Class Definition for Class 368 - HOROLOGY: TIME MEASURING SYSTEMS OR DEVICES

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CLASS 368,	HOROLOGY: TIME MEASURING SYSTEMS OR DEVICES
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

A. GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE CLASS SUBJECT MATTER

1. This class is the generic class for instruments or portions of instruments employed for the measurement of time passage in units of hours, minutes, seconds, or fractions thereof or the like.

2. Also this class is the residual class for systems or devices or portions thereof, so constituted as to effect (i.e., control) the operation of the time measuring instrument.

B. SUBCOMBINATIONS OF TIME PIECE SYSTEMS OR DEVICES

1. This class includes signal indicators (e.g., alarms, striking mechanisms, displays, etc.) specially designed for operation with or by time measuring instruments.

2. Similarly, other parts of time measuring instruments, (e.g., time bases, escapements, oscillators, etc.) relating to the subject matter of other classes but designed to function as components of timepiece systems or devices are classified in this class.

SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS

COMBINATIONS OF OTHER APPARATUS WHICH INCLUDE APPARATUS OF THIS CLASS

A. Subject matter where the time measuring system or device is controlled by a disparate device is classified here only if not elsewhere classifiable.

B. Noninteractive combinations of disparate devices and time measuring systems or devices are classifiable here if the time measuring art is more than nominally claimed, or not elsewhere classifiable.

C. This class does not include the following subject matter:

(1) Excepting the apparatus combinations as provided for in the Class Definition, B, and in Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, paragraphs A and B above, systems or devices or portions thereof whose operation is affected (i.e., controlled) by a time measuring mechanism.

(2) Systems or devices which perform computations involving time or nontime parameters with an output time signal or indication (e.g., average wait time, estimated time of arrival, etc.), such subject matter can be found elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)

(3) Systems or devices where the time indicating means is a tracing, marking, or the like made by a recording instrument is excluded, such subject matter being proper elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)

(4) Sundials and like instruments which measure time by the position of a shadow are classified elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)

SECTION III - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

7,	Compound Tools, subclasses 101+ for compound tools for watchmaking or repair.
29,	Metal Working, subclasses 896.3+ , 231+, and 807+ for processes of timepiece assembly.
33,	Geometrical Instruments, subclasses 268+ for straight-line ray-type celestial instruments with time indicators, e.g., sundials.
33,	Geometrical Instruments, for sundials and like instruments which measure time by the position of a shadow. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Combinations of Other Apparatus")
40,	Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, subclasses 107+ and 358 for printed or painted display calendars; and subclass 335 for pen or pencil carried calendar indicator.
63,	Jewelry, for timepiece jewelry attachments or housings.
73,	Measuring and Testing, subclasses 1.43+ for proving or calibrating of timepieces.
81,	Tools, subclasses 6+ and 122+ for watchmakers tools.
84,	Music, subclass 484 for metronomes or the like.
116,	Signals and Indicators, subclasses 206+ for chemically activated time lapse indicators.
206,	Special Receptacle or Package, subclasses 301+ for timepiece storage or shipping cases.
224,	Package and Article Carriers, subclass 152 , and 164 through 180 for timepiece carriers, e.g., watch bracelet.
235,	Registers, subclass 114 for time register mechanisms.
248,	Supports, subclasses 114+ for external supports for timepieces.
283,	Printed Matter, subclasses 2+ for printed calendars, per se.
331,	Oscillators, subclass 3 for atomic clocks devices.
340,	Communications: Electrical, subclasses 825+ , 870.01+, 914, and 926 for electrical communications involving time signals.
342,	Communications: Directive Radio Wave Systems and Devices (e.g., Radar, Radio Navigation), subclasses 61+ and 73+ for systems in which the time interval between transmission and reception of a returned radio wave is determined.
345,	Computer Graphics Processing and Selective Visual Display Systems, subclasses 1.1 through 3.4for visual display systems with selective electrical control.
346,	Recorders, appropriate subclasses for time measuring apparatus where the time-indicating means is a tracing, marking or the like made by a recording instruments. (See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Combinations of Other Apparatus").
359,	Optical: Systems and Elements, appropriate subclasses, especially subclasses 36+ for liquid crystal electro-optical display systems and devices.
360,	Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval, subclass 12 for time announcement machines controlled by condition responsive (not time) devices.
377,	Electrical Pulse Counters, Pulse Dividers, or Shift Registers: Circuits and Systems, for pulse counters and pulse counting systems, especially subclass 20 for pulse counters used for measuring time combined with measurement of another parameter.
379,	Telephonic Communications, subclasses 13 , 70-84, 114.01-132, 190-193, 207.04, and 265.07 for telephone time announcement and timing mechanisms.
434,	Education and Demonstration, subclass 304 for educational time teaching devices.
455,	Telecomunications, subclasses 231 and 344 for clock radio combinations.
701,	Data Processing: Vehicles, Navigation, and Relative Location, subclass 203 for systems or devices which perform computations involving time or nontime parameters with an output time signal or indication (e.g., average wait time, estimated time of arrival, etc.). (See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Combinations of Other Apparatus").
702,	Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing, subclasses 176+ for time duration or rate measuring.
705,	Data Processing: Financial, Business Practice, Management, or Cost/Price Determination, subclass 418 for systems or devices which perform computations involving time or nontime parameters with an output time signal or indication (e.g., average wait time, estimated time of arrival, etc.). (See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Combinations of Other Apparatus").
968,	Horology, for U. S. patents relating to horology classified according to the European Patent Classification System (EPC), the concept to horology in the EPC is based on an industry type philosophy and therefore encompasses significantly more subject matter than is provided in Class 368, and includes, e.g., conventional clocks and watches, electronic time-pieces, sun dials, watchmakers, or watch repair tools, calibration, etc.

SUBCLASSES

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 1]

CONTROLLED BY A DISPARATE DEVICE:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein the timepiece is regulated (e.g., turned on or off) directly or indirectly by an apparatus or device which performs an independant function unrelated to time.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

10+,	for timepieces with disparate devices where there is no interaction between them.
89+,	for timers, per se.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

360,	Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval, subclass 12 for time announcement machines controlled by condition responsive (not time) devices.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 2]

Speed checker:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the disparate device is an object whose velocity (i.e., distance per unit time) across an interval is determined by its time in transit (i.e., elapsed time).

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

113+,

for electrical "event" sensing timers.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 3]

Game:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the disparate device is an amusement apparatus.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

45,	for toy timepieces.
96,	for chess clocks.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 4]

Telephone:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the disparate device is a telephone.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

13,	for timepieces attached to or housed with telephones without interaction.
55,	for plural timepiece systems with telephone line synchronization.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

379,	Telephonic Communications, subclasses 70+ for telephone time announcement and timing mechanisms so intimately associated and claimed in combination with telephone equipment as to be inseparable there from as independent devices.

5	Engine (e.g., internal combustion):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the disparate device is any mechanism or machine designed to convert energy into mechanical work external to itself.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 6]

Vehicle (e.g., aircraft, automobile) or vehicle part:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the disparate device is a transportation mechanism or an element of a transportation mechanism.

(1) Note. Documents classified here must contain significant details of a timepiece mechanism.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

340,	Communications: Electrical, subclasses 917+ for vehicle actuated traffic and vehicle signal indicators with time control or display.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 7]

Actuation of a parking meter:

This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter wherein the vehicle actuates a parking meter means.

(1) Note. For example, the actuation means may be mechanical linkages to a platform upon which the vehicle comes into contact.

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90+,	for parking meter timers for indicating the length of time a vehicle has been parked or the length of time remaining on a parking period.

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194,	Check-Actuated Control Mechanisms, appropriate subclasses for check (e.g., coin) controlled parking meters.

8	Actuation of a running-time meter:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter wherein the vehicle activates an operating time, timing device.

9	Electrical device:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the disparate device is electrically operated.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 10]

COMBINED WITH DISPARATE DEVICE:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising a timepiece housed with or attached to an additional device which has a function other than that of keeping time and which does not serve to perfect the timepiece.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

1,	for timepieces controlled by disparate devices.

11	Ambient condition detector:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein the disparate device is an instrument which measures or senses the state of or a quality of its environment (e.g., thermometer).

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 12]

External alarm:

This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein the disparate device is a signal device which gives an audible or visual warning and is not an integral part of the timepiece.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

244+,

for alarms integral to and controlled by timepieces.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 13]

Telephone:

This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein the disparate device is a telephone.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

4,	for timepiece control by telephone.
55,	for plural timepiece systems with telephone line synchronization.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

379,	Telephonic Communications, 428.01-440 and 441-456 for similar claimed subject matter with nominal timepiece disclosure.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 14]

Navigational instrument:

This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein the disparate device is an instrument used to manage or direct the course of a vehicle.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

20,	for astronomical timepieces with navigational display.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 15]

ASTRONOMICAL:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter incorporating means for indicating celestial body data (e.g., tide occurrences, moon phases, etc.).

(1) Note. Sundials and like instruments which measure time by the position of a shadow are classified in Class 33.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

33,	Geometrical Instruments, subclasses 268+ for straight-line light ray-type celestial instruments with time indicators.

16	With sun, earth, and moon display:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter wherein the positions of the sun, earth, and moon are indicated in relation to each other according to the time of day, week, or month.

17	With sun and earth display:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter wherein the position of both the sun and earth is indicated in relation to each other according to the time of day, week, or month.

18	With moon and earth display:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter wherein the position of both the moon and earth is indicated in relation to each other according to the time of day, week, or month.

19	With tide display:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter wherein tide occurrences are indicated according to the time of day.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 20]

With navigational display:

This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter comprising timepiece display means with the specifically disclosed utility of enabling travel route projection.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

14,	for timepiece combined (i.e., housed) with a navigational instrument.

21	PLURAL TIME ZONES:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein a timepiece includes means to display the absolute or relative time for more than one of the 24 divisions of the globe which approximately coincide with meridians at successive hours from the observatroy at Greenwich, England.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 22]

With manually actuated display:

This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Subject matter wherein the display of time in various time zones is available only upon manual activation of the display.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

69+,	for chronological timepieces with manually activated display.
224+,	for manually activated displays, per se.

23	With a world globe:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Subject matter wherein the time display includes a spherical representation of the earth.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 24]

Including illumination means:

This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Subject matter including means whereby the globe is artificially supplied with light (e.g., from within the globe).

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67,	for chronological timepieces with auxiliary lighting means.
227,	for auxiliary lighting of time displays, per se.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

362,	Illumination, subclasses 23+ for illuminated dials, per se.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 25]

With movable belt display:

This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Subject matter wherein the time is indicated by display means which include a moving tape or belt.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

40,	for timepiece movable belt calendar indicators.
76+,	for mechanical or electromechanical driven displays for chronological timepieces.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 26]

With movable drum display:

This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Subject matter wherein the time display indicator includes a moving cylinder.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

39,	for timepiece movable drum calendar indicators.
78,	for chronological timepiece drum displays.
235,	for drum display details.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 27]

With movable disk display:

This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Subject matter wherein the time display means includes at least one moving circular face (usually more than one), having time minerals or the like thereon.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

35+,	and 37+, for movable disk display calendar indicators.
77,	for chronological timepiece rotating disk display.
220,	for rotating disk display trains.
233,	for rotating disk display dials, per se.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 28]

WITH CALENDAR INDICATOR:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including means for indicating days of the week, weeks of the month, months of the year, years or any other man-made divisions of time wherein the lowest time period unit indicated is at least equal to the time of one revolution of the earth on its axis.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

40,	Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, subclasses 107+ and 358 for printed or painted display calendars or the like, per se; and subclass 335 for pen- or pencil-carried calendar indicator.
283,	Printed Matter, subclasses 2+ for printed calendars, per se.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 29]

Electro-optical:

This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Subject matter wherein the timepiece display means is made from a material whose optical properties can be changed by an electrical signal.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

82+,	for chronological timepieces with electro-optical display.
239+,	for electro-optical displays for timepieces, per se.
250+,	for electro-optical timepiece alarms.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 30]

Liquid crystal display (i.e., LCD):

This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Subject matter wherein the electro-optical display is a liquid crystal device.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

84,	for chronological timepiece with liquid crystal display.
242,	for timepiece liquid crystal display, per se.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

40,	Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, subclass 448 for liquid crystal changing exhibitors.
252,	Compositions, subclasses 299.01+ for liquid crystal compositions, per se.
345,	Computer Graphics Processing and Selective Visual Display Systems, subclasses 38 , 50+, and 87+ for liquid crystal display devices with selective electrical control.
349,	Liquid Crystal Cells, Elements and Systems, appropriate subclasses and especially subclass 142 for optical systems and elements utilizing liquid crystal materials.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 31]

Winding and setting:

This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Subject matter comprising means to impart energy to operate the timepiece by some turning or coiling process as well as to position the time indicators of the timepiece.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

33,	for winding timepieces with calendar indicators.
34+,	for setting timepieces with calendar indicators.
185+,	for timepiece setting, per se.
206+,	for timepiece winding, per se.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 32]

Having clutch coupling:

This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Subject matter including a two-piece mechanism comprising two coaxially-mounted means, one of which slidably engages the other for coupling or decoupling.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

191+,

for timepiece winding and setting, per se.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 33]

Winding:

This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Subject matter comprising means to impart energy to operate the timepiece through some turning or coiling process.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

31+,	for timepiece with calendar winding and setting.
206+,	for timepiece winding, per se.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 34]

Setting or resetting:

This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Subject matter comprising means to position the time indicators of the timepiece.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

31+,	for timepieces with calendar indicator, winding and setting.
185+,	for timepiece setting, per se.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 35]

Movable ring or disk:

This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Subject matter wherein at least one of the time indicators is a movable, circular, band, or flat plate.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

37+,	for timepieces with calendar indicators having a movable ring or disk.
233,	for timepiece displays having a rotating disk.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 36]

With clutch:

This subclass is indented under subclass 35. Subject matter wherein the setting means is selectively coupled to the time indicator by a two-piece mechanism, comprised of two coaxially-mounted means, one of which slidably engages the other to enable the coupling.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

191+,

for timepiece winding and setting having a clutch.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 37]

Movable ring or disk:

This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Subject matter wherein at least one of the timepiece time indicators is a movable, circular, band, or flat plate.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

35+,	for setting or resetting the calendar indicator having a movable ring or disk.

38	With jumper spring:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Subject matter comprising a spring-controlled means for abruptly advancing the ring or disk from one position to another.

39	Movable drum:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Subject matter wherein at least one of the timepiece indicators is a rotating cylinder.

40	Movable belt:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Subject matter wherein at least one of the timepiece time indicators is a striplike band which moves about two or more wheels, pulleys, or the like.

41	WITH MEMORANDUM HOLDER OR ERASABLE WRITING SURFACE:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein a timepiece is provided with a holder (e.g., hook, reel, compartment) for an article having thereon some information for the timepiece user or provided with an erasable writing surface upon which such information may be written.

42	Motion controlled by timepiece:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter wherein the holder or surface is movable, movement thereof being under control of the time measuring instrument.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 43]

Having alarm controlled by holder:

This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter wherein the holder regulates the operation of a signalling device.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

12,	for timepiece combined with but noninteractive with an alarm.

44	Having pointer controlled by timepiece:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter wherein a pointer is movable under the direction of a time-keeping mechanism and pointing to a particular memorandum, or part thereof, which is pertinent to a user, for a given time or time period.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 45]

TOY:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising clockwork imitation timepiece means for simulating time keeping functions.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

434,	Education and Demonstration, subclass 304 for educational time teaching devices.
446,	Amusement Devices: Toys, appropriate subclasses for an imitation time piece.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 46]

PLURAL TIMEPIECE SYSTEM OR SYSTEM DEVICE (E.G., PRIMARY OR SECONDARY CLOCKS):

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter relating to the general organization and mechanism or circuitry of plural timepieces whereby the displays of any number of these timepieces in remote, different localities are operated from a central station.

(1) Note. The central station includes a primary timepiece for operating the remote timepiece.

(2) Note. Plug-in AC time base electric clocks are classified in subclass 62 and subclasses indented thereunder.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

340,	Communications: Electrical, subclasses 870.01+ for telemetering, per se.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 47]

With wireless synchronization:

This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Subject matter wherein a remote time-display means is synchronized, if necessary, to agree with the central station time-display at predetermined intervals, and this synchronizing is accomplished by radio frequency-type transmission and receiving means.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

375,	Pulse or Digital Communications, subclass 354 for synchronizing the operation of sending and receiving mechanisms.

48	With auxiliary power source:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Subject matter wherein the main power source for the system is replaced by an emergency power source in event of main power source failure.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 49]

With significant winding or setting means:

This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Subject matter including means for either winding the spring motor or correcting the time indicators of the secondary timepiece.

(1) Note. Nominal recitations of winding or setting means are not classified in this or indented subclasses.

50	For winding only:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 49. Subject matter comprising means for winding but not setting.

51	For setting only:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 49. Subject matter comprising means for setting but not winding.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 52]

Primary with direct synchronization or drive:

This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Subject matter wherein the central station timepiece drives the remote timepieces through a physical (electrical or otherwise) connection with the remote timepieces.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

340,	Communications: Electrical, subclasses 870.01+ for telemetering, per se.
375,	Pulse or Digital Communications, subclass 106 for synchronizing the operation of sending and receiving mechanisms.

53	By external condition responsive means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Subject matter wherein the synchronization of the remote time-readout means is accomplished as a result of some condition, such as ambient temperature change.

54	By fluidic actuation means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Subject matter wherein the synchronization or driving of the remote time-readout means is accomplished by fluid-pressure means.

[List of Patents for class 368 subclass 55]

By communication means:

This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Subject matter comprising transmission means which forms a part of a communication system coupling the primary timepiece to the secondary timepiece.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

4,	for timepiece controlled by telephone actuation.
13,	for timepieces noninteractively combined with telephones.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

340,	Communications: Electrical, subclasses 538