Class Definition for Class 377 - ELECTRICAL PULSE COUNTERS, PULSE DIVIDERS, OR SHIFT REGISTERS: CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS

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CLASS 377,	ELECTRICAL PULSE COUNTERS, PULSE DIVIDERS, OR SHIFT REGISTERS: CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This is the generic class for circuits or devices for making a count of electrical pulses; for circuits or devices for producing output pulses which are a fraction of the number of input pulses i.e., pulse dividers of for devices where information is stored in and serially transferred through a storage medium i.e., shift registers. Also included are pulse multipliers which make use of pulse dividing circuits.

(1) Note. The pulse dividers classified in this class make use of circuits or devices having a gating or switching action. For frequency changers which do not use such elements, e.g., parametric frequency converters, harmonic generators, etc. see the search notes.

(2) Note. In reference to counting electrical pulses it is not necessary that a display means be claimed in order for the subject matter to be classified in this class.

(3) Note. Magnetic counters are classified here; however magnetic shift registers for static storage and retrieval of information are a specialized form of shift register which are excluded from this class. See References to Other Classes, below.

(4) Note. Where shift register circuits are used to perform a memory or storage function and specific structure relating to such function is claimed, e.g., relating to a "read", "write", or "erase" function, the subject matter is classified elsewhere. See References to Other Classes, below.

(5) Note. A single "flip-flop" or bistable device is excluded from this class even though it can be considered a divide-by-two circuit. Such subject matter is classified elsewhere. See References to Other Classes, below. Where a plurality of "flip-flops" are connected together in series the circuit comprises a dividing or counting chain and is classified in this class.

(6) Note. The electrical pulses which are applied to a counter may originate as mechanical pulses and be subsequently converted to electrical pulses. Also included are applications using counters i.e., systems or devices performing functions other than counting and where a counter is used to indicate something about the state or operating condition of the device or system. Also included are counters, dividers, or shift registers used in circuit configurations which comprise more than a counter, per se, but where the configuration is not provided for in one of the existing Electrical Classes. COMBINATIONS OF OTHER APPARATUS WHICH INCLUDE THE APPARATUS OF THIS CLASS Applications of counters as mentioned in the class definition are classified here only if significant structure of the device or apparatus external to the counter is not claimed. Otherwise, classification is in the appropriate device or application class.

SECTION II - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

235,	Registers, especially subclasses 93 through 105for mechanical registers or counters.
307,	Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems, subclass 424 for parametric frequency converters.
327,	Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, subclasses 114+ for miscellaneous pulse frequency modification (e.g., multiplication or division) which does not utilize the multiplying or dividing elements classified herein, subclasses 185+ for a single "flip-flop" or a miscellaneous bistable circuit which may be used in counting chains, and subclasses 365+ for miscellaneous gating circuits.
331,	Oscillators, subclasses 1+ for phase locked loop circuits which make extensive use of pulse dividing circuits.
340,	Communications: Electrical, subclasses 825.65+ for counters used in selective circuits, subclass 825.68 for shift registers used in selective circuits.
341,	Coded Data Generation or Conversion, subclasses 50+ for data converters which may make use of pulse dividing and shift register circuits.
361,	Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses 168.1+ where the "flip-flop" uses relays.
363,	Electric Power Conversion Systems, subclasses 8 , 9+, and 157+ for frequency conversion used in power applications.
365,	Static Information Storage and Retrieval, subclasses 1+ for magnetic bubble counters, subclasses 73+ and 78 for shift register circuits claimed as static stores, subclasses 80+ for magnetic shift registers, and subclass 236 for counting matrix rows to address the desired row or location in the memory matrix.
368,	Horology: Time Measuring Systems or Devices, subclasses 85+ , 155+, and 217+ electronic digital timing circuits using pulse dividing means.
370,	Multiplex Communications, for multiplex systems which make extensive use of shift register circuits.
399,	Electrophotography, subclasses 75+ for machine operation of an electrophotographic device reproducing copies, particularly subclasses 79+ for accounting of copies produced.
700,	Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific Applications, appropriate subclasses for this subject matter which makes extensive use of pulse dividing and shift register circuits.
701,	Data Processing: Vehicles, Navigation, and Relative Location, appropriate subclasses for this subject matter which makes extensive use of pulse dividing and shift register circuits.
704,	Data Processing: Speech Signal Processing, Linguistics, Language Translation, and Audio Compression/Decompression, appropriate subclasses for this subject matter which makes extensive use of pulse dividing and shift register circuits.
705,	Data Processing: Financial, Business Practice, Management, or Cost/Price Determination, appropriate subclasses for this subject matter which makes extensive use of pulse dividing and shift register circuits.
706,	Data Processing: Artificial Intelligence, appropriate subclasses for this subject matter which makes extensive use of pulse dividing and shift register circuits.
707,	Data Processing: Database and File Management, Data Structures, or Document Processing, appropriate subclasses for this subject matter which makes extensive use of pulse dividing and shift register circuits.
708,	Electrical Computers: Arithmetic Processing and Calculating, appropriate subclasses for this subject matter which makes extensive use of pulse dividing and shift register circuits.
709,	Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems: Multiple Computer or Process Coordinating, appropriate subclasses for this subject matter which makes extensive use of pulse dividing and shift register circuits.
710,	Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems: Input/Output, appropriate subclasses for this subject matter which makes extensive use of pulse dividing and shift register circuits.
711,	Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems: Memory, appropriate subclasses for this subject matter which makes extensive use of pulse dividing and shift register circuits.
712,	Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems: Processing Architectures and Instruction Processing (e.g., Processors), appropriate subclasses for this subject matter which makes extensive use of pulse dividing and shift register circuits.
713,	Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems: Support, appropriate subclasses for this subject matter which makes extensive use of pulse dividing and shift register circuits.
714,	Error Detection/Correction and Fault Detection/Recovery, appropriate subclasses for this subject matter which makes extensive use of pulse dividing and shift register circuits.

SUBCLASSES

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 1]

APPLICATIONS:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter s designed for or utilized in a particular art device.

(1) Note. For classification herein, there must be significant claim recitation of counting means or circuit. Where significant structure of the particular art device is claimed, classification is in the appropriate device class.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 2]

Control:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter used to control a machine, apparatus, or process.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

44,	for one counter controlling another counter.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

318,	Electricity: Motive Power Systems, for electric motor servo control systems where significant structure of the servo control system is claimed.
700,	Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific Applications, subclasses 1 through 89for data processing generic control systems.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 3]

Counting, on an object, areas having alternating physical properties (e.g., counting lines on grid, teeth on gear, windings on coil):

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter comprising means to count, on an object, areas or lines having alternate physical properties.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

356,	Optics: Measuring and Testing, subclass 242.1 for significant optical testing or measuring structure including means to count threads.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 4]

Betting on the outcome of an event; totalizers:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter where counters or registers are controlled to accumulate the totals involved in betting on the various possibilities involved in an event and/or to determine the odds involved in the payoff of the various possibilities.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

463,	Amusement Devices: Games, for a game that includes an electrical pulse counter, divider, or shift register where significant structure or methodology of the game is recited, especially subclasses 16+ for a game of chance (which frequently includes wagering or totalizing), and subclasses 25+ for credit/debit monitoring or manipulation in a game, e.g., prize level, betting-pool amount, etc.
700,	Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific Applications, subclasses 91 through 93for data processing or computation, per se, for the purpose of analyzing, monitoring, or scoring a contest or game, which is not classifiable elsewhere.
705,	Data Processing: Financial, Business Practice, Management, or Cost/price Determination, subclass 14 for a wagering system including data processing for a promotional wagering business system which reduces or eliminates the cost of a good or product as a prize to encourage trade.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 5]

Game or sport:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter designed for or utilized in the area of athletic events for entertainment.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

4,	for counters used in betting on the outcome of a event.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

463,	Amusement Devices: Games, especially subclasses 1+ for a game that includes an electrical pulse counter, divider, or shift register where, significant structure or methodology of the game is recited.
473,	Games Using Tangible Projectile, for apparatus or means used in a game or sport which uses a tangible projectile, which game apparatus or means may include a counting means or circuit but significant structure of the game apparatus or means is recited.
700,	Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific Applications, subclasses 91 through 93for data processing or computation, per se, for the purpose of analyzing, monitoring, or scoring a contest or game, which is not classifiable elsewhere.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 6]

Counting animate or inanimate entities:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter for counting nonliving or living entities.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

209,	Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids, subclass 551 for structure to assorting solids which may include item counting.
221,	Article Dispensing, subclasses 2+ for structure to article dispensing which may include counting.
222,	Dispensing, subclasses 23+ for structure to dispensing which may include counting.
246,	Railway Switches and Signals, subclasses 77+ and 247 for railway switching and signaling structure including means for counting railway cars.
250,	Radiant Energy, subclass 221 for optical or prephotocell systems controlled by articles, persons, or animals.
399,	Electrophotography, subclasses 75+ for machine operation of an electrophotographic device reproducing copies, particularly subclasses 79+ for accounting of copies produced.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 7]

Coins:

This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter where the entity is a coin.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

453,	Coin Handling, subclasses 30+ and 58+ for structure to coin handling which include counters.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 8]

Flat articles (e.g., sheet, bill, ticket):

This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter where the length and width of the entity is large compared to its thickness.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

7,	for counting coins.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

250,	Radiant Energy, subclasses 559.01+ for evaluation or detection of sheet-type articles which include photocell means.
399,	Electrophotography, subclasses 79+ for accounting of reproduced copies (e.g., flat sheets) in an electrophotographic device.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 9]

Vehicles:

This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter where entity is a vehicle.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

340,	Communications: Electrical, subclasses 425.5+ , 907+, and 933+ for electrical signaling means for controlling traffic or vehicles.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 10]

Field of view contains plural entities or entities scanned plural times (e.g., microscopic particles):

This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter where the field of view of a detector encompasses plural entities or where entities are scanned plural times.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

324,	Electricity: Measuring and Testing, for particle counting where significant details are recited in regard to handling or preparing the particles to be counted.
702,	Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing, subclass 26 for chemical analysis particle count and subclass 29 for chemical analysis particle size determination.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 11]

Including particle size determination:

This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter including means for determining particle size.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

356,	Optics: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 39+ for blood analysis.
702,	Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing, subclass 21 for cell count or shape or size analysis in a biological or biochemical application, subclass 26 for quantitative determination by particle count in a chemical analysis measuring system, and subclass 29 for particle size determination in a chemical analysis measuring system.

12	Counting by detecting electrical impedance variations:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter where the entities which are counted are detected by sensing the difference in their electrical impedances relative to the surroundings.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 13]

Registering counts for different categories (e.g., accounting):

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter comprising means for making separate counts of different categories of things.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

11,	where the different categories are different particle size distributions.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 14]

Where the different categories represent monetary amounts (e.g., wages, charges):

This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Subject matter where the categories are amounts of money which are associated with different items.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

7,	for counting coins of the same size.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

705,	Data Processing: Financial, Business Practice, Management, or Cost/price Determination, subclasses 30+ for an accounting system having significant data processing.

15	Counting based on number of times machine or apparatus operates:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter including means for determining the number of times a machine or apparatus operates.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 16]

Determining machine or apparatus operating time or monitoring machine apparatus or operation:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter comprising counting means for determining the time which a machine or apparatus operates or for identifying or measuring some parameter relative to the operation of a machine or apparatus.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

15,	for counting the number of times a machine or apparatus operates.
38,	for plug-in counters.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 17]

Position determining:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter including counting means utilized in determining the position of some entity or for setting the position of some entity.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

38,	for plug-in counters.
87,	for means for sensing the position of a number wheel in an electromechanical counter.

18	Of flat flexible strip (e.g., tape):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Subject matter where the entity is a flat flexible strip of material.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 19]

Measuring or testing:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter where pulses are counted in systems for determining the value of some parameter.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

73,	Measuring and Testing, for measuring or testing various physical quantities where significant structure of the measuring of testing means is claimed.
324,	Electricity: Measuring and Testing, for measuring or testing electrical quantities where significant structure of the measuring or testing means is claimed.
356,	Optics: Measuring and Testing, for measuring or testing optical quantities where significant structure of the measuring or testing means is claimed.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 20]

Time combined with measurement of another parameter:

This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Subject matter where pulse are counted for measurement of time and for some other parameter.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

368,	Horology: Time Measuring Systems or Devices, for time measuring means, per se.
700,	Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific Applications, subclass 306 for a control system based on an elapsed time.
702,	Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing, subclass 79 for measuring of a time-related parameter in an electrical signal parameter measurement system, and subclasses 176+ for time duration or rate measuring system.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 21]

Fluid flow:

This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Subject matter where the parameter is the rate of flow of a fluid.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

73,	Measuring and Testing, subclasses 861+ for means for measuring fluid flow where significant structure of the measuring means is claimed.
137,	Fluid Handling, appropriate subclass for fluid flow which includes structure to fluid handling.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 22]

Weight:

This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Subject matter where the parameter is weight.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

177,	Weighing Scales, for means for measuring weight where significant structure of the measuring means is claimed.
700,	Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific Applications, subclass 305 for weight responsive control.
702,	Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing, subclasses 173+ for a weight measuring system.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 23]

Acceleration:

This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Subject matter where the parameter is acceleration.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

73,	Measuring and Testing, subclasses 488+ for acceleration measuring means of the inertial type where significant structure of the measuring means is claimed.
324,	Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclass 162 for electrical accelerometers where significant structure of the measuring means is claimed.
700,	Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific Applications, subclass 303 for dimensional responsive control.
702,	Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing, subclass 141 for an acceleration measuring system.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 24]

Dimension:

This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Subject matter where the parameter is measurement of a distance.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

33,	Geometrical Instruments, for means for measuring dimensions where significant structure of the measuring means is claimed.
700,	Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific Applications, subclass 303 for dimensional responsive control.
702,	Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing, subclasses 155+ for a dimensional measuring system.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 24.1]

24.1

Distance and powered vehicle (e.g., odometer):

This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Subject matter including on electronic counter for measuring or using distance involving a powered vehicle.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

73,	Measuring and Testing, subclass 490 for speed measurement with distance registering means.
235,	Registers, subclass 95 for odometers of the mechanical type.
346,	Recorders, subclass 15 for recording fare register; subclass 33 for external recorder operating means.
368,	Horology: Time Measuring Systems or Devices, subclass 2 , 5, and 6 for time measurement in speed checkers, engines, and vehicles, respectively.
700,	Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific Applications, subclass 303 for dimensional responsive control system and subclass 304 for speed responsive control system.
702,	Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing, subclasses 142+ for a speed measuring system, subclasses 158+ for a linear distance or length measuring system, and subclasses 163+ for a rotary distance or length measuring system.
705,	Data Processing: Financial, Business Practice, Management, or Cost/price Determination, subclass 417 for a system employing data processing with a taximeter.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 24.2]

24.2

Distance and human activity (e.g., pedometer, nonpowered golf carts):

This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Subject matter including an electronic counter for measuring or using distance under the control of a form of human activity.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

33,	Geometrical Instruments, subclass 3 for measuring or indicating means relating to footwear.
235,	Registers, subclass 105 for mechanical pedometers.
324,	Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclass 71.1 for determining nonelectric properties by measuring electric properties.
368,	Horology: Time Measuring Systems or Devices, appropriate subclasses for time-based circuit devices.
702,	Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing, subclasses 142+ for a speed measuring system, subclasses 158+ for a linear distance or length measuring system, and subclasses 163+ for a rotary distance or length measuring system.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 25]

Temperature:

This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Subject matter wherein counting pulses represents temperature.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

374,	Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclasses 170+ for similar subject manner having significant temperature responsive structure.
700,	Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific Applications, subclasses 276 through 278for HVAC control, and subclasses 299-300 for a temperature responsive control system.
702,	Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing, subclasses 130+ for a temperature measuring system.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 26]

Including memory:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter associated with means for storing data.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

365,	Static Information Storage and Retrieval, for electronic storage and retrieval of information, per se; subclasses 185.01+ for floating gate memory storage (e.g., flash memory).

27	SYSTEMS:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter where the circuitry involved includes more than a counter or shift register, per se, but is not sufficient for classification with a particular art device.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 28]

Identifying or correcting improper counter operation (e.g., error checking, monitoring; preventing or correcting improper counter operation):

This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Subject matter comprising means for identifying an incorrect condition in the operation of the counter or in the result produced and/or correcting such condition; or means for preventing such condition from arising.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

714,	Error Detection/Correction and Fault Detection/Recovery, subclasses 746+ for digital data error detection in general.

29	Testing or calibrating the counter:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Subject matter comprising means to determine and/or adjust some operating condition of a counter or shift register.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 30]

Preventing an inaccurate count as a result of an external condition:

This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Subject matter comprising means for preventing an incorrect count as a result of some condition outside of the counter itself.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

28,	for preventing or correcting improper counter operation.
29,	for testing, monitoring, or calibrating the counter, per se.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

365,	Static Information Storage and Retrieval, subclass 222 for prevention of loss of stored information by replenishing or amplifying a decayed signal.
708,	Electrical Computers: Arithmetic Processing and Calculating, subclasses 530+ for error detection or correction in digital computer computational operations.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 31]

Automatic preset:

This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter where, as a result of the external condition, the counter is automatically set to some predetermined count.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

327,	Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, subclasses 142+ for miscellaneous synchronizing reset circuits which may be power supply responsive.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 32]

Power failure:

This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter where the external condition is the power supply for the counter.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

327,	Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, subclasses 142+ for miscellaneous synchronizing reset circuits which may be power supply responsive.
340,	Communications: Electrical, subclasses 635+ for indicating systems responsive to the condition of electrical apparatus.
365,	Static Information Storage and Retrieval, subclasses 226+ for preventing loss of stored information as a result of power interruption.
368,	Horology: Time Measuring Systems or Devices, subclass 66 for monitoring the power level of a timepiece.

[List of Patents for class 377 subclass 33]

Using particular code or particular counting sequence:

This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Subject matter characterized by the use of a code or of a counting sequence which has special significance.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

341,	Coded Data Generation or Conversion, appropriate subclasses for code conversion, analog to or from digital code conversion, data transmitters, or data generation.
375,	Pulse or Digital Communications, subclasses 242+ for pulse code modulation used in communication systems.

34	Minimum change code (e.g., gray code):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter comprising a code in which only one bit in the code group changes when going from a code group representing a given number to a code group representing an adjacent number.

35	Excess three code:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter where the code for each number is the same as in binary coded decimal except 3 is added to each decimal before encoding it into binary.

36	Biquinary code:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 33. wherein the numbers from 0 to 9 are divided into two groups and one position of the code is used to determine in which group a given number is, and a five position code is used to determine the number in the group.

37	Sequential readout of plural counters or sequential sampling of inputs to a counter: