1. Machines or structures adapted to be completely or partially
sustained by the air (e.g., winged aircraft, helicopters, parachutes,
kites, balloons, etc.),
2. Machines or structures adapted to be propelled and guided
or stabilized through the air (e.g., projectiles with fins, guided
missiles, etc.),
3. Machines or structures adapted to be placed in an orbit
or which substantially operate outside the earth"s atmosphere
(e.g., satellites, space vehicles, etc.),
4. Subcombinations of the machines or structures of 1-3, above,
not classified elsewhere (guidance and control, aircraft structures,
etc.),
5. Devices ancillary to the use of the machines or structures
of 1-3 above, not classified elsewhere (e.g., mooring devices, etc.),
and
6. Processes or methods peculiarly related to 1-5 above and
not provided for elsewhere.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
This class excludes toy or model aeronautical devices unless
the invention is such that it also applies logically to full sized
devices for actual use in carrying persons or cargo. For toy or
model airplanes, etc., see Class 446, Amusement Devices: Toys,
subclass 56.
This class excludes motor vehicles for travel on land or water,
and which vehicles are supported above said land or water by a relatively
thin cushion of air between the vehicle and the land or water, such
cushion of air being generated by the motor vehicle (e.g., ground
effect machines). For a motor vehicle of the surface effect type,
see Class 180, Motor Vehicles, subclasses 116+.
This class provides, in subclasses 76+, the generic
subclass for the automatic steering of mobile craft in two or three
dimensions. See subclasses 175+ where the control apparatus
includes electrical devices or apparatus. See the search notes
to these subclasses for the other subclasses which provide for motion
and/or steering control and a statement as to the line
between the classes.
Arrangements of aircraft to permit their handling by hoists
are found in this class, subclass 1. For similar arrangements on
other articles, see Class 220, Receptacles, subclass 1.5+ and
Class 294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements, subclass 74,
and indented subclasses.
Gas cells or balloon envelope distinguished only by the coating
on, or by the structure of the fabric or textile are placed in Class
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, appropriate subclasses;
see especially subclasses 175+, 190, 193, and 196+ for
a single or plural layer sheet or web embodying mechanically interengaged
strands (e.g., weave or knit), and subclasses 411.1+ for
a composite, web or sheet characterized only by the composition
of the layers.
Ammunition and Explosives,
subclasses 337+ for parachute flares, subclass 387 for parachute-carried
drop bombs, subclass 405 for aerial mines, and subclasses 504+ for
parachute-containing projectiles.
Internal-Combustion Engines,
subclasses 41.56+ for devices for cooling internal combustion engines
by means of air including cowling devices for the engines to provide
for directing the cooling air against the engine parts to be cooled
and subclasses 41.63+ for combinations of impellers with
driving means are ordinarily classified in Class
Fluid Reaction Surfaces (i.e., Impellers), appropriate subclasses for impellers such as traction
propellers, pusher propellers, helicopter and freely rotating rotors
as well as these impellers combined with their driving means, whether
recited, per se, or in combination with such aircraft structure
as is necessary to mount the impellers.
Education and Demonstration,
subclass 111 , 186, and 239+ for devices for training
in the use of navigational instruments or for such devices when
combined with training devices for aircraft operation, per se.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Compound aeronautical machines consisting of two or more
complete machines of the same or different types acting together
to provide a single result or to be mutually interdependent. This
subclass also includes aeronautical machines combined with complete land
or water vehicles, which may be separable from the aeronautical
machine for independent operation during its use as a land or water
vehicle.
(1)
Note. This subclass includes complete aeronautical machines
cooperating with other complete aeronautical machines to provide
landing or launching facilities on one machine for the other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Compound aeronautical machines comprising two or more complete
machines of the same or different types, arranged in tandem, and attached
together so that one may tow or propel the others, or arranged to
cooperate to provide sustentation and propulsion.
Land Vehicles,
subclasses 400+ for miscellaneous vehicle trains, these subclasses
having draft devices, per se, even though disclosed solely for towing
one aircraft from another.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including means which operates inherently
to compensate for undesired changes in attitude or which operates
to affect the trajectory or course of an unmanned aerial missile.
(1)
Note. The term "missile" in the above definition
includes: (a): (1) a device explosively propelled through and from the
barrel of a gun or (2) a device carrying an explosive which explosive
when actuated either (a) detonates to destroy or damage the carrying
device, or (b) burns or combusts within the carrying device to (1)
release the products of combustion to the atmosphere, or (2) generate
a gas to eject an object or substance from the carrying device,
or (3) generate heat within the carrying device which damage or
partly damages the carrying device; (b) a device having a payload
and an attached reaction motor for propelling payload through the
earth"s atmosphere. The reaction motor comprises a means
for producing a motive fluid and a means for ejecting said fluid (see
1-8 Notes Class 60, Power Plants, subclasses 200.1+).
(2)
Note. This definition excludes aircraft which are sustained
by air. For such subject matter see this class, subclasses 4+.
(3)
Note. Where the "missile" is disclosed as
having utility for manned flight the patent is excluded under this
definition and is classified in this class, subclasses 75.1- 99.9.
(4)
Note. Where the "missile" (manned or unmanned)
is (1) disclosed as a body which is to be placed in orbit around
the earth (i.e., satellite) or (2) solely disclosed as a vehicle
for use in outer space interplanetary travel, it is classified in this
class, subclass 1.
(5)
Note. This definition excludes explosive devices designed
to be dropped from the air or watercraft on an objective below, known
as "drop bombs". Such subject matter is classified
in Class 102, Ammunition and Explosives, subclasses 382+.
(6)
Note. This definition excludes a missile having a payload
for display or amusement (e.g., fireworks or toy novelties) with
a reaction motor driven by the products of combustion. Pyrotechnic
rockets are classified in Class 102, Ammunition and Explosives,
subclasses 347+.
(7)
Note. This definition further excludes a pyrotechnic (firework
creating flash, noise or smoke) device of general utility having
a vane, a wing, parachute, balloon or propeller. Such subject matter
is classified in Class 102, Ammunition and Explosives, subclasses
335+ and 367+.
(8)
Note. This definition further excludes a rocket having a
toy, amusement or display (nonpyrotechnic) payload with a reaction
motor driven by other than products of combustion. Such a rocket
is classified in Class 446, Amusement Devices: Toys, subclass 56.
Data Processing: Vehicles, Navigation, and Relative
Location,
subclasses 3+ for computer systems for vehicle control or vehicle
condition indication and subclasses 200+ for computations
in the application of navigation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 3.1. Subject matter comprising means whereby the attitude or
the trajectory of the missile is controlled from a command source
originating at a point remote from the missile.
Electricity: Motive Power Systems, appropriate subclasses for remotely controlled electric
motors, particularly
subclass 16 for motors controlled by space transmitted electromagnetic
or electrostatic energy, subclass 128 for reciprocating motor and
subclass 460 for motors in general controlled by sound, supersonic waves
or vibration, subclass 471 for motors controlled by infra red or
heat waves and subclass 480, for motors controlled by radiant energy
(light waves).
This subclass is indented under subclass 3.11. Subject matter comprising a wire connected between a moving
missile and the command source and used to convey a signal to control the
attitude or the flight path of the missile.
This subclass is indented under subclass 3.11. Subject matter in which the missile is directed to a target
by a beam of electromagnetic wave energy which is transmitted from
the command source to the target.
Electricity: Motive Power Systems,
subclass 16 for electric motors supplied or controlled by space
transmitted electromagnetic or electrostatic energy (e.g., radio
waves).
Communications: Electrical,
subclasses 539.1 through 539.32for alarm systems including a radio link, subclass
825 for selective and remote electrical control systems, subclass 825.72
for remote control utilizing radio waves, and subclasses 870.01-870.44
for telemetering systems.
This subclass is indented under subclass 3.1. Subject matter wherein the trajectory or stability of the
missile is controlled by a command signal originating inside the
missile.
(1)
Note. The command signal inside the missile may depend upon
some source outside the missile which is radiating energy but which
is not varied for the purpose of influencing the missile. For example,
the source may be wave energy from the sun, the stars, the earth"s
magnetic field, etc.
Data Processing: Vehicles, Navigation, and Relative
Location,
subclasses 3+ for computing systems for vehicle control or vehicle
condition indication and subclasses 200+ for computations
in the application of navigation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 3.15. Subject matter in which means are provided for detecting
light waves (includes visible and infrared rays) and a communication
link is provided between the detecting means and the command source
in the missile.
Ammunition and Explosives,
subclass 384 for drop bombs having direction controlling means
which may include a detector sensitive to infrared or visible rays.
This subclass is indented under subclass 3.16. Subject matter in which the light rays are compared with
a record located inside the missile (e.g., a film strip or photograph).
Radiant Energy,
subclasses 548 and 559.01+ for optical or prephotocell systems
having a web, or a web strand in the optical path, and subclasses 555+ for
a record in the optical path.
This subclass is indented under subclass 3.15. Subject matter in which means are provided for detecting
radio waves and a communication link is provided between the detecting
means and the command source in the missile.
Communications: Directive Radio Wave Systems and
Devices (e.g., Radar, Radio Navigation), appropriate subclasses for radio wave communication systems,
especially
subclass 417 for direction finding receivers. See Class 343,
Communications: Radio Wave Antennas, subclasses 700+ for
radio wave antennas.
This subclass is indented under subclass 3.15. Subject matter in which automatic guidance is achieved by
means of self-contained automatic controlling devices that respond
to acceleration producing forces.
Electricity: Motive Power Systems,
subclasses 580+ for position servomechanisms for single axis vehicular guidance
systems, and subclasses 648+ for position servomechanisms responsive
to inertial, direction or inclination measuring instruments.
This subclass is indented under subclass 3.1. Apparatus wherein the missile is rotated about its longitudinal
axis during the flight of said missile for maintaining stability
by means on the missile which reacts with the atmosphere (e.g.,
fin, etc.) or a fluid reaction jet issuing from said missile.
(1)
Note. This definition excludes a "missile" where
the sole means to rotate it is the coaction between pregrooved rifling band
and a rifled barrel and the engraved grooves on the band are disclosed
for the purpose of reacting with the atmosphere to aid in the rotation
of the missile, such a missile is classified in Class 102, Ammunition
and Explosive Devices, along with conventional rifling bands which
may inherently perform the same function.
Ammunition and Explosives,
subclass 348 for pyrotechnic rockets having vane of fin structure
and subclass 339 for pyrotechnic rockets with means to cause rotation
of the rocket by gas discharge.
This subclass is indented under subclass 3.1. Subject matter where the stabilizing means is an external
aerodynamic surface mounted on the missile.
(1)
Note. Nominally recited fin structure on a missile is excluded
from this subclass, and is classified in the appropriate missile
subclass in Class 102, Ammunition and Explosives.
This subclass is indented under subclass 3.24. Subject matter wherein the stabilizing means as a unit is
movable along the longitudinal axis of the missile from a first
position to a second position.
This subclass is indented under subclass 3.27. Subject matter wherein the stabilizing surface rotates about
an axis perpendicular to an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis
of the missile.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Miscellaneous aeronautical machines which ordinarily weigh
more than the air which they displace, and depend therefore on some aerodynamic
action for their sustentation. This includes combination types
not provided for below.
(1)
Note. This subclass also includes machines strapped directly
to the body of a person, but propelled by mechanical means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Aeronautical machines sustained by aerodynamic action on
airfoils, having also provision for continuous or temporary additional
sustentation by buoyant gas.
(1)
Note. For airships partially sustained by airplane wings,
see this class, subclass 25.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Aeronautical machines having provision for sustentation
in part or entirely by aerodynamic action on airfoils in fixed relation
to the machines, having also provision for sustentation or vertical
lift by means of screw propellers arranged to develop a substantial component
of thrust in a vertical direction.
(1)
Note. For helicopters without airplane wings, see this class,
subclasses 17.11+.
(2)
Note. For lighter-than-air craft partially sustained by helicopter
propellers, see this class, subclass 26.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Aeronautical machines , which may be altered so that the
major sustaining agency is either the aerodynamic action upon airfoils
in fixed relation to the machine or the vertical component of thrust
developed by screw propellers. This includes machines which are
designed to be operated without change, either as airplanes or as
helicopters, and also machines in which some parts of their arrangement
are altered for this purpose.
(1)
Note. Aeronautical machines sustained at all times by both
airplane and helicopter action, but providing for slight variations
in the effect of one or the other sustaining agency, are classified
in this class, subclass 6.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Aeronautical machines having provision for sustentation
in part or entirely by aerodynamic action on airfoils in fixed relation
to the machines, and having also sustaining elements having radially
extending airfoil blades, the sustaining elements being rotatable
about substantially vertical axes by the reaction of the relative
wind on the airfoil blades.
(1)
Note. For machines having only auto-rotating wings for sustentation,
see this class, subclasses 17.11+.
(2)
Note. For the rotating sustaining wings, per se, see this
class, subclass 39.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Aeronautical machines having provision for sustentation
in part or entirely by aerodynamic action on airfoils in fixed relation
to the machines, having also provision for sustentation or vertical
lift by the downward thrust developed by rotating paddle wheels.
These paddle wheels may also provide a part or all of the forward
propulsion.
(1)
Note. For machines sustained by paddle wheels alone, see
this class, subclasses 19 and 20.
(2)
Note. For airships partially sustained by paddle wheels,
see this class, subclass 27.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Aeronautical machines having provision for sustentation
in part or entirely by aerodynamic action on airfoils in fixed relation
to the machines, having also provision for sustentation or vertical
lift by substantially cylindrical members rotating about substantially
horizontal axes and reacting with the relative wind to produce a
downward component of thrust.
(1)
Note. For machines sustained by cylindrical rotors alone,
see this class, subclass 21.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Aeronautical machines having provision for sustentation
in part or entirely by aerodynamic action on airfoils in fixed relation
to the machines, having also provision for sustentation or vertical
lift by the downward thrust developed by flapping or reciprocating
blades attached to the machines. These blades may also be the propelling
agents.
(1)
Note. For machines sustained by beating wings alone, see
this class, subclass 22.
(2)
Note. For lighter-than-air craft partially sustained by beating
wings, see this class, subclass 28.
(3)
Note. For beating wing construction, per se, see this class,
subclass 72.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Aeronautical machines having provision for sustentation
in part or entirely by aerodynamic action on airfoils in fixed relation
to the machines, having also provision for the sustention by the
reaction to the downward movement of restricted masses or jets by
air or other fluid, the forward propulsion of the machines may also
be derived from movement of the same or similar masses or jets of
air or other fluid.
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.1. Apparatus wherein the peripheral surface of either the aeronautical
machine or the airfoil therefor is substantially in the form of
a circle.
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.1. Apparatus wherein the aeronautical machine comprises separate
and distinct power plants or motive means, at least one of the motive
means being used solely for forward or horizontal propulsion and
at least one other motive means solely for lift or vertical propulsion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.1. Apparatus comprising an airfoil structure having an adjustable
power plant or motive means thereon to provide a variable directional
thrust to the machine, at least one component or direction of thrust
being capable of providing lift to the machine.
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.1. Apparatus wherein there is provided means on the aeronautical
machine adjustable to a position for deflecting the direction of
travel of exhaust fluid produced by the motive means, the deflector
means when positioned to deflect the exhaust fluid providing a vertical
or lifting force to the aeronautical machine for vertical or short
take-offs and landings (V/STOL).
This subclass is indented under subclass 12.1. Apparatus wherein the airfoil fixed to the aeronautical
machine is provided with an arched or other undulating configuration
for confining, channeling or otherwise affecting, at least in part,
the flow of sustention fluid therepast.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Aeronautical machines of the self-propelled airplane type
which carry an explosive or other destructive charge to be set off
or liberated by contact with a distant target or by the meeting of
other desired conditions. These machines are ordinarily unmanned
and are therefore controlled either automatically or by such means as
radiant energy from a remote point. This subclass also includes
devices of this same type performing useful rather than destructive
work at a distance.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Aeronautical machines of the airplane type propelled by
the reaction to the movement of restricted masses or jets of air
or other fluids.
(1)
Note. For the automatic control of aircraft and other mobile
devices, see the search notes below.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Aeronautical machines of the airplane type, having no mechanical
propulsion and deriving their forward motion entirely from a component
of the force of gravity along the line of flight.
(1)
Note. For disclosure of similar machines, propelled by manual
operated means, see this class, subclass 64.
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Aircraft which are sustained in the air by a thrust produced
by one or more wings or blades rotating about a substantially vertical
axis.
(1)
Note. This type of aircraft is technically called a gyroplane
and includes (1) helicopters, wherein the wings or blades are normally
mechanically driven, and (2) the autorotating wing type, wherein
the wings or blades rotate because of the aerodynamic forces acting
on them due to the forward speed of the aircraft, the forward motion
being caused by a tractor impeller, jet or other propulsion means.
(2)
Note. The rotary wing may be provided with modifying means
whereby the thrust is varied in intensity or direction.
(3)
Note. This subclass and indented subclasses provide for a
rotary wing which is significantly combined with the aircraft, i.e.,
when more structure of the aircraft is recited than is necessary
to mount the propulsion or steering means. In the following instances,
the aircraft is considered to be significantly recited: (a) Mounting
or attachment of a motor or power plant to th
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