Class Definition for Class 181

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CLASS 181,	ACOUSTICS
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This class includes devices and corresponding methods for mechanically transmitting, for amplifying and for ascertaining the direction of sound and for mechanically muffling or filtering sound, and not elsewhere provided for.

SECTION II - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

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73,	Measuring and Testing, subclasses 572+ and especially 645+ for the determination of qualities, characteristics or conditions by the utilization of acoustical energy and which is not specifically provided for elsewhere.
84,	Music, appropriate subclasses for musical instruments.
109,	Safes, Bank Protection, or a Related Device, subclass 21.5 for partitions having a sound transmitting passage constructed to prevent passage of projectiles.
116,	Signals and Indicators, appropriate subclasses, for mechanical signaling devices utilizing sound.
178,	Telegraphy, appropriate subclasses, for acoustic instruments limited to that art.
333,	Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, subclasses 141+ for electrical delay networks wherein the electrical waves may be converted to sound waves, such sound waves being delayed and reconverted to electrical waves, and subclasses 186+ for wave filters of the electromechanical transducer type, wherein electrical waves may be converted to sound waves, such sound waves being filtered and reconverted to electrical waves.
352,	Optics: Motion Pictures, subclasses 1+ for "taking" motion picture apparatus.
367,	Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave Systems and Devices, for electrical signaling devices utilizing sound or compressional waves.
369,	Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, for an information storage or retrieval device having particular acoustical structure.
379,	Telephonic Communications, appropriate subclasses, for acoustic instruments limited to that art.
381,	Electrical Audio Signal Processing Systems and Devices, appropriate subclasses for one-way electrical transmission of audio signals.
434,	Education and Demonstration, particularly subclass 300 , on teaching acoustic principles.
446,	Amusement Devices: Toys, subclass 175 for a toy having sound responsive switch or control.
472,	Amusement Devices, particularly subclass 64 for an amusement device causing an illusion by sound imitation or effect.
505,	Superconductor Technology: Apparatus, Material, Process, subclasses 150+ for high temperature (T_c 30 K) superconducting devices, and particularly subclass 203 for electroacoustic transducers.

SUBCLASSES

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass .5]

MISCELLANEOUS:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Inventions falling within the definition of this class, and not otherwise provided for.

(1) Note. Acoustic levitation devices are found here.

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73,	Measuring and Testing, subclasses 570+ for an acoustic levitation apparatus combined with a motion sensing device or a motion controlling device and not elsewhere classified.

18	Systems:
	This subclass is indented under subclass .5. Construction of speaking-tubes with their associated parts; also "speaking-tube exchanges", also, any patents on speaking-tubes not classified elsewhere.

19	Alarms and indicators:
	This subclass is indented under subclass .5. Alarms or indicators of a speaking-tube.

20	Combined mouth and ear pieces:
	This subclass is indented under subclass .5. Mouthpieces and connected earpieces.

21	Mouthpieces:
	This subclass is indented under subclass .5. Structure of the mouthpieces of speaking-tubes and the combination therewith of accessory parts, as alarms, indicators, etc.

22	Tubes:
	This subclass is indented under subclass .5. The construction of the tubes, per se.

30	AUDITORIUM:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Devices for improving the acoustic properties of halls or other places.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 101]

101

GEOPHYSICAL OR SUBSURFACE EXPLORATION:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter relating to systems for mechanically transmitting or receiving acoustical waves for the purpose of identifying geologic or subsurface structure.

(1) Note. Subsurface is defined as including anything, whether composition, article, structure or formation which lies below the upper natural surface of the earth.

(2) Note. Acoustical waves are considered to include seismic waves for the purposes of this section.

(3) Note. In scope, this subclass is analogous to Class 367 Communications Electrical: Acoustic Wave Systems and Devices subclasses 25+ and 853.1+ wherein electrical communication, in part or in whole, is involved.

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124,	for depth sounding related to sound echo compressional wave systems.

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324,	Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 323+ for geophysical surface or subsurface exploration in situ generally.
340,	Communications: Electrical, subclass 853.8 for a wellbore telemetering system.
367,	Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave Systems and Devices, subclasses 14+ for seismic prospecting using electrical acoustic wave systems.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 102]

102

Well logging:

This subclass is indented under subclass 101. Subject matter wherein said geologic or subsurface structure includes a shaft or deep boring in the earth.

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33,	Geometrical Instruments, subclasses 302 and 304+ for bore-hole direction indicators.
73,	Measuring and Testing, subclasses 152.01+ for instruments, for bore-hole studies.
166,	Wells, subclasses 64 , 66 and 113 for well apparatus including measuring and testing means, subclasses 250.01+ for well processes including measuring and testing, and subclass 264 for processes comprising merely sampling a well fluid and appropriate subclasses (especially subclasses 142+ and the subclasses there noted) for the corresponding apparatus.
175,	Boring or Penetrating the Earth, subclasses 40+ for a process or means of measuring or testing combined with an earth boring process or apparatus.
250,	Radiant Energy, subclasses 256+ for ray energy detection or measurement (including detection or measurement of radioactive materials) applied to bore-hole and drilling study.
324,	Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 323+ for electrical testing of bore holes.
340,	Communications: Electrical, subclasses 853.1+ for telemetering in wells.
367,	Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave Systems and Devices, subclasses 25+ for seismic well logging using acoustic wave responsive electrical means.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 103]

103

Programmed or timer-controlled:

This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Subject matter including means operative upon initiation to transmit or receive acoustical waves through a given cycle of operations.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

107,	for similar subject matter not limited to a well bore.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 104]

104

Directional source or detector:

This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Subject matter including means for sending, or receiving acoustical waves which is characterized by some quality that varies according to the relative bearing of the means.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

125,	for sound locating means not limited to bore holes.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 105]

105

Bore hole or casing condition:

This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Subject matter for investigating physical conditions of well bores and casings, such as obstructions, bore surfaces, etc.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

73,

Measuring and Testing, subclasses 152.01+ for a determination of a physical characteristic of a borehole by making a measurement which is not purely electrical or purely magnetic and subclass 152.57 for a determination of a physical characteristic of a casing or a cementing by making a measurement which is neither purely magnetic.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 106]

106

Seismic wave generation:

This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Subject matter including means for generating acoustical waves mechanically in the shaft.

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108+,	for seismic wave generation not limited to a well bore in combination with a receiver.
133+,	for seismic wave generation not limited to a well bore.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

73,

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 107]

107

Programmed or timer-controlled:

This subclass is indented under subclass 101. Subject matter including means operative upon initiation to transmit or receive acoustical waves through a given cycle of operations.

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103,	for this subject matter in a well bore environment.

108	Seismic source and detector:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 101. Subject matter including means for transmitting and receiving seismic waves.

109	Aerial:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 108. Subject matter wherein the means for transmitting or receiving seismic waves is elevated above the surface of the earth.

110	Underwater:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 108. Subject matter wherein the means for transmitting or receiving seismic waves is in wave coupling relationship with a body of water.

111	Plural sources:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 108. Subject matter wherein the means for transmitting seismic waves includes more than one source.

112	Plural detectors:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 108. Subject matter wherein the means for receiving seismic waves includes more than one seismic wave detector.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 113]

113

Seismic wave generation:

This subclass is indented under subclass 101. Subject matter wherein the system includes means for producing seismic waves.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

116,	Signals and Indicators, appropriate subclasses, for mechanical signalling devices utilizing sound.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 114]

114

Vehicle-mounted:

This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Subject matter including means for supporting the seismic wave producing means on a land vehicle.

(1) Note. Included in this subclass are combinations of a land vehicle adapted to transport a seismic wave source to a desired location, a seismic wave source, and means to position the source in contact with the earth.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 115]

115

Bubble suppression or control:

This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Subject matter including means to minimize adverse effects arising from the production of bubbles by the means for producing seismic waves in a fluid medium.

(1) Note. Some seismic sources produce seismic pulses by producing gaseous bubbles which may produce undesired or adverse secondary impulses. This subclass is drawn to means to mechanically control or compensate for such secondary bubble impulses.

116	Explosive:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Subject matter wherein the means for producing seismic waves includes means for utilizing the violent expansion of hot gases resulting from the sudden combustion of a material.

117	Gas:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 116. Subject matter wherein the material is a gas.

118	Underwater:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 117. Subject matter wherein the seismic waves are produced and coupled to a body of water.

119	Fluid means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Subject matter wherein the seismic waves are generated by utilizing a fluid under pressure.

120	Underwater:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 119. Subject matter wherein the seismic waves are produced and coupled to a body of water.

121	Moving weight:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Subject matter wherein the seismic waves are generated by utilizing the kinetic energy of a moving inertial mass.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 122]

122

Seismic wave detection:

This subclass is indented under subclass 101. Subject matter wherein the system includes means for mechanically receiving the acoustical waves.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

367,	Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave Systems and Devices, subclasses 140+ for electrical geophysical vibration transducers.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 123]

123

ECHO SYSTEM:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter having means for sending out a sound wave and receiving said wave after a reflection being utilized to add some information to the original wave.

(1) Note. Except for mechanical altitude or depth detectors in subclass 124 below, this subclass does not provide for mechanical systems relating to identifying geologic or subsurface structure which is provided for by subclass 101 above.

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101+,

for systems for identifying geologic or subsurface structure (see (1) Note above).

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73,	Measuring and Testing, subclasses 620+ and 627+ for means for testing a body utilizing a wave reflected from a surface of a body.
342,	Communications: Directive Radio Wave Systems and Devices (e.g., Radar, Radio Navigation), appropriate subclass for reflected or otherwise returned radio wave systems.
367,	Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave Systems and Devices, subclasses 87+ for electrical acoustic wave echo systems.

124	Altitude or depth detection:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 123. Subject matter for determining the vertical distance of a body above the surface of the earth or the vertical distance down from a surface.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 125]

125

SOUND LOCATION:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter for ascertaining the direction from which a sound proceeds.

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73,	Measuring and Testing, subclass 170.16 for means for measuring cloud height, and subclass 290 for means for measuring liquid level.
342,	Communications: Directive Radio Wave Systems and Devices (e.g., Radar, Radio Navigation), subclasses 1 through 205for reflected radiant energy wave systems and subclasses 350+ for radio wave systems.
367,	Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave Systems and Devices, subclass 87 for electrical echo altimeters, subclass 99 for electrical underwater sound direction indication.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 126]

126

ANATOMIC OR PROSTHETIC RELATION:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including an acoustical device wherein at least a portion is in contact with a living being during use.

(1) Note. This and indented subclasses provided for subcombination devices particularly adapted for use in or with the acoustical device.

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600,	Surgery, subclass 558 for diagnostics of ear or hearing.
601,	Surgery: Kinesitherapy, subclass 47 for kinesitherapy.

127	Dentiphone:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 126. Subject matter wherein the acoustical device is held or positioned in the mouth, generally by the teeth.

128	Ear and mouth:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 126. Subject matter having an earpiece and mouthpiece operatively connected together.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 129]

129

Ear:

This subclass is indented under subclass 126. Subject matter for aiding hearing or preventing unwanted noises from entering the auditory canal.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

128,	Surgery, subclasses 846+ for body protectors and restraining devices.

130	Auditory canal insert:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 129. Subject matter wherein there is a device that is operatively inserted in the auditory canal.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 131]

131

Stethoscope:

This subclass is indented under subclass 130. Subject matter having a sensing element which is to be used in contact with a source of sound and a sound conducting element guiding the sound to an ear contacting element.

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135,	for subcombination of stethoscope.

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73,

Measuring and Testing, subclasses 585 , 591 and 649+, where the stethoscope is part of a testing device which tests articles or mechanisms by sensing the vibrations produced therein.

381,

Electrical Audio Signal Processing Systems and Devices, subclass 67 for a stethoscope comprising a vibration-electric transducer which senses vibrations of the body by virtue of physical contact between the transducer and the body, there being no acoustical transmission through the air, and in accordance with said vibrations controls an electric current which is applied to a hearing or listening device.

132	With diaphragm:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 130. Subject matter including a flexible element which form part of a sound sensing device.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 133]

133

Deflector type:

This subclass is indented under subclass 130. Subject matter wherein there is a device to deflect sound waves into the auditory canal.

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136,	for a device to deflect sound wave to an ear where there is no element inserted into the auditory canal.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 134]

134

Eardrum:

This subclass is indented under subclass 130. Subject matter wherein the device inserted in the auditory canal is an artificial ear drum.

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135,	for ear insert only.
137,	for receiver only.

135	Ear insert:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 130. Subject matter having the device inserted into the auditory canal only.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 136]

136

Deflector type:

This subclass is indented under subclass 129. Subject matter wherein there is a device to deflect sound waves into the auditory canal.

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133,	for a deflector and means to be inserted into the auditory canal.

137	Receiver:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 129. Subject matter having a sensing element only.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 138]

138

MECHANICAL TELEPHONE:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein sound is transmitted by the vibrations of molecules set up by mechanical means in a wire, string or flexible member strung taut.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

379,	Telephonic Communications, appropriate subclasses for transmission of sound by means of electrical devices.
381,	Electrical Audio Signal Processing Systems and Devices, appropriate subclasses for one-way electrical transmission of audio signals.
446,	Amusement Devices: Toys, subclasses 141+ for a toy telephone which is not capable for transmitting sound.

139	WAVE GENERATION AND DETECTION:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter for producing and receiving sonic compressional waves.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 140]

140

WITH VESSEL:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter for producing or receiving sonic compressional waves and a marine device.

(1) Note. This subclass includes any container for use in a water environment.

141	COMBINED:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter to which has been added a subcombination or assembly which is recognized as the subject matter of some other class.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 142]

142

WAVE GENERATION:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter for producing a sonic compressional wave.

(1) Note. A diaphragm or a diaphragm and means to move it will be placed as an original in subclasses below.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

143,	for sound means and means to move the sound means.
144,	for plural diaphragms.
148,	for a diaphragm and enclosure.
157,	for a diaphragm.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 143]

143

MOVING SOUND PRODUCER OR DEFLECTOR:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter for continuously moving a sound source (e.g., loudspeaker) or for continuously moving a sound reflector located in the sound path.

(1) Note. The continuous motion is generally designed to produce a tremulant effect.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 144]

144

PLURAL DIAPHRAGM SOUND SOURCES:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including at least two separate means that can be vibrated by sound waves or produce sound waves.

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148,	for a single diaphragm and an enclosure with plural sound emitting portions.
163,	for plural dependent diaphragms.

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381,

Electrical Audio Signal Processing Systems and Devices, subclasses 150+ for instruments designed to transform variable electrical current or potential into sound in combination with means to intensify the sound by mechanical means. Note especially subclasses 337+ for such combinations having sound resonators as the intensifying means. Also subclasses 193 and 202+ for diaphragm and support means with electrical means to move the diaphragm.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 145]

145

Plural chambers:

This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Subject matter wherein the vibrated means are mounted in more than one enclosure or compartment.

(1) Note. Each enclosure or compartment may contain plural speakers.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 146]

146

With sound-asborbing means:

This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Subject matter including sound absorbent material associated therewith for preventing undesirable effects.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

126,	for sound absorbing means and an enclosure.

147	Three diaphragms:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Subject matter including at least three vibrated means per unit.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 148]

148

DIAPHRAGM AND ENCLOSURE:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter having means that can be vibrated by sound waves or produce sound waves and means to support and means to at least partially contain the vibrated means.

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199,	for a speaker enclosure, per se.

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381,

Electrical Audio Systems Processing Systems and Devices, subclasses 150+ for instruments designed to transform variable electrical current or potential into sound in combination with means to intensify the sound by mechanical means. Note especially subclasses 337+ for such combinations having sound resonators as the intensifying means. Also subclass 193 and 202+ for diaphragm and support plus electrical means to move the diaphragm.

149	Moisture proof:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 148. Subject matter wherein the means to enclose the diaphragm is waterproof or rain resistant.

150	Recessed (e.g., wall-mounted, etc.):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 149. Subject matter wherein the means to support the diaphragm is provided with means to facilitate mounting within or behind a surface wall or an exposed surface.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 151]

151

With sound-absorbing means:

This subclass is indented under subclass 148. Subject matter including sound absorbent material within the means to enclose the diaphragm for preventing undesirable effects.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

146,	for plural diaphragms and sound absorbing means.
199,	for an enclosure with sound absorbing means.

152	With horn:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 148. Subject matter including a tube of varying sectional area associated with the diaphragm for intensifying the sound waves produced therefrom.

153	Rounded enclosure (e.g., curved, etc.):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 148. Subject matter wherein the means to enclose the diaphragm has at least one surface that is circular or curved.

154	Inclined diaphragm:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 148. Subject matter wherein the means to support the diaphragm is mounted at an angle to both the horizontal and vertical axes of one side of the enclosure means.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 155]

155

Reflector baffle:

This subclass is indented under subclass 148. Subject matter wherein the vibrated means is substantially enclosed and a portion of a radiation wave from in front of the vibrated means is deflected or modified.

(1) Note. The enclosure has only openings for sound to be emitted. An enclosure which has no top, back, or etc., will be found above.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 156]

156

Reflex baffle:

This subclass is indented under subclass 148. Subject matter wherein the vibrated means is substantially enclosed and a portion of a radiation wave from the rear of the vibrated means is propagated forward after a shift or modification of the wave.

(1) Note. The enclosure has only openings for sound to be emitted. An enclosure which has no top, back or, etc., will be found above.

(2) Note. A grille of cloth or other material that sound passes through is not considered a reflector for this subclass.

[List of Patents for class 181 subclass 157]

157

DIAPHRAGM:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including a vibratable partition which is designed to produce sound waves when driven.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

144+,	for plural, independent diaphragms.
148+,	for diaphragms included with an enclosure.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

381,	Electrical Audio Signal Processing Systems and Devices, subclass