 602.1+

for processes of making permanentmagnets consisting of more thanmerely demagnetizing and processesof making electromagnets; also con-sult the extensive search notes to thissubclass for a compilation of relatedsubject matter.

114, Ships, subclass 240 for degaussing ofships.

209, Classifying, Separating, and Assort-ing Solids, subclass 8 for demagnetiz-ing as a step preliminary to classify-ing, separating or assorting.

307, Electrical Transmission or Intercon-nection Systems, subclass 101 for thecontrol of remnant or residual magne-tism, and subclass 104 for electro-magnet and highly inductive systems.

318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, subclass 492 for electric motor sys-tems having means to dissipate themagnetic energy of the electric motor.

335, Electricity: Magnetically OperatedSwitches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, appropriate subclasses, espe-cially subclass 284.

365, Static Information Storage andRetrieval, appropriate subclass formagnetic storage systems including

means to demagnetize the storagemedium, subclasses 185.01+ for float-ing gate memory storage (e.g., flashmemory).

368, Horology: Time Measuring Systemsor Devices, subclass 293 for antimag-netic devices utilized in horology.

268 TRANSFORMERS AND INDUCTORSWITH INTEGRAL SWITCH, CAPACI-TOR, OR LOCK (E.G., IGNITION COIL):This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter comprising a structuralcombination of a transformer or inductor with aswitch, capacitor or a lock.

(1) Note. If the switch is solely for the pur-pose of tap changing on the transformeror inductor device, classification is notherein but rather in the appropriate sub-class of Class 336.

(2) Note. This subclass relates, for example,to ignition coils having integral vibratingswitches.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:35+, for transformer protection circuits.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:216, Etching a Substrate: Processes, sub-

class 6 for etching in the manufactur-ing of a capacitor.

334, Tuners, appropriate subclasses fortuned networks for use in waveenergy apparatus and comprising aninductor connected to or combinedwith a capacitor, either the inductor orcapacitor, or both, being variable. Theinductor may also be combined with aswitch and for such arrangements, notespecially subclasses 56+.

336, Inductor Devices, subclasses 105+and the notes thereto, for structuralcombinations of a transformer orinductive reactor with other elementssuch as a connector; see also (1) Note,above.

363, Electric Power Conversion Systems, subclasses 13+ for conversion sys-tems which convert direct current intoalternating current. Some of these



conversion systems are analogous tospark coils.

269 With lock for preventing unauthorized use:This subclass is indented under subclass 268.Subject matter provided with locking means toprevent unauthorized use.

(1) Note. Generally the locking means ispart of a conduit or housing means inwhich the electromagnetic device isenclosed.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:70, Locks, for locking means, per se.

Note, especially subclasses 174+ forlocking means for control andmachine elements, and subclasses237+ for locking means for automo-bile vehicles.

174, Electricity: Conductors and Insula-tors, appropriate subclass, particularlysubclasses 17+ and 50+ for miscella-neous housings for single piece ofelectrical apparatus, some of whichhousings may be equipped with lock-ing means.

270 With capacitor element:This subclass is indented under subclass 268.Subject matter comprising a transformer orinductive reactor structurally combined with acapacitor.

(1) Note. If the combined capacitor consti-tutes an electric or magnetic shield, clas-sification is not herein but rather in Class336, Inductor Devices, subclasses 87+.

(2) Note. The capacitor may be provided toprotect the switch contacts of an ignitioncoil.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:271+, and 433+, for capacitors, per se.


tors, subclasses 32 through 397 foranti-inductive structures utilized withelectrical conductors, particularlysubclasses 350-397 for screened orshielded conductors.

333, Wave Transmission Lines and Net-works, appropriate subclasses forelectric filter devices comprising thecombination of a transformer orinductive reactor and a capacitor.

334, Tuners, subclasses 59+ for a switchoperated tuner which is of the tunedtransformer type, the transformer usu-ally being combined with a lumpedcapacitor, and subclasses 61+ for tun-ers having mutual inductance variablemeans which may be a transformercircuit.

336, Inductor Devices, and see (1) Noteabove.

271 ELECTROSTATIC CAPACITORS:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter relating to an electrostaticcapacitor which is an electrical device havingthe property that permits energy storage as aresult of electron displacement, usually con-sisting of at least two conducting surfaces sepa-rated by a nonconducting medium (i.e.,dielectric) such as a gas, liquid or solid or somecombinations thereof.

(1) Note. The term condenser generallyused in older patents is an old term syn-onymous with the term capacitor. Thesame comment applies to armature andelectrode.

(2) Note. This subclass includes electro-static capacitors, per se. Electrostaticcapacitors combined with another artdevice or system are classified with theparticular art device or system.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:433+, for electrolytic capacitors.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:29, Metal Working, subclasses 25.41+ for

miscellaneous methods of manufac-turing capacitors. Also consult theextensive search notes to subclass25.41 for a compilation of related art.




307, Electrical Transmission or Intercon-nection Systems, subclass 400 forelectrets, per se, and electret sys-tems. An electret is a permanentlypolarized dielectric, and thereforerelated to a capacitor, which has atransiently polarized dielectric.

314, Electric Lamp and DischargeDevices: Consumable Electrodes, subclass 132 for arc lamps combinedwith any capacitor.

315, Electric Lamp and DischargeDevices: Systems, subclasses 3+ and32+ for cathode-ray tubes, electriclamps or gas discharge devices com-bined with as an integral part of theirstructure, a capacitor.

333, Wave Transmission Lines and Net-works, appropriate subclasses for mis-cellaneous communication type elec-trical networks having capacitors aspart thereof.

334, Tuners, appropriate subclasses for avariable tuner comprising an inductorand a capacitor, with the inductor orcapacitor being variable for changingthe mean resonant frequency of thecircuit.

341, Coded Data Generation or Conversa-tion, subclass 15 for capacitive pat-tern reading type analog to digitalconverters.

272 With protection or compensating means: This subclass is indented under subclass 271.Subject matter having means to safeguardagainst breakdowns or to counteract undesiredoperating characteristics.

(1) Note. The protective or compensativemeans is an integral part of the capacitorstructure and significant details of thecapacitor structure must be disclosed.

(2) Note. The protective or compensativemeans must be within or a part of thecapacitor housing.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:15+, for capacitors combined with systems

for protecting them, as for example,against lightning surges.

600+, for miscellaneous housings, switch-boards and analogous devices forhousing or holding two different typesof electrical components, one ofwhich, for example, may be, an elec-trical capacitor.


tors, subclasses 8+ and 50+ for mis-cellaneous electrical housings for asingle electrical component, whichmay be, for example, a capacitor, andsubclasses 140+ for capacitors com-bined with insulators for the purposeof distributing the electrostatic stressuniformly along the insulator.

273 Self-healing:This subclass is indented under subclass 272.Subject matter having means to automaticallyrestore to working order, a malfunctioningcapacitor.

(1) Note. This subclass includes, for exam-ple, a thin, metal film electrode whichburns or evaporates away around thepoint of a puncture without damage tothe capacitor.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:304, for nonself-supporting electrodes

(e.g., metallized).

274.1 Temperature:This subclass is indented under subclass 272.Subject matter including means which shieldagainst or make allowance for variations in theinternal heat of the capacitor.

(1) Note. These indented subclasses relate,for example, to cooling of the capacitor.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:676+, for housings and mounting assemblies

with plural diverse electrical compo-nents for electrical power distributionsystems and devices with means forcooling the same.

688+, for electronic systems and deviceswith cooling means.



SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:165, Heat Exchange, appropriate sub-

classes for a heat exchange structureof a general nature.

174, Electricity: Conductors and Insula-tors, subclasses 15.1+ for miscella-neous boxes and housings for a singlepiece of electrical apparatus havingmeans to cool the same.

236, Automatic Temperature and HumidityRegulation, appropriate subclasses forautomatic temperature control sys-tems.

454, Ventilation, appropriate subclasses forventilating devices.

274.2 With fluid cooling means:This subclass is indented under subclass 274.1.Subject matter including air or liquid to reducethe temperature of a capacitor below a specificlevel.

274.3 With heat sink:This subclass is indented under subclass 274.1.Subject matter including means for the absorp-tion or transfer of heat away from the innercapacitor.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:514, for liquid electrolytic capacitor with

heat sink.

275.1 For electrical irregularities:This subclass is indented under subclass 272.Subject matter wherein the undesired operatingcharacteristics are unexpected electrical dis-charge, corona, or short circuiting.

(1) Note. Excluded are capacitors combinedwith other electronic devices unless thesole purpose of the other electronicdevice is to protect the capacitor and thedevice is an integral part of the capacitor.For example, a resistor shunt integralwith the capacitor structure is foundhere.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:15+, for capacitor protection for preventing

current and voltage surges that areexternal to the capacitor housing;

details to the capacitor structure arenot included.


Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), sub-classes 379 through 381 and 528-543for passive components (e.g., capaci-tor and resistor) in integrated chips.

323, Electricity: Power Supply or Regula-tion Systems, subclass 370 for pluralimpedance control systems; in partic-ular, for capacitor or capacitor com-bined with a resistor or inductorcontrol system.

333, Wave Transmission Lines and Net-works, subclasses 167+ for wave fil-ters; in particular, for capacitors andresistors for filtering.

275.2 With over-pressure breakaway fuse:This subclass is indented under subclass 275.1.Subject matter comprising means composed ofan electrical current conductor having a ratedbreak point in conjunction with a capacitorwinding so that the rated break point breaksdue to mechanical stresses in the conductorcaused by over heating of the capacitor.

275.3 With resistance element:This subclass is indented under subclass 275.1.Subject matter comprising means including anelement having a property of a conductorwhich determines the current produced by agiven difference of potential.


tion Systems, subclass 370 for ther-mistor or resistor with a capacitor.

338, Electrical Resistors, subclasses 296+for helical or wound resistance ele-ment.

275.4 With thermal fuse:This subclass is indented under subclass 275.1.Subject matter comprising a fusible alloy stripwhich melts upon the overheating of the capac-itor thus breaking the electrical connectionbetween the two ends of the capacitor elec-trodes.




mally Actuated Switches, subclasses142+ for fusible element actuated.

276 Cryogenic:This subclass is indented under subclass 271.Subject matter which is intended to function attemperatures near absolute zero.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19, for superconductive protective cir-

cuits.

277 Variable:This subclass is indented under subclass 271.Subject matter wherein the capacitance of thecapacitor can be altered.



257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g.,Transistors, Solid-State Diodes),appropriate subclasses for activesolid-state semiconductor devices, perse, especially subclass 480 for vari-able capacitance diodes and sub-classes 595-602 for active voltagevariable capacitance devices.

334, Tuners, subclasses 78+ for tuners hav-ing variable capacitors.

365, Static Information Storage andRetrieval, subclasses 102 and 149+for memory storage capacitors.

278 With significant electrode or terminal fea-ture:This subclass is indented under subclass 277.Subject matter having either a distinctive elec-trode or terminal component.

279 Gas or vacuum dielectric:This subclass is indented under subclass 277.Subject matter utilizing a gas or a vacuum asthe dielectric within a sealed housing.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:326, for gas or vacuum fixed capacitors.


tors, subclasses 8+, especially 9 and17+ for miscellaneous boxes andhousings for a single electrical com-ponent in which the housing holdseither a vacuum or a gas.

280 Responsive to external condition:This subclass is indented under subclass 277.Subject matter in which the capacitance variesin reaction to an external condition.

(1) Note. The capacitor is designed specifi-cally to be responsive to external condi-tions, for example, a diaphragm platesensitive to pressure changes.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:311+, for particular materials that may be

specifically disclosed as being respon-sive to conditions.


nection Systems, subclasses 116+ forcondition responsive circuits inswitching systems.

324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 658+ for systems measur-ing the capacity of a capacitor, andsubclasses 109 and 111+ for electricmeters having capacitors.

327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Non-linear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, subclasses 509+ for miscellaneousexternal effect circuits.

332, Modulators, particularly subclasses136 and 175 for variable capacitorsused in a modulator.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-classes 500+ for condition responsivecircuits in communication systems.

281 Electrical:This subclass is indented under subclass 280.Subject matter in which the external conditionis electrical, as for example, changes in the sig-nal frequency.



282 Thermal:This subclass is indented under subclass 280.Subject matter in which the external conditionis a thermic condition.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, sub-

class 184 for an electric thermometerhaving a capacitive sensor.

283.1 Pressure:This subclass is indented under subclass 280.Subject matter in which the external conditionis a force per unit area.


715, 718, and 724 for capacitive fluidpressure gauge.

177, Weighing Scales, subclasses 210+ forcapacitor gauges.

381, Electrical Audio Signal ProcessingSystems and Devices, subclass 174for capacitive microphone.

283.2 By displacement of stylus or lever:This subclass is indented under subclass 283.1.Subject matter in which the pressure conditionis sensed by the change of position of amechanical element or linkage which transmitsforce to the capacitor.

283.3 By differential capacitor:This subclass is indented under subclass 283.1.Subject matter in which the pressure conditionis sensed by two similar sets of fixed plates andone set of movable plates so arranged thatwhen the movable plate is moved, the capaci-tance of one section is increased while thecapacitance of the other section is decreased.

283.4 By diaphragm:This subclass is indented under subclass 283.1.Subject matter in which the pressure conditionis sensed by a flexible wall or plate.

284 Liquid level:This subclass is indented under subclass 280.Subject matter wherein the capacitance variesin reaction to the height or level of a liquid.


304+ for capacitive liquid levelgauge.

285 Fluid flow:This subclass is indented under subclass 280.Subject matter in which the exterior conditionis the flow of a fluid.

286 Humidity:This subclass is indented under subclass 280.Subject matter in which the exterior conditionis the moisture content of the surroundingmedium.


subclasses 664+ for variable capaci-tors utilizing sensing elements respon-sive to moisture.

287 Mechanically variable:This subclass is indented under subclass 277.Subject matter in which the capacitance of thecapacitor is mechanically variable through theapplication of tangible physical means.


classes 10+ for the combination of acapacitor and a dial shaft operator,such as an operator which can quicklyset the capacitor into any one of a plu-rality of preselected positions.

288 Push button:This subclass is indented under subclass 287.Subject matter in which the mechanical move-ment is initiated by depressing a button.


Breakers, subclass 600 for a capaci-tive switch, absent circuitry.

307, Electrical Transmission or Intercon-nection Systems, subclasses 116+ fora capacitive device controlled switch-ing circuit.

341, Coded Data Generation or Conver-sion, subclass 33 for a capacitive key-board controlled code transmitter.



289 Motor driven:This subclass is indented under subclass 287.Subject matter in which the mechanical motionis generated by means for converting electro-magnetic energy to mechanical energy.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:363, Electric Power Conversion Systems,

appropriate subclasses, especiallysubclass 140 for this subject matterutilized in electricity conversion sys-tems.

290 By varying distance between electrodes: This subclass is indented under subclass 287.Subject matter having means to change theinterval between the electrode plates.

291 Compression type:This subclass is indented under subclass 290.Subject matter which is varied by means tosqueeze at least a portion of the electrode platescloser together.

292 By varying effective area of electrode: This subclass is indented under subclass 287.Subject matter having means to change thecapacitance of the capacitor by changing theeffective area of either the electrode plates orthe dielectric with respect to one another.

293 Disk trimmer:This subclass is indented under subclass 292.Subject matter having flat, disk or segmentshaped, adjoining electrode plates.

294 Direct travel piston type:This subclass is indented under subclass 292.Subject matter having a conductive piston-likeelectrode in a slidable engagement with adielectric cylinder, said cylinder being bandedby at least one other electrode.

295 Piston trimmer:This subclass is indented under subclass 292.Subject matter having a conductive piston-likeelectrode in a rotary screw engagement with adielectric for capacitance adjustment, also saiddielectric being banded by at least one otherelectrode.

296 Sliding plates:This subclass is indented under subclass 292.Subject matter having electrode plates whichvariably interleaf in a rectilinear manner.

297 Spiral or helical plates:This subclass is indented under subclass 292.Subject matter in which the electrode plates aremade in the forms or helixes or spirals whichvariably interleaf.

298.1 Rotary plates:This subclass is indented under subclass 292.Subject matter having electrode plates whichturn and variably interleaf in a circular ororbital path about a fixed axis.


subclasses 658+ for using capacitivetype measurement.

334, Tuners, subclasses 78+ for variablecapacitor tuner.

298.2 Details of plate feature:This subclass is indented under subclass 298.1.Subject matter wherein structural details of anelectrode plate are included.

298.3 Details of dielectric:This subclass is indented under subclass 298.1.Subject matter wherein details of the insulatingmedium are included.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:311+, for electrostatic capacitor.524, for solid electrolytic capacitor.

298.4 Details of electrical connecting means (e.g.,terminal or lead):This subclass is indented under subclass 298.1.Subject matter wherein structural details of anelectrical connector which facilitates connec-tion with another conductor such as a terminalor lead are included.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:299.2, for plural capacitor.306.1+, for fixed capacitor.520, for liquid electrolytic capacitor.538, for solid electrolytic capacitor.



298.5 With adjustment means:This subclass is indented under subclass 298.1.Subject matter including means such as a knobor lever to vary the effective area of electrodes.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:299.4, for rotary plates.

299.1 Plural capacitors:This subclass is indented under subclass 298.1.Subject matter consisting of more than onecapacitor.

(1) Note. The plural capacitors may, forexample, be ganged on a single shaft.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:328+, for multiple capacitor.522, for multiple liquid electrolytic capaci-

tor.541, for multiple solid electrolytic capaci-

tor.

299.2 Details of electrical connecting means (e.g.,terminal or lead):This subclass is indented under subclass 299.1.Subject matter wherein structural details of anelectrical connector which facilitates connec-tion with another conductor such as a terminalor lead are included.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:298.4, for rotary plate.306.1+, for fixed capacitor.520, for liquid electrolytic capacitor.538, for solid electrolytic capacitor.

299.3 Details of mounting means:This subclass is indented under subclass 299.1.Subject matter including details of means thatserve as a support, mount, or setting.

299.4 With adjustment means:This subclass is indented under subclass 299.1.Subject matter including means such as a knobor lever to vary the effective area of electrodes.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:298.5, for rotary plate adjustment means.

299.5 Details of insulator feature:This subclass is indented under subclass 299.1.Subject matter wherein details of a structuremade of a material of low electrical conductiv-ity designed for supporting a conductor, whilephysically and electrically separating it fromanother conductor, are included.

300 With controlling or indicating means: This subclass is indented under subclass 287.Subject matter combined with means for regu-lating or visibly registering the changes ofcapacitance.


classes 10+ for dial shaft operators,such as, for example, an operator forsetting a capacitor into any one of plu-ral preselected positions.

116, Signals, and Indicators, subclasses241+ and 284+ for miscellaneousindicators for indicating the positionof a variable capacitor.

301.1 Fixed capacitor:This subclass is indented under subclass 271.Subject matter wherein the capacitor has afixed value of capacitance (i.e., invariable).

(1) Note. While all fixed capacitors mayvary to some extent because of operatingconditions or the ambient atmosphere,they are still fixed capacitors.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:277+, for variable capacitors.

301.2 Special shape (e.g., “bypass” type):This subclass is indented under subclass 301.1.Subject matter wherein the physical shape ofthe capacitor is designed to conform to or fitthe physical shape of another electronic ele-ment or device.

301.3 Encapsulated:This subclass is indented under subclass 301.1.Subject matter wherein the capacitor is embed-ded, potted, or molded in a material.



SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:539, for potted casing of solid electrolytic

capacitor.


tors, subclass 521 for potted or encap-sulated housing.

301.4 Stack:This subclass is indented under subclass 301.1.Subject matter consisting of alternate conduct-ing and insulating planar sheets.

301.5 Wound:This subclass is indented under subclass 301.1.Subject matter wherein the capacitor is a spiralof alternate conducting and dielectric sheets.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:321.6, for tubular capacitor.511+, for liquid electrolytic capacitor.530+, for solid electrolytic capacitor.

302 Feed through:Subject matter under subclasses 301.1+wherein the capacitor is of tube or disc typeand has a lead through wire.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:307, for lead extending into body of capac-

itor.


tors, subclass 143 for bushing con-densers combined.

333, Waves Transmission Lines and Net-works, subclasses 167+ for filters ofRC type.

303 Significant electrode feature:Subject matter under subclasses 301.1+ withsignificant details of the capacitor electrodes.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:427, Coating Processes, subclasses 79+ for

processes of coating electrodes, uti-lized in making capacitors.

438, Semiconductor Device Manufactur-ing: Process, particularly subclasses386+ for methods of making a trenchcapacitor, subclasses 393+ for meth-ods of making a planar capacitor, andsubclasses 396+ for methods of mak-ing a stacked capacitor utilizing asemiconductor substrate.

304 Non-self-supporting electrodes:This subclass is indented under subclass 303.Subject matter wherein the electrode is non-self-supporting (e.g., metallized on a base orliquid electrode).

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:273, for metallized electrodes in self-heal-

ing capacitors.305, for metallized materials.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:106, Compositions: Coating or Plastic,

subclass 1.05 for metallizing compo-sitions, per se.

305 Material:This subclass is indented under subclass 303.Subject matter where significant details of theelectrode materials are involved.

(1) Note. The details of the materials can bealloys, mixtures or layers of conductivematerials. The mere inclusion of a singleconventional electrode material such asaluminum, tin or copper alone is not asignificant detail.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes,

Compositions for Use Therein, Con-solidated Metal Powder Composi-tions, and Loose Metal ParticulateMixtures, subclasses 122.1+ foralloys, per se.

252, Compositions, subclasses 512+ forelectrically conductive metal compo-sitions.

420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, alloys, per se.



306.1 Details of electrical connection means (e.g.,terminal or lead):This subclass is indented under subclass 301.1.Subject matter wherein structural details of anelectrical connector which facilitates connec-tion with another conductor such as a terminalor lead are included.

(1) Note. In some cases, the words terminaland lead are synonymous words mean-ing the same structure.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:298.4, for rotary plates capacitor.299.2, for plural capacitor.306.1+, for fixed capacitor.520, for liquid electrolytic capacitor.538, for solid electrolytic capacitor.


tors, subclasses 50+ for housing orbox terminals.

336, Inductor Devices, subclass 192 forinductor terminals.

338, Electrical Resistors, subclass 322 forresistor terminals.

427, Coating Processes, subclasses 79+ forprocesses of coating electrodes uti-lized in making capacitors.

439, Electrical Connectors, appropriatesubclasses for connectors, per se; sub-classes 607+ for condenser connectorhaving capacitive shield; and sub-classes 620.01-620.34 for filter con-nectors.

306.2 For decoupling type capacitor:This subclass is indented under subclass 306.1.Subject matter wherein the electrical connec-tion means is placed inside the capacitor to pre-vent unwanted, harmful interference from anexternal source.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:403, for printed circuit board mounting

pad.


tors, subclass 50 for flat housing forelectronic devices.

306.3 For multilayer capacitor:This subclass is indented under subclass 306.1.Subject matter wherein the electrical connec-tion means is associated with the capacitor con-sisting of a plurality of laminae with each ofthe laminae including a conductive plate por-tion and a nonconductive sheet portion.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:321.2, for multilayer ceramic capacitor.

307 Lead extends into body of capacitor: Subject matter under subclasses 306.1+wherein the lead extends into the body of thecapacitor (e.g., tab type).

(1) Note. For classification in this subclass,the lead must extend into the electricalportion of the capacitor. Extension of thelead into the case or housing alone is notstructure proper for this subclass.

308.1 Lead attached to edge of capacitor:Subject matter under subclasses 306.1+wherein the lead is physically attached to theedge or end portion of the capacitor electrodeof an extended foil-type capacitor.

(1) Note. An extended foil capacitor is acapacitor where the electrodes extendbeyond the dielectric for lead connec-tion.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:310, for the lead may be wrapped or

extended around the edge of thecapacitor.

308.2 Cap:This subclass is indented under subclass 308.1.Subject matter wherein the lead comprises acup-shaped element.



308.3 Wire:This subclass is indented under subclass 308.1.Subject matter wherein the lead comprises aslender, stringlike piece or filament of metal.

309 Metallized terminal:Subject matter under subclasses 308.1+wherein the terminal is a layer or layers formedby spraying, dipping, etc., conductive materialto form the terminal.

310 Lead extends around at least a portion ofcapacitor:Subject matter under subclasses 306.1+wherein the lead is wrapped or extends aroundthe capacitor (e.g., the metal case of the capaci-tor is a lead).

311 Solid dielectric:Subject matter under subclasses 301.1+wherein the capacitor has at least one soliddielectric.

(1) Note. The inclusion of an impregnant influid form combined with the soliddielectric is not excluded here.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:106, Compositions: Coating and Plastic,

appropriate subclasses for nonresin-ous electric insulating material.

252, Compositions, subclass 567 for a webor sheet impregnated with a desig-nated dielectric liquid.

427, Coating Processes, subclasses 79+ forprocesses of coating utilized in mak-ing capacitors.

438, Semiconductor Device Manufactur-ing: Process, particularly subclasses386+ for methods of making a trenchcapacitor, subclasses 393+ for meth-ods of making a planar capacitor, andsubclasses 396+ for methods of mak-ing a stacked capacitor utilizing asemiconductor substrate.

520, Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, for a solid dielectric composition con-taining a synthetic resin or naturalrubber.

312 Plural dielectrics:This subclass is indented under subclass 311.Subject matter where the solid dielectric iscombined with another separate and distinctdielectric either liquid, solid, or gas.

(1) Note. The separate dielectric may be adistinct portion of the same dielectric(e.g., plural layers of the same material).

313 Layered:This subclass is indented under subclass 312.Subject matter wherein the plural dielectricsare layered one upon the other.

(1) Note. Excluded are impregnated capaci-tors even though the impregnant isclaimed coated on the solid dielectric.Impregnated capacitors are in sub-classes 314+.

314 Impregnated:This subclass is indented under subclass 312.Subject matter wherein the additional dielectricis an impregnant.

(1) Note. An impregnant is a gas, liquid, orsolid that is placed into a capacitor to fillair voids.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:327, for liquid dielectrics.

315 With specific impregnant:This subclass is indented under subclass 314.Subject matter with a specific named impreg-nant.

316 Including wax:This subclass is indented under subclass 315.Subject matter wherein the specific impregnantincludes a wax.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:317, for wax containing halogen (e.g.,

halowax).

317 Including halogen (e.g., chlorinated): This subclass is indented under subclass 315.Subject matter wherein the impregnant is halo-gen containing (e.g., chlorinated diphenyl).



SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:252, Compositions, subclasses 570 and

581 for halogen containing dielec-trics.

318 With stabilizer or modifying substance: This subclass is indented under subclass 317.Subject matter wherein a stabilizer or modifieris added to the dielectric to improve operatingproperties of the capacitor.

(1) Note. A stabilizer is used, for example,to prevent oxidation or to scavengeextraneous products produced duringoperation (e.g., hydrogen chloride).

(2) Note. The stabilizer or modifying sub-stance may be added to the impregnantor the solid dielectric.

319 With stabilizer or modifying substance:This subclass is indented under subclass 314.Subject matter wherein a stabilizer or modifieris added to the dielectric to improve the operat-ing properties of the capacitor.

(1) Note. The stabilizer or modifier may be,for example, antioxidant or scavengerand be added to the impregnant or thesolid dielectric.

320 Ceramic and glass:This subclass is indented under subclass 312.Subject matter wherein the plural dielectric is aceramic and glass.

(1) Note. The ceramic is usually combinedin a glass matrix or the glass is used as abonding agent for the ceramic.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:501, Compositions: Ceramic, appropriate

subclasses for ceramic and glass com-positions.

321.1 Ceramic, glass, or oxide particles:This subclass is indented under subclass 311.Subject matter wherein the solid dielectric ismade of clay, frit, or a compound containingoxygen.

(1) Note. The terms glass, ceramic, oroxide, at times, are used synonymouslyin the art.

(2) Note. Also included are vitreous enam-els.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:501, Compositions: Ceramic, appropriate

subclasses for ceramic and glass com-positions.

321.2 With multilayer ceramic capacitor:This subclass is indented under subclass 321.1.Subject matter wherein the capacitor has sev-eral thin, parallel layers of ceramic, glass, oroxide particles each separating an opposingpair of electrode surfaces.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:306.3, for multilayer capacitor.

321.3 Including metallization coating:This subclass is indented under subclass 321.2.Subject matter including a thin film pattern ofconductive material on the dielectric to provideinterconnection of the capacitor components orto provide conductive contacts for interconnec-tions.

321.4 Composition:This subclass is indented under subclass 321.2.Subject matter wherein the material of the con-stituents of the dielectric is specified.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:321.5, for ceramic, glass, or oxide particles.

321.5 Composition:This subclass is indented under subclass 321.1.Subject matter wherein the material of the con-stituents of the dielectric is specified.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:321.4, for multilayer capacitor's ceramic,

glass, or oxide particles.



321.6 With tubular capacitor:This subclass is indented under subclass 321.1.Subject matter wherein the capacitor is shapedlike a hollow, elongated cylinder.

322 Oxide film:Subject matter under subclasses 321.1+wherein the dielectric is an oxide film on thecapacitor electrode.

(1) Note. The oxide film may have beenformed by oxidizing or anodizing theelectrode.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:205, Electrolysis: Processes, Composi-

tions Used Therein, and Methods ofPreparing the Compositions, sub-classes 80+ for anodized products andprocesses.

323 Plastic:This subclass is indented under subclass 311.Subject matter wherein the solid dielectric is asynthetic polymer (i.e., plastic), (e.g., polyeth-ylene, silicone, polypropylene).

324 Fibrous or fabric (e.g., paper, etc.): This subclass is indented under subclass 311.Subject matter wherein the solid dielectric is afibrous or fabric material (e.g., cellulosepaper).

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:323, for papers made of synthetic materials

(e.g., plastic).

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:162, Paper Making and Fiber Liberation,

subclass 138 for electrical insulatingpaper.

325 Mica:This subclass is indented under subclass 311.Subject matter wherein the solid dielectric ismica.

(1) Note. The mica may be a syntheticmaterial.

326 Vacuum or gas dielectric:Subject matter under subclasses 301.1+wherein the dielectric is a vacuum, or gas (e.g.,compressed air).

(1) Note. Excluded here are gas impreg-nants which are found in subclasses314+.

(2) Note. This subclass is exclusively forfixed capacitors as defined in subclasses301.1+ with gas dielectric. Usually thegas capacitor is in a sealed housing.

(3) Note. Gas by definition includes mix-tures of gas including the ambient air.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:279, for variable capacitors with gas or

vacuum dielectrics.



252, Compositions, subclass 571 for gas-eous dielectric compositions, per se.

327 Liquid dielectric:Subject matter under subclasses 301.1+wherein the dielectric is a liquid.

(1) Note. Excluded are impregnated capaci-tors which are found in subclass 314.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:252, Compositions, subclasses 570+ for

liquid dielectric and insulating com-positions.

328 Multiple capacitors:Subject matter under subclasses 301.1+wherein there are a plurality of capacitors.

(1) Note. The plurality of capacitors may bein a single package (e.g., roll).

(2) Note. Details of the capacitor must beincluded.



SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:271, for a fixed capacitor combined with a

variable capacitor.299.1+, for plural rotary capacitor.331, for mounted plural capacitors with no

significant capacitor structure.


tion Systems, subclass 364 for pluralimpedance systems.

329 Distinct physically:This subclass is indented under subclass 328.Subject matter wherein the capacitors are sepa-rate fixed capacitors.

(1) Note. The capacitors may be of the sametype.

330 Shared Electrode:This subclass is indented under subclass 328.Subject matter wherein the multiple capacitorsare formed with at least one shared electrodecommon to two other electrodes.

(1) Note. Also included in this class arefloat electrodes. A float electrode is anelectrode that is not connected to a leadbut is common to two other electrodes.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:272, and 275.1+, for complete search of

float electrodes.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:333, Wave Transmission Lines and Net-

works, subclass 24 for capacitive cou-pling networks.

434 Systems (e.g., plural cells, standby excitingvoltage):Subject matter under subclasses 500+ compris-ing an electrolytic system not otherwise classi-fied.

(1) Note. This subclass includes, for exam-ple, systems of plural cells arranged inseries or in parallel, or to cells havingplural electrodes, some of which are con-nected to a source of standby voltage

while others of which are connected tothe operating voltage.

(2) Note. The search should extend to theclass which relates to the environment inwhich the system might be found.

435 Current interruption type (e.g., circuitbreaker, D.C.-to-pulse converters):Subject matter under subclasses 500+ of thetype which is utilized for interrupting a circuit.

(1) Note. This subclass relates, for example,to electrolytic cells which interrupt thecurrent flow through them when itexceeds a predetermined maximum andto electrolytic cells which rapidly chop acurrent that passes through them.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:200, Electricity: Circuit makers and

Breakers, subclasses 196+, 200+, and205+ for fluid type periodic electricswitches.

307, Electrical Transmission or Intercon-nection Systems, subclass 132 forrepetitive make or break type ofswitching systems, some of whichmay utilize an electrolytic interrupter.

363, Electric Power Conversion Systems, appropriate subclasses for conversionsystems utilizing electrolytic typeinterrupters.

436 Rectifiers:Subject matter under subclasses 500+ for useas rectifiers.

437 MISCELLANEOUS:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter which is not provided forin any of the preceding subclasses of this class.

500 ELECTROLYTIC SYSTEMS ORDEVICES:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter wherein the conduction ofelectricity is accompanied by chemical action.

(1) Note. This and indented subclassesinclude for example, electrolytic con-densers, interrupters or rectifiers.



SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:122, for this subject matter when used as a

high voltage dissipator or lighteningarrester.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:29, Metal Working, subclasses 25.01+ for

the manufacture of the devices in thisand indented subclasses. Also, con-sult the search notes to subclasses25.01+ of Class 29 for a compilationof the classes that have related art.

136, Batteries: Thermoelectric and Photo-electric, appropriate subclasses forthis subject matter utilized to produceelectricity by electrochemical action.

174, Electricity: Conductors and Insula-tors, subclasses 50+ for boxes andhousings useful to encase the electro-lytic devices of this and indented sub-classes, and subclasses 140+ for thissubject matter combined with insula-tors so as to distribute the voltagestress on the insulator.

204, Chemistry: Electrical and WaveEnergy, subclasses 194+ for electro-lytic devices utilized to producechemical change, (e.g., electroplatingcells, etc.) and subclasses 400+ forelectrolytic analysis and testingdevices (e.g., pH cells, etc.).


252, Compositions, subclass 62.2 for elec-trolytic compositions for electricaldevices, and subclass 62.3 for barrierlayer device compositions.

314, Electric Lamp and DischargeDevices: Consumable Electrodes, subclass 132 for arc lamps havingelectrolytic resistance.

320, Electricity: Battery or CapacitorCharging or Discharging, appropriatesubclass for charging or dischargingan electrolytic capacitor or an electro-lytic cell.

322, Electricity: Single Generator Sys-tems, subclass 79 for the control ofthe generator circuit by the use ofelectrolytic impedances.

324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 425+ for electrolytic test-ing systems, (e.g., PH measuring sys-tems).

329, Demodulators and Detectors, sub-class 347 for electrolytic type demod-ulators or detectors.

338, Electrical Resistors, subclasses 80+for mechanically variable liquid resis-tors and subclass 222 for fixed valueliquid resistors.

363, Electricity Power Conversion Sys-tems, appropriate subclasses for recti-fying systems utilizing electrolyticrectifiers.

429, Chemistry: Electrical Current Pro-ducing Apparatus, Product, and Pro-cess, appropriate subclasses for bat-tery electrolytic compositions.

501 Coulometer (i.e., electrochemical timer):This subclass is indented under subclass 500.Subject matter including an electrolytic cell formeasuring a quantity of electricity by thechemical action produced.


subclasses 76.11+ for electricitymeter, particularly subclass 94 forelectrolytic device.

502 Double layer electrolytic capacitor:This subclass is indented under subclass 500.Subject matter including: 1. a pair of pasteelectrodes, 2. a separator which functions bothas an electronic insulator and a conductor, and3. an electrolyte disposed within the pores ofthe separator.

503 Liquid electrolytic capacitor:This subclass is indented under subclass 500.Subject matter including: 1. an anode, 2. acathode, 3. a separator or an insulator whichseparates the anode and the cathode, and 4. aliquid electrolyte.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:29, Metal Working, subclass 25.03 for the

method of making electrolytic-typedevice.



504 With significant electrolyte:This subclass is indented under subclass 503.Subject matter including significant chemicalcompositions.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:252, Compositions, subclasses 62.2+ for

the composition of electrolytes forelectrical condensers and rectifiers.

429, Chemistry: Electrical Current Pro-ducing Apparatus, Product, and Pro-cess, subclasses 188+ for battery elec-trolytes.

505 Salt solute:This subclass is indented under subclass 504.Subject matter including a salt material whichmixes with or dissolves in a solvent.

506 Ethylene glycol:This subclass is indented under subclass 504.Subject matter including an ethylene glycolmaterial which mixes with or dissolves in a sol-vent.

507 With depolarizer:This subclass is indented under subclass 504.Subject matter including a chemical used toprevent the formation of hydrogen bubbles atthe positive electrode.

(1) Note. A depolarizer is sued to improveconductivity.

508 Anode type electrode:This subclass is indented under subclass 503.Subject matter including a specific anode typeelectrode structure.

(1) Note. An electrolytic anode type elec-trode is an electrode at which negativeions are discharged, or positive ions areformed, or at which other oxidizing reac-tion occurs.

509 Aluminum or tantalum:This subclass is indented under subclass 508.Subject matter wherein the anode type elec-trode is made of aluminum or tantalum mate-rial.

510 Anode riser:This subclass is indented under subclass 508.Subject matter wherein significant details of ananode electrical connection means (e.g., termi-nal or lead) are disclosed.

511 Wound:This subclass is indented under subclass 508.Subject matter wherein the anode type elec-trode is made by winding foils together withdielectric material.

(1) Note. The anode type electrode is gener-ally in flat, rolled, wound or tubularshape.

512 With separator:This subclass is indented under subclass 511.Subject matter including at least one separatoror spacer between winding foil electrodes.

513 With mounting means (e.g., anchoringmeans or clamping):This subclass is indented under subclass 511.Subject matter wherein an anchoring means isused for securing the electrical componentswithin the capacitor housing to prevent relativemovement therebetween.


tors, subclasses 50.54+ for means formounting an electrical device to a boxor housing.

313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, subclasses 238+ for mounting theelectrodes of a lamp or electric spacedischarge device.

514 With heat conductor (e.g., heat sink):This subclass is indented under subclass 511.Subject matter including means to absorb ordissipate heat.

515 With common conductor (e.g., stripline):This subclass is indented under subclass 511.Subject matter wherein the wound anode typeelectrode has a common conductor or stripline.

(1) Note. A stripline is a form of terminal inwhich the ends of the devices windingare brought out to terminal strips



mounted integral with the device form orassembly.

516 Cathode type electrode (e.g., cathode cas-ing):This subclass is indented under subclass 503.Subject matter wherein a specific cathodestructure is disclosed.

(1) Note. An electrolytic cathode is an elec-trode at which positive ions are dis-charged, or negative ions are formed, orat which other reducing reaction occur.

(2) Note. Most of the electrolytic cathodesin this subclass are formed as outer cas-ing of the electrolytic capacitor assem-bly.

517 Casing:This subclass is indented under subclass 503.Subject matter including specific details of cas-ing which contains the liquid electrolyticcapacitor components.

518 With hermetic seal:This subclass is indented under subclass 517.Subject matter wherein the casing of liquidelectrolytic capacitor components is hermeti-cally sealed.


tors, subclasses 50+ for hermeticsealed envelope type.

519 With header, cover, or endseal:This subclass is indented under subclass 517.Subject matter wherein an open end of the elec-trolytic capacitor casing is closed by a header,cover, or endseal.


tors, subclass 559 for multipart hous-ing.

215, Bottles and Jars, subclasses 43+, 50+,and 200 for closures for bottles andjars.

220, Receptacles, subclasses 200+ for clo-sure for receptacles.

257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g.,Transistors, Solid-State Diodes),appropriate subclasses for activesolid-state semiconductor devices, perse, especially subclasses 678+ foractive solid- state device housings, ingeneral.

520 Significant electrical connection means (e.g.,terminals or leads):This subclass is indented under subclass 519.Subject matter wherein significant details ofelectrical connection means (e.g., terminals orleads) are disclosed.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:306.1+, for significant details of electrical ter-

minals or leads.


tors, subclasses 50.52+ for electricalterminals or leads.

521 With vent means:This subclass is indented under subclass 517.Subject matter including means to releaseexcess pressure occurring within the casing ofelectrolytic capacitor components.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:215, Bottles and Jars, subclasses 307+ for

venting bottles and jars.220, Receptacles, subclasses 367.1+ for

venting in closure.429, Chemistry: Electrical Current Pro-

ducing Apparatus, Product, and Pro-cess, subclasses 82+ venting struc-ture for batteries.

522 Multiple capacitors:This subclass is indented under subclass 503.Subject matter including two or more liquidelectrolytic capacitors.


variable capacitor.299.1+, for plural rotary capacitor.600, for mounted plural capacitor with no




523 Solid electrolytic capacitor (e.g., dry electro-lytic capacitor):This subclass is indented under subclass 500.Subject matter including capacitor in which adielectric is primarily an anodized coating onone electrode, with the remaining spacebetween the electrodes filled with a solid semi-conductor, or paste or gel.


method of making an electrolytic-typedevice.

524 Dielectric:This subclass is indented under subclass 523.Subject matter including specific details of thesolid dielectric material.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:311+, for solid dielectric of fixed capacitor.


method of making a solid dielectriccondenser.

525 With significant electrolyte or semiconduc-tor:This subclass is indented under subclass 523.Subject matter including specific details of thesolid electrolyte or the semiconductor material.

526 Paste or gel:This subclass is indented under subclass 525.Subject matter including an electrolyte whichis a colloidal solution of liquid in a solid.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave

Energy, subclass 414 for gel electro-lyte.

429, Chemistry: Electrical Current Pro-ducing Apparatus, Product, and Pro-cess, subclasses 134 and 300+ for gelelectrolyte.

516, Colloid Systems and Wetting Agents;Subcombinations Thereof; Processesof Making, Stabilizing, Breaking, orInhibiting, subclasses 98+ for colloidsystems of continuous or semicontin-uous solid phase with discontinuous

liquid phase (gels, pastes, flocs, coag-ulates) or agents for such systems ormaking or stabilizing such systems oragents, when generically claimed orwhen there is no hierarchically supe-rior provision in the USPC for thespecifically claimed art.

527 Organic salt (e.g., TCNQ):This subclass is indented under subclass 525.Subject matter wherein the solid electrolyte orsolid semiconductor material includes anorganic salt or TCNQ.

528 Anode type electrode:This subclass is indented under subclass 523.Subject matter including a specific anode typeelectrode structure.

529 Aluminum or tantalum:This subclass is indented under subclass 528.Subject matter wherein the anode type elec-trode is made of aluminum or tantalum mate-rial.

530 Wound:This subclass is indented under subclass 528.Subject matter wherein the anode type elec-trode is made by winding foils together withdielectric material.

(1) Note. The anode type electrode is gener-ally in flat, rolled, wound or tubularshape.

531 With lead conductor:This subclass is indented under subclass 530.Subject matter including a conductor for con-necting the wound electrode to external con-ductors.

532 Cathode type electrode:This subclass is indented under subclass 523.Subject matter wherein a specific cathodestructure is disclosed.

533 With significant lead:This subclass is indented under subclass 532.Subject matter wherein a specific conductorstructure for connecting the cathode to anexternal conductor is disclosed.



534 With protection means:This subclass is indented under subclass 523.Subject matter including means to safeguardagainst breakdown or short circuiting of thesolid electrolytic capacitor.

(1) Note. The protection means is an inte-gral part of the solid electrolytic capaci-tor structure and significant details of thestructure must be disclosed.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:272+, for protection or compensating means

for electrostatic capacitor.

535 Casing:This subclass is indented under subclass 523.Subject matter including specific details of thecasing which contains the solid electrolyticcapacitor components.

536 With hermetic seal:This subclass is indented under subclass 535.Subject matter wherein the casing is hermeti-cally sealed.


tors, subclasses 50+ for hermeticsealed enveloped type.

537 With header, cover, or endseal:This subclass is indented under subclass 535.Subject matter wherein an open end of the solidelectrolytic capacitor casing is closed by aheader, cover, or endseal.


tors, subclass 559 for multipart hous-ing.

215, Bottles and Jars, subclasses 43+, 50+,and 200 for closures for bottles andjars.

220, Receptacles, subclasses 200+ for clo-sure for receptacles.

257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g.,Transistors, Solid-State Diodes),appropriate subclasses for activesolid-state semiconductor devices, perse, especially subclasses 678+ foractive solid- state device housings, ingeneral.

538 Significant electrical connection means (e.g.,terminals or leads):This subclass is indented under subclass 537.Subject matter wherein significant details ofelectrical connection means (e.g., terminals orlead) are disclosed.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:306.1+, for significant details of electrical ter-

minals or leads.


tors, subclasses 50.52+ for electricalterminals or leads.

539 With potting:This subclass is indented under subclass 537.Subject matter wherein a space between thecasing and the electrolytic capacitor compo-nents is occupied by a solid or semisolid massof insulating material; or wherein the electro-lytic capacitor components directly encapsu-lated in a mass of insulating material in thecasing.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:600+, for plural components which are pot-

ted or encapsulated.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:29, Metal Working, subclasses 841 and

855+ for process of conductor or cir-cuit manufacturing involving encap-sulating or potting of electricalcomponents.

174, Electricity: Conductors and Insula-tors, subclass 521 for potting of elec-trical components, per se.

264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shap-ing or Treating: Processes, sub-classes 272.11+ for processes ofencapsulating electrical components.



336, Inductor Devices, subclass 96 for pot-ted inductor devices wherein somesignificant details of the inductordevice is claimed.

338, Electrical Resistors, subclass 269 and275 for resistors with molded casingsor housings.

540 With terminal:This subclass is indented under subclass 523.Subject matter wherein a specific conductorstructure for connecting the solid electrolyticcapacitor to external conductors is disclosed.

541 Multiple capacitors:This subclass is indented under subclass 523.Subject matter including two or more liquidelectrolytic capacitors.


variable capacitor.299.1+, for plural rotary capacitor.600, for mounted plural capacitor with no


600 HOUSING OR MOUNTING ASSEM-BLIES WITH DIVERSE ELECTRICALCOMPONENTS:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter comprising (a) housings,boxes, panels, or mounting arrangements withan electrical device, multiple electrical devices,or diverse electrical components or (b) housingor mounting arrangements with keyboards,CRTs, disk drive units, displays, or computerrelated equipment which inherently havediverse electrical components.

(1) Note. This subclass includes electricalhousing or mounting assemblies wherethe combination is not provided for inany other class or in any other subclassin this class.

(2) Note. Nominal recitation of devices inconjunction with housings or mountingarrangements, without device structuraldetails, are classified in this class.

(3) Note. Housing or mounting assembliesin combination with structural details,functional details, or equipment descrip-

tions, of a particular art device, are clas-sified with the art device.

(4) Note. Support equipment or housingsfor computer and computer relatedequipment will be classified in this class,if nominal recitation of the computer orcomputer related equipment is recitedwith no data processing or calculatingprocedures.

(5) Note. The term “computer means” or“data processing means” will be under-stood as nominal recitation wheneverclaims do not recite details for calculat-ing or data processing.

(6) Note. Computer related equipment com-prises memory unit or equipment, dataprocessors, data input/output control-lers, data input/output units, and arith-metic units.

(7) Note. Support equipment or housingsfor disk drives, keyboards, display units,and CRTs without particular equipmentdescription or functional detail for a diskdrive, keyboard, display unit, or CRT,will be classified in this class.

(8) Note. Housings with printed circuit anddiverse electrical components or devicesare classified in this class.

(9) Note. Recitations drawn to integratedcircuitry, semiconductor device or pack-age, silicon chip, hybrid device, pellet,disk type device, flip chip, etc., withoutstructural or functional limitations defin-ing topology or details of the semicon-ductor devices will be treated as diversecomponents and are classified in thisclass.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:115+, for specific circuit breaker structure

with protection and safety system ordevice.

142, for electromagnetic control circuitdevices including housing.



SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:33, Geometrical Instruments, subclasses

568+ for gauge work support adjust-ment, subclass 572 for gauge probesupport, and subclass 573 for gaugework support.

73, Measuring and Testing, subclass 756for fluid pressure gauge mounting andconnection.

84, Music, appropriate subclasses formusical instrument(s) with cases orsupports. For instrument supports ofgeneral application not claimed incombination with musical instrumentsor structurally limited to use with spe-cific musical instruments, see Class248, Supports, appropriate subclasses.

174, Electricity: Conductors and Insula-tors, subclasses 50+ for boxes andhousings with insulator or conductorstructure, subclasses 250+ for printedcircuits, per se, and subclass 260 forprinted circuit(s) with one componentor plural same components. A printedcircuit with diverse components isclassified in Class 361, appropriatesubclass.

181, Acoustics, subclasses 148+ for dia-phragm and enclosure, subclasses171+ for diaphragm mounting or sus-pension means, and subclasses 198+for housing or enclosure of mechani-cal sound-modifying means.

200, Electricity: Circuit Makers andBreakers, subclasses 5+ for similartype switches arranged in keyboardmanner. Class 200 is the generic classfor devices having structural detail ofclosing or opening electrical circuits.Arrangement of circuit breakers,mounting of circuit breakers, or hous-ing of circuit breakers are classified inClass 361, subclasses 600+.

211, Supports: Racks, subclasses 71.01+for receptacle support type racks.

219, Electric Heating, appropriate sub-classes for heater-unit with housing,casing, or support means.

220, Receptacles, subclass 3.9 for outlet orjunction box type receptacle with sup-port.

235, Registers, subclass 145 for supportequipment and housings for key-

boards comprising those portions ofregisters, usually manually actuated,including key, shift keys, space bars,etc., which control and initiate theaction of the calculating machine todetermine what numbers shall beintroduced and how. Also to controlsubsidiary operation of the machine.

248, Supports, subclasses 637+ formachinery support excluding machin-ery structure. If machinery is recited,supports are classified with the artdevice.

250, Radiant Energy, subclass 239 for pho-tocell (circuits and apparatus) hous-ings, subclasses 453.1+ fornonsignalling objects of irradiationsupports and subclass 522.1 for radia-tion source supports.

257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g.,Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), sub-classes 678+ for housing with detailsto specific materials, construction ortopology of a semiconductor device,or integrated circuits such as barrierlayer structure, specific semiconduc-tor contact arrangements and P/Njunctions, and subclasses 701+ forinsulating support details in combina-tion with semiconductor device spe-cifics. Class 257 also provides forhousings wherein (a) the housing isfor an active solid state device, detailsof which are positively recited in theclaims, or (b) wherein the recitedhousing is necessary to make a usableactive solid state device whether theactive solid state device is recitednominally or in detail. Otherwise,housing with nominally recited activesolid state active device will be classi-fied in Class 361. Claims that containonly nominal recitations of integratedcircuitry, semiconductor devices orpackages, silicon chips, hybriddevices, pellets, disk type devices, flipchip bonds, etc., with no significantstructural or functional details will beclassified in Class 361. If a claimrecites significant details of activesemiconductor devices; e.g., specificmaterials, topological details, specificcontacts, junctions, etc., along with ahousing assembly, in general, the



claims will be properly classified inClass 257. If significant contactstructure of an active semiconductordevice is recited, it will be classifiedin Class 257.

307, Electrical Transmission or Intercon-nection Systems, subclasses 9.1+ forvehicle mounted systems and sub-classes 147+ for conductor arrange-ments or structure.

310, Electrical Generator or Motor Struc-ture, subclass 42 for rotary dynamo-electric machinery with assembling,metal casting, or machining feature;subclass 89 for housings, windows, orcovers of rotary dynamoelectricmachinery having mechanical shieldsor protectors; and subclasses 348+ fornon-dynamoelectric piezoelectric ele-ments and devices with mounting orsupport means.

312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, appro-priate subclasses for supports or cabi-net with nonreceptacle feature (e.g.,door, shelf, or partition); subclass 7.1for enclosures or cabinets withoutradio and television devices, per se;and subclass 20 for picture machine orfilm type device supports. Radio andtelevision mount including electricalstructure are classified in Classes 455and 358, respectively.

313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, subclasses 364+ for support equip-ment and housings with CRTs havingstructural or functional CRT detail.

314, Electric Lamp and DischargeDevices: Consumable Electrodes, subclasses 130+ for electric lamp anddischarge devices (consumable elec-trodes) frames and electrode supports.

318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, subclass 17 for portable-mountedmotor and/or portable-mounted elec-trical motive power systems.

322, Electricity: Single Generator Sys-tems, subclass 1 for a portablemounted single generator system.

331, Oscillators, subclasses 68+ for oscil-lators with outer casing or housing.

334, Tuners, subclass 85 for tuners withshielding or housing means.

336, Inductor Devices, subclasses 65+ forinductor devices with mounting or

supporting means, subclasses 90+ forinductors with outer casing or hous-ing, subclass 195 for coil supportedwithin grooved or hollow coil conduc-tor of another coil, and subclasses199+ for coil or coil turn supports.

337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Ther-mally Actuated Switches, subclass 34for electrothermally actuated switcheswith space discharge having housingsor support means and subclasses 112+for electrothermally actuated switcheshousing or support means.

338, Electrical Resistors, subclasses 315+for resistor with mounting or supportmeans.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-class 391 for audible diaphragm withsupports; subclasses 700+ for (a) sup-port equipment and housings withselectable display units having struc-tural display unit detail or (b) supportequipment and housings with key-boards in conjunction with CRTs orselectable display units having struc-tural detail of keyboard, CRT or dis-play unit; subclass 814.14 for visualindicator (switchboard or panel typehousings); and subclasses 815.15+ forvisual indicator with lamp enclosed inhousing.

341, Coded Data Generation or Conver-sion, subclasses 20+ for supportequipment and housings with key-boards having a control elementwhich an operator physically contactsto control the transmission or genera-tion of a coded set of pulses.

342, Communications: Directive RadioWave Systems and Devices (e.g.,Radar, Radio Navigation), appropri-ate subclass for housing or support ofdirective radio wave system havingdirective radio wave structural details.

343, Communications: Radio WaveAntennas, subclass 702 for antennawith radio cabinet; subclasses 872+for antenna with housing or protectivecovering; and subclasses 878+ forantenna with support for antenna,reflector or director.

346, Recorders, subclass 41 for recorderwith case cover, case cover key, orkeyhole cover; subclass 144 for



watchman's or workman's key enclos-ing box; and subclass 145 for recorderwith instrument support.

348, Television, subclasses 273+ for atelevision camera with housing orsupport and subclasses 787+, 789, and836+ for a television projection or dis-play device with cabinet or chassisstructure. Television cabinet with noelectrical limitation is classifierd inClass 312, subclass 7.2.

351, Optics: Eye Examining, Vision Test-ing and Correcting, appropriate sub-class for rim mounts, semi-rimmounts, rimless mounting supports,and eye testing instrument supports.

352, Optics: Motion Pictures, subclasses34+ for motion pictures (having soundaccompaniment) with houses and sup-ports, subclass 197 for camera and/orprojector drive mechanisms with sup-porting structure, subclass 231 formotion picture gates with lens mount-ing, subclass 242 for motion picturewith housing, and subclass 243 formotion picture with support.

353, Optics: Image Projectors, appropri-ate subclass for image projectors withcase, cabinet, or housing.

355, Photocopying, subclasses 122+ forphotocopying frames.

356, Optics: Measuring and Testing, sub-classes 244+ for optical measuringand testing holder or support.

359, Optical: Systems and Elements,appropriate subclass for optic systemor element having supporting, mount-ing, or enclosing. House or supportfor diverse electrical components andoptical components will be classifiedin Class 359, appropriate subclass.

360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Stor-age or Retrieval, subclass 86 for sup-port equipment and housing of diskrecord having record transport withhead moving during transducing andstructural details of disk record, sub-classes 97.01+ for support equipmentand housing of disk record havingrecord transport with head stationaryduring transducing and structuraldetails of disk record, subclasses 104+for recorder head mounting, and sub-

class 129 for recorder head accessoryhousing.

362, Illumination, appropriate subclass forlight source with support, holder, cas-ing, or housing.

363, Electric Power Conversion Systems, subclasses 144+ for current conver-sion system with conductive supportmounting and subclass 146 for currentconversion system encased in lughousing.

365, Static Information Storage andRetrieval, appropriate subclass forsupport equipment and houses withstatic memory having structuraldetails of memory.

367, Communications, Electrical: Acous-tic Wave Systems and Devices, sub-class 173 for underwater signal trans-ducer with support and subclass 188for signal transducer receiver withcasing or housing.

368, Horology: Time Measuring Systemsor Devices, subclass 88 for chrono-logical device with casing or mountand subclasses 276+ for time measur-ing device with cases.

369, Dynamic information Storage orRetrieval, subclass 6 for storage orretrieval device having structuraldetails combined with radio, includ-ing cabinet details, and subclasses75.1+ for storage or retrieval devicehaving storage or retrieval structuraldetails with particular cabinet struc-ture.

372, Coherent Light Generators, subclass107 for resonant cavity with mirrorsupport.

373, Industrial Electric Heating Furnaces, subclasses 128+ for resistance furnacedevice with mount.

374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, sub-classes 208+ for thermal measuringand testing device with housing orsupport.

378, X-Ray or Gamma Ray Systems orDevices, subclasses 193+ for X-ray orgamma ray with source supports.

379, Telephonic Communications, sub-classes 325+ for telephonic central-ized switching system with housing,subclasses 428+ for telephone termi-nal with housing and subclasses 454+



for telephone terminal with accessoryor auxiliary equipment with supportor stand.

380, Cryptography, subclasses 52+ forelectrical signal modification devicewith support or housing.

381, Electrical Audio Signal ProcessingSystems and Devices, subclasses322+ for electrical hearing aids withcasing or housing, subclasses 361+for microphone with mounting or sup-port feature, subclasses 386+ for elec-tro-acoustic audio transducer withmount or support feature, and sub-classes 386+ for electro-acoustictransducer with mount.

396, Photography, appropriate subclassesfor photographic support, mount, rest,or housing.

439, Electrical Connectors, subclass 2 forinterrelated connectors relativelymovable during use having antivibra-tion mounting and subclasses 278+for connector having resilient hous-ing. Connector in conjunction withdiverse electrical components areclassified in Class 361. See Class 439Definition, section VI. Index andMiscellaneous Class Notes for linebetween Class 174 and Class 439.

455, Telecommunications, subclass 90.3for transceiver with housing or sup-port, subclass 128 for transmitter withcasing or housing, subclasses 347-351for receiver or frequency converterwith cabinet, housing, or chassisstructure, and subclasses 575.1-575.9for radiotelephone transceiver hous-ing or support.

700, Data Processing: Generic ControlSystems or Specific Applications, appropriate subclasses.

701, Data Processing: Vehicles, Naviga-tion, and Relative Location, appropri-ate subclasses.

702, Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrat-ing, or Testing, appropriate sub-classes.

703, Data Processing: Structural Design,Modeling, Simulation, and Emula-tion, appropriate subclasses.

704, Data Processing: Speech Signal Pro-cessing, Linguistics, Language Trans-

lation, and Audio Compression/Decompression, appropriate sub-classes.

705, Data Processing: Financial, BusinessPractice, Management, or Cost/PriceDetermination, appropriate sub-classes.

706, Data Processing: Artificial Intelli-gence, appropriate subclasses.

707, Data Processing: Database and FileManagement, Data Structures, orDocument Processing, appropriatesubclasses.

708, Electrical Computers: Arithmetic Pro-cessing and Calculating, appropriatesubclasses.

709, Electrical Computers and Digital Pro-cessing Systems: Multiple Computeror Process Coordinating, appropriatesubclasses.

710, Electrical Computers and Digital DataProcessing Systems: Input/Output, appropriate subclasses.

711, Electrical Computers and Digital Pro-cessing Systems: Memory, appropri-ate subclasses.

712, Electrical Computers and Digital Pro-cessing Systems: Processing Archi-tectures and Instruction Processing(e.g., Processors), appropriate sub-classes.

713, Electrical Computers and Digital Pro-cessing Systems: Support, appropri-ate subclasses.

714, Error Detection/Correction and FaultDetection/Recovery, appropriate sub-classes.

716, Data Processing: Design and Analysisof Circuit or Semiconductor Mask, appropriate subclasses.

717, Data Processing: Software Develop-ment, Installation, and Management, appropriate subclasses.

601 For electrical power distribution systemsand devices:This subclass is indented under subclass 600.Subject matter comprising a structural mount-ing arrangement for electrical components thatdivide and deliver electric energy among sev-eral electrical devices.




tors, appropriate subclasses for hightension conductor and insulatorarrangements.

307, Electrical Transmission or Intercon-nection Systems, appropriate sub-class for electrical interconnectionsystems.

602 Distribution station (i.e., substation):This subclass is indented under subclass 601.Subject matter comprising a building or an out-door location having plural distribution unitsthat transform, convert, or control electricenergy in a power system.

(1) Note. Outdoor stations may be above orbelow ground level.


tors, appropriate subclass for high ten-sion conductor and insulator arrange-ments.

603 Having transformer:This subclass is indented under subclass 602.Subject matter wherein the distribution station(substation) includes an electrical device whichchanges voltage in direct proportion to thenumber of turns of its primary and secondarywindings.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:620, for electrical switchgear housings or

mounting assembly with transformer.623, for electrical power distribution sys-

tems housings and mounting assem-blies with distribution or control unitcombined with a transformer.

663, for electrical service meter housing ormounting assembly with transformer.

836, for electrical housing and mountingassembly with transformer.

604 Gas insulated:This subclass is indented under subclass 602.Subject matter wherein the distribution unitsare separated from conducting bodies by meansof a fluid that has neither independent shapenor volume, but tends to expand indefinitely.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:612, for electrical power switchgear hous-

ings and mounting assemblies withgas insulated busbar arrangements.

605 Electrical switchgear:This subclass is indented under subclass 601.Subject matter comprising an aggregate ofswitching facilities for a power station or trans-forming station.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:828, for switch or switchboard associated

with wire distribution means.832, for switch or switchboard associated

with frame.


Breakers, appropriate subclass for cir-cuit breaker structure, per se.

335, Electricity: Magnetically OperatedSwitches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, appropriate subclass for electro-magnetic circuit breakers.

337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Ther-mally Actuated Switches, appropriatesubclass for thermally actuated circuitbreakers.

606 Truck type:This subclass is indented under subclass 605.Subject matter wherein the switchgear com-prises heavy duty draw-out apparatus carriedby a carriage with wheels.

607 With interlock:This subclass is indented under subclass 606.Subject matter wherein a mechanism is pro-vided for (a) governing or controlling an opera-tion of a switch or (b) controlling insertion orwithdrawal of a draw-out carriage.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:609, for interlock means in drawer-type

switchgear.615, for interlock in electrical switchgear,

per se.




Breakers, subclasses 50.01+ for inter-locking, per se.

608 Drawer type:This subclass is indented under subclass 605.Subject matter wherein the switchgear com-prises components on a sliding box or recepta-cle that is opened by pulling out and closed bypushing in, combined with an enclosure.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:725, for cabinet-type housings with remov-

able chassis.730, for modules in a housing.

609 With interlock:This subclass is indented under subclass 608.Subject matter wherein a mechanism is pro-vided for (a) governing or controlling an opera-tion of switch or (b) controlling insertion orwithdrawal of the drawer.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:607, for interlock means in truck-type

switchgear.615, for interlock in electrical switchgear,

per se.


Breakers, subclasses 50.17+ for draw-out type switchgear with an interlockmeans between the cover and theswitch.

610 Pivoted support means:This subclass is indented under subclass 605.Subject matter wherein the switchgear compo-nents are located on support or holding meansthat contain a shaft or pin which allows switch-gear components to turn.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:439, Electrical Connectors, subclass 261

for connector having coupling partwith actuating means urging contactto move laterally with respect to restof coupling part and toward matingport combined with pivotable means.

611 Busbar arrangements:This subclass is indented under subclass 605.Subject matter wherein heavy copper straps orbars are used (a) to carry high currents or (b) tomake a common connection between severalcircuits having specific structural order or rela-tionship.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:624, for distribution or control unit housing

or mounting assembly with busbars.637, for busbar arrangements on panel

boards.648, for busbar arrangements on panel

boards in distribution boxes.


tors, appropriate subclass for busbararrangements, per se.

612 Gas insulated:This subclass is indented under subclass 611.Subject matter wherein a composition prima-rily adapted for preventing the flow of electric-ity through busbars is a fluid that has neitherindependent shape nor volume, but tends toexpand indefinitely.

613 Liquid insulated:This subclass is indented under subclass 611.Subject matter wherein a composition prima-rily adapted for preventing a transfer of elec-tricity through busbars is a fluid characterizedby free movement of the constituent moleculesamong themselves, but without the tendency toseparate.

614 With plural removable control units in hous-ing:This subclass is indented under subclass 611.Subject matter wherein the busbars are locatedin an enclosure which contains several separa-ble units that divide and deliver electric energyamong other electrical devices.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:648, for busbar arrangements on panel

boards in distribution boxes.



SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, appro-

priate subclass for cabinet housings,per se.

615 With interlock:This subclass is indented under subclass 605.Subject matter wherein the switchgear containsmeans for either preventing operation of aswitch or for preventing movement of particu-lar switch elements on their associated sup-ports.

(1) Note. As an example, the switch operat-ing handle might be latched in the offposition until the switch unit is fullyinserted on its housing.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:607, for interlock means in truck-type

switchgear.609, for interlock means in drawer-type

switchgear.


Breakers, subclasses 42.01+ and43.01+ for switches with unautho-rized use prevention means and sub-classes 50.17+ for switchgear withswitch interlock mechanisms.

616 Door or cover type:This subclass is indented under subclass 615.Subject matter wherein the interlock means isactuated or controlled by a swinging or slidingbarrier of the switchgear.


Breakers, subclasses 50.17+ for draw-out switchgear with cover and switchinterlock means.

617 Shutter type:This subclass is indented under subclass 615.Subject matter wherein the interlock means isin the form of a sliding guard or shutter whichphysically closes off connecting apertures tothe switchgear contacts.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:607, for draw-out type interlocks which

comprise shutters.

618 Gas insulated:This subclass is indented under subclass 605.Subject matter wherein an electrical switchgearmaterial that prevents possible future contact ofadjacent conductors resulting in a short circuitis a fluid having neither independent shape norvolume but tending to expand indefinitely.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:604, for distribution station housing or

mounting assemblies with gas insu-lated switches.

619, for electrical switchgear housing ormounting assembly with gas insulatedcircuit breaker.

619 Having gas circuit breaker:This subclass is indented under subclass 605.Subject matter wherein the electrical switch-gear comprises circuit interrupting deviceshaving surfaces separated by a fluid havingneither independent shape nor volume, buttending to spread out and occupy the entireenclosure in which it is placed.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:618, for electrical switchgear housing or

mounting assembly with gas insulatedswitchgear.

620 Having transformer:This subclass is indented under subclass 605.Subject matter wherein the electrical switch-gear is combined with an electrical devicewhich changes voltage in direct proportion tothe ratio of the number of turns of its primaryand secondary windings.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:603, for electrical power distribution sta-

tion housings having a transformer.623, for distribution or control unit hous-

ings or mounting assemblies withtransformer.




836, for electrical housing or mountingassembly with transformer.


class for transformer, per se.

621 Having isolating switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 605.Subject matter wherein the electrical switch-gear comprises a device intended to separate anelectric circuit from the power source with nointerrupting rating and intended to be operatedonly after the circuit has been opened by someother means.

622 Distribution or control unit:This subclass is indented under subclass 601.Subject matter wherein components that divideand deliver electric energy among several elec-trical devices are mounted on or in a supportunit with an enclosure.

623 Having transformer:This subclass is indented under subclass 622.Subject matter wherein the distribution or con-trol unit is combined with an electrical devicewhich changes voltage in direct proportion tothe ratio of the number of turns of its primaryand secondary windings.


tion housing with transformer.620, for electrical switchgear housings or

mounting assembly with transformer.663, for electrical service meter housing or

mounting assembly with transformer.836, for electrical housing or mounting

assembly with transformer.


class for transformer.

624 Having busbar arrangement:This subclass is indented under subclass 622.Subject matter wherein the distribution or con-trol unit contains heavy copper straps or barsused (a) to carry high currents or (b) to make a

common connection between several circuitswith specific relationship or order.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:611, for electrical switchgear housings or

mounting assemblies with busbararrangements.

637, for busbar arrangements on panelboards.

648, for busbar arrangements on panelboards in distribution boxes.


tors, appropriate subclass for busbararrangements, per se.

625 Portable:This subclass is indented under subclass 622.Subject matter wherein the distribution or con-trol unit is capable of being easily carried ormoved about.

626 Having fuse or relay:This subclass is indented under subclass 622.Subject matter wherein the distribution or con-trol unit contains a protective device, usually ashort piece of wire, but sometimes a chemicalcompound, that melts and breaks the circuitwhen a current exceeds a rated value or anelectromechanical device in which contacts areopened and/or closed by a variation in condi-tion of one electric circuit and thereby affect anoperation of other devices in same or otherelectric circuits.

627 Distribution or control panel board:This subclass is indented under subclass 601.Subject matter comprising a mounting plate ofmetal or insulation for mounting electricalpower distribution or control devices and hav-ing no enclosure.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:644+, for panel boards which are mounted in

an electrical service or distributionbox.

748+, for printed circuits with diverse com-ponents.



628 With switches and fuses:This subclass is indented under subclass 627.Subject matter wherein the panel mounted dis-tribution or control board comprises (a)mechanical or electrical devices that completeor break the path of current or send a currentover a different path and (b) protective devices,usually short pieces of wire but sometimeschemical compounds, that melt and break a cir-cuit when a current exceeds a rated value.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:646, for panel mounted fuses and/or manu-

ally operated switches which aremounted in an electrical service ordistribution box.

828, for a switch associated with a wiredistribution means.

832, for a switch associated with a frame.


Breakers, subclasses 237+ for switchstructure, per se.

337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Ther-mally Actuated Switches, subclass 4for fuse structure, per se, and sub-classes 8+ for a fusible element with amanually operated switching device.

629 Unit block:This subclass is indented under subclass 628.Subject matter wherein the fuses or switchesare packaged in separate support sets and thedimension for each support set is the same.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:646, for a panel mounted fuse support

means that is mounted in an electricalservice or distribution box.

647, for a panel mounted switch supportmeans that is mounted in an electricalservice or distribution box.

833+, for fuse blocks of unit construction.

630 With fuses:This subclass is indented under subclass 627.Subject matter wherein the panel mounted dis-tribution or control board comprises protectivedevices, usually short pieces of wire but some-times chemical compounds, that melt and

break a circuit when a current exceeds a ratedvalue.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:628+, for panel mounted switches and fuses.646, for panel mounted fuse support means

mounted in an electrical service ordistribution box.



mally Actuated Switches, subclass 4for fuse structure, per se.

631 With switches:This subclass is indented under subclass 627.Subject matter wherein the panel mounted dis-tribution or control board comprises manuallyoperated mechanical or electrical devices thatcomplete or break a path of current or send itover a different path.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:628+, for panel mounted switches and fuses.647, for panel mounted fuse switch support

means mounted in an electrical ser-vice or distribution box.


Breakers, subclasses 237+ for elec-tric switch structure details, per se.

632 With switch actuating arrangements:This subclass is indented under subclass 631.Subject matter wherein a toggle or spring isprovided to move the switch.

633 Plugboards:This subclass is indented under subclass 627.Subject matter wherein the panel board is pro-vided with a plurality of conductors or busbarsthat are connected together by use of remov-able plug-like members.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:652, for circuit breaker arrangements

housed in an electrical distributionbox.

673, for circuit breaker supports, per se.



SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:379, Telephonic Communications, sub-

class 332 for telephone centralizedswitching system including plug andsocket.

439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses 43+for plugboard structure, per se.

634 With circuit breaker arrangements:This subclass is indented under subclass 627.Subject matter comprising a sequence or rela-tionship of electromechanical circuit interrupt-ing devices having separable contacts on thepanel board.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:652+, for circuit breaker arrangement in a

service distribution box.673, for circuit breaker supports, per se.

635 With discriminating means:This subclass is indented under subclass 634.Subject matter wherein the circuit breakerarrangement comprises structure which pre-vents free-interchange ability of different sizecircuit breakers.

(1) Note. This is commonly done by circuitbreaker projections which can beinserted only into selected board aper-tures.

636 Plug-in or removable:This subclass is indented under subclass 634.Subject matter wherein the circuit breakers canbe easily installed or removed from supportequipment.

(1) Note. Plug-in connections can be com-pleted through pins, plugs, jacks, sock-ets, receptacles, or other readyconnectors.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:640, for distribution or control panel board

with busbar or conductor arrange-ments and having removable or plug-in connector.

656, for electric service distribution boxincluding panel board with plug-incircuit breakers.

637 Busbar or conductor arrangements:This subclass is indented under subclass 627.Subject matter wherein the distribution or con-trol panel board comprises specific supportstructure for heavy copper straps or bars used(a) to carry high currents or (b) to make com-mon connections between several circuits.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:611, for busbar arrangements in electrical

switchgear.624, for distribution or control unit housing

or mounting assembly with busbararrangement.

648, for busbar arrangement in a distribu-tion box.


tors, appropriate subclass for busbarsupports, per se.

638 U-shaped member:This subclass is indented under subclass 637.Subject matter wherein the busbar arrangementis (a) configured like a letter U or (b) connectedto a member configured like a letter U or (c)supported by a member configured like a letterU.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:649, for electric service distribution panel

board with busbar arrangement andhaving a U-shaped member.

639 With horizontal busbar:This subclass is indented under subclass 637.Subject matter wherein a heavy copper strap orbar used to carry high currents is parallel to thepanel board base structure.

640 With removable or plug-in connection:This subclass is indented under subclass 637.Subject matter wherein electrical devices canbe easily installed or removed from supportequipment.





with circuit breaker arrangements andhaving plug-in or removable circuitbreakers.

656, for electric service distribution boxincluding panel board with plug-incircuit-breakers.

641 Electric service distribution box:This subclass is indented under subclass 601.Subject matter comprising a housing for lowvoltage switching and power regulation.

(1) Note. The housing is usually a rectangu-lar box with a hinged door adapted to bemounted on or in a wall.


tors, subclasses 50 through 64 forhousing with electric apparatus hav-ing no specific art limitations.

220, Receptacles, appropriate subclass formetal containers, per se.

642 With fuse:This subclass is indented under subclass 641.Subject matter wherein the electric service dis-tribution box contains a protective device, usu-ally a short piece of wire but sometimes achemical compound, which melts and breaks acircuit when a current exceeds a rated value.

643 With switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 641.Subject matter wherein the housing contains amechanical or electrical device that completesor breaks the path of current or sends the cur-rent over a different path.

644 Including panel board:This subclass is indented under subclass 641.Subject matter wherein the housing includes amounted plate of metal or insulation for a con-trol of other parts of electrical equipment.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:627+, for distribution or control panel

boards.

645 Adjustable panel:This subclass is indented under subclass 644.Subject matter wherein means are provided tomodify a position of the panel within the hous-ing.

646 With fuse support means:This subclass is indented under subclass 644.Subject matter wherein the panel board hasstructure capable of supporting a protectivedevice, usually a short piece of wire but some-times a chemical compound, which melts andbreaks a circuit when a current exceeds a ratedvalue.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:630, for panel mounted fuses, per se.642, for electric service distribution boxes

with a fuse.

647 With switch support means:This subclass is indented under subclass 644.Subject matter wherein the panel board hasstructure capable of supporting a mechanical orelectrical device that completes or breaks apath of current or sends it over a different path.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:631, for panel mounted switches, per se.643, for electric service distribution boxes

with switch.

648 Busbar arrangements:This subclass is indented under subclass 644.Subject matter wherein the panel supports spe-cific structure for a heavy copper strap or barused (a) to carry high currents or (b) to make acommon connection between several circuits.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:611, for busbar arrangements in electrical

switchgear.624, for enclosed distribution or control

unit housing or mounting assemblywith busbars.

637, for panel boards with no enclosurecontaining busbars.




tors, appropriate subclass for busbarsupporting arrangements, per se.

649 U-shaped member:This subclass is indented under subclass 648.Subject matter wherein the busbar is (a) config-ured like a letter U or (b) connected to a mem-ber configured like a letter U or (c) supportedby a member configured like a letter U.


with busbar or conductor arrange-ments and having a U-shaped mem-ber.

650 Spaced parallel relationship:This subclass is indented under subclass 648.Subject matter wherein the busbars arearranged extending, in the same direction,everywhere equidistant and having space sepa-rating the busbars.

651 Panel board corner mountings:This subclass is indented under subclass 644.Subject matter wherein an electrical device ismounted adjacent to intersecting edges or sidesof a panel board within the housing.

652 Circuit breaker supporting arrangements:This subclass is indented under subclass 644.Subject matter comprising particular mountingfor circuit interrupting devices on the electricservice distribution panel board.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:634, for circuit breakers supported on dis-

tribution or control panel board.

653 With discriminating means:This subclass is indented under subclass 652.Subject matter wherein the circuit breakerarrangement comprises structure which pre-vents free-interchange ability of different sizecircuit breakers.

(1) Note. This is commonly done by circuitbreaker projections which can be

inserted only into selected board aper-tures.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:635, for circuit breaker arrangements sup-

ported on distribution or control panelboards having discriminating means.

654 With tamper prevention means:This subclass is indented under subclass 652.Subject matter wherein a particular support ormechanism is provided to prevent unauthorizedaccess to the circuit breakers.


subclass 110 for circuitry that com-bats attempts to cause a meter to readinaccurately.

655 Having two row arrangement:This subclass is indented under subclass 652.Subject matter wherein the circuit breakers arearranged in two lines or rows.

656 With plug-in circuit breakers:This subclass is indented under subclass 652.Subject matter wherein the circuit breakers canbe easily installed or removed from supportequipment.



with circuit breaker arrangements andhaving plug-in or removable circuitbreakers.

640, for distribution or control panel boardwith busbar arrangement and havingplug-in connector.

657 With removable member:This subclass is indented under subclass 641.Subject matter wherein the electric service dis-tribution box contains a support part that can betaken away or off.



658 With plastic enclosure or support:This subclass is indented under subclass 641.Subject matter wherein the electric service dis-tribution box includes a surrounding or supportpart whose substance is any of numerousorganic synthetic or processed materials thatare mostly thermosetting polymers of highmolecular weight and that can be molded, cast,extruded, drawn, or laminated into objects,films, or filaments.

659 For electricity service meter:This subclass is indented under subclass 601.Subject matter comprising boxes, housings ormiscellaneous structures specifically formounting or housing an electric measuringapparatus.


subclasses 74+ for electric metershaving significant electric meterstructure. Note, particularly subclass110 for electric meters having protec-tive and fraud combating means, otherthan casings and housing; subclass149 for electric meters having probes,prods, or terminals; and subclass 156for electric meter with measuringstructure having casing.

660 Plural:This subclass is indented under subclass 659.Subject matter comprising two or more meters.


subclass 114 for plural electric metershaving significant measuring struc-ture.

661 With meter circuit controller:This subclass is indented under subclass 659.Subject matter comprising means for regulat-ing a current through a meter circuit.


Breakers, appropriate subclasses forswitches, per se.

324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 115+ for electric metershaving plural ranges, scales, or regis-

tration rates, such as multirangeinstruments, and subclass 149 forelectric meter having probes, prods, orterminals.

439, Electrical Connectors, appropriatesubclasses for electrical connectors,per se.

662 Bypass arrangement:This subclass is indented under subclass 661.Subject matter comprising means to close aconducting path when the meter is in a discon-nected condition.


Breakers, subclasses 51+ for circuitmakers and breakers combined withor actuated by connector coupling.

663 With transformer or circuit breaker:This subclass is indented under subclass 661.Subject matter wherein the meter circuit con-troller comprises (a) an electrical device whichchanges voltage in direct proportion to a num-ber of turns of its primary and secondary wind-ings or (b) a device for interrupting a circuitunder normal or abnormal conditions by meansof separable contacts.


tion housing having a transformer.620, for electrical switchgear housing or

mounting assembly with a trans-former.

623, for distribution or control unit hous-ings or mounting assemblies with atransformer.

863, for electrical housing or mountingassembly with a transformer.


class for transformer, per se.

664 Meter mounting arrangements:This subclass is indented under subclass 659.Subject matter wherein specific structure isprovided to mount or support the electricityservice meter (a) to another structure or (b)within a housing.




subclass 149 for electric meters hav-ing probes, prods, or terminals andsubclass 156 for electric meter havingcasings.

665 Adaptable meter supports:This subclass is indented under subclass 664.Subject matter wherein the meter support struc-ture is adjustable or adaptable to supportmeters of different sizes on or in a same sup-port.

666 Retractable or detachable meter support:This subclass is indented under subclass 664.Subject matter wherein (a) the meter supportstructure supports the meter in a position otherthan in its normally located position or (b) themeter support structure has separable ordetachable parts.

(1) Note. This subject matter includes, forexample, pivoting means to move themeter to more than one position.

667 Removable cover:This subclass is indented under subclass 664.Subject matter wherein a cover, top, or lid ofthe meter can be easily taken away or off.

668 Meter terminal and connector arrange-ments:This subclass is indented under subclass 659.Subject matter wherein an electrical intercon-necting structure external to the meter has aparticular order or relationship.


subclass 149 for electric meters hav-ing terminals, prods, or connectors.

439, Electrical Connectors, appropriatesubclasses for electrical connectorshaving housing or terminal enclo-sures.

669 Terminal block:This subclass is indented under subclass 668.Subject matter comprising an insulating base orslab equipped with one or more electrical con-nection points for the purpose of making elec-trical connections thereto.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:822, for terminal blocks with plural com-

ponents.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses

884+ for terminal blocks, per se.

670 Contact blade receiving structure:This subclass is indented under subclass 668.Subject matter comprising a female receptaclesupport for male meter blades.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:439, Electrical Connectors, appropriate

subclass for blade receiving structure,per se.

671 Adjustable or adaptable contacts:This subclass is indented under subclass 668.Subject matter wherein means are provided to(a) mount contacts or electrical junction pointsin a plurality of positions or (b) mount a plural-ity of separate discrete contacts or electricaljunction points.

(1) Note. The contacts included are both themeter blade contacts and the femalereceptacle contacts.

672 Tamper resistant:This subclass is indented under subclass 659.Subject matter comprising a housing or supportthat prevents unauthorized access to the meteror a terminal.


subclass 110 for electrical circuitrythat combats attempts to cause themeter to read inaccurately.

673 Circuit breaker supporting means (i.e.,attaching, mounting, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 601.Subject matter comprising structural means forattaching a circuit interrupting device havingseparable contacts to a support or mount.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:634, for circuit breakers on panel boards.



652, for circuit breakers on panel boardswithin a service distribution box.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:248, Supports, appropriate subclass for

supports, per se.

674 For ballast elements:This subclass is indented under subclass 601.Subject matter comprising a housing specifi-cally for electrical diverse devices that providea starting voltage or stabilizing current in a cir-cuit with electronic-discharge lamps.


tors, subclass 559 for housings havingelectrical components assembledtogether.

315, Electric Lamp and DischargeDevices: Systems, subclasses 56through 63 for electric discharge typedevices.

336, Inductor Devices, subclass 96 for pot-ted inductor devices and search sub-classes 105 and 107 for inductordevices combined with a connector.

362, Illumination, appropriate subclass forillumination type signal devices.

675 Bus duct:This subclass is indented under subclass 601.Subject matter comprising a protective tube orpipe used for supporting busbar structure.


tors, appropriate subclass for bus ductstructure, per se.

676 With cooling means:This subclass is indented under subclass 601.Subject matter comprising means for dissipat-ing heat produced by the power distributionsystems or devices.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:687, for computer support equipment with

cooling means.688+, for cooling means with electronic

apparatus.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:165, Heat Exchange, appropriate subclass

for cooling means, per se.257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g.,

Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), sub-classes 712+ for solid-state deviceshaving solid-state device structuraldetails combined with cooling means.

677 Fluid:This subclass is indented under subclass 676.Subject matter wherein the cooling means isprovided by a substance tending to flow or con-form to an outline of its container.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:689+, for fluid cooling means in electronic

apparatus.


tors, appropriate subclass for the fluidcooling of conductors.

257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g.,Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), sub-classes 712+ for solid-state deviceshaving solid-state structural detailscombined with cooling means.

678 Air:This subclass is indented under subclass 677.Subject matter wherein a mixture of an invisi-ble, odorless, and tasteless gas (as nitrogen andoxygen that surrounds the earth) is the fluidcooling means.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:690+, for air cooling means in electronic

apparatus.704+, for thermal conductor which dissi-

pates heat into the air.

679 For electronic systems and devices:This subclass is indented under subclass 600.Subject matter comprising housings or mount-ing assemblies specifically for electronic sys-tems and devices not provided for elsewhere.

(1) Note. Support equipment and housingsfor disk drives, keyboards, display unitsand cathode-ray tubes (CRTs) without



structural detail or particular equipmentdescription for disk drive, keyboard, dis-play unit, or CRT will be classified inthis subclass.


Breakers, subclasses 5+ for similartype switches arranged in a keyboardmanner.

235, Registers, subclass 145 for keyboardsupport equipment and housings com-prising those parts of registers, usu-ally manually actuated (includingkeys, shift-keys, and space bars)which control and initiate the actionof the calculating machine to deter-mine what numbers shall be intro-duced and how; also to controlsubsidiary operation of the machine.

313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, subclasses 364+ for CRT supportequipment and housings having struc-tural CRT detail.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-classes 700+ for (a) support equip-ment and housing with display unitshaving structural display unit detail or(b) support equipment and housingswith keyboards in conjunction withCRTs and selectable display unitshaving structural detail of keyboard,CRT, or selectable display unit.

341, Coded Data Generation or Conver-sion, subclasses 20+ for keyboardsupport equipment and housings hav-ing a control element which an opera-tor physically contacts to control thetransmission or generation of a codedset of pulses and subclass 27 for key-board support equipment and hous-ings having structural keyboard detailand give an indication of key opera-tion which may be heard or felt by theoperator.

680 Including keyboard support:This subclass is indented under subclass 679.Subject matter wherein (a) at least one elec-tronic device is a portion of a terminal used togenerate a character stream to a computer orother communication device combined withhousing or mounting arrangement or (b) atleast one electronic device has key input means

combined with housing or mounting arrange-ment.

(1) Note. This subclass provides for onlynominal recitation of a keyboard.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:178, Telegraphy, subclass 17 for auto-

matic transmitter or recorder withkeyboard.

200, Electricity: Circuit Makers andBreakers, subclasses 5+ for similartype switches arranged in keyboardmanner.

235, Registers, subclasses 145+ for key-boards comprising those parts of reg-isters, usually manually actuated,including key, shift-keys, space bars,etc., that control and initiate the actionof the calculating machine to deter-mine what numbers shall be intro-duced and how; also to controlsubsidiary operation of the machine.

312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, appro-priate subclass for keyboard supportsor furniture without a keyboard.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-classes 706+ for keyboard in conjunc-tion with CRTs or selectable displayunits having structural details of akeyboard, CRT, or selectable displayunit.

341, Coded Data Generation or Conver-sion, subclasses 22+ for (a) key-boards having a control elementwhich an operator physically contactsto control the transmission or genera-tion of a coded set of pulses or (b)keyboards with structural detail andgive an indication of key operationwhich may be heard or felt by anoperator.

400, Typewriting Machines, subclasses472+ for keyboard or key lever actuat-ing mechanism.

681 This subclass is indented under subclass 679.Subject matter wherein at least one electronicdevice presents information in visual formcombined with housing or mounting arrange-ment.

(1) Note. This subclass provides for onlynominal recitation of a display.



SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting,

appropriate subclass for display infor-mation by print or paint on boards,viewers, labels, or tags.

109, Safes, Bank Protection or a RelatedDevice, subclasses 10+ for safety par-titions and display partitions.

178, Telegraphy, subclass 15 for auto-matic photographic recorder.

217, Wooden Receptacles, appropriatesubclass for boxes having compart-ments with displays.

248, Supports, subclasses 917+ for videodisplay screen support.

273, Amusement Devices: Games, appro-priate subclass for games with display.

296, Land Vehicles: Bodies and Tops, appropriate subclass for bodies withadvertising and displaying.

312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, sub-classes 114+ for showcase type sup-ports.

313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, appropriate subclasses for lightsources, per se.

324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 74+ for digital meters.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-classes 700+ for support equipmentand housing for display units havingstructural or functional display unitdetail.

342, Communications: Directive RadioWave Systems and Devices (e.g.,Radar, Radio Navigation), appropri-ate subclass for radar display systems.

345, Computer Graphics Processing andSelective Visual Display Systems, subclasses 467 through 472.3 forcharacter font generation.

346, Recorders, subclasses 17+ forrecorder combined with nonrecordingindicator.

348, Television, subclasses 825+ for func-tional detail of a cathode-ray tubecombined with support equipment.

352, Optics: Motion Pictures, subclass 87for photographic recording or anima-tion.

358, Facsimile and Static Presentation Pro-cessing, subclasses 1.1 through 1.18 for static presentation processing(e.g., processing data for printer, etc.).

359, Optical: Systems and Elements, sub-classes 330+ for liquid crystal displaysupport having optical liquid crystaldetails.

362, Illumination, subclasses 227+ for plu-ral light sources in general lightinguses.

368, Horology: Time Measuring Systemsor Devices, appropriate subclass fordisplays of time.

396, Photography, subclass 550 for photo-electronic type photocomposing sys-tems.

400, Typewritng Machines, subclasses 83+for displaying typewriter-formed rep-resentation of print-line.

434, Education and Demonstration, sub-classes 365+ for displaying educa-tional material.

463, Amusement Devices: Games, forgame apparatus in which a display isincluded.

473, Games Using Tangible Projectile, forgame apparatus used for a gamewhich uses a tangible projectile and inwhich a display is included.

715, Data Processing: Presentation Pro-cessing of Document, Operator Inter-face Processing, and Screen SaverDisplay Processing, subclasses 500through 542 for document processingperformed by a computer for presen-tation, and subclasses 700-866 foroperator interface processing.

682 CRT support:This subclass is indented under subclass 681.Subject matter wherein at least one electronicdevice is a vacuum tube in which its electronbeam can be focused to a small cross section ona luminescent screen and can be varied in posi-tion and intensity to produce a visible patterncombined with housing or mounting arrange-ment.

(1) Note. This subclass provides for onlynominal recitation of a CRT.



SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave

Energy, subclasses 192.1+ for cath-ode-ray tube coating, forming, oretching by sputtering.

312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, appro-priate subclass for cathode-ray tubefurniture without cathode-ray tube.

313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, subclasses 364+ for cathode-ray tube,per se.

315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Device:Systems, subclasses 1+ for cathode-ray tube circuits, per se.

324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 121+ for measuring, test-ing, or sensing using a cathode-raytube.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-classes 720+ for cathode-ray tube dis-play system having structural or func-tional details of display system.

347, Incremental Printing of SymbolicInformation, subclasses 226+ for radi-ation marking using cathode-ray tube.

348, Television, subclasses 825+ for func-tional detail of a cathode-ray tubecombined with support equipment.

358, Facsimile and Static Presentation Pro-cessing, subclass 485 for facsimilehaving cathode-ray tube scanning.

386, Television Signal Processing forDynamic Recording or Reproducing, subclasses 42+ and 128+ for photo-graphic television recording, particu-larly subclass 130 for cathode-raytube.

430, Radiation Imagery Chemistry: Pro-cess, Composition, or ProductThereof, subclasses 23+ for processof producing cathode-ray tube.

434, Education and Demonstration, sub-class 307 for cathode ray screen dis-play and audio means in educationand subclass 323 for cathode rayscreen display included in examiningmeans of question or problem elicit-ing response.

445, Electric Lamp or Space DischargeComponent or Device Manufacturing, subclasses 36+ for manufacturingprocess of cathode-ray tube.

683 Computer related support:This subclass is indented under subclass 679.Subject matter wherein (a) at least one elec-tronic device is a data processor or calculatorcombined with housing or mounting arrange-ment or (b) at least one electronic device is acomponent of a data processor or calculatorcombined with housing or mounting arrange-ment.

(1) Note. This subclass provides for onlynominal recitation of computer or com-puter component.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, appro-

priate subclass for computer furniturewithout a computer or computer com-ponent.

700, Data Processing: Generic ControlSystems or Specific Applications, appropriate subclasses.

701, Data Processing: Vehicles, Naviga-tion, and Relative Location, appropri-ate subclasses.

702, Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrat-ing, or Testing, appropriate sub-classes.

703, Data Processing: Structural Design,Modeling, Simulation, and Emula-tion, appropriate subclasses.

704, Data Processing: Speech Signal Pro-cessing, Linguistics, Language Trans-lation, and Audio Compression/Decompression, appropriate sub-classes.

705, Data Processing: Financial, BusinessPractice, Management, or Cost/PriceDetermination, appropriate sub-classes.

706, Data Processing: Artificial Intelli-gence, appropriate subclasses.

707, Data Processing: Database and FileManagement, Data Structures, orDocument Processing, appropriatesubclasses.

708, Electrical Computers: Arithmetic Pro-cessing and Calculating, appropriatesubclasses.

709, Electrical Computers and Digital Pro-cessing Systems: Multiple Computeror Process Coordinating, appropriatesubclasses.



710, Electrical Computers and Digital DataProcessing Systems: Input/Output, appropriate subclasses.

711, Electrical Computers and Digital Pro-cessing Systems: Memory, appropri-ate subclasses.

712, Electrical Computers and Digital Pro-cessing Systems: Processing Archi-tectures and Instruction Processing(e.g., Processors), appropriate sub-classes.

713, Electrical Computers and Digital Pro-cessing Systems: Support, appropri-ate subclasses.

714, Error Detection/Correction and FaultDetection/Recovery, appropriate sub-classes.

716, Data Processing: Design and Analysisof Circuit or Semiconductor Mask, appropriate subclasses.

717, Data Processing: Software Develop-ment, Installation, and Management, appropriate subclasses.

684 Memory unit support:This subclass is indented under subclass 683.Subject matter wherein at least one electronicdevice is a computer component that storesinformation combined with housing or mount-ing arrangement.

(1) Note. This subclass provides for onlynominal recitation of memory unit.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:345, Computer Graphics Processing and

Selective Visual Display Systems, subclasses 418+ for computer graph-ics processing.

360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Stor-age or Retrieval, appropriate subclassfor magnetic information storage, perse.

365, Static Information Storage andRetrieval, subclasses 1+ for magneticbubbles, per se; subclasses 185.01+for floating gate memory storage(e.g., flash memory); subclasses 45+for analog storage systems, per se;subclasses 49+ for associative memo-ries, per se; and subclasses 94+ forread only systems, per se.

368, Horology: Time Measuring Systemsand Devices, subclass 111 for electri-cal time device with electronic mem-ory storage.

369, Dynamic Information Storage orRetrieval, appropriate subclass fordynamic information storage, per se.

700, Data Processing: Generic ControlSystems or Specific Applications, subclasses 245 through 264 for dataprocessing of robot control systems.

704, Data Processing: Speech Signal Pro-cessing, Linguistics, Language Trans-lation and Audio Compression/Decompression, subclasses 200+ forartificial intelligence systems that pro-cess speech signals.

706, Data Processing: Intelligent Process-ing Systems and Methods, varioussubclasses for artificial intelligencesystems that represent, apply, andacquire knowledge.

714, Error Detection/Correction and FaultDetection/Recovery, subclasses 718+for diagnostic memory testing andsubclasses 1+ for reliability and avail-ability in a digital data processing sys-tem.

685 Disk drive support:This subclass is indented under subclass 684.Subject matter wherein at least one electroniccomponent is a device that rotates a storagemedium, writes data onto it, and reads datafrom it as instructed by a program combinedwith housing or mounting arrangement.

(1) Note. This subclass provides for onlynominal recitation of a disk drive unit.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Stor-

age or Retrieval, subclasses 97.01+for floppy disk player, per se.

369, Dynamic Information Storage orRetrieval, subclasses 100+ for opticalor compact disk players, per se, andsubclasses 275.1+ for optical or com-pact disks, per se.

686 Input/output device support:This subclass is indented under subclass 683.Subject matter wherein at least one electroniccomponent (a) provides a means of communi-



cation between the computer and other electri-cal equipment or (b) provides a means ofcommunication between two or more comput-ers, combined with housing or mountingarrangement.

(1) Note. This subclass provides for onlynominal recitation of an input-outputdevice.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:700, Data Processing: Generic Control

Systems or Specific Applications, subclasses 1 through 89 for data pro-cessing control systems, methods, orapparatus, per se.

687 With cooling means:This subclass is indented under subclass 683.Subject matter wherein the computer relatedsupport equipment includes means for dissipat-ing heat from computer components.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:274.1+, for protecting against or compensat-

ing for variations in internal tempera-tures of capacitors.

676, for cooling means in power distribu-tion systems and devices.

688, for cooling means with electronicapparatus.


classes for heat exchange, per se.257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g.,

Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), sub-classes 712+ for solid-state deviceswith cooling means.

688 With cooling means:This subclass is indented under subclass 679.Subject matter wherein the electronic system ordevice comprises means for dissipating heatfrom electronic components.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:274.1+, for protecting against or compensat-

ing for variations in internal tempera-tures of capacitors.

676, for cooling in power distribution sys-tems and devices.

687, for computer support equipment withcooling means.


classes for heat exchange, per se.257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g.,

Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), sub-classes 712+ for solid-state deviceshaving solid-state structural detailscombined with cooling means.

689 Fluid:This subclass is indented under subclass 688.Subject matter wherein the cooling means isprovided by a substance tending to flow or con-form to an outline of its container.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:677, for fluid cooling in power distribution

systems and devices.


tors, subclass 252 for the fluid coolingof conductors.

257, Active Solid-State Diodes (e.g., Tran-sistors, Solid-State Diodes), sub-classes 712+ for solid-state deviceshaving solid-state structural detailscombined with fluid cooling means.

690 Air:This subclass is indented under subclass 689.Subject matter wherein a mixture of invisible,odorless, and tasteless gas (as nitrogen andoxygen that surround the earth) is the fluidcooling means.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:678, for air cooling means in power distri-

bution systems and devices.704, for thermal conductor which dissi-

pates heat into the air.

691 Pressurized or conditioned:This subclass is indented under subclass 690.Subject matter wherein the air has (a) anapplied force other than natural forces or (b)humidity and temperature control.



SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:62, Refrigeration, subclasses 56+ for

refrigeration processes, per se.

692 Plural openings:This subclass is indented under subclass 690.Subject matter wherein the cooling means hastwo or more vents that allow air circulation.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:454, Ventilation, appropriate subclass for

ventilation, per se.

693 Circular:This subclass is indented under subclass 692.Subject matter wherein the plural openings forair intake or exhaust are structured in small cir-cular shapes.

694 With air circulating means:This subclass is indented under subclass 690.Subject matter wherein the cooling meanscomprises specific means for air movement.

695 Fan or blower:This subclass is indented under subclass 694.Subject matter wherein the cooling meanscomprises a device that consists of a series ofvanes radiating from a hub rotated on its axleby a motor.

696 With heat exchanger unit:This subclass is indented under subclass 695.Subject matter wherein the cooling meanscomprises a device that transfers warmth fromone fluid to another without allowing them tomix.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:701, for liquid cooling system with heat

exchanger unit.


classes for heat exchange, per se.

697 With heat sink or cooling fins:This subclass is indented under subclass 695.Subject matter wherein the cooling meanscomprises (a) a mass of metal added to a devicefor an absorption or transfer of heat from criti-cal electrical parts or (b) a metal disk or a thin

projecting metal strip attached to a semicon-ductor to dissipate heat.

698 And liquid:This subclass is indented under subclass 690.Subject matter wherein the fluid comprises (a)the air and (b) a substance characterized by freemovement of constituent molecules amongthemselves but without tendency to separate.

699 Liquid:This subclass is indented under subclass 698.Subject matter wherein the fluid comprises asubstance characterized by free movement ofconstituent molecules among themselves butwithout tendency to separate.

700 Change of physical state:This subclass is indented under subclass 699.Subject matter wherein the liquid (a) changesto a gas (vapor) or (b) changes from a gas(vapor) to liquid.

701 With heat exchange unit:This subclass is indented under subclass 689.Subject matter wherein the cooling meanscomprises a device that transfers warmth fromone fluid to another without allowing them tomix.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:696, for air cooling system with fan or

blower having a heat exchanger unit.


classes for heat exchange, per se.

702 With cold plate or heat sink:This subclass is indented under subclass 689.Subject matter wherein the cooling meanscomprises the fluid and (a) a mass of metal thatis added to a device for absorption or transferof heat from critical electrical parts or (b) aplate or bar that transfers heat from criticalelectrical parts.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:709+, for thermal conduction through sup-

port means having heat sinks.



711, for thermal conduction through sup-port means having a cooling plate orbar.

703 With cooling fins:This subclass is indented under subclass 689.Subject matter wherein the cooling meanscomprises the fluid and a metal disk or a thinprojecting metal strip attached to a semicon-ductor to dissipate heat.

704 Thermal conduction:This subclass is indented under subclass 688.Subject matter wherein the electronic system ordevice is cooled by transmitting heat through aheat transmitting member.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:707, for thermal conduction through the

component support means.


tors, appropriate subclass for heatconducting members (heat sinks), perse.

705 By specific coating:This subclass is indented under subclass 704.Subject matter wherein a particular supportsurface layer dissipates heat from heat produc-ing electrical components.

706 Containing silicon or aluminum:This subclass is indented under subclass 705.Subject matter wherein the coating contains anearth metal and element of atomic number 13or contains a nonmetallic element of a carbongroup, atomic number 14.

707 Through support means:This subclass is indented under subclass 704.Subject matter wherein heat is conductedthrough the means supporting or upholdingcomponents of the electronic system or device.

708 Specific chemical compound or element:This subclass is indented under subclass 707.Subject matter wherein the support means iscomposed of a particular substance.

709 Heat sink:This subclass is indented under subclass 707.Subject matter wherein the support means isconnected to a mass of metal that is added to anelectrical device for the absorption or transferof warmth from electrical parts.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:702, for electronic systems with liquid

cooling means and having a heat sink.


tors, appropriate subclass for heatconducting members (heat sinks), perse.

710 Details:This subclass is indented under subclass 709.Subject matter wherein the heat sink is a com-plex unit having specific parts.

711 Cooling plate or bar:This subclass is indented under subclass 709.Subject matter wherein the heat sink is com-bined with a flat surface or straight piece ofmetal that conducts heat.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:702, for electronic system with liquid cool-

ing means and having a cold plate.

712 Thermally and electrically conductive:This subclass is indented under subclass 707.Subject matter wherein the support means con-duct heat and flow of electrons.

713 Electrically insulating thermally conductive:This subclass is indented under subclass 707.Subject matter wherein the support means con-duct heat and does not conduct flow of elec-trons.

714 Through component housing:This subclass is indented under subclass 704.Subject matter wherein the heat conduction isthrough the housing which supports the elec-tronic components.



SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:707+, for thermal conduction through com-

ponent support means.

715 For module:This subclass is indented under subclass 704.Subject matter wherein the heat is conductedfrom components separately housed in a con-tainer or supported in a unit or packagingscheme displaying regularity and separablerepetition.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:728+, for module without cooling means.

716 Plural:This subclass is indented under subclass 715.Subject matter wherein the heat is conductedfrom components separately housed in contain-ers or supported in several units.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:729+, for plurality of module units that are

electrically connected in groups with-out cooling means.

717 For active solid state devices:This subclass is indented under subclass 704.Subject matter wherein the heat is conductedfrom semiconductive devices.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:764, for integrated circuit within printed

circuit board with no cooling meansand having no structural details to anactive solid state device.

783, for semiconductive device connectedto printed circuit board with no cool-ing means and having no structuraldetails to semiconductive device.

820, for electronic system or device sup-port/housing and having at least onesemiconductor device as a componentwithout cooling means.


Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), sub-classes 712+ for cooling of semicon-ductor device wherein (a) the housingis for an active solid-state device,details of which are positively recitedin the claims or (b) wherein therecited housing is necessary to make ausable active solid-state device.

718 For integrated circuit:This subclass is indented under subclass 717.Subject matter wherein the heat is conductedfrom an electrical network composed of two ormore circuit elements inextricably bound on asingle semiconductor substrate.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:764, for integrated circuit within printed

circuit board without cooling means.


Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), appropriate subclass for integratedcircuits, per se.

719 Circuit board mounted:This subclass is indented under subclass 718.Subject matter wherein the integrated circuit ismounted on a card, chassis, or plate onto whichan electrical circuit or network has been printedand has a heat conducting means for cooling.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:748+, for printed circuit with diverse com-

ponents having no cooling means.


tors, subclasses 250+ for printed cir-cuit board, per se, and subclass 260for printed circuit board having onecomponent.

720 For printed circuit board:This subclass is indented under subclass 704.Subject matter wherein an insulated card, chas-sis or plate is utilized to support diverse electri-cal components in an interconnected



relationship and having heat conducting meansfor cooling.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:719, for integrated circuit mounted on

printed circuit board and having heatconducting means for cooling.

748+, for printed circuit with diverse com-ponents having no cooling means.



721 Plural: This subclass is indented under subclass 720.Subject matter wherein two or more printedcircuit boards are utilized to support diverseelectrical components in an interconnectedrelationship and having heat conduction forcooling.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:784, for plural printed circuit boards hav-

ing no cooling means.

722 For electronic circuit:This subclass is indented under subclass 704.Subject matter wherein a number of electricalcomponents or devices are interconnected inone or more closed path(s) to perform a desiredelectrical or electronic function and havingheat conduction for cooling.

723 For lead frame:This subclass is indented under subclass 704.Subject matter wherein a metal skeletal struc-ture is utilized to support diverse componentsand having heat conduction as cooling means.

(1) Note. Lead frame in Class 257 isdefined as a semiconductor device com-bined with housing wherein the contactis part of a network of leads suspendedfrom a common lead.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:813, for lead frame utilized to support

diverse components and having nocooling means.


tors, subclass 536 for lead framedevices with housing means but hav-ing no claimed characteristics limitingparticular characters of electricalequipment classifiable in other mainclasses.

724 Cabinet-type housing:This subclass is indented under subclass 679.Subject matter comprising a box or housinghaving drawers or doors with structure to sup-port readily accessible electrical components.


tors, subclasses 50+ for boxes andhousings limited by claimed structureto electrical, but having no character-istic limiting them to a particular elec-trical equipment.

257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g.,Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), sub-classes 678+ for details of activesolid-state devices combined withhousing.

312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, appro-priate subclass for cabinet structure,per se.

348, Television, subclasses 273+ for a tele-vision camera with housing or supportand subclasses 787+, 789, and 836+for a television projection or displaydevice with cabinet or chassis struc-ture.

455, Telecommunications, subclasses 347+for cabinet, casing, housing means,and combinations thereof peculiar toor adapted to house, electrically shieldor support radio receiver systems orcomponents thereof.



725 With retractable or readily detachable chas-sis:This subclass is indented under subclass 724.Subject matter wherein a structure is providedto retract, hinge, or detach support meanswithin a cabinet structure.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:211, Supports: Racks, appropriate sub-

class for supports and racks, per se,and subclass 26 for electrical fixturesupports.

312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, sub-classes 294+ for supports and cabinetswith movable components.

455, Telecommunications, subclass 348 forradio receiver means with retractableor readily detachable chassis means.

726 With locking means or device:This subclass is indented under subclass 725.Subject matter wherein a cabinet component isfastened or made secure with a locking orsecuring device.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:732, for modules with lock or interlock.740, for printed circuit boards contained in

a module having locking means ordevice.

747, for single module with locking meansor device.

759, for printed circuit board with housingor chassis and having lock or inter-lock.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:70, Locks, subclasses 85+ for drawer

locks and subclasses 95+ for locks onsliding doors.

312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, sub-class 215 for a plurality of compo-nents having individual locks orlatches actuated by a single selector orby a group of remote operators, sub-classes 216+ for a gang-bar type lockor latch for plural movable compo-nents, and subclass 222 for locks orlatches for a component.

727 Sliding component or compartment:This subclass is indented under subclass 725.Subject matter wherein the cabinet contains apart that moves smoothly along a surface of thecabinet to permit easy access.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, sub-

class 119 for cabinet with slidingcompartment, per se.

728 Module:This subclass is indented under subclass 679.Subject matter wherein the electrical compo-nents are separately housed in a container orsupported in a unit or packaging scheme dis-playing regularity and separable repetition.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:715+, for electronic system with module and

having thermal conductive coolingmeans.


tors, subclasses 50+ for electricalboxes and housings of the hermeti-cally sealed envelope type and sub-classes 250+ for preformed circuitarrangements, per se.

439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses 55+for detachable connectors of pre-formed panel circuit arrangements(e.g., printed circuit devices).

455, Telecommunications, subclass 349 forreceiver components housed in sepa-rate containers or units.

729 Plural:This subclass is indented under subclass 728.Subject matter wherein two or more moduleunits are electrically connected in groups.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:716, for plural modules having cooling

means through component housing.



730 With housing:This subclass is indented under subclass 729.Subject matter wherein a panel or chassis isprovided to mount a plurality of modules in aninterconnected relationship.

731 Interchangeable:This subclass is indented under subclass 730.Subject matter wherein one module can be sub-stituted for another within the module housing.

732 Having lock or interlock:This subclass is indented under subclass 730.Subject matter wherein the modules are fas-tened or made secure within the housing.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:726, for cabinet-type housing with retract-

able or readily detachable chassis hav-ing locking means or locking device.

740, for printed circuit boards contained ina module having locking means ordevice.


759, for printed circuit board with housingor chassis and having a lock or inter-lock.




733 Selective connections:This subclass is indented under subclass 730.Subject matter wherein electrical connectionsare from (a) module to module or (b) module tohousing and may be chosen from a group ofpossible connections.

734 With coupling or decoupling capacitor:This subclass is indented under subclass 729.Subject matter wherein an electrical energystorage device is used to allow alternating cur-rent to pass to a module or an electrical energystorage device is used to prevent unwanted cur-rent to a module.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:268+, for transformers and inductors with

integral switches, capacitors, or locks.271+, for electrostatic capacitors, per se.

735 Stacked:This subclass is indented under subclass 729.Subject matter wherein the modules arearranged one on top of another to formulate apile.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:790, for stacked printed circuit boards hav-

ing separable connector or socketmeans.

736 With printed circuits boards:This subclass is indented under subclass 728.Subject matter wherein the module is con-structed primarily of insulating panels whereinconductors are applied thereto by coating, lam-inating, or bonding in such a manner that theconductors are permanently attached to thepanels.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:719, for integrated circuit mounted on a

printed circuit board and having heatconducting means for cooling.

748, for printed circuit not in a modulehaving no cooling means.


tors, subclasses 250+ for printed cir-cuit board, per se, and for printed cir-cuit board having one component.

737 IC card or card member:This subclass is indented under subclass 736.Subject matter wherein the printed circuitboard supports an electrical network composed



of two or more circuit elements inextricablybound on a single semiconductor substrate.

738 With resistor and capacitor:This subclass is indented under subclass 736.Subject matter wherein at least a componentthat has a specified opposition to a flow ofelectrical current and an electrical energy stor-age device are connected to the printed circuitboard.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:271+, for capacitors, per se.763, for capacitor and resistor within

printed circuit board.766, for capacitor and resistor coated on

printed board.782, for passive component in conjunction

with another electrical component onprinted circuit board not in a module.

830, for plurality of capacitors on a frame.


tors, subclass 260 for printed circuitwith a capacitor or a resistor.

739 With particular material:This subclass is indented under subclass 736.Subject matter wherein at least a part of the cir-cuit board structure is composed of one ormore specific substances.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:751, for a printed circuit not associated

with a module and having a particularmaterial.

757, for printed circuit board housing witha particular material.

771, for printed circuit board not containedin a module with a mounting pad andhaving a particular material.


tors, subclass 256 for particular mate-rial of printed circuit board withoutdiverse electrical components.

740 With locking means or device:This subclass is indented under subclass 736.Subject matter wherein the module is fastenedor made secure to a support.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:726, for cabinet-type housing with locking

means or device.732, for plural modules having a lock or

interlock.747, for single module with locking means

or device.759, for printed circuit board not contained

in module with housing or chassis andhaving lock or interlock.



312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, sub-class 215 for a plurality of compo-nents having individual locks orlatches actuated by a single selector orby a group of remote operators, sub-classes 216+ for a gang-bar type lockor latch for plural movable compo-nent, and subclass 222 for locks orlatches for a component.

741 Guiding means:This subclass is indented under subclass 736.Subject matter wherein a support for the circuitboards contain parts that direct a motion of thecircuit board.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:756, for printed circuits not contained in

modules and having guiding means.802, for plural printed circuit boards not

contained in module with housing orchassis and having specific guidingmeans.

742 With spacer:This subclass is indented under subclass 736.Subject matter wherein a surface or barrier(used to maintain circuit boards a uniform dis-tance from each other) is designed specificallyfor use with the printed circuit boards.



SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:758, for spacer with circuit boards not con-

tained in module.770, for spacer with circuit board not con-

tained in module and having a mount-ing pad.

804, for spacer details with plural printedcircuit boards not contained in mod-ule.

743 Solder connection:This subclass is indented under subclass 736.Subject matter wherein at least part of theprinted circuit board's component(s) is inter-connected with a readily meltable metal oralloy that produces a bond at a junction of twometal surfaces.

744 This subclass is indented under subclass 736.Subject matter wherein diverse discrete com-ponents are mounted between and perpendicu-lar to two parallel printed circuit boards towhich their terminals are attached.

745 Welded connection:This subclass is indented under subclass 744.Subject matter wherein at least one electricalcomponent's metal lead is (a) consolidated byan application of heat to another electricalcomponent's metal lead or (b) consolidated byan application of heat to a metal support.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:219, Electric Heating, subclasses 50+ for

electric welding, per se.

746 With specific dielectric material or layer:This subclass is indented under subclass 728.Subject matter wherein the module contains aparticular insulating medium which intervenesbetween two conductors and permits electro-static attraction and repulsion to take placeacross the conductors.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:301+, for dielectric capacitors, per se.750, for dielectric material or layer on flex-

ible printed circuit board not con-tained in module.

762, for dielectric material or layer withprinted circuit board not contained inmodule having housing or chassis.

795, for plural contiguous printed circuitboards not contained in module hav-ing separate layers of dielectric mate-rial.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:252, Compositions, appropriate subclass

for fluent dielectric, per se.

747 With locking means or device:This subclass is indented under subclass 728.Subject matter wherein the module is fastenedor made secure to a support.


means or device.732, for modules having lock or interlock.740, for printed circuits contained in mod-

ule with lock or locking device.759, for printed circuit board not contained

in module with housing or chassis andhaving lock or interlock.




748 Printed circuit board:This subclass is indented under subclass 679.Subject matter comprising an insulating panelwherein conductors are applied thereto by coat-ing, laminating, or bonding in such a mannerthat the conductors are permanently attached tothe panel.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:720+, for printed circuit board utilized to

support diverse electrical components



in an interconnected relationship andhaving heat conduction coolingmeans.



749 Flexible board:This subclass is indented under subclass 748.Subject matter wherein the printed circuitboard is constructed of an elastic material.

750 With specific dielectric material or layer:This subclass is indented under subclass 749.Subject matter wherein the flexible printed cir-cuit board contains a particular insulatingmedium which intervenes between two con-ductors and permits electrostatic attraction andrepulsion to take place across the conductors.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:301+, for dielectric capacitor, per se.746, for dielectric material or layer con-

tained in module.762, for dielectric material or layer with

printed circuit board not contained inmodule having housing or chassis.




751 With particular conductive material or coat-ing:This subclass is indented under subclass 749.Subject matter wherein at least a part of theflexible circuit board structure contains (a) oneor more specific electrical transmitting sub-stances or (b) one or more specific electricaltransmitting films or coatings.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:739, for printed circuits in modules with

particular material.

757, for printed circuit board not containedin module with housing or chassis andhaving a particular material.

771, for printed circuit board with a mount-ing pad and having a particular mate-rial.



752 With housing or chassis:This subclass is indented under subclass 748.Subject matter wherein a casing, enclosure, orsheet metal box supporting the printed circuitboard has structural details of casing, enclo-sure, or sheet metal box.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:736, for modular housing units which

include printed circuit boards havingstructural details of casing, housing,or chassis.


tors, subclasses 50+ for boxes andhousings limited by structure to elec-trical use, but having no characteristiclimiting them to particular electricalequipment.

257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g.,Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), sub-classes 678+ for details of activesolid-state devices combined withhousing.

753 Specific chassis or ground:This subclass is indented under subclass 752.Subject matter comprising a particular electri-cal connection from the printed circuit board toa metal supporting structure.

754 With ejector means:This subclass is indented under subclass 752.Subject matter comprising a device or mecha-nism utilized to remove the printed circuitboard from the housing or chassis.



755 Rotatable:This subclass is indented under subclass 752.Subject matter wherein a member of the hous-ing or chassis turns about an axis or center.

756 Guiding means:This subclass is indented under subclass 752.Subject matter wherein the printed circuitboard housing or chassis contains parts thatdirect the motion of the printed circuit board,away or to the housing or chassis.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:741, for module with printed circuits and

having guiding means.802, for plural printed circuit boards with

housing or chassis and having specificguiding means.

757 With particular material:This subclass is indented under subclass 752.Subject matter wherein at least a part of theprinted circuit board housing or chassis is com-posed of one or more specific substances.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:739, for printed circuits in modules with

particular material.751, for flexible printed circuit board not

contained in module and having a par-ticular material or coating.

771, for printed circuit board not containedin a module with a mounting pad andhaving a particular material.



758 With spacer:This subclass is indented under subclass 752.Subject matter wherein a surface or barrier(that maintain circuit boards a uniform distancefrom each other) is designed specifically foruse with the printed circuit board.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:742, for spacer with circuit boards con-


tained in module and having a mount-ing pad.

804, for spacer details with plural printedcircuit boards.

759 With lock or interlock:This subclass is indented under subclass 752.Subject matter wherein the printed circuitboard is fastened or made secure.


means or device.732, for modules with lock or interlock.740, for printed circuit boards contained in

a module having locking means ordevice.





760 Connection of components to board:This subclass is indented under subclass 748.Subject matter wherein a specific structure isprovided to facilitate interconnecting diversecomponents to the printed circuit board.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:807+, for structure facilitating connection of

components to a support other than aprinted circuit board.



SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:29, Metal Working, subclasses 832+ for

processes including mounting of anelectrical device to a printed circuitboard.

761 Component within printed circuit board:This subclass is indented under subclass 760.Subject matter comprising a slot or aperturewithin the printed circuit board for receivingthe component.

762 With specific dielectric material or layer:This subclass is indented under subclass 761.Subject matter wherein the printed circuitboard contains a particular insulating mediumwhich intervenes between two conductors andpermits electrostatic attraction and repulsion totake place across it.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:301+, for dielectric capacitors, per se.746, for dielectric material obtained in

module.750, for dielectric material on flexible

printed circuit board not contained inmodule.




763 Capacitor and electrical component:This subclass is indented under subclass 761.Subject matter comprising an electrical energystorage device and a resistor, inductor, diode,or semiconductor device within the printed cir-cuit board.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:271+, for capacitor, per se.738, for resistor and capacitor on printed

circuit board with module.766, for capacitor and resistor coated on

printed circuit board.

782, for passive component in conjunctionwith another electric component onprinted circuit board not in module.

821, for electronic system or device sup-port/housing having at least onecapacitor and at least one inductor.



tors, subclass 260 for printed circuitwith a capacitor or an electrical com-ponent.

764 Integrated circuit:This subclass is indented under subclass 761.Subject matter comprising an electrical net-work composed of two or more circuit ele-ments inextricably bound on a singlesemiconductor substrate within the printed cir-cuit board having no structural details to theelectrical network.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:718, for integrated circuit having heat con-

duction as cooling means with nostructural details to integrated circuit.

783, for semiconductive device connectedto printed circuit board with no struc-tural details to semiconductive device.

820, for electronic system or device sup-port/housing having at least one semi-conductor device as a component.


Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), sub-classes 678+ for semiconductordevice wherein (a) the housing is foran active solid-state device, details ofwhich are positively recited in theclaims, or (b) wherein the recitedhousing is necessary to make a usableactive solid-state device.

765 By direct coating of components on board:This subclass is indented under subclass 760.Subject matter wherein diverse electrical com-ponents are directly coated, deposited, orscreened on the board.




Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), sub-classes 9+ for components coated on abase wherein the device has a layer ofa thickness less than two microns inthe conduction path or the device isspecified to be a thin film device.

327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Non-linear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, subclass 567 for devices including athin layer of conductive or semicon-ductive material of atomic dimensionswhich act as a nonlinear element.

766 Capacitor and resistor:This subclass is indented under subclass 765.Subject matter comprising (a) at least an elec-trical energy storage device and (b) an electri-cal component with specified opposition to aflow of electrical current are coated on theprinted circuit board.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:271+, for capacitor, per se.738, for capacitor and resistor on printed

circuit board in a module.766, for capacitor and electrical component

on printed circuit board not in mod-ule.

782, for passive component in conjunctionwith another electrical component onprinted circuit board not in module.

821, for electronic system or device sup-port/housing having at least onecapacitor and at least one inductor.



767 With mounting pad:This subclass is indented under subclass 752.Subject matter wherein an intermediate supportfixed to the printed circuit is utilized as a car-rier or pad for electrical components to facili-tate connection thereof to the printed circuit.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:808, for mounting pad structure not uti-

lized with a printed circuit board.


tors, subclass 557 for mounting padstructure, per se.

324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclass 158 for mounting structureutilized in conjunction with measur-ing and testing devices having detailsof measuring and testing devices.

768 Having leadless component:This subclass is indented under subclass 767.Subject matter wherein the mounting pad pro-vides a mounting surface for electrical carriersor substrates without connection wires.

769 Having spring member:This subclass is indented under subclass 767.Subject matter wherein (a) an elastic or resil-ient device or mechanism assures good electri-cal contact with a conductor and a componentor (b) an elastic or resilient device or mecha-nism serves as a stop for limiting relativemovement between separable portions of aconnector structure.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:787, for plural circuit board housing hav-

ing spring connection member.

770 Having spacer:This subclass is indented under subclass 767.Subject matter wherein a surface or barrier, thatmaintain printed circuit boards in a uniformdistance from each other, is designed specifi-cally for use with the printed circuit boards.



tained in module and having housingor chassis.

804, for spacer details with plural printedcircuit boards.



771 With particular material:This subclass is indented under subclass 767.Subject matter wherein at least a part of theprinted circuit board housing is composed ofone or more specific substances.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:739, for printed circuits contained in mod-

ules with particular material.751, for flexible printed circuit board not

contained in module and having a par-ticular material or coating.

757, for printed circuit board not containedin module with housing or chassis andhaving a particular material.



772 With specific lead configuration:This subclass is indented under subclass 760.Subject matter wherein a particular connectionwire structure is provided for facilitating con-nection between the components and theprinted circuit board.

773 Shaped lead on components:This subclass is indented under subclass 772.Subject matter wherein the connection wire islocated on the components.

774 Shaped lead on board:This subclass is indented under subclass 772.Subject matter wherein the connection wire islocated on the printed circuit board.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:809, for structure that facilitates connec-

tion of plural components not locatedon a printed circuit board.

775 Busbar:This subclass is indented under subclass 772.Subject matter wherein the connection wire is asingle conductive member supplying a plural-ity of spaced electrical components.

776 Flexible connecting lead:This subclass is indented under subclass 772.Subject matter wherein the connection wirestructure comprises a flexible or resilient elec-trical conductor.

777 By specific pattern on board:This subclass is indented under subclass 760.Subject matter wherein the lead structure pro-vided for facilitating connection comprises aspecific geometric arrangement of printed con-ductors on the printed circuit board.

778 Cross-connected:This subclass is indented under subclass 777.Subject matter wherein a specific geometricarrangement comprises an array of crossingconductors disposed of within a same plane.

779 With specific connection material:This subclass is indented under subclass 777.Subject matter wherein the arrangement ofconductors comprises a material or substancein or on a conductor to facilitate connection ofthe components therefor.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:803, for plural printed circuit boards with

interconnection details.


Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), sub-classes 734+ for active solid-statedevices (e.g., transistors, integratedcircuit with significant contact struc-ture or material, etc.).

439, Electrical Connectors, appropriatesubclass for electrical connectors, perse.

780 Different voltage layers:This subclass is indented under subclass 760.Subject matter wherein the printed circuitboard contains layers or strips having unequalelectric potentials.

781 With switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 760.Subject matter wherein the printed circuitboard contains at least a mechanical or electri-cal device that completes or breaks the path of



current or sends it over a different path as oneof its electrical components.


Breakers, appropriate subclasses forswitches and circuit breakers, per se.

782 Having passive component:This subclass is indented under subclass 760.Subject matter wherein the printed circuitboard contains at least a capacitor, inductor, orresistor as one of its electrical components.

(1) Note. Printed circuit board must alsocontain another electrical component inconjunction with a passive component tobe classified in this subclass.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:738, for resistor and capacitor on printed

circuit board with module.763, for capacitor and electrical component

within printed circuit board not withmodule.

766, for capacitor and resistor coated onprinted circuit board.



tors, subclass 260 for printed circuitwith one electrical component.

783 Having semiconductive device:This subclass is indented under subclass 760.Subject matter wherein a component connectedto the printed circuit board is an active solidstate device having no structural details to anactive solid state device.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:717+, for an active solid state device with

support or housing having thermalconduction cooling means with nostructural details to an active solidstate device.

764, for integrated circuit within printedcircuit board with no cooling meansand having no structural details toactive solid state device.

820, for electronic system or device sup-port/housing and having at least onesemiconductor device as a componentwith no structural details to an activesolid state device.


Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), sub-classes 678+ for semiconductordevice wherein (a) the housing is foran active solid-state device, details ofwhich are positively recited in theclaims, or (b) wherein the recitedhousing is necessary to make a usableactive solid-state device.

784 Plural:This subclass is indented under subclass 748.Subject matter wherein two or more printedcircuit boards are utilized to support a pluralityof diverse electrical components in an intercon-nected relationship.

785 With separable connector or socket means:Subject matter under 784 wherein each printedcircuit board can be distinctly detached fromthe mount or support.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses 43+

for connector with selectable circuitsand subclasses 55+ for connector withpreformed panel circuit arrangement.

786 Having key connection:This subclass is indented under subclass 785.Subject matter comprising a mechanicalarrangement of guide pins, sockets, contacts,slots, inserts, or grooves in the mount or sup-port which allows the connector to be lined upwithout a danger of making a wrong connec-tion.

787 Having spring member:This subclass is indented under subclass 785.Subject matter wherein (a) an elastic or resil-ient device or mechanism assures good electri-cal contact with a conductor and a componentor (b) an elastic or resilient device or mecha-nism serves as a stop for limiting relativemovement between separable portions of theconnector structure.



SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:769, for single printed circuit board with

mounting pad and having spring con-nection member.

788 Having backplane connection:This subclass is indented under subclass 785.Subject matter wherein the printed circuitboards are connected to an equipment's rearpanel.

789 Having flexible connector:This subclass is indented under subclass 785.Subject matter wherein the separable connec-tor's contact, socket, terminal, or groove com-prises an elastic or resilient electricalconductor.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:776, for flexible connecting lead on single

printed circuit board with housing.

790 Stacked:This subclass is indented under subclass 785.Subject matter wherein the printed circuitboards are arranged one on top of another toformulate a pile.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:735, for stacked modules with housing.

791 Multiple contact pins:This subclass is indented under subclass 785.Subject matter wherein the separable connec-tors comprise posts or pins arranged in arraysor rows.

792 Plural contiguous boards:This subclass is indented under subclass 784.Subject matter wherein two or more printedcircuit boards have surfaces that are adjacentand in physical contact with each other.


tors, subclasses 250+ for printed cir-cuit board, per se.

793 Thick film component or material:This subclass is indented under subclass 792.Subject matter wherein a conductive, resistive,or capacitive component, network, or layer isdeposited on a substrate using a metallic orresistive coating which is more than five (5)micrometers in thickness.

794 Power, voltage, or current layer:This subclass is indented under subclass 792.Subject matter wherein a surface on or withinthe printed circuit board is used to supply elec-trical energy to electrical components mountedon or within the printed circuit board.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:601+, for housing or mounting assemblies

for electrical power distribution sys-tem and devices, per se.

795 Plural dielectric layers:This subclass is indented under subclass 792.Subject matter wherein the printed circuitboards contain two or more separate insulatingmediums which intervene between two con-ductors and permit electrostatic attraction andrepulsion to take place across them.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:301+, for dielectric capacitors, per se.746, for dielectric material contained in

module.750, for dielectric material on flexible

printed circuit board.762, for dielectric layer on printed circuit

board having component withinprinted circuit board combined withchassis or housing.



796 With housing or chassis:This subclass is indented under subclass 784.Subject matter wherein a casing, enclosure, orsheet metal box is provided to support a plural-ity of printed circuit boards.



SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:730, for housings containing plural mod-

ules which may or may not compriseprinted circuits.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:211, Supports: Racks, subclasses 41.1+

for frame structure designed to sup-port plates or plate-like articles notspecifically designated as printed cir-cuits.

797 Storage or file cabinet:This subclass is indented under subclass 796.Subject matter wherein the housing or casing isused for a safekeeping or protection of theprinted circuit boards.

798 With ejector or extractor:This subclass is indented under subclass 796.Subject matter wherein the housing or chassisis equipped with a mechanism that disengagesthe printed circuit boards from the housing orchassis.

799 Grounding construction or detail:This subclass is indented under subclass 796.Subject matter wherein the housing or chassiscontains particular or specified circuitry, thatconnects to earth.

800 With shielding structure:This subclass is indented under subclass 796.Subject matter wherein the housing or chassisis provided: (a) With means for protecting atleast part of the devices from external electricor magnetic fields, or (b) with means to protectone or more elements of the device from elec-tric or magnetic fields generated in one or moreother parts of a system, or (c) with protectingor screening means to prevent radiation ofundesired electric or magnetic fields generatedwithin systems.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:816, for diverse electrical components

housing and support with shielding,per se.


tors, subclasses 32 through 397 formiscellaneous anti-inductive struc-tures, particularly subclasses 350-397for miscellaneous electrical shieldsand screen structures not elsewhereclassifiable.

307, Electrical Transmission or Intercon-nection Systems, subclass 91 for anti-induction or coupling to other systemswith magnetic or electrostatic fieldcontrol (e.g., shielding).

315, Electric Lamp and DischargeDevices: Systems, subclass 85 forgaseous tube systems with electro-magnetic wave radiation preventionor shielding means.

330, Amplifiers, subclass 68 for amplifi-ers with shielding means.

331, Oscillators, subclass 67 for oscilla-tors combined with electromagneticor electrostatic shield means.

333, Wave Transmission Lines and Net-works, subclass 12 for transmissionline inductive or radiation interferencesystems.

334, Tuners, subclass 85 for radio tunerswith shielding means.

336, Inductor Devices, subclass 84 forinduction devices with electric ormagnetic shielding means.

338, Electrical Resistors, subclass 64 forelectrical resistors with electricalshielding means.

343, Communications: Radio WaveAntennas, subclasses 841+ forantenna structure with electric shield-ing means.

348, Television, subclasses 818+ for acathode-ray tube with protectivemeans.

439, Electrical Connectors, subclass 497for connector including tape cablewith shield and subclasses 607+ forconnector having or providing induc-tive or capacitive shield.

801 Specific latching or retaining device:This subclass is indented under subclass 796.Subject matter wherein the chassis or housingcomprises a particular fastener or holding



device that secures the printed circuit boards tothe chassis or housing.

(1) Note. Locks are considered to be latchesor retaining devices for this subclass.


means or device.732, for plural modules having lock or

interlock.747, for single module with locking means

or device.759, for printed circuit board with housing

or chassis and having lock or inter-lock.



312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, sub-class 215 for a plurality of compo-nents having individual locks orlatches actuated by a single selector orby a group of remote operators, sub-classes 216+ for a gang-bar type lookor latch for plural movable componentactuated by another component, andsubclass 222 for locks or latches for acomponent.

802 Specific alignment or guide means:This subclass is indented under subclass 796.Subject matter wherein the housing or chassiscontain parts that (a) direct the motion of theprinted circuit boards or (b) aid in the properpositioning of the printed circuit boards.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:741, for module with printed circuit and

having guiding means.756, for printed circuits not contained in

modules and having guiding means.

803 Interconnection details:This subclass is indented under subclass 784.Subject matter wherein a conductive path orconnecting line between the printed circuitboards has specific details.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:778, for single printed circuit board with

housing or chassis and having cross-connect arrangement.

779, for single printed circuit board withhousing or chassis and having a spe-cific connection material.


subclass for electrical connectors, perse.

804 Spacer details:This subclass is indented under subclass 784.Subject matter wherein surfaces or barriersused to maintain the printed circuit boards in auniform distance from each other are describedthoroughly.


tained in a module.758, for circuit boards not contained in a

module with housing or chassis andhaving a spacer.

770, for spacer with circuit board not con-tained in module and having mount-ing pad.

805 Matrix assembly:This subclass is indented under subclass 679.Subject matter comprising a plurality ofdiverse electrical components connected bycrossed gratings and located at intersections ofconductors.


Switches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclasses 107+ for electromag-netically operated selector devices.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-classes 2.2 through 2.31 for a channelselecting matrix and subclasses 14.1-14.69 for a decoder matrix.

806 Diode:This subclass is indented under subclass 805.Subject matter wherein the matrix assemblycontains a plurality of electrical devices that



will conduct electricity much more easily inone direction than in the other.


Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), sub-classes 40 through 43 for diodes, perse.

807 Component mounting or support means:This subclass is indented under subclass 679.Subject matter wherein an upholding structureor chassis is utilized to hold a plurality ofdiverse electrical components in an intercon-nected relationship.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:748+, for component mounting means

wherein the support is a printed circuitboard.

808 Mounting pad:This subclass is indented under subclass 807.Subject matter wherein an intermediate supportconnected to the support or mount is utilized asa carrier for electrical components.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:767+, for mounting pad structure specifi-

cally for use with a printed circuit.


tors, subclasses 534 and 557 formounting pad, per se.

324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclass 158 for mounting structureutilized in conjunction with measur-ing and testing devices.

809 With discrete structure or support:This subclass is indented under subclass 807.Subject matter wherein means are provided onthe chassis or support to facilitate connectionof the components thereto.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:774, for component lead structure on a

printed circuit board.

810 Plural mounting or support:This subclass is indented under subclass 807.Subject matter wherein two or more supportingmeans or chassis means are provided to supportdiverse electrical components.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:784+, for plural printed circuit boards.

811 With passive components:This subclass is indented under subclass 807.Subject matter wherein support or chassis isutilized to mount resistors, capacitors, orinductors in an interconnected relationship.

812 With particular insulation:This subclass is indented under subclass 807.Subject matter wherein a support or chassis isutilized to mount a plurality of diverse electri-cal components in an interconnected relation-ship and having details of a nonconductivematerial that prevents the leakage of electricityfrom a conductor or protects against accidentalcontact.

813 Lead frame:This subclass is indented under subclass 679.Subject matter wherein a metal skeletal struc-ture is utilized to support a plurality of diverseelectrical components, portions of a metal skel-etal structure being removed to provide con-necting paths.

(1) Note. Lead frame in Class 257 isdefined as a semiconductor device com-bined with housing wherein the contactis part of a network of leads suspendedfrom a common lead.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:723, for electronic system housing or sup-

port with thermal conductive coolingand having a lead frame.


tors, subclass 536 for lead framedevices with housing means but hav-ing no claimed characteristics limitingthe same to particular features of elec-



trical equipment classifiable in othermain classes.

257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g.,Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), sub-classes 666+ for lead frame. See (1)Note, above.

814 Radio type:This subclass is indented under subclass 679.Subject matter comprising communication typedevices having no significant art limitationsand such devices in combination with diversepieces of electrical apparatus wherein the com-bination is not provided for in any other classor in other subclasses of this class.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, sub-

classes 7.1+ for cabinets or enclosuresspecially designed to house radios,phonograph instruments, or recordshaving no electrical components ordevices.

331, Oscillators, subclass 187 for miscella-neous oscillator structures.

455, Telecommunications, subclasses 347+for housings, cabinets, or chassiscombined with specific functionaldetails or structure of a receiver.

815 Tube mounting:This subclass is indented under subclass 814.Subject matter wherein a support or chassismeans is structurally connected to a tubesocket.


subclass for tube sockets, per se.

816 Shielding:This subclass is indented under subclass 679.Subject matter wherein the electronic systemsand devices are provided: (a) With means forprotecting at least part of the devices fromexternal electric or magnetic fields; (b) withmeans to protect one or more elements of thedevice from electric or magnetic fields gener-ated in one or more other parts of the system;or (c) with protecting or screening means toprevent radiation of undesired electric or mag-netic fields generated within the system.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:800, for plural printed circuit boards with

chassis or housing combined withshielding structure.



250, Radiant Energy, subclass 515.1 forradiant energy shielding means notelsewhere provided for.

307, Electrical Transmission or Intercon-nection Systems, subclass 91 for anti-induction or coupling to other systemswith magnetic or electrostatic fieldcontrol (e.g., shielding).

313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, subclasses 326+ for electric lamp anddischarge devices having electrodeand shield structures.

315, Electric Lamp and DischargeDevices: Systems, subclass 85 forgaseous tube systems with electro-magnetic wave radiation preventionor shielding means.

330, Amplifiers, subclass 68 for amplifi-ers with shielding means.

331, Oscillators, subclass 67 for oscilla-tors combined with electromagneticor electrostatic shield means.

333, Wave Transmission Lines and Net-works, subclass 12 for transmissionline inductive or radiation interferencesystems.

334, Tuners, subclass 85 for radio tunerswith shielding means.

336, Inductor Devices, subclass 84 forinduction devices with electric ormagnetic shield means.

338, Electrical Resistors, subclass 64 forelectrical resistors with electricalshield means.

343, Communications: Radio WaveAntennas, subclasses 841+ forantenna structure with electric shieldmeans.



348, Television, subclass 842 for a videodisplay with a light shield.

439, Electrical Connectors, subclass 497for connector including tape cablewith shield and subclasses 607+ forconnector having or providing induc-tive or capacitive shield.

817 For electronic tube:This subclass is indented under subclass 816.Subject matter wherein electric or magneticfield shielding or screening means is providedfor a hermetically sealed glass or metal enve-lope in which conduction of electrons takesplace through a vacuum or gas.


subclasses 326+ for electric lamp anddischarge devices having electrodeand shield structures.

315, Electric Lamp and DischargeDevices: Systems, subclass 85 forelectric lamp and discharge devicessystems having shielding means forpart of the system.

818 EMI:This subclass is indented under subclass 816.Subject matter wherein electronic systems anddevices are provided with shielding or screen-ing means to prevent a disturbance caused byelectromagnetic waves that can impair theoperation of electrical or electronic equipment.

(1) The terms “radio interference,” “radio-frequency interference,” “noise,” “emi,”and “rfi” have been employed at varioustimes in the same context.



819 For relay:This subclass is indented under subclass 679.Subject matter comprising a support or housingfor an electromechanical device in which con-tacts are opened or closed by variations in con-

ditions of one electric circuit and thereby affectoperation of other devices in the same or otherelectric circuits.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:142+, for relay control circuit including

housing.160+, for relay control circuits, per se.


Switches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclasses 2+ for relays, per se.

820 For semiconductor device:This subclass is indented under subclass 679.Subject matter comprising a support or housingfor at least an active solid state device.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:717+, for active solid state devices using

thermal conduction as a coolingmeans.

737, for IC cards in module with no cool-ing means.

764, for integrated circuit connected toprinted circuit board with no coolingmeans.

783, for semiconductor device with mount-ing pad and having no cooling means.


Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), sub-classes 678+ for housing combinedwith semiconductor device wherein(a) the housing is for an active solid-state device, details of which are posi-tively recited in the claims or (b)wherein the recited housing is neces-sary to make a usable active solid-state device.

821 For capacitor and inductor:This subclass is indented under subclass 679.Subject matter comprising a support or housingfor at least a device consisting essentially oftwo conducting surfaces separated by an insu-lating material or dielectric such as air, paper,mica, glass, plastic film, or oil, and at least oneretardation coil.



SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:270, for transformers and inductor with

capacitor element.271+, for capacitor, per se.738, for resistor and capacitor on printed

circuit board with module.763, for capacitor and electrical component

on printed circuit board not in mod-ule.

766, for capacitor and electrical componentcoated on printed circuit board.




tors, subclass 260 for printed circuitwith a capacitor or an inductor.

336, Inductor Devices, appropriate sub-class for inductor, per se.

822 Contact banks:This subclass is indented under subclass 600.Subject matter comprising arrays or groupingsof electrical junction points.

(1) Note. The contacts are commonly usedfor switching devices, wire wrapping,etc. Diverse electrical components mustbe included for classification in this class(361).


tors, appropriate subclass for pluralconductors.

439, Electrical Connectors, appropriatesubclass for connectors having pluralcontacts.

823 Terminal block:This subclass is indented under subclass 600.Subject matter comprising an insulating base orslab equipped with one or more electrical con-nection points for the purpose of making elec-trical connections thereto.


tors, appropriate subclass for pluralconductors.

439, Electrical Connectors, appropriatesubclass for connectors having pluralcontacts.

824 With protective device or unit:This subclass is indented under subclass 823.Subject matter wherein terminal blocks containunits or devices that safeguard against exces-sive voltage or current.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:630, for distribution or control panel

boards with fuses.646, for panel mounted fuses which are

mounted in an electric service or dis-tribution box.



mally Actuated Switches, subclass 4for fuse structure, per se.

825 Support brackets:This subclass is indented under subclass 600.Subject matter comprising a fixture projectingfrom a wall or column used for supporting theelectrical components or devices.


supports, per se.

826 Wire distribution (e.g., harness, rack):This subclass is indented under subclass 600.Subject matter wherein the housings, mountingassemblies, or diverse electrical componentsare combined with wire apportion or distribu-tion means.


tors, appropriate subclass for cablesupports, cable supports having oneelectrical component or cable sup-ports having plural same electricalcomponent.



827 With interconnecting cable:This subclass is indented under subclass 826.Subject matter wherein a conductive pathbetween two or more terminals is an assemblyof insulated conductors in a compact form cov-ered by a flexible waterproof protective cover-ing.


tors, subclass 102 for cable, per se.

828 With switchboard or switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 826.Subject matter wherein the harness or rack sup-ports a device for making, breaking, or chang-ing connections in an electrical circuit.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:605+, for electrical switchgear in power dis-

tribution systems and devices.628+, for switches in distribution power

boards.832, for switchboard or switch in a frame.


Breakers, appropriate subclass forswitches, per se.

829 Frame:This subclass is indented under subclass 600.Subject matter wherein the electrical compo-nents are supported by skeletal-type beamsforming an open frame or support.


supporting frames, per se.

830 With plurality of capacitors:This subclass is indented under subclass 829.Subject matter wherein the frame supports twoor more capacitors or condensers.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:271+, for capacitors, per se.738, for capacitor and resistor on printed

circuit.

763, for capacitor and electrical componenton printed circuit board not in mod-ule.




831 With cooling means:This subclass is indented under subclass 829.Subject matter wherein the frame comprises ameans for dissipating heat from the frame.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:676, for electrical power systems with

cooling means.688+, for electronic systems and devices

with cooling means.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:165, Heat Exchange, appropriate subclass

for cooling means, per se.

832 With switchboard or switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 829.Subject matter wherein the frame supports adevice for making, breaking, or changing con-nections in an electrical circuit.



boards.828, for switchboard or switches with wire

distribution means.


Breakers, appropriate subclass forswitches, per se.

833 Fuse block:This subclass is indented under subclass 600.Subject matter wherein an insulating base orslab houses a protective device, usually a shortpiece of wire but sometimes a chemical com-



pound which melts and breaks a circuit when acurrent exceeds a rated value.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:630, for panel boards with fuses.835, for fuses on pullout devices.


mally Actuated Switches, appropriatesubclass for fuses, per se.

439, Electrical Connectors, appropriatesubclass for fuse combined with con-nector arrangements.

834 Plural:This subclass is indented under subclass 833.Subject matter wherein two or more fuseblocks are employed.

835 Fuse pullout device:This subclass is indented under subclass 600.Subject matter comprising insertion andremoval devices for mounting a current protec-tive device or component in a housing.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:833+, for fuse blocks of unit construction.

836 For transformer:This subclass is indented under subclass 600.Subject matter wherein the housing or mount-ing assembly is combined with an electricaldevice which changes voltage in direct propor-tion to a ratio of the number of turns of its pri-mary and secondary windings.

(1) Note. The electrical housing or mount-ing assembly may also contain otherelectrical components.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:603, for power distribution station (substa-

tion) housings or mounting assem-blies combined with transformer.

620, for electrical switchgear housing ormounting assembly with transformer.

623, for electrical power distribution sys-tems housing and mounting assem-blies with distribution or control unitcombined with a transformer.



classes for transformers, per se.

837 For switch or fuse:This subclass is indented under subclass 600.Subject matter wherein the housing or mount-ing assembly is combined with an electricalcomponent or device and (a) a mechanical orelectrical device that completes or breaks apath of current or sends current over a differentpath or (b) a protective device, usually a shortpiece of wire but sometimes a chemical com-pound, which melts and breaks a circuit when acurrent exceeds a rated value.



boards.630, for panel boards with fuses.632, for switchboard or switch in a frame.828, for switchboard or switches with wire

distribution means.833+, for fuse blocks of unit construction.835, for fuses on pullout devices.


tors, subclasses 50 through 64 forboxes or housing containing a switchor fuse and having no structuraldetails of a switch or fuse.

200, Electricity: Circuit Makers andBreakers, appropriate subclass forswitches, per se.

337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Ther-mally Actuated Switches, appropriatesubclass for fuses, per se.

FOREIGN ART COLLECTIONS

The definitions of the Foreign Patent/NPL Art Collec-tions below correspond to the definitions of the abol-ished subclasses from which these Collections wereformed. See the Foreign Patent/NPL Art Collectionschedule for specific correspondences.

FOR 100 Overvoltage:



Foreign art collections including subjectmatter wherein the fault sensor is responsiveto an overvoltage condition.

FOR 101 With specific current responsive faultsensor:Foreign art collections including subjectmatter wherein the fault sensor responds toan abnormal current condition in the loadcircuit and subsequently activates a protec-tive device.

END

Documents

May 2006 CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS CLASS 361, … · 2007. 2. 28. · 257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g., Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), appropriate subclasses for active solid-state