Class Definition for Class 315 - ELECTRIC LAMP AND DISCHARGE DEVICES: SYSTEMS

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CLASS 315,	ELECTRIC LAMP AND DISCHARGE DEVICES: SYSTEMS
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This is a restricted class which includes assembled patents on the special types of electric lamp and electric space discharge device systems set forth in the following sections:

A. Structural Combinations With Circuit Elements;

B. Structural Combinations With Heating And/Or Cooling Means;

C. Cathode-Ray Tubes;

D. Lamps and/or Discharge Devices as Sole Load Devices;

E. Lamps;

F. Electric Space Discharge Devices

G. Gas or Vapor Discharge Devices;

H. High Vacuum-Type Discharge Devices, and Gas or Vapor-type Discharge Devices Claimed Broadly;

I. Plural Load Device Systems;

J. Art Uses and Combinations With Art Devices;

K. Testing Electric Lamps and Discharge Devices; and

L. Operating a Lamp or a Gas or Vapor Discharge Device.

SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS

A. STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS WITH CIRCUIT ELEMENTS:

Electric lamps and electric space discharge devices of any type (including cathode-ray tubes) with or without a discharge control device, combined with other circuit elements all of which (other than a mere source of current and/or potential supply if claimed) are structurally combined therewith to form a unitary device. Such structurally combined circuit elements may be in either or both the input or output circuit of a discharge device, or in neither circuit, and may be used for any purpose. Such means appear in this class (see Subclass References to the Current Class, below). If any circuit element is not structurally combined as stated above, the patent is treated as stated in the following sections. See the sections F-4; and G; and H, especially.

B. STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS WITH HEATING AND/OR COOLING MEANS:

The subject matter of section A, combined with means for heating and/or cooling the lamp or discharge device structure, which heating and/or cooling means is either structurally combined with the lamp or discharge device, or with an electrical circuit element, or forms an electrical circuit element. All electrical circuit elements (except a mere source of current and/or potential supply, if claimed) which are not structurally combined with the lamp or discharge device must be structurally combined with the heating and/or cooling means; see Subclass References to the Current Class, below. If any circuit element is not structurally combined as stated in this and the preceding section (A), the patent is treated as stated in the following sections (see section H-2-d for other temperature-modifying combinations).

C. CATHODE-RAY TUBES:

Combined with an electric system for the supply and control of current and/or potential thereto as the ultimate load on the system. Sections A and B, above, deal with other special cathode-ray tube systems in this class. Such means appear in this class (315). See Subclass References to the Current Class, below.

D. LAMPS AND/OR DISCHARGE DEVICES AS SOLE LOAD DEVICES:

1. With an electric system for supplying current and/or potential thereto. If there is any other type of electric load device, as either the sole ultimate load device or in addition to the lamp and/or discharge device load, the patent is in some other appropriate class. The load may be constituted by one or more lamps alone, by one or more discharge devices alone, or by any combination therebetween subject to the limitations noted below in this section and in the following sections. Discharge devices having a claimed output circuit are in this class only in the special cases set forth in paragraphs A, B, and F.

2. Where systems are provided with an impedance in the supply circuit of the lamp or discharge device, and the sole function of the impedance is to regulate current flow to the lamp or discharge device, the impedance is not considered a load device.

3. Systems wherein an impedance is substituted in the circuit when a lamp or discharge device is removed therefrom so that the impedance provides a substitute load on the system are included in this class, see Subclass References to the Current Class, below.

E. LAMPS:

With an electric system for supply and control of current and/or potential thereto as the ultimate load on the system.

F. ELECTRIC SPACE DISCHARGE DEVICES:

1. Combined with an electric system for the supply and/or control of current and/or potential supplied thereto, the discharge device being the ultimate load in the system, where the system of supply and/or control is to result as its sole function in either or both: a. causing a discharge to take place or b. mere regulation of the discharge.

2. In this type of system, the output circuit may be claimed if it is claimed so broadly as to be in effect the mere completion of the circuit so that a discharge may take place.

3. This type of system is included even though the type of current flowing in the anode-cathode circuit is specified as being different from the supply current (as, for example, d.c. and a.c., respectively, as in the mercury arc type of discharge device).

4. Due to differences in operating characteristics between: a. gas or vapor discharge devices, and b. high vacuum discharge devices. Systems limited to these two different types have been treated differently, see sections G and H, below.

5. The preceding limitations cause exclusion from this class of: a. The regulation and/or control of the current and/or potential in a circuit by means of a discharge device, even though no load device in the regulated and/or controlled circuit is claimed, and the discharge device is under the terms of the claim the ultimate load device; b. Those systems having one or more discharge devices constituting the ultimate load on the system, where the system includes means which limit the system to use for purposes other than, or in addition to, section F, Electric Space Discharge Devices, 1 (a) or (b) above (e.g., to amplify, modulate, etc.).

G. GAS OR VAPOR DISCHARGE DEVICES:

1. combined with an electric system as defined in section F are included in this class when the claims are restricted to discharge devices of the gas or vapor type, and: a. where they are only principal electrodes, b. where there are one or more discharge control electrodes in addition to the principal electrodes which do not function to retain control of the discharge after it is initiated to regulate the same, c. where there is an electromagnetic discharge control device (other than or in addition to electrodes as in (a) or (b) even though it controls the discharge after it is initiated.

2. Where there is a discharge control electrode of any kind, or a nonelectrode discharge control device other than electromagnetic, and the system is so designed that the discharge control device or electrode retains control of the discharge after it is initiated to regulate the same (continuous control type), the patent is excluded from this class.

3. Where the discharge device in the system is disclosed as being of the gas or vapor type, but the claims are not so limited (the device being claimed broadly as a discharge device), the patent is not classified in this class, but in some other class appropriate to the subject matter claimed, except in the particular instances set forth in section H.

H. HIGH VACUUM-TYPE DISCHARGE DEVICES, AND GAS OR VAPOR-TYPE DISCHARGE DEVICES CLAIMED BROADLY:

Combined with an electric system as defined in section F, Electric Space Discharge Devices, above, are included in this class only in the following particular situations (being in all other instances excluded):

1. Structural combinations as defined in sections A and B, above, with or without discharge control means;

2. Where the only electrodes claimed are the principal electrodes (no discharge control device of any kind being claimed) and the patent is classifiable in one of the following art areas: a. having means to automatically substitute a second source of current and/or potential supply, b. having means to automatically substitute a second discharge device for an operating discharge device when it fails to operate properly, c. having means to supply current to the cathode or cathode heater of the discharge device, d. having means to modify the temperature of the discharge device, either the temperature modifying medium being automatically controlled or the discharge device supply circuit being controlled by the temperature modifying medium (see section B. on other temperature modifying combinations). (See Subclass References to the Current Class, below, for a map of these art areas.)

I. PLURAL LOAD DEVICE SYSTEMS:

Circuits are classified in this class as being plural load device systems where they have any one or any combination of the following, and in any circuit relationship, including where one is in a control circuit of another: a. where the circuit claimed includes two or more lamps; b. where the circuit claimed includes two or more discharge devices, at least two being limited in the claims to the gas or vapor type; c. where the circuit claimed includes at least one lamp and at least one discharge device limited in the claims to the gas or vapor type.

J. ART USES AND COMBINATIONS WITH ART DEVICES:

Only to the following limited extent, the lamp and/or discharge device system claimed is subject to all of the limitations of parts A through J of this definition. The must be no classification in any other class on the basis of the art use or combination with the particular article, device or apparatus claimed. There mere designation of a lamp by an art name (as an ultraviolet or other special ray generator) or the mere designation of a discharge device or one or more of the principal electrodes thereof by an art name (as a spark plug, igniter, naming a principal electrode as work to be heated or welded) will not exclude the patent from this class in the absence of further art limitations. For further details of the lines with particular arts, see the notes appended to the main class definition and to the definitions of the subclasses for combinations with particular articles, devices, or apparatus. See Subclass References to the Current Class, below.

K. TESTING ELECTRIC LAMPS AND DISCHARGE DEVICES:

Where the system is designed to operate the lamp or discharge device as a load device and the system includes means to indicate some condition thereof, the system is classified with the systems of operation in this class. This Class provides for such operating systems combined with signal, indicator, or alarm (see Subclass References to the Current Class, below). Electrical circuits, apparatus, and methods which are limited in their use to testing the operativeness or determining the characteristics of electric lamps or electric discharge devices of any type and which are limited in their use to the sole purpose of such testing are classified elsewhere, even though the system includes an electric lamp or discharge device as the means for indicating the operativeness or characteristics of the device under test. (See References to Other Classes, below.)

L. OPERATING A LAMP OR A GAS OR VAPOR DISCHARGE DEVICE:

Patents which claim a method of operating a lamp or a gas or vapor discharge device are classified in this class (315). The patent is classified in the subclass which provides for the system which is required to operate the device. For example, a claim which recites a method of operating a lamp by first passing a current of one magnitude through the lamp and in then increasing the current flow through the lamp would be classified in this class as a system having regulating means in the system (see Subclass References to the Current Class, below).

FURTHER NOTES:

Lamp And Discharge Device Structure:

Patents claiming an electric lamp or discharge device structure and means broadly to supply electric energy or potentials thereto are classified elsewhere as a lamp or discharge device structure. If the relative magnitude or relationship of the electric energy or potential is specified in the claims, the patent is classified as an electrical system and cross-referenced for the lamp or discharge device structure. Where two or more lamps and/or discharge devices are structurally combined to form a unitary device (there being no circuit element in addition to such structure), the structural combination is classified in the classes noted below even though the electrodes thereof are interconnected, except in the following particular instances: the combination of an incandescent filament lamp and a discharge device structurally combined to form a unitary structure, the filament connected to form a circuit impedance or heater for the discharge device load. (For these, see Subclass References to the Current Class, below.)

For other structures and structural combinations, see References to Other Classes, below.

Space Discharge Igniters:

This class provides for systems for supplying electric energy to one or more discharge devices of the "spark plug" or "ignition" type when the claims are limited to a discharge device. Where the claims are not so limited, being drawn to an ignition device broadly (not limited to a discharge device, spark plug, or spark gap), the patent is placed in the appropriate igniter classification and cross-referenced to this class. Also ignition systems, even though limited to a discharge device, when claimed in combination with fuel burning apparatus, are classified with the type of fuel burning apparatus, (see also main class definition, section J).

For such ignition device systems and combinations, see References to Other Classes, below.

Load Devices Other Than or in Addition to Lamps and/or Discharge Devices:

See section D, above. Where the system claimed includes a load device other than a lamp and/or discharge device, even though lamps and/or discharge devices constitute a part of the system, either as additional load devices or as part of the system of regulation and/or control of such other load device, the patent is excluded from this class, and will be found in the class appropriate to the type of load device or combined load devices.

Class 315 provides for electrical systems limited to supplying electric current and/or potential to one or more electronic tubes of of the gas or vapor type. Many of these systems inherently convert A.C. to D.C. or D.C. to A.C. Some are inherently oscillation generators. Where the system is limited by claimed subject matter to supplying a load circuit, it is excluded from Class 315. Merely claiming the circuit necessary to connect the anode to the cathode as a load circuit is not sufficient to exclude the system from Class 315. Claiming a load device, either specifically or broadly in the output circuit will exclude the system from Class 315. Claiming subject matter which would not be provided unless the system were to be used for supplying a load device is sufficient to exclude the system from Class 315. For example, reciting means in the output circuit responsive to overload conditions in output circuit to control the system will exclude the system from Class 315. See References to Other Classes, below.

SECTION III - SUBCLASS REFERENCES TO THE CURRENT CLASS

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

1+,	for supplying electric current and/or potential to cathode-ray tubes, and/or cathode-ray tubes combined with a circuit element which is structurally combined with the cathode-ray tube so as to form a unitary device.
3+,	for subject matter in which cathode-ray tubes are combined with circuit elements, all of which are structurally combined therewith to form a unitary device, see main class definition, sections (A) and (B).
32,	and indented subclasses for electrical circuit elements (except a mere source of current and/or potential supply, if claimed) which are not structurally combined with the lamp or discharge device must be structurally combined with the heating and/or cooling means.
32+,	for subject matter under the class definition, sections (A) and (B), Structural Combinations With Circuit Elements and Structural Combinations With Heating And/Or Cooling Means.
46,	and indented subclasses and subclass 49 for the combination of an incandescent filament lamp and a discharge device structurally combined to form a unitary structure, the filament connected to form a circuit impedance or heater for the discharge device load.
76,	and indented subclasses for combinations with particular articles, devices, or apparatus.
86+,	for means to automatically substitute a second source of current and/or potential supply
88+,	for means to automatically substitute a second discharge device for an operating discharge device when it fails to operate properly,
94+,	for means to supply current to the cathode or cathode heater of the discharge device,
112+,	for means to modify the temperature of the discharge device, either the temperature modifying medium being automatically controlled or the discharge device supply circuit being controlled by the temperature modifying medium, (see Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, section B, above, on other temperature modifying combinations).
119,	and indented subclasses for systems wherein an impedance is substituted in the circuit when a lamp or discharge device is removed therefrom so that the impedance provides a substitute load on the system.
120+,	for operating systems combined with signaling means, or indicator means, or alarm means operated by some part of the load device or the electrical circuits therefor to indicate some condition in the load device or the circuits therefor.
120,	and 129+ provides for supply systems for lamps and gas or vapor discharge devices which include a signal to indicate the condition of the load device or the circuit.
291,	a claim which recites a method of operating a lamp by first passing a current of one magnitude through the lamp and then increasing the current flow through the lamp would be classified in this subclass as a system having regulating means in the system.

SECTION IV - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

40,	Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, subclasses 541+ for illuminated signs in combination with the systems for supplying electric current to the lamps.
84,	Music, subclass 464 for electric lamp systems combined with musical instruments for providing color or light effect.
96,	Gas Separation: Apparatus, subclasses 80+ for electrostatic precipitators having voltage supply means or circuitry for applying electrical potential thereto.
99,	Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclass 483 for methods and apparatus for subjecting foods and beverages to an electric space discharge.
123,	Internal-Combustion Engines, subclasses 147 and 594+. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Space Discharge Igniters.")
200,	Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, appropriate subclasses for electric switches. Some types of electric switches are closely analogous in structure to some types of electric space discharge devices. This is especially true with respect to the type of electric space discharge device where the electrodes of the discharge device are normally in contact under open circuit conditions, the electrodes being separated from each other when the current is applied to the circuit, the space discharge being established by separating or drawing apart the electrodes. An electric switch of the thermostatic type where the contacts of the switch are normally open when no current is applied to the circuit which includes the switch, the switch including means to establish an electric space discharge between the contacts, the space discharge heating the thermostat so that the thermostat moves the switch contacts into circuit closing position to establish a conductive path for the current through the contacts and to short-circuit or extinguish the space discharge, is closely analogous in structure to space discharge devices of the type which is classified in this class (315) in subclasses 56+ as a combined switch and discharge device. The distinction between electric switches and space discharge devices, therefore, depends in some cases principally upon the disclosed purpose of the structure claimed by the patent. Where the space discharge is only an incident to the separating of the switch contacts and the purpose of the structure is to open or close a circuit, the device will be considered an electric switch for the purpose of classification. Where the purpose of the claimed structure is to establish an electric space discharge by contacting the electrodes with each other, the device is considered to be an electric space discharge device. This class (315) includes, in subclasses 56+, combined space discharge devices and electric switch structures where the device claimed includes electrodes other than the switch electrodes, their supports, or lead-in means for establishing an electric space discharge. To be classified in Class 315, the device claimed must include at least one electrode which has no purpose other than to operate as an electric space discharge electrode. Where the only discharge electrodes are also switch means, the patent will be classified in Class 200. For switches which are somewhat analogous in structure to space discharge devices, see subclass 144, where the switch is provided with means to separate the switch contacts from each other to open the circuit, the switch structure including means to extinguish the space discharge formed when the switch contacts are opened; subclasses 182+, for mercury and other liquid contact switches which are closely analogous in structure to mercury vapor and other liquid electrode lamps and discharge devices.
204,	Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, subclasses 155+ , 164+, 192.1+, and 298.01+ for methods for subjecting materials to electric space discharges for performing chemical changes and analogous purposes. See Class 422, Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing, subclasses 186+ for apparatus for subjecting reactants to electromagnetic wave energy (other than visible light) or corpuscular radiation; e.g. radioactive particles, for initiating or perfecting a reaction.
219,	Electric Heating, subclasses 50+ , especially indented subclasses 121.11+ for systems for supplying electrical energy to arc welding and/or heating apparatus. Class 315 provides electric systems for supplying electric current to an electric arc where the arc is specified by name only as a welding and/or heating arc. The patent will not be excluded from Class 315 even though one of the electrodes is named as the material or object broadly defined, such as "the work to be welded and/or heated". Where the claimed subject matter is limited to the welding and/or heating art, such as, for example, by claiming the means for holding, handling, feeding, and/or moving the work to be welded and/or heated, the patent is classified in Class 219.
250,	Radiant Energy, is the generic class for electric discharge systems. In this class, subclasses 200+ is the generic place for photoelectric device circuits. Class 315 provides for systems wherein the ultimate load device in the system is either a lamp or gas or vapor discharge device, and the system includes means for controlling the operation of the load device by means of radiant energy. In Class 315, the load device may be a radiant energy sensitive device; that is a lamp or discharge device whose operation is altered when subjected to radiant energy, or the system may include a radiant energy sensitive device such as a photocell which controls the operation of the load device. Subclass 251 provides for devices for producing and propagating a unidirectional stream of neutral molecules or atoms through a vacuum, usually with thermal velocity. Subclasses 281+ provides for methods and apparatus for the ionic separation or analysis of a material utilizing the mass to electric charge ratio of ionic particles of the material. Subclasses 324+ has methods and apparatus of irradiating material by corona radiation. Subclasses 432+ is the place for irradiating fluent material which is contained, supported, or transferred from one place to another. Subclasses 440.11+ is for a supported object subjected to charged particles used to inspect the object for a radiant source, and subclasses 454.11+ in addition to an irradiated object support, includes a support for a radiation source. Subclasses 458.1+, is the generic place for methods and apparatus to irradiate fluorescent or phosphorescent devices including self-luminous articles particularly those used as signalling alignment or indicating devices. Subclasses 492.1+ is the generic place for the irradiation of material or objects by wave or particles of energy of the nuclear or electromagnetic wave type. Where not elsewhere classified, Class 315 includes systems provided with a load device of the con fined gas or vapor type with means regulating the gas or vapor pressure in the confined space, or systems having a discharge device load with means to supply fluent material to the outer electrode discharge space, or systems having a load device and provided with means to supply fluent material to the load device to modify the temperature of the discharge device, only when the disclosed or claimed purpose of the fluent material supply is to modify the operation of the discharge device. Where the purpose of the claimed subject matter is to treat the fluent material either with rays generated by the discharge, or to subject the material to the influence of the discharge, the patent is classified in Class 250 or other appropriate class which provides for the particular art.
290,	Prime-Mover Dynamo Plants, subclasses 13 , 26, 33, 35, 37, and 41 for such plants having an internal combustion engine provided with ignition means of the discharge device type (spark plugs). (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Space Discharge Igniters.")
307,	Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems, subclasses 11+ for plural load circuit systems; 43+ for plural supply circuits or sources, particularly subclasses 48+ and 66+ in which one of the sources of electrical current is a storage battery (see the class of Electricity: Battery or Capacitor Charging or Discharging, below, for battery charging and/or discharging systems); and 154+ for systems for supplying one or more particular load devices not elsewhere classifiable but particularly subclass 157 in which the load is a lamp or discharge device. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Load Devices Other Than or in Addition to Lamps, and/or Discharge Devices.")
313,	Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, appropriate subclasses for the structure of electric lamps and discharge devices, per se. See subclasses 1+ for a plurality of discharge devices (including discharge device lamps) or a discharge device and an incandescent lamp which are structurally combined to form a unitary device. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Lamp and Discharge Device Structure.")
314,	Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Consumable Electrodes, subclass 7 provides for systems for supplying such type discharge device and another type discharge device or lamp. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Load Devices Other Than or in Addition to Lamps, and/or Discharge Devices.")
314,	Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Consumable Electrodes, appropriate subclasses for electric lamps and discharge devices of the consumable electrode type, and such devices in combination with the electric system for supplying current or potential to the device.
314,	Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Consumable Electrodes, which class takes such structures, even though combined with lamp and/or discharge devices of other types. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Lamp and Discharge Device Structure.")
320,	Electricity: Battery or Capacitor Charging or Discharging, appropriate subclass for a battery or capacitor charging or discharging system. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Load Devices Other Than or in Addition to Lamps, and/or Discharge Devices.")
323,	Electricity: Power Supply or Regulation Systems, subclasses 227 and 291 and the subclasses specified in the notes to the definitions of those subclasses for systems for controlling the magnitude of the current and/or voltage in a single circuit having a discharge device as the control means. The discharge device may be either a vacuum tube or a gas or vapor tube. The systems in Class 323 include more than the mere circuit for supplying electric current or potential to the discharge device for merely causing a discharge to take place within the tube or for regulating the discharge within the tube. Many of the systems in Class 323 are closely analogous to the systems in this class. See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, in the class definition of Class 323 for the line between this class (315) and Class 323. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Load Devices Other Than or in Addition to Lamps, and/or Discharge Devices.")
324,	Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 403+ for electrical circuits, apparatus, and methods which are limited in their use to testing the operativeness or determining the characteristics of electric lamps or electric discharge devices of any type and which are limited in their use to the sole purpose of such testing. (See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Testing Electric Lamps and Discharge Devices," above.)
327,	Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, for miscellaneous electron discharge device circuits.
329,	Demodulators, for amplitude, frequency, phase, or pulse demodulator which may include an electron discharge device as a demodulating element (315).
330,	Amplifiers, appropriate subclasses for amplifier systems including gas tubes, cathode-ray tubes, traveling wave tubes, magnetrons, etc., which are of the type of tubes in circuits classified in this class.
331,	Oscillators, is the generic class for electrical oscillators. Many systems using electric lamps of the gaseous or vapor discharge type inherently generate oscillations during operation. Class 315, therefore, provides for all systems for merely supplying electric current or potential to gaseous or vapor discharge devices whether the system is claimed as an oscillation generator or merely as a lamp circuit provided that the system is not limited by claimed subject matter to use as an oscillation generator, such as, for example, means to transfer the oscillating electric energy to another circuit or means to use the oscillating energy.
337,	Electricity: Electrothermally or Thermally Actuated Switches, appropriate subclasses for thermal switches which are combined with space discharge devices.
340,	Communications: Electrical, appropriate subclasses for electric signals and signaling systems wherein an electric lamp is used as the signal means, and for miscellaneous signaling systems which include discharge devices as a part thereof. Merely defining the lamp as a signal will not exclude the patent from Class 315, even though the circuit of the amp is controlled in accordance with the operated or nonoperated condition of some device. Class 315 provides for supply systems for lamps and gas or vapor discharge devices which include a signal to indicate the condition of the load device or the circuit (see Subclass References to the Current Class, above).
345,	Computer Graphics Processing and Selective Visual Display Systems, appropriate subclasses for selective control of data presentation on a display device, especially subclasses 74.1-75.2 for display elements arranged in matrix having cathodoluminescent type.
361,	Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses 247+ for the detonation of an explosive charge. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Space Discharge Igniters.")
362,	Illumination, generic class for illuminating devices provided with means to modify and/or distribute the illumination, and/or with protective means, such as casings, globes, or guards, and for the supports and holders for lamps (other than mere sockets) and such electric lamp illuminating devices when claimed in combination with the source of supply for the lamp.
363,	Electric Power Conversion Systems, appropriate subclasses for various conversion systems including electronic tubes and their control. The systems of Class 363 are closely analogous to the systems of this class (315). In many cases, the distinction between a Class 363 system and a Class 315 system will be significant claiming of a load circuit or load device. Many of the systems of Class 315 will inherently operate as a current convertor because of the basic property of many electronic tubes to conduct current in one direction only. In such cases, the inclusion of the load circuit or load device may be determinative as to whether the system as claimed relates to a conversion system. The following subclasses of Class 363 are of particular interest. See subclasses 50+ for protective systems for electronic tube current convertors; subclasses 74+ for current conversion systems with automatic voltage and/or current magnitude control which may include electronic tube control; subclasses 83, 94, and 99 for current conversion systems with electronic tube line circuit control means; subclasses 111+ for electronic tube current conversion systems; subclass 151 for electronic tube phase conversion systems; subclasses 166+ for electronic tube frequency conversion systems. For the line between this class (315) and Class 363, see Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class in the class definition of Class 363.
363,	Electric Power Conversion Systems, subclasses 74+ for rectifying and derectifying systems with automatic voltage and/or current magnitude control wherein the control means may be an electronic tube having a discharge control means. Many of the systems in Class 363 are closely analogous to the systems in this class (315). See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class in the class definition of Class 363 for the line between this class (315) and Class 363. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Load Devices Other Than or in Addition to Lamps, and/or Discharge Devices.")
373,	Industrial Electric Heating Furnaces, subclasses 60+ for electric arc furnaces. Class 315 provides for systems for supplying electric current to arc furnaces provided that the arc furnace is included by name only. Where the claims include significant furnaces structure, or are otherwise limited to the furnaces art, the patent is classified in Class 373.
378,	X-Ray or Gamma Ray Systems or Devices, appropriate subclasses, particularly subclasses 91+ for circuits for energizing or controlling X-ray tubes. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Load Devices Other Than or in Addition to Lamps, and/or Discharge Devices.")
417,	Pumps, subclasses 48+ for pumps utilizing a space discharge. See Class 417, subclass 49 for a statement of the line.
422,	Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing, subclasses 22+ for processes of disinfecting, deodorizing, preserving, or sterilizing using an electric space charge device.
431,	Combustion, subclasses 264+ for a spark electrode in front of or adjacent the fuel discharge of a burner. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Space Discharge Igniters.")
708,	Electrical Computers: Arithmetic Processing and Calculating, subclass 540 for the use of a CRT in digital arithmetical operations, and subclass 849 for the use of CRT in function generation.

SECTION V - GLOSSARY

AUXILIARY DISCHARGE ELECTRODE

An electrode which is connected in the circuit so that the discharge is initiated between it and one of the principal electrodes, the auxiliary discharge conditioning the discharge space between the principal electrodes so that a discharge between the principal electrodes can be established.

DISCHARGE CONTROL DEVICE

Any means associated with the discharge device (for example only, an electromagnet, a control grid or an auxiliary discharge electrode) intended to be used to control or influence the discharge between the principal electrodes of the discharge device.

DISCHARGE CONTROL ELECTRODE

Any electrode which is designed to influence or control the discharge between the principal electrodes. It may be a control grid or an auxiliary discharge electrode. It may depend for its effect on either its electro-static effect or on the current flow thereto.

ELECTRIC SPACE DISCHARGE DEVICES

The shorter expression "DISCHARGE DEVICES" is used in these definitions, are defined for the purpose of classification in this class as including any device which is intended to have an electrical current flow between two spaced electrodes, at least part of the path followed by the discharge being constituted by a gas, vapor, or vacuum.

GAS OR VAPOR DISCHARGE DEVICE

Any type of electric space discharge which, as claimed, depends upon ionization of a gas or vapor for its operation. Discharge devices which have their discharge electrodes in an unconfined (non-enclosed) atmosphere as well as those having their discharge electrodes in a confined (enclosed) atmosphere are included in this definition.

HIGH-VACUUM TUBE

A vacuum tube evacuated to such a degree that its electrical characteristics are essentially unaffected by gaseous ionization.

LAMPS

Are defined for the purpose of classification in this class as including a device designed for converting electrical energy into ray energy, regardless of whether the ray energy is within the visible or invisible part of the spectrum, but excluding (1) generators of X-rays, and (2) generators designed primarily to generate infrared rays. Lamps may be in the form of electric space discharge devices, for which see the next paragraph.

LOAD DEVICE

The device to which the system supplies electrical energy and which, as claimed, constitutes the final or ultimate device for utilizing the electrical energy of the system.

PRINCIPAL ELECTRODES

The "two spaced electrodes" referred to in the definition of electric space discharge devices, between which the discharge current is primarily intended to flow.

SUBCLASSES

[List of Patents for class 315 subclass 1]

CATHODE RAY TUBE CIRCUITS

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter for supplying electric current and/or potential to cathode-ray tubes, and/or cathode-ray tubes combined with a circuit element which is structurally combined with the cathode-ray tube so as to form a unitary device.

(1) Note. Cathode-ray tubes are defined for the purpose of classification in this subclass as an electric space discharge device which is provided with means to form the electric space discharge into a restricted beam or ray, usually pencil like.

(2) Note. Where a system includes the cathode-ray tube system as a part thereof, the patent is excluded and will be found with the particular art which provides for the complete system.

(3) Note. These subclasses do not include systems which are limited by claimed subject matter to using the cathode-ray tube for controlling the current and/or potential supplied to a load device other than a cathode-ray tube, for which see the class appropriate to the load device. Where the output circuit claimed includes more circuit elements than is necessary for the mere current and/or potential supply for the cathode-ray tube, the system is considered to be limited to use for supplying and/or controlling the current and/or potential to load device and, therefore, excluded from these subclasses.

(4) Note. Systems which include a cathode-ray tube having either a discharge intensity modulating means or a discharge focusing means and discharge deflecting means are excluded from these subclasses where the claims include significant features of the circuits for supplying the controlling currents and/or potentials to the modulating means or focusing means and the deflecting means from the controlling source. For example, a system which includes means for separating the video or image and synchronizing signals from each other and applying them to the cathode-ray tube is classified with the art to which the system relates; i.e., television if the purpose of the system is to reproduce an optical image.

Included in these subclasses are systems which recite broadly means for applying current and/or potential to the intensity control means or the focusing means and to the deflecting electrodes as well as patents which claim systems for controlling the discharge intensity or the focusing solely in dependence upon conditions in the cathode-ray tube current or potential supply system, such as, for example, applying a control potential to the intensity control means or focusing means in dependence upon the rate of ray deflection or in dependence upon the direction of ray deflection (blackout circuits).

(5) Note. Merely claiming either the source of signal potential for controlling the discharge intensity control means, the focusing means, or the discharge deflecting means will not exclude the patent from these subclasses as long as the source of signal potential is claimed broadly so that it could be any source of potential. Where the system claimed includes a source of signal potentials and means to separate the potentials and to apply one to the vertical sweep means, and the other to the horizontal sweep means, the patent is not excluded from these subclasses as long as the source of signal potential is claimed broadly and is no more than a source of periodic potentials. Where such synchronizing circuit for the ray deflecting means is claimed in addition to significant features of the ray modulating circuit, the patent is excluded.

(6) Note. Merely claiming the source of signals to control the start of the ray deflecting circuit as a synchronizing potential will not exclude the patent from these subclasses as long as the source of ray deflecting control potential is claimed broadly and is only the control potential for the ray deflecting means.

(7) Note. These subclasses do not include the combination of a cathode-ray tube and mechanical or optical devices, such as lenses, mirrors, et cetera, which are used with the cathode-ray tube even if the system of supply for the cathode-ray tube is claimed. Merely using a voltage to deflect a cathode-ray beam so as to form a scale upon the screen of the cathode-ray tube will not exclude the patent from Class 315.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

250,	Radiant Energy, subclasses 281+ for methods and apparatus for the ionic separation or analysis of materials utilizing the mass to electric charge ratio of ionic particles of the material.
313,	Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, subclass 2.1 for the structural combination of a cathode-ray tube combined with an electric space discharge device or an electric lamp so as to form a unitary device, and subclasses 364+ for cathode-ray tube structures.
324,	Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclass 88 for devices for indicating the phase relations of electric quantities, which devices comprise cathode-ray tubes, and subclass 121 for cathode-ray galvanometers. Where the system claimed includes means for applying a current or potential under examination, or an unknown current or voltage, to the cathode-ray tube, the system is not excluded from Class 315 unless some means is claimed to enable the desired information to be derived other than merely observing the trace of the ray on an uncharted luminous screen, or unless the cathode-ray tube is claimed in combination with significant features of the circuit to be investigated. Merely naming the circuit to be investigated as a source of pulsating or alternating current will not be sufficient to exclude the patent from Class 315.
329,	Demodulators, for demodulators which may include an electron discharge device.
330,	Amplifiers, subclasses 43 and 44+ for amplifier systems including electron beam tubes.
346,	Recorders, appropriate subclass for cathode-ray devices in combination with photographic recording means. Class 346 provides for such combinations where the system for operating the cathode-ray tube is claimed when the system is of general application and not otherwise classified.
348,	Television, 284, 325-331, 377-378, 379, 380-382, and 805-835 for television systems which include a cathode-ray tube.
358,	Facsimile and Static Presentation Processing, subclasses 409 through 424for synchronizing in facsimile systems which include a cathode-ray tube. See Notes (4), (5), and (6) above for the line between Class 358, subclasses 409-424 and these subclasses (1.1-1.18).
378,	X-Ray or Gamma Ray Systems or Devices, subclasses 91+ for X-ray tube circuits.
386,	Television Signal Processing for Dynamic Recording or Reproducing, subclass 130 for cathode-ray tubes in combination with optical means, such as lenses, mirrors, etc., used for television recording.

[List of Patents for class 315 subclass 3]

Combined cathode ray tube and circuit element structure

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter in which cathode-ray tubes are combined with circuit elements, all of which are structurally combined therewith to form a unitary device, see main class definition, sections (A) and (B).

(1) Note. The circuit element may be mounted within or on the base or envelope of the cathode-ray tube.

(2) Note. These subclasses include the combination of a cathode-ray tube load device and a circuit element where the tube and the circuit element are formed of separable parts, but are provided with means for fastening or assembling the parts together to form a unitary device.

(3) Note. Examples of devices considered to be circuit elements are electric switches, resistances, capacities, inductors, transmission lines of the distributed parameter type (e.g., coaxial lines), waveguides, antennas, transformers, structures formed so as to act as if possessed of distributed inductance and capacitance (e.g., resonators) and any other circuit element.

(4) Note. The circuit combined with the cathode-ray tube need not be a circuit element to be used in the circuit of the cathode-ray tube load device, but may be provided with separate terminals so as to be usable in any desired relation.

(5) Note. This and the indented subclasses include cathode-ray tubes wherein the electrodes and/or the electrode leads are formed so as to function as inductances. This and the indented subclasses do not include cathode-ray tubes wherein the electrodes are formed of resistive material and no other circuit element is combined with the cathode-ray tube.

(6) Note. Patents claiming a cathode-ray tube in combination with a separable socket receptacle or connector for the cathode-ray tube, the socket receptacles or connector including a circuit element, are not classified in these subclasses, but will be found either in subclass 1 or in the other subclasses under subclass 1.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

32,	and indented subclasses for other types of electric discharge devices and for electric lamps combined with circuit elements, all of which are structurally combined to form a unitary device.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

313,

Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, subclasses 365+ provides for cathode- ray tubes which have a photosensitive electrode. Included in these subclasses in Class 313 are cathode-ray tubes where the photosensitive electrode is not in physical contact with a conductive supporting base or where the conductive supporting base is of high resistance material. No effort has been made to separate the cathode-ray tubes with photosensitive electrodes such as mosaic electrodes from each other on the basis of whether or not the electrode has a capacitor effect, a resistance effect, or is conductively connected to its lead-in conductor. All such cathode-ray tube structure has been placed in subclasses 365+ of Class 313.

[List of Patents for class 315 subclass 3.5]

3.5

Traveling wave tube with delay-type transmission line

This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Subject matter in which a transmission line or device arranged to propagate a traveling electromagnetic wave is constructed and arranged to have a wave component the velocity of which is reduced in comparison to the wave velocity in free space; and in conjunction therewith are means for generating an electron beam whose path is in such proximity to the path of said traveling wave component as to permit an exchange of energy between such beam and the traveling wave propagated along the transmission path.

(1) Note. Transmission line or device is defined to include any device which is used to guide or constrain electrical wave energy and to convey the energy from one place to another. Included are conductors and waveguides.

(2) Note. The transmission device may be constructed as a spiral or helix so that the wave has an axial velocity component along the helix which is lower than the free space velocity of the wave, or the transmission device may be loaded as by inductive members to reduce the velocity of the traveling wave.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

3,	for cathode-ray tubes of the traveling wave type not included in this subclass or subclasses 4+.
4+,	for other cathode-ray tubes which have structurally combined therewith an inductive or distributed parameter-type inductive structure (e.g., waveguide, coaxial cable, or parallel wire transmission line). See subclasses 5+ for traveling wave-type cathode-ray tubes having a hollow transmission line (e.g., waveguide) for a traveling wave, and having an electron beam means which is transverse to the transmission line so that energy may be exchanged between the beam and the traveling wave.
39.3,	for other traveling wave-type electronic tubes having a velocity reducing-type transmission line but which do not have the space discharge path focussed or otherwise shaped into a beam.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

327,	Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, subclass 600 for miscellaneous circuits with particular beam tube structure.
330,	Amplifiers, subclass 43 for amplifier systems having traveling wave tubes. See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class and References to Other Classes in the Class Definition of Class 330.
331,	Oscillators, subclass 82 for oscillation generating systems using beam tubes of the traveling wave type.
332,	Modulators, especially subclasses 134 , 147+, and 165+ for modulator systems using traveling wave tubes of the type classified in this subclass.
333,	Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, subclass 22 for transmission lines of the distributed parameter type (e.g., waveguides, long lines) having dissipating terminations, subclasses 138+ for delay networks, subclasses 32+ for impedance matching networks for transmission lines, subclass 81 for transmission lines of the long line with an attenuator means, and attenuators especially designed for use over a frequency band or for use in transmission lines of the distributed parameter type, and subclasses 236+ for the structure of transmission lines of the distributed parameter type.

[List of Patents for class 315 subclass 3.6]

3.6

Line with plural characteristics or plural lines

This subclass is indented under subclass 3.5. Subject matter which is provided with a plurality of transmission lines or devices, or which has the transmission line or device constructed so as to have a section which has different characteristics from another section.

(1) Note. For example, the device may have a plurality of beams and a plurality of transmission lines, or a single beam with a plurality of transmission lines arranged parallel to each other or in series relation along the path of the beam, or may have the transmission line arranged to have different retarding times along its length or have portions provided with coatings or other means to provide different attenuation at different portions of the line.

(2) Note. This subclass does not include subject matter under subclass 3.5 where the transmission line or device is only provided with impedance matching means designed to facilitate the coupling of the transmission line or device to an input or output coupling means (even though such impedance matching means involves differences in structure in the transmission line or device such as changing the spacing of the turns of a spiral transmission line). Such subject matter is classified in subclass 3.5 in the absence of other structure, causing classification in this subclass.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

5.16+,

5.27, 5.28, and 5.39+, for traveling wave tubes having a plurality of hollow transmission lines (e.g., waveguides), at least one line being designed to propagate a traveling wave, and having means producing an electron beam transverse to the transmission lines so that energy may be exchanged between the beam and the energy in the transmission lines.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

333,

Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, subclass 22 for transmission lines of the distributed parameter type having dissipating terminators, subclass 81 for transmission lines and devices with an attenuator means and attenuators especially designed for use with transmission lines and devices of the distributed parameter type, and subclasses 236+ for the structure of transmission lines and devices of the distributed parameter type.

[List of Patents for class 315 subclass 4]

Inductor or distributed parameter-type inductive structure

This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Subject matter wherein the circuit element structurally combined with the cathode-ray tube is an inductor or a structure formed so as to act as if it possessed inductance with or without capacitance.

(1) Note. The inductive circuit structure may be a waveguide, a coaxial line, a hollow resonator, or a parallel wire transmission line or any other structure having or acting as if it had inductance or inductance and capacitance.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

39+,	for other discharge devices which have structurally combined therewith a waveguide, coaxial cable, or other transmission line having distributed inductance and capacitance.
39.51+,	for magnetrons which have an electrode with a portion formed to provide both distributed inductance and capacitance and a magnetic means for influencing the space discharge.
40,	for other discharge devices having an electrode formed as an inductor or as a structure having inductive impedance.
62,	and the subclasses specified in the notes to the definition of that subclass, for other discharge devices which are structurally combined with an inductive impedance.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

333,	Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, subclasses 219+ for electric resonators of the distributed parameter type, per se, and subclasses 236+ for other transmission line structure having distributed inductance and capacitance such as waveguides, coaxial cables, etc.
336,	Inductor Devices, appropriate subclasses for the structure of transformers and inductive reactors.

[List of Patents for class 315 subclass 5]

Ray passes in or through a hollow distributed parameter device

This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter wherein the inductor or inductive and capacitive device constitutes a substantially closed hollow conductive structure having, or acting as if it had distributed inductance and/or capacitance, the ray traversing at least part of the hollow space, and usually passing through the conductive structure by openings provided in the conductive structure.

(1) Note. The conductive structure may be a waveguide, cavity resonator, or coaxial line. An electromagnetic field usually exits in the hollow space, energy being transferred between the ray and the field. A parallel wire Lecher-type line with the ray passing between the wires is not, in itself, a hollow distributed parameter device for classification here, but rather is classified in subclass 4 above. However, where the Lecher line has added portions to provide a hollow space or includes holes in its wires for passage of the ray, classification is in these subclasses (5+).

(2) Note. For classification here the ray may originate within the device and either pass beyond or terminate within the device; or the ray may originate beyond the device and either pass through or terminate within the device. Where the ray merely passes across an opening in the hollow distributed parameter device without entry, classification is in subclass 4 above, even though a coupling exists between the ray and the electromagnetic field within the device.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

3.5+,	for traveling wave tubes with delay-type transmission lines, which may have distributed parameters.
14+,	for other cathode-ray tube systems wherein a plurality of means are provided accelerating and/or decelerating the electrons in the cathode-ray.
39.51+,	and 40, for other discharge devices having an electrode formed as an inductive impedance or inductive structure.
41+,	for other electric discharge devices having an inductive impedance which is structurally combined with the discharge device connected between two of the electrodes of the discharge device.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

330,	Amplifiers, subclasses 45+ for amplifiers having an electron beam tube coupled to cavity resonator, including those of types classified in this and indented subclasses.
331,	Oscillators, subclasses 81+ for electrical oscillators using a beam tube wherein the beam of charged particles passes through or into a hollow distributed parameter device, particularly indented subclass 83 wherein the beam passes through plural cavities. See also the reference to Class 331 under "SEARCH CLASS" in the class definition.
332,	Modulators, especially subclasses 131+ , 147+, and 165+ for electron bunching-type modulators. See also (3) Note under the Class Definition.

[List of Patents for class 315 subclass 5.11]

5.11

With a secondary emission stage

This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter including a secondary emission electrode on which the ray impinges to produce another ray or to augment the impinging ray.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

5.14+,	for a hollow distributed parameter device having a plurality of rays passing through or in.
12.1,	for cathode-ray tube circuits generally with secondary emission.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

313,	Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, subclasses 399+ for cathode-ray tubes, per se, having a secondary emission electrode.

[List of Patents for class 315 subclass 5.12]

5.12

Secondary emission passes through or in the hollow device

This subclass is indented under subclass 5.11. Subject matter wherein the ray passing through or in the hollow device impinges on a secondary emission electrode to produce another ray which passes through or in the same device.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

5.18+,

for a hollow distributed parameter device having a ray passing through or in, and returning to the device by other than secondary emission means.

[List of Patents for class 315 subclass 5.13]

5.13

With a magnetron

This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter including a magnetron, the hollow device through which the ray passes constituting the resonator of the magnetron.

(1) Note. The subject matter of this subclass usually is a magnetron having an additional cathode projecting a ray through the magnetron resonator for tuning purposes.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

5.14+,	for a hollow distributed parameter device having a plurality of rays passing through or in.
5.53+,	for a hollow distributed parameter device having a ray passing through or in and involving tuning.
39.51,	for distributed parameter resonator type magnetrons, and especially subclass 39.57 for such magnetrons with variable tuning by electron emission in or adjacent the resonator space, no means being included to form the emission into a restricted beam or ray.

[List of Patents for class 315 subclass 5.14]

5.14

Plural rays pass through or in the hollow device

This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter wherein each of a plurality of distinct rays pass through or in a single hollow device.

(1) Note. A plurality of rays exit as when projected from separate or distinguishable cathodes. When a single cathode projects a ray which is broken into a plurality of pencil rays as by an apertured mask or other dividing structure, these pencil rays are not considered plural for purposes of classification in this subclass. When two distinct cathodes produce each a ray which merges over at least a part of the ray path, classification is not barred from this subclass. See especially indented subclass 5.15. A mere plurality of structures each having a hollow distributed parameter device with a ray passing therethrough is not classified here, but elsewhere under subclass 5.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

5.12,	for a hollow distributed parameter device with a ray passing through or in, and a second ray also passing through or in and produced by the first ray through secondary emission.
5.13,	for magnetrons having a ray passing through or in the hollow distributed parameter portion.
5.18+,	for a hollow distributed parameter device, where the ray, after passing through or in, returns to the hollow device, and especially indented subclass 5.23 where the device is thermally tuned as by a cathode-ray.
13.1,	for plural ray cathode-ray tube circuits generally.

[List of Patents for class 315 subclass 5.15]

5.15