Class Definition for Class 720 - DYNAMIC OPTICAL INFORMATION STORAGE OR RETRIVEAL

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CLASS 720,	DYNAMIC OPTICAL INFORMATION STORAGE OR RETRIVEAL
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE CLASS SUBJECT MATTER

This is the specific class for apparatus and corresponding processes for the storage and retrieval of variable optical or magneto-optical information based on relative movement between an optical storage carrier or medium and a transducer along a continuous path.

This class also includes apparatus and corresponding processes for making copies or editing of optical records falling within the above definition.

This class also includes the record carrier or medium, per se, having particular information storage structure.

SCOPE OF THE CLASS

(1) Note. This class is an integral part of class 369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, following subclass 18 and after Class 360.

(2) Note. An optical record carrier or medium within the meaning of this class is an element which consists a material which can be sensed optically or is comprised of series of mechanical or thermally induced markings which is intended for the storage of more than a single bit of information.

(3) Note. The record carrier or medium must have continuous physical extent over the path of movement and be able to store a time-varying information signal. Static or discrete storage devices are classified elsewhere. See the SEE OR SEARCH CLASS notes below.

(4) Note. The optical record carrier or medium may include other elements for storing dynamic information, such as a magnetic material.

(5) Note. Storage elements which include discrete optical, magnetic areas, inserts or spots, each intended for the storage of single bits of information, whether or not relative motion is used in transducing that information, are classified elsewhere. See the SEE OR SEARCH CLASS notes below.

(6) Note. This class includes elements forming subcombinations specific to apparatus within the class definition such as record carriers, transducers, actuators, supports for the media carrier or the transducer.

(7) Note. Electrical circuits not specific to optical or magneto-optical recording or reproducing which may constitute subcombinations of such apparatus are classified in the class appropriate for such circuits unless specifically excluded therefrom.

(8) Note. Mechanisms forming subcombinations of apparatus are classified in the appropriate mechanical class providing for such subject matter unless claimed in significant combination with specifics of a dynamic optical storage or retrieval device.

(9) Note. Significantly claimed apparatus external to this class, claimed in combination with apparatus under the class definition, which records or reproduces some quality or quantity related to such external apparatus or its function, is classified in the class appropriate to the external apparatus.

(10) Note. Nominally claimed apparatus external to this class, claimed in combination with apparatus under the class definition, is classified in this class unless provided for in the appropriate external class.

(11) Note. Because of the placement of this class into the Class 369 schedule, this class is no longer exhaustive of dynamic optical storage or retrieval, appropriate subclasses in Class 369 should also be considered.

(12) Note. This class is differentiated from Class 206 in that in order to record or reproduce information, the optical recording medium element must first be removed from its container for Class 206, while this class allows the optical recording medium element to be maintained within its holder or protector for recording and reproducing.

(13) Note. The combination of an audio signal producing device with the subject matter of this class is classified in this class, except for the combination with telephone signal devices which are classified in the Telephone class. For such excluded subject matter see the SEE OR SEARCH CLASS notes below.

ORGANIZATION OF THIS CLASS:

For the organization of this class, refer to Subclass References to the Current Class, below.

SECTION II - SUBCLASS REFERENCES TO THE CURRENT CLASS

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

600	through 657, Special Purpose Devices: for devices designed for use with or control of diverse type devices, or particular structure associated with mechanism for housing, ejecting and/or inserting an optical recording medium element within an enclosure, of the enclosure for such media.
658	through 717, Dynamic Mechanism Optical Subsystems: for mechanism subcombinations peculiar to storage or retrieval absent more than nominal information handling structure.
718	through 746, Structure of Optical Storage Medium: for structure of the optical storage medium element having significant structure for carrying information.

SECTION III - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

181,	Acoustics, appropriate subclasses for nonelectrical sound wave handling systems and components.
206,	Special Receptacles and Packages, subclasses 307 through 387.15for holding a machine readable recording medium, particularly subclass 308.1 for receptacles holding an optical disc.
235,	Registers, subclasses 435 through 486for coded record sensors and subclasses 487-495 for records.
242,	Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding, subclasses 324.2 , 326-326.4, 335-348.4 for a machine convertible information carrier on or within a housing typically termed cartridge, cassette, or magazine, and subclass 601 for a spool provided with a cover.
310,	Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, subclasses 67 R and 90 for inbuilt and turntable bearing support structure.
312,	Supports: Cabinet Structure, subclasses 9.1 through 9.64for phonograph cabinets without storage or retrieval structure.
346,	Recorders, appropriate subclasses for variation producing only a directly perceptible indication (e.g., a graph).
352,	Optics: Motion Pictures, appropriate subclasses for subject matter of this class combined with motion picture recording or projection, particularly subclasses 92 , 102-103, and 232-241 for structure of storage medium structure limited to motion pictures.
353,	Optics: Image Projectors, subclasses 15 through 19for image projectors with sound accompaniment.
355,	Photocopying, subclasses 31 and 98 for copying optical sound records.
359,	Optical: Systems and Elements, subclasses 642 through 830and 719 for particular lens structure; particularly subclasses 811-830 for particular lens support or mountings.
360,	Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval, appropriate subclasses for exclusive magnetic storage or retrieval.
365,	Static Information Storage and Retrieval, appropriate subclasses for structure of static or discrete storage or retrieval systems.
379,	Telephonic Communications, subclasses 67.1 through 88.28for audio message storage, retrieval or synthesis in a telephone communication system.
381,	Electrical Audio Signal Processing and Systems and Devices, appropriate subclasses for electrical audio signal handling in general.
386,	Television Signal Processing for Dynamic Recording or Reproducing, appropriate subclasses for television signal processing for dynamic recording or reproducing.
399,	Electrophotography, subclass 10 for storage of data on the operation of an electrophotographic device (i.e., log report) and subclass 83 for job mode selection with memory.
428,	Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, particularly subclasses 64.1 through 66.7for articles usable as optical record medium or carrier.
430,	Radiation Imagery Chemistry: Process, Composition, or Product Thereof, particularly subclasses 270.1 through 289.1for radiation imagery chemistry process, composition, or product used as a storage medium.
434,	Education and Demonstration, appropriate subclasses for recording or reproducing means combined with significant education apparatus.
505,	Superconductor Technology: Apparatus, Material, Process, subclasses 150 through 239for high temperature superconducting material, particularly subclasses 170-171 for dynamic information storage or retrieval.
704,	Data Processing: Speech Signal Processing, Linguistics, Language Translation, and Audio Compression/Decompression, subclasses 200 through 504for speech signal processing involving data processing.
709,	Electrical Computers and Digital Data Processing Systems: Multiple Computer or Process Coordinating, subclasses 200 through 253for data transferring among multiple computer and digital processing systems.
711,	Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems: Memory, subclass 4 for addressing dynamic storage devices including address formation or manipulation and subclasses 111-114 for data accessing and control techniques for dynamic storage devices in digital data processing systems.
714,	Error Detection/Correction and Fault Detection/Recovery, appropriate subclasses for generic error checking systems.

SUBCLASSES

600	PARTICULAR CABINET STRUCTURE FOR OPTICAL MEDIA:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including structural details of an enclosure surrounding the components of the optical dynamic information storage or retrieval system or associated internal structure.

601	Tray or drawer loading or ejecting:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 600. Subject matter including a power driven mechanical arrangement for moving an optical storage medium or carrier inward or outward from the enclosure.

602	Controlling acceleration, deceleration or speed:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 601. Subject matter including means for controlling acceleration, deceleration or speed of the outwardly movable tray in a variable or invariable manner.

603	Tray recess:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 601. Subject matter including details of at least one recess in the tray for supporting the optical storage medium.

604	Clamping or chucking media structure:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 601. Subject matter including details of a clamping mechanism or securing the optical storage medium to a turntable in association with tray movement.

605	Pivotable chassis mounted turntable or pickup:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 604. Subject matter including a turntable or transducer that is mounted to a swingable chassis that pivots.

606	Sensing tray position or media loading:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 601. Subject matter including a sensing means for monitoring the position of a tray or the optical storage medium mounted to the tray.

607	Rack or pinion:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 601. Subject matter wherein the mechanism for moving the tray inward or outward from the enclosure includes a rack or pinion element.

[List of Patents for class 720 subclass 608]

608

Single multi-purpose driving source:

This subclass is indented under subclass 601. Subject matter including a single driving source for driving the tray and at least one other subsystem.

(1) Note. Example of such driving includes driving of a tray and clamper mechanism or transducer assembly.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

661,	for a single motor for driving an optical transducer and at least one other subsystem.

609	Manual tray ejector:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 601. Subject matter including details of structure for causing the tray supporting the optical storage medium to be manually ejected outward from the enclosure.

610	Tray locking:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 601. Subject matter including means for locking the tray at a prescribed position for preventing movement of the tray relative to the enclosure.

[List of Patents for class 720 subclass 611]

611

Damped tray:

This subclass is indented under subclass 601. Subject matter including means for minimizing undesired oscillations or vibrations of the tray.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

679,	for rail damping or resonance suppression.
684,	for dampening or resonance suppression of objective lens.
687,	for utilizing circular leaf springs for dampening or resonance suppression of objective lens.
688,	for reducing vibrations of the transducer carriage or actuator.
692,	for suppressing vibration or resonance of chassis base supporting the transducer carriage or actuator.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

369,	Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, subclass 247.1 for suppression of undesired mechanical energy incident upon a tone arm.

612	Pivotal tray or tray holder:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 601. Subject matter wherein the mechanical arrangement capable of supporting the optical storage medium is pivotable with respect to the insertion opening of the tray.

613	Particular tray guide:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 601. Subject matter including details of structure for guiding or supporting at least a portion of a tray s movement during insertion or ejection from an enclosure.

614	Multiple trays:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 601. Subject matter including a plurality of trays each capable of independently supporting at least one optical storage medium.

615	Multiple media loading:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 601. Subject matter including means for inserting a plurality of optical storage media into the enclosure either simultaneously or sequentially.

[List of Patents for class 720 subclass 616]

616

Of diverse media type (e.g., disc and cartridge):

This subclass is indented under subclass 615. Subject matter wherein the plurality of optical storage media are non-identical in terms of physical characteristics.

(1) Note. Examples of physical characteristics include at least one of format, shape, size, protected vs. unprotected, etc.

617	Capable of only accepting unprotected insertable single optical medium:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 600. Subject matter wherein an optical storage medium is inserted into a recording or reproducing device without a cartridge, casing or covering.

618	Optical card:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 617. Subject matter wherein the optical storage medium is non-circular and typically takes the form of a playing card, greeting card or postcard.

619	Loading of optical medium:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 617. Subject matter including means for moving the optical storage medium inward or outward from the recording or reproducing device.

620	Edge loading:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 619. Subject matter wherein the optical storage medium is inserted into the recording or reproducing device utilizing the outer circumferential periphery of the optical storage medium.

621	Roller mechanism:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 620. Subject matter wherein the edge loading means include a roller mechanism for contacting the outer peripheral edge of the optical storage medium.

622	Guide mechanism:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 620. Subject matter including details of structure for guiding or supporting the movement of the optical storage medium in or out of the recording or reproducing device.

623	Movable guide:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 622. Subject matter wherein the guiding mechanism is not stationary.

624	Surface loading (e.g., rollers):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 619. Subject matter wherein the optical storage medium is inserted into a recording or reproducing device utilizing the planar surface area of the optical storage medium.

625	Having non-cylindrical roller:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 624. Subject matter including a non-cylindrical roller for moving the optical storage medium in or out of the recording or reproducing device.

[List of Patents for class 720 subclass 626]

626

Detecting physical characteristic or location of optical medium:

This subclass is indented under subclass 617. Subject matter including a sensor for determining the physical characteristics or location of the optical storage medium within the recording or reproducing device.

(1) Note. Examples of physical characteristics are size, single sided, double sided, capacity, etc.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

616,	for loading or ejecting diverse media types.

627	Capable of alternatively accepting protected or unprotected insertable single optical medium:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 600. Subject matter wherein the optical recording or reproducing device is capable of receiving an optical storage medium with or without a cartridge, casing or covering.

628	Inserted through single slot:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 627. Subject matter wherein the optical storage medium is inserted through the same slot of the recording or reproducing device

629	Unprotected medium inserted protected:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 627. Subject matter wherein an uncovered optical storage medium is placed into cartridge, casing or covering before the optical storage medium is inserted into the recording or reproducing device.

630	Capable of only accepting protected insertable single optical medium:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 600. Subject matter wherein the optical storage medium is inserted into a recording or reproducing device with a cartridge, casing or covering.

631	Misinsertion mechanism or sensor:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 630. Subject matter includes a device to determine whether or not the optical storage medium is properly positioned within the recording or reproducing device.

632	Transferring mechanism:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 630. Subject matter including means for moving the optical storage medium inward or outward of the recording or reproducing device.

633	Horizontal transference during insertion:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 632. Subject matter including means for moving the optical storage medium into the recording or reproducing device in a direction parallel to the insertion direction of the optical storage medium.

634	Vertical transference into the play position:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 632. Subject matter including means for moving the optical storage medium into the play position within the recording or reproducing device in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the optical storage medium.

635	Having cam:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 634. Subject matter wherein the means for moving the optical storage medium into the play position within the recording or reproducing device utilizes a cam.

636	Ejection mechanism:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 630. Subject matter including means for expelling the optical storage medium from a recording or reproducing device.

637	Having locking mechanism:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 636. Subject matter wherein the means for expelling the optical storage medium from the recording or reproducing device utilizes a detent or locking mechanism.

638	Having ejection arm:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 636. Subject matter wherein the means for removing the optical storage medium from the recording or reproducing device utilizes an elongated bar or rod that engages the optical storage medium.

[List of Patents for class 720 subclass 639]

639

Locking mechanism:

This subclass is indented under subclass 630. Subject matter including a means for locking optical storage medium within the recording or reproducing device.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

637,	for utilizing a locking mechanism for an ejector of a recording or reproducing device.

640	Pivotable cartridge holder:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 630. Subject matter having a mechanism to retain the optical storage medium that rotates about an axis.

[List of Patents for class 720 subclass 641]

641

Guide mechanism:

This subclass is indented under subclass 630. Subject matter including means for guiding the optical storage medium inward or outward of the recording or reproducing device.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

622,	for utilizing a guiding mechanism for edge loading of an unprotected optical storage medium.

[List of Patents for class 720 subclass 642]

642

Surface loading (e.g., rollers):

This subclass is indented under subclass 630. Subject matter wherein the optical storage medium is inserted into a recording or reproducing device utilizing the planar surface area of the optical storage medium.

(1) Note. Edge or surface loading of protected optical medium is classified herein.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

624,	for surface loading of an unprotected optical medium.

643	Shutter opening mechanism:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 630. Subject matter comprising means for uncovering a shutter which covers an opening in the cartridge, casing or covering.

644	Sliding mechanism:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 643. Subject matter including means for moving or sliding of the shutter covering in the cartridge, casing or covering.

[List of Patents for class 720 subclass 645]

645

Detecting physical characteristics and location of optical medium:

This subclass is indented under subclass 600. Subject matter including means for sensing a physical characteristic or location of the optical recording medium within the recording or reproducing device.

(1) Note. Examples of characteristic include disk discrimination or sizing identification, or capacity, single sided or double sided.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

626,	for detection of physical characteristics and location of an unprotected optical medium.

646	Details of exterior front face:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 600. Subject matter including the details of the enclosure face on which side an optical storage medium is inserted or introduced into the enclosure.

[List of Patents for class 720 subclass 647]

647

Door mechanism:

This subclass is indented under subclass 646. Subject matter including a movable structure for closing off an entrance location of the optical medium into the recording or reproducing device.

(1) Note. Example of door mechanism is snap fit.

648	Environmental control:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 600. Subject matter including means for controlling an ambient condition within the enclosure.

649	Cooling:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 648. Subject matter including means for controlling the internal environment temperature of the enclosure.

[List of Patents for class 720 subclass 650]

650

EMI shielding or electrical grounding:

This subclass is indented under subclass 648. Subject matter wherein the internal enclosure is shielded from extraneous electrostatic or electromagnetic fields or is electrically grounded.

(1) Note. Electrical grounding includes grounding of components within the internal enclosure.

[List of Patents for class 720 subclass 651]

651

Vibration suppression:

This subclass is indented under subclass 648. Subject matter including means for minimizing undesired vibrations or oscillations of the enclosure or internal components mounted to the enclosure.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

611,	for minimizing undesired oscillations or vibrations of loading or ejection tray.
679,	for rail damping or resonance suppression.
684,	for dampening or resonance suppression of objective lens.
687,	for utilizing circular leaf springs for dampening or resonance suppression of objective lens.
688,	for reducing vibrations of the transducer carriage or actuator.
692,	for reducing vibrations to the base supporting the optical transducer carriage or actuator.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

369,	Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, subclass 247.1 , for suppression of undesired mechanical energy incident upon a tone arm.

[List of Patents for class 720 subclass 652]

652

Arrangement of internal or external components (e.g., space optimization):

This subclass is indented under subclass 600. Subject matter including particular details of the disposition of internal components within the enclosure or details of the arrangement of external components or supporting structure immediately adjacent to the enclosure.

(1) Note. Example of optimization includes particular placement of printed circuit board within the enclosure.

[List of Patents for class 720 subclass 653]

653

Internal component conveyed outside housing:

This subclass is indented under subclass 600. Subject matter wherein mechanical arrangements normally inside the enclosure are capable of movement to the enclosure exterior.

(1) Note. Example of internal components movable to the exterior of the enclosure is the optical transducer or turntable.

654	Modular mounting:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 600. Subject matter including details of a subunit or subunits housing an optical recording device or optical storage medium carrier are mounted within an enclosure for easy assembly, disassembly, repair or flexible arrangement.

655	Particular cover or lid for enclosing media:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 600. Subject matter including the details of a protective lid or covering placed directly over the optical storage medium seated within the enclosure.

656	Reproducing diverse-type media (e.g., cartridge and disc):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 600. Subject matter wherein the optical storage or retrieval system is capable of playing different types of optical storage medium which are non-identical in terms of at least one format, shape, size, protected vs. unprotected or etc.

657	Locking or latching of cabinet or components within cabinet:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 600. Subject matter including particular details of locking or latching internal components within the enclosure and/or details of the locking or latching of the enclosure as a whole to supporting structure immediately adjacent to the enclosure.

658	DYNAMIC MECHANISM OPTICAL SUBSYSTEM:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter under the ... including specifics of separate substructures of optical transducer assembly of recording or reproducing system.

[List of Patents for class 720 subclass 659]

659

Having power driven optical transducer assembly:

This subclass is indented under subclass 658. Subject matter wherein the optical transducer assembly of the optical recording or reproducing system is driven in order to access tracks of an optical storage medium.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

369,	Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, subclass 215.1 , for power driven transducer assembly in a non-optical dynamic information storage or retrieval device.

660	Sensor detecting position of optical transducer:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 659. Subject matter including specifics of a sensing device for determining the specific spatial location of the optical transducer assembly inside the optical recording or reproducing system.

[List of Patents for class 720 subclass 661]

661

Single motor drives optical transducer and at least one other component:

This subclass is indented under subclass 659. Subject matter wherein a single drive motor moves the optical transducer assembly for accessing tracks of the optical storage medium and also drives at least one other subsystem.

(1) Note. Example of composite driving include tray loader assembly and turntable rotation assembly.

662	Arcuate transducer assembly movement:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 659. Subject matter wherein the movement of the optical transducer assembly traces the path of an arc during recording or reproducing of the optical storage medium.

663	Linear transducer assembly movement:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 659. Subject matter wherein the movement of the optical transducer assembly is restricted to a straight path during recording or reproducing of the optical storage medium.

664	Rack gear:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 663. Subject matter wherein a rack gear in conjunction with a drive motor moves the optical transducer assembly in a straight path during recording or reproducing of the optical storage medium

665	Backlash prevention:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 664. Subject matter including means for preventing loose connections between the gears resulting in sudden backlash or jamming of the gears during movement of the optical transducer, thereby permitting smooth engagement of the gears.

666	Voice coil:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 663. Subject matter wherein a voice coil provides motive power for the linearly moving optical transducer assembly during track changing.

667	Turntable moves linearly and simultaneously with the optical assembly:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 659. Subject matter wherein the turntable that supports the optical storage medium moves along a restricted linear path concurrent with linear movement of the optical transducer assembly during recording or reproducing of the optical storage medium.

668	Single optical transducer plays both sides of disc record:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 659. Subject matter comprising a single optical transducer assembly capable of accessing both sides of an optical storage medium so as to enable both sides of the optical storage medium to be recorded on or reproduced by the single optical transducer.