A. Systems and processes for transmission or reception of
radio wave energy for obtaining or utilizing information (using
radio wave transmitters or receivers), as to an object, or as to
the directional characteristics of the radio wave energy, per se.
B. This class includes radar systems wherein radio wave energy
from a transmitter is reflected or otherwise returned from an object
to a receiver which may be at the same location as the transmitter.
C. This class includes subsystems, components, and related
processes which are limited to use in connection with the above
and not provided for elsewhere.
D. This class is limited to electromagnetic radio frequency
waves in the radiation field. Radiation waves produces by lasing
(coherent addition) action and induction field electromagnetic waves
are excluded from this class, even though they may operate at radio
frequencies. See "radio wave" definition above
for other type exclusions.
Measuring and Testing,
subclasses 570+ for miscellaneous apparatus for testing devices
by means of vibratory forces (e.g., certain types of compressional
waves), see indented subclasses 584+ where sound waves
are used. Class 73 provides for measuring and testing methods and
apparatus which involve a radiant energy test and a nonelectrical
test. Class 73 is the generic class for measuring and testing methods
and apparatus, Search notes to the class definition of Class 73
should be consulted for other classes which provide for measuring
and testing processes and apparatus.
Ordnance,
subclasses 1.1+ and 41 for apparatus designed to control or move
a gun for aiming it towards a target, including such apparatus where
radiant energy is utilized and subclasses 1.51+ for radiant
energy actuated or controlled devices for releasing bombs, flares, etc.,
from aircraft.
Ammunition and Explosives,
subclass 384 for drop bombs with direction controlling means, including
those controlled by radiant energy; subclasses 416+ and
the subclasses specified in the notes thereto for explosive mines
adapted to be fixed automatically, the firing device of the mine
being actuated by electrical, magnetic, wave or radiant energy and
the igniting, per se, for such mines; and subclass 214 for fuses,
primers and igniting devices for explosives which involve the utilization
of electrical, magnetic, wave or radiant energy in their operation.
Telegraphy, appropriate subclasses with respect to inductive coupling
where the sole disclosure is of a radiant energy telegraph system,
but the claimed subject matter is not limited to radiant energy
transmission of the signals. See especially
subclass 18.07 and 19.03 for handwriting and drawing systems with
inductive coupling, subclass 43 for space induction systems, subclasses
66.1+ for miscellaneous systems using alternating current (including
high frequency current) to transmit the signal. Note that many
of the patents in subclasses 66.1+ of Class 178 are analogous
to the patents of Class 375, subclasses 259+ for miscellaneous
telegraph apparatus useful in either radio or wire telegraphy, for
example, subclasses 371+ for receivers and subclasses 348+ for
keys.
Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles,
subclass 10 for systems for transferring energy from a roadway
or other place to a movable vehicle by means of electromagnetic
induction.
Aeronautics and Astronautics,
subclass 3.1 for control means for missiles and subclass 77
for systems for automatically controlling aircraft by means of electrical
apparatus and radiant energy controlled steering and for a statement as
to the lines between the classes.
Radiant Energy,
subclasses 200 through 239for light sensitive systems and subclass 336.1 for
methods and apparatus utilizing invisible ray energy for measuring
and detecting purposes; subclass 492.1 for methods and apparatus
utilizing invisible ray energy such as X-rays, ultraviolet infrared
rays. Class 250 is the generic class of radiant energy. It and other classes
specified in the search class notes to it should be searched for
the patents relating to radiant energy apparatus, processes and devices,
especially for processes and apparatus for subjecting materials
to radiant energy.
Electricity: Motive Power Systems,
subclass 16 for electric motor systems where the motor is controlled
or supplied by space transmitted electromagnetic or electrostatic
energy (including radio energy), subclass 460 for electric motor
systems controlled by sound or supersonic vibrations, subclass 480
for electric motor systems controlled by radiant energy (e.g., light).
Electricity: Measuring and Testing, is the generic class for methods and apparatus for testing
to determine electrical properties by electrical means;
subclasses 323+ and 344+ provide for ore detection determination
by electrical means, including the use of radio waves, except such
methods and apparatus which involve the use of reflected or otherwise returned
radio waves, the excepted matter being in this class (342). Class
324 provides for electrical testing methods and apparatus which
include a test by means of radio waves and another electrical test.
Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, appropriate subclasses for wave transmission lines or networks
which may be used for communication purposes wherein the wave energy is
guided or constrained by a wave propagating medium of appreciable
electrical length with respect to the wave length of the propagated energy.
For example,
subclasses 1+ provides for plural channel systems and subclasses
236+ provides for single channel long lines having distributed
electrical parameters, such as parallel conductors, wave guides
and shielded lines. This class also contains systems and networks useful
in communication with radiant energy. See particularly subclasses
109+ for directional couplers, subclass 117 for hybrid
type networks, subclass 13 for resonator type breakdown discharge
systems, e.g., T-R or R-T systems, subclass 23 for dissipating terminations
for long lines, subclasses 24+ for coupling networks including
filters, equalizers, dealt networks and impedance matching networks
and subclass 81 for attenuators.
Optics: Measuring and Testing, appropriate subclasses for devices which utilize
visible light and optical principles for the measurement of angles,
distances, chromatic effects and the intensity of light, flaw analysis
and fiducial instruments not provided for elsewhere.
Facsimile and Static Presentation Processing, appropriate subclasses for facsimile systems whether
the signals are transmitted by radiant energy or otherwise.
Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave Systems
and Devices, appropriate subclass for apparatus for detecting objects
or determining their distance or direction which are provided with
means to transmit and receive sonic or supersonic waves, the sonic
or supersonic waves being either generated or received by electrical
means. See
subclasses 87+ for echo systems, subclasses 131+ for
underwater systems and subclasses 115+ for distance or
direction finding. (Note that the class for acoustics has similar
apparatus.)
Pulse or Digital Communication, appropriate subclass for pulse communication via radio waves.
(Note: See the Class 178 search note above for Class 375,
subclasses 259+ , 371+, for and 348+ reference).
Telecommunications, appropriate subclass for analog modulated carrier
wave. Class 455 includes transmitters and receivers of signals having
arbitrary information content, whereas Class 342 is limited to transmitter
beacons, directional receivers and radar transponders of regular,
periodic and in general nonvarying signals having fixed information
content relating to locating or identifying a target.
Superconductor Technology: Apparatus, Material,
Process,
subclasses 150+ for high temperature (Tc
30 K) superconducting devices, and particularly subclasses 202+ for electrical
communication systems.
Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific
Applications,
subclasses 1 through 89for generic data processing control systems; and
subclasses 90-306 for particular applications of digital data processing
systems or calculating computers.
Data Processing: Vehicles, Navigation, and Relative
Location,
subclasses 200+ and 300+ for computer applications in
the area of navigation and determining the relative location between
two points.
Data Processing: Speech Signal Processing, Linguistics,
Language Translation and Audio Compression/Decompression,
subclasses 200+ for artificial intelligence systems that process speech
signals.
Data Processing: Intelligent Processing Systems
and Methods, various subclasses for artificial intelligence systems
that represent, apply, and acquire knowledge.
Electrical Computers: Arithmetic Processing and
Calculating,
subclasses 1+ for hybrid computers; subclasses 100+ for
digital calculating computers; and subclasses 800+ for
analog computers.
Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems:
Multiple Computer or Process Coordinating, appropriate subclassesfor data transfer among a plurality of spatially
distributed computers or digital data processing systems.
Data Processing: Presentation Processing of Document,
Operator Interface Processing, and Screen Saver Display Processing,
subclasses 700 through 866for computer operator interface processing.
SECTION III - GLOSSARY
ACTIVE ANTENNA
Part of the antenna which is directly coupled to free space
and radiates electromagnetic energy into, or collects electromagnetic
energy from, free space and is also directly coupled to a transmitter
or receiver.
COMMUNICATION
The conveying or transferring or information; specifically
a system, as a radio, television, telephone for conveying or transferring
information.
DISTANCE
The space between two points, which may be immediately
juxtaposed or widely spaced.
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE POLARIZATION CONVERTER
Structure which acts directly on the electromagnetic wave
energy to modify the polarization pattern of the wave, for example,
to change a plane polarized wave into a circularly polarized wave.
FAR FIELD
The space beyond the near field of an antenna in which radiation
is essentially confined to a fixed pattern falls off inversely with
the square of the distance.
FREE SPACE
Space where the movement of energy in any direction is substantially
unimpeded, such as the atmosphere, the ocean or the earth.
MESSAGE
A signal used to convey intelligence, such as telephone signals
(e.g., speech).
"Message" is used in a more limited sense
than "signal" for the purpose of classification
in this class, in that "signal" includes the transmission
of control impulses for operating mechanisms other than mere signal
reproducers.
NEAR FIELD
The electromagnetic field within a distance of 1 wavelength
from a transmitting antenna.
ORIENTING
Changing the beam direction of an antenna with respect to
some reference point.
RADAR
Acronym for radio detecting and ranging. A system that measures
distance (and usually the direction) to an object by determining
the amount of time required by electromagnetic energy to travel
to and return from an object. Called primary radar when signals
are returned by reflection. Called secondary radar when the incident signal
triggers a responder beacon and causes it to transmit a second signal.
RADIANT ENERGY
The energy (partially kinetic, partially potential) associated
with waves produced in free space by a source of energy, such as
light wave, electromagnetic radiation (including radio waves), or
neutron and similar radiation, subsonic, supersonic and sonic waves.
RADIATION
The emanation of energy into free space.
RADIATION FIELD
An electromagnetic wave whose frequency spectrum extends
over a range from somewhat above the frequency of audible sound
waves to somewhat below the frequency of heat and light waves.
Values of 10 kilocycles and 30,000 megacycles have been given as
the lower the upper limits of the range for radio waves, although
values exist beyond these limits. Radio waves as defined here exclude
compressional waves, light waves, heat waves, infrared waves, ultraviolet
waves, X-ray, cathode rays, gamma rays, and ion beams. The radio
waves are produced by oscillations of electric change in an antenna.
SIGNAL
Control impulse, wave energy, intelligence or message, such
as sing, or a noise indication agreed upon, under stood and used
to convey information at a distance.
TELEGRAPHY
The transmission to a distance of signals, unlimited
with respect to the extent of the message communicated, by the utilization
of energy, the elements of the message being selected or composed
at will according to a prearranged code.
TELEPHONY
The conversion of spoken or sound waves into energy which
is transmitted a distance and reconverted into sound waves for reproduction
of the speech or sounds.
TELEDYNAMICS
The transmission of signal energy for the control of apparatus
or mechanisms, at a distance.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein a material or device takes up and
dissipates far field radar or radio wave signals.
(1)
Note. An example of a device used a radar absorber is an
anechoic chamber.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein there are means primarily intended
to echo or return far field radar signals.
(1)
Note. Subject matter of this subclass excludes antenna reflectors
which are part of a radar antenna with nominal radar recitation.
(2)
Note. Nominal radar recitation for use with radar reflectors
is included in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter including means to vary the amplitude, frequency
of phase of a far field radar signal as it is being reflected.
(1)
Note. Subject matter of this subclass excludes passive transponders.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter wherein the reflecting surfaces are arranged
to intersect so as to provided a retrodirective reflection.
This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter wherein the corner reflector has the capability
of being: (1) distended by gas (e.g., air); or (2) deflated of
gas; or (3) folded together so as to occupy a smaller volume of space.
This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter wherein the corner reflectors is (1) either
part of a vehicle or part of a device pulled by a vehicle which
provides reflected signals which disguise the true location of the vehicle
or (2) used to move the primary point of reflection.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter wherein the reflector has the capability
of being: (1) distended by gas (e.g., air); or (2) deflated of
gas; or (3) folded together so as to occupy a smaller volume of space.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter wherein the reflector includes a spherically
shaped structure transparent to radio waves having a relative dielectric
constant different from unity.
(1)
Note. A Luneberg lens is a lens with a circular cross section
having an index of refraction varying only in the radial direction
such that a feed located on or near a surface or edge of the leans
produce a major lobe diametrically opposite the feed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter wherein the reflector including thin, narrow,
metallic strips of various length and frequency responses.
(1)
Note. Subject matter of this subclass excludes chaff dispensing
means.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including means for intentionally interfering
with systems or devices within the class, for avoiding such interference or
for use in support of such means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Subject matter including means for intentionally interfering
with the transmission or reception of signals of systems or devices
with the this class.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Subject matter including means to avoid interferences with
the transmission or reception of signals by systems or devices within
this class.
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Subject matter wherein a radar system being interfered with
changes its mode of operation in response to the interference.
This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Subject matter wherein the receiver gain is reduced or the
receiver is gated off in response to being jammed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Subject matter including means to indicate only the presence
of systematic radio signal observation means.
(1)
Note. This subclass includes devices commonly called "Fuzzbuster".
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein a radar signal extends over a broad
band of frequencies rather than being at a single carrier frequency.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein a radar system is used to assist
in bringing a vehicle to a space allowed for its safety or convenience
between other vehicles, piers, wharves or portals.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein a radar system generates the effect
of a long antenna by signal processing means rather than by the
actual use of a long physical antenna.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein a radar system generates the effect
of a long antenna by signal processing means rather than by the
actual use of a long physical antenna.
(1)
Note. The long antenna is synthesized through the motion
of a small antenna relative to the target with either the antenna
or the target or both moving. The signal received by the antenna
is processed coherently over an integration time. The synthesized
antenna length is given by the trajectory traversed by the small
antenna relative to the target during the coherent integration time.
Because of the two-way phase shift in forming the effective radiation
pattern, the effective half-power beam-width must be computed considering
twice the synthesized antenna length.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein a radar system senses the existence
of a target without quantifying any of its characteristics.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein a radar signal is used to assist
in preventing aircrafts from flying into one another, or other obstacles.
Data Processing: Vehicles, Navigation, and Relative
Location,
subclass 17 for computerized radar for vehicle indication or
guidance; subclass 223 for computerized radar ground scanners; and
subclass 301 for computer avoidance collision systems.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter including means to operate plural transponders
on separate aircraft or on the ground, on a common time base.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter wherein the transponder means are part of
a secondary surveillance radar (SSR) or an air traffic control radio
beacon system (ATCRBS).
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein a radar signal is used by an airborne
vehicle to enable the vehicle to land safely on the ground.
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter including a ground radar system providing
information by which aircraft approaches to landing may be directed
via radio communications.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein a radar signal is used to maintain
cognizance or to regulate the movement of aircraft in relation to
each other or to other objects.
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter including a radar beacon-transponder means
to maintain cognizance or to regulate the paths of selected vehicles
within a selected area such as an airport terminal area or air route.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Subject matter wherein the transponder signal includes information
about the vertical distance of an aircraft or other object above
a given reference plane such as the ground or sea.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Subject matter including circuitry means to exclude or greatly
attenuate a portion of the beam for an antenna, other than the main
lobe.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Subject matter including means to eliminate random nonsynchronous
unintentional return signals in a beacon system or to decode multiple
overlapping signal transmission interference.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein a radar signal is used to assist
in preventing naval craft from running into one another.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter having means wherein the radar signal is
received from an originating station, has information coded thereon
or added and is retransmitted to the originating station.
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter wherein the transponder system is combined
with a system in which the retransmitted (reply) signal is a reflection
of the transmitted energy from the surface of the target.
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter wherein the coded radar retransmitted (reply)
signal contains information used to distinguish the transponder
station from all others.
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter including means to transmit radio signals
between two stations located on ships, aircraft, or the ground,
for automatic identification of particular station characteristics,
such as station type (e.g., ally or enemy, bomber or fighter, etc.).
(1)
Note. IFF is an acronym for Identification - Friend or Foe.
(2)
Note. SIF is an acronym for Selective Identification Feature.
This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Subject matter including means to provide distance information
by measuring total round-trip time of transmission from an interrogator to
a transponder and return, with internationally recognized signals.
This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Subject matter wherein the interrogator station includes
circuit means which is self-activating to lock-on the reply signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Subject matter including means operating at VHF and providing
radial lines of positioning any direction as determined by bearing
selection within the receiving equipment, or means operating at
UHF using pulse techniques to provide a polar coordinate (rho-theta)
system of navigation.
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